Augusta Scattergood's Blog, page 6
November 16, 2018
Time to Skype!
Must pop into my sometimes overlooked blog to share what a fantastic week this has been.
First of all, if you have the opportunity to study with Patricia Lee Gauch, take it. I spent four days at a Highlights workshop and am still processing that fabulous time.
Then I returned home to two great Skype experiences. Thank you to the fun kids in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for reading MAKING FRIENDS WITH BILLY WONG and for your excellent questions.
(Aside: While we were Skyping, it started snowing. It doesn't snow every day in Arkansas! Which reminded me of my very first school librarian job in Atlanta. I had a group of kindergartners in the library when it snowed for the first time and they went crazy with excitement. So thank you for continuing to ask questions, kids!)
The next day, I spoke to a really lively and smart group of sixth graders in Worthington, Ohio.
They'd read a mix of my books and had some great questions, too.
Example: Why do your characters talk so country?
I truly LAUGHED OUT LOUD.
And then I explained that that's how southerners talk whether they live in a city or in the country.
That is, if they're natives.
And especially if it was a "while back."
Books Mentioned
(I always try to tell them about at least one book other than mine. Sometimes time doesn't allow too much other than Q&A though!)
First of all, if you have the opportunity to study with Patricia Lee Gauch, take it. I spent four days at a Highlights workshop and am still processing that fabulous time.
Then I returned home to two great Skype experiences. Thank you to the fun kids in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for reading MAKING FRIENDS WITH BILLY WONG and for your excellent questions.
(Aside: While we were Skyping, it started snowing. It doesn't snow every day in Arkansas! Which reminded me of my very first school librarian job in Atlanta. I had a group of kindergartners in the library when it snowed for the first time and they went crazy with excitement. So thank you for continuing to ask questions, kids!)
The next day, I spoke to a really lively and smart group of sixth graders in Worthington, Ohio.
They'd read a mix of my books and had some great questions, too.
Example: Why do your characters talk so country?
I truly LAUGHED OUT LOUD.
And then I explained that that's how southerners talk whether they live in a city or in the country.
That is, if they're natives.
And especially if it was a "while back."
Books Mentioned
(I always try to tell them about at least one book other than mine. Sometimes time doesn't allow too much other than Q&A though!)
November 11, 2018
Frankendraft
I didn't make up the term. But I totally get it.
I read it on Janice Hardy's excellent post about whether or not to pull that "trunk manuscript" out of the drawer and revise. Here's just a tiny bit of what she has to say:
Does it fix what went wrong? Before you dive in and spend who knows how long just to wind up in the same spot, try outlining or summarizing the new direction. Does it fix the original problems?
Is the draft salvageable or do you need to start over? Reworking an old draft that didn’t work risks turning it into a Frankendraft (pieces of novel sewed together to form a plot, but it really doesn’t fit), so consider how you want to proceed carefully. Starting over can seem like more work, but not if it takes you three times longer to revise what’s there.
Thank you, Rosi Hollinbeck, for your excellent blogposts that always give me something to ponder. AND she almost always has a book to give away!
(And, maybe this is actually what I'm doing here...)
I read it on Janice Hardy's excellent post about whether or not to pull that "trunk manuscript" out of the drawer and revise. Here's just a tiny bit of what she has to say:
Does it fix what went wrong? Before you dive in and spend who knows how long just to wind up in the same spot, try outlining or summarizing the new direction. Does it fix the original problems?
Is the draft salvageable or do you need to start over? Reworking an old draft that didn’t work risks turning it into a Frankendraft (pieces of novel sewed together to form a plot, but it really doesn’t fit), so consider how you want to proceed carefully. Starting over can seem like more work, but not if it takes you three times longer to revise what’s there.
Thank you, Rosi Hollinbeck, for your excellent blogposts that always give me something to ponder. AND she almost always has a book to give away!
(And, maybe this is actually what I'm doing here...)
November 5, 2018
Monday Reading Report
Man, have I read some great books recently.
Lucky for me, it's Monday and I get to share.
Yesterday I finished a book I LOVED. Jonathan Auxier's new middle-grade novel, SWEEP: THE STORY OF A GIRL AND HER MONSTER- don't miss it. Chimney sweeps, a taste of late 19th century history, interesting tidbits about golems, characters to break your heart.
I literally couldn't put this one down.
Last night, dinner had to wait for a chapter ending.
I know many teachers and librarians like to share authors reading and talking about their own books.
Here's Jonathan booktalking SWEEP (recorded before the book was published).
Click this link and check out his website for up-to-date info.
Another book I recently reviewed is Meg Medina's newest. Here's a little adaptation from my Christian Science Monitor round-up of new middle-grade novels:
Merci Suárez Changes Gears Mercedes Suarez, Merci for short, lives with her exuberant extended family in south Florida. But she spends school days trying to fit in at the prestigious Seaward Pines Academy. She and her brainy brother are scholarship students and are expected—by their family and the school—to give back, set an example, and never ever cause trouble.
Medina mixes humor with poignancy and affection for her characters with a fast-paced story. The Cuban food and culture, the love tinged with embarrassment typical of many pre-teens make this novel perfect for discussion and for reading together with a friend, a teacher, or a family member.
So So many books I want/ need to read! (The part of my bookshelf NOT pictured at the top of this post is my towering TBR shelf. Many of which may not be read, but I'll peruse each of them.)
I'm off to a Highlights Foundation writing weekend and I've loaded my Kindle app. Just in case I have time to read.
Can't wait to hear what all my #IMWAYR buddies have to share this week.
Lucky for me, it's Monday and I get to share.
Yesterday I finished a book I LOVED. Jonathan Auxier's new middle-grade novel, SWEEP: THE STORY OF A GIRL AND HER MONSTER- don't miss it. Chimney sweeps, a taste of late 19th century history, interesting tidbits about golems, characters to break your heart.
I literally couldn't put this one down.
Last night, dinner had to wait for a chapter ending.
I know many teachers and librarians like to share authors reading and talking about their own books.
Here's Jonathan booktalking SWEEP (recorded before the book was published).
Click this link and check out his website for up-to-date info.
Another book I recently reviewed is Meg Medina's newest. Here's a little adaptation from my Christian Science Monitor round-up of new middle-grade novels:
Merci Suárez Changes Gears Mercedes Suarez, Merci for short, lives with her exuberant extended family in south Florida. But she spends school days trying to fit in at the prestigious Seaward Pines Academy. She and her brainy brother are scholarship students and are expected—by their family and the school—to give back, set an example, and never ever cause trouble.
Medina mixes humor with poignancy and affection for her characters with a fast-paced story. The Cuban food and culture, the love tinged with embarrassment typical of many pre-teens make this novel perfect for discussion and for reading together with a friend, a teacher, or a family member.
So So many books I want/ need to read! (The part of my bookshelf NOT pictured at the top of this post is my towering TBR shelf. Many of which may not be read, but I'll peruse each of them.)
I'm off to a Highlights Foundation writing weekend and I've loaded my Kindle app. Just in case I have time to read.
Can't wait to hear what all my #IMWAYR buddies have to share this week.
October 9, 2018
On Naming a Character Thelonious
October 10th is the birthday of that great jazz pianist, THELONIOUS MONK.
Here's an image of his fabulous portrait, via the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery (which may be my new favorite DC museum):
His music and his name inspired a little backstory in my second middle-grade novel, THE WAY TO STAY IN DESTINY .
Theo was named by his musician parents. But they died when he was quite young and the grandparents who raised him lived on a farm and weren't exactly music or jazz aficionados so he never fully understood the significance of his name.
I love creating backstories like his. Even if my readers never know them, they deepen and complicate a character. There may not be a lot of middle-grade readers familiar with Monk's music. Perhaps after reading my book, they'll be curious to listen. But that's not why I chose the name. It's part of my Theo's story. And when I happened upon the reason to give Theo that name, it opened a part of the plot that I hadn't figured out yet.
Here's a little more about CHOOSING CHARACTER NAMES.
"Aim to have the name suggest something about the character. Think of the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and that family of girls. Beth was the quiet, gentle daughter; Jo the strong, boisterous one; and Amy the baby of the family."
(I'm about to name a character after a great guy I worked with. Doesn't Mr. King sound like somebody you'd trust?)
So Happy Birthday to Thelonious Monk. Here's a little music for you, your students, or to save for later:
Here's an image of his fabulous portrait, via the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery (which may be my new favorite DC museum):
His music and his name inspired a little backstory in my second middle-grade novel, THE WAY TO STAY IN DESTINY .
Theo was named by his musician parents. But they died when he was quite young and the grandparents who raised him lived on a farm and weren't exactly music or jazz aficionados so he never fully understood the significance of his name.
I love creating backstories like his. Even if my readers never know them, they deepen and complicate a character. There may not be a lot of middle-grade readers familiar with Monk's music. Perhaps after reading my book, they'll be curious to listen. But that's not why I chose the name. It's part of my Theo's story. And when I happened upon the reason to give Theo that name, it opened a part of the plot that I hadn't figured out yet.
Here's a little more about CHOOSING CHARACTER NAMES.
"Aim to have the name suggest something about the character. Think of the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and that family of girls. Beth was the quiet, gentle daughter; Jo the strong, boisterous one; and Amy the baby of the family."
(I'm about to name a character after a great guy I worked with. Doesn't Mr. King sound like somebody you'd trust?)
So Happy Birthday to Thelonious Monk. Here's a little music for you, your students, or to save for later:
September 17, 2018
Funny Books
Not funnybooks. (Those things from my childhood that I read ravenously. Archie, Little Lulu, etc.)
I'm talking about books that make me smile, laugh a little, or even a lot.
Funny BOOKS.
I've just created a Pinterest board of books that handle humor well.
I don't mean bodily function jokes, which I'm sure kids love. But I love sweet humor, wise-cracking or eye-rolling characters, descriptions which make me say Oh Yes! and even laugh heartily.
So on this Monday of IT'S MONDAY WHAT ARE YOU READING, I'll share a few of the books on the new board.
I read this one a while ago, for inclusion in a Christian Science Monitor middle-grade roundup. You can see it HERE. I pulled it out this week while scouring my shelves for funny books.
It's written by a fifth grade teacher, so you can bet he knows what kids love. The book is funny, occasionally scary, and the characters seem so real.
(I have been thinking a lot about characters recently. And the advice to know them well before you put pen to paper. I wrote about this HERE on an earlier post and linked to some good tips.)
This week I've re-read MS. BIXBY'S LAST DAY. From start to finish. Well, to almost-finish.
(Spoiler alert: If you haven't read this terrific book, skip the next paragraph.)
Now before you remind me that this book is about somebody actually dying, let me say that I absolutely loved these three boys. They are each such individuals. They say typical kid things, that are truly funny. Their teacher was funny, too. I've been putting off reading the ending and maybe I'll stop right where I am. The boys have busted into Ms. Bixby's hospital room and are having a picnic, which they've gone through hoops to bring to her. I know what's about to happen. But right now, it's squarely in my Love this Funny Book corner.
Since the book received three starred reviews and lots of accolades, I'm sure everybody's read it. PS I was on a panel with John David Anderson once, and he's a very funny guy.
Two books I'm just beginning but know they're on my Pinterest Funny Books Board.
The cover illustration (and others inside) by Dan Santat cracks me up. And the book had me laughing at chapter one. (Very clever chapter titles, Kate!)
I met Crystal this summer in Arkansas. We signed books together and she had me laughing the whole time. Her workshop had everybody LOL. Can't wait to finish her book.
Next up, coming at the end of the month: Can't wait to read THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS. I don't know much about it, but I sure love that cover. Funny, no?
Speaking of Witness Protection (see above)... And funny.
Great line from a TV show that I wish would come back:
"I wanna figure you out myself. You're like a crossword puzzle with B.O."
(Marshall to Bad Gang Guy, In Plain Sight)
More FUNNY STUFF.An example of the kind of humor I like. A 4th grader made this for me when I visited his school. As he was explaining it, he had the whole class laughing.He originally left out the L in Glory. GORY BE. He decided it would make a great title.
Then he fixed it.
It's hard to explain what makes one person laugh and not the other, isn't it?
But I'd love to know what books tickle your kids' funnybones.
I'm talking about books that make me smile, laugh a little, or even a lot.
Funny BOOKS.
I've just created a Pinterest board of books that handle humor well.
I don't mean bodily function jokes, which I'm sure kids love. But I love sweet humor, wise-cracking or eye-rolling characters, descriptions which make me say Oh Yes! and even laugh heartily.
So on this Monday of IT'S MONDAY WHAT ARE YOU READING, I'll share a few of the books on the new board.
I read this one a while ago, for inclusion in a Christian Science Monitor middle-grade roundup. You can see it HERE. I pulled it out this week while scouring my shelves for funny books.
It's written by a fifth grade teacher, so you can bet he knows what kids love. The book is funny, occasionally scary, and the characters seem so real.
(I have been thinking a lot about characters recently. And the advice to know them well before you put pen to paper. I wrote about this HERE on an earlier post and linked to some good tips.)
This week I've re-read MS. BIXBY'S LAST DAY. From start to finish. Well, to almost-finish.
(Spoiler alert: If you haven't read this terrific book, skip the next paragraph.)
Now before you remind me that this book is about somebody actually dying, let me say that I absolutely loved these three boys. They are each such individuals. They say typical kid things, that are truly funny. Their teacher was funny, too. I've been putting off reading the ending and maybe I'll stop right where I am. The boys have busted into Ms. Bixby's hospital room and are having a picnic, which they've gone through hoops to bring to her. I know what's about to happen. But right now, it's squarely in my Love this Funny Book corner.
Since the book received three starred reviews and lots of accolades, I'm sure everybody's read it. PS I was on a panel with John David Anderson once, and he's a very funny guy.
Two books I'm just beginning but know they're on my Pinterest Funny Books Board.
The cover illustration (and others inside) by Dan Santat cracks me up. And the book had me laughing at chapter one. (Very clever chapter titles, Kate!)
I met Crystal this summer in Arkansas. We signed books together and she had me laughing the whole time. Her workshop had everybody LOL. Can't wait to finish her book.
Next up, coming at the end of the month: Can't wait to read THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS. I don't know much about it, but I sure love that cover. Funny, no?
Speaking of Witness Protection (see above)... And funny.
Great line from a TV show that I wish would come back:
"I wanna figure you out myself. You're like a crossword puzzle with B.O."
(Marshall to Bad Gang Guy, In Plain Sight)
More FUNNY STUFF.An example of the kind of humor I like. A 4th grader made this for me when I visited his school. As he was explaining it, he had the whole class laughing.He originally left out the L in Glory. GORY BE. He decided it would make a great title.
Then he fixed it.
It's hard to explain what makes one person laugh and not the other, isn't it?
But I'd love to know what books tickle your kids' funnybones.
September 2, 2018
Mississippi Book Festival, 2018
In Pictures!
I'm proud to have been a part of the 2018 Mississippi Book Festival. This was my third festival, and they just keep getting better. This year, with Ellen Ruffin's magic touch, there was a kick-off event at the fabulous Pass Christian Books. Our panel of kids' writers signed books and spoke a little about our books and then had the most fabulous dinner with Margaret McMullan and her family.
The Bookstore!
(Dinner was shrimp and grits. And a yummy dessert called Bayou Bites.)I had breakfast early Friday morning at the bookstore and it may have been the best breakfast I've ever eaten. The tea! The view! Surrounded by books, I was fortified for the day ahead.
(side note, I spent a lot of time as a little girl on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, including a week in Pass Christian at Camp Kittiwake. The little town is so beautiful now.)
First stop, with my new buddy, Rose Brock, who edited a book I can't wait to read. She and I headed to the schools in Bay St. Louis.
(A link to interviews with two of the authors who were on Hope's panel in Jackson.
I spoke to two groups at the Bay Waveland Middle School. Such great kids. Such helpful staff. Thank you, Emily, for playing Super Hero Librarian. Really had a fun time.
(Loved the t-shirts worn by many!)Next, Stone County, Mississippi. Thanks to Kathryn Lewis and the McMullan Family Foundation, and of course, Ellen Ruffin for making this day happen. I'll let the pictures from the Perkinston Elementary School speak for themselves.
(I love to recommend books. This time I recommended a few and told a funny story about my friend, Barbara O'Connor, advising me not only on writing but dancing. Here we are demoing a shuffle-ball-change.)Signing books and reading books!
Now, on to Jackson, to the Book Festival!
(A different Middle Grade group was moderated by Clara Martin. Photographed by Ellen Ruffin.):)
I got to moderate this panel of Mississippi-connected Middle Grade Authors. Jo Hackl, Deborah Wiles, Jimmy Cajoleas. and Linda Williams Jackson.
Somehow Linda got left off the above photos, so here's a wonderful picture of her with James Meredith!
Loved the Picture Book Panel, and especially hearing Irene Latham and Charles Waters speak about CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR. The Book Festival folks gave a lot of copies of this one to Jackson school kids. So many great things about this Festival.
(I've blogged about their book, and you can read it here .)
(Sarah Frances Hardy, Margaret McMullan, and a wiped-out me at the end of a really fabulous day...)
The book SwagThe Booksellers! Lemuria Books, the best.
Another thing I love about this festival. Being with friends and family. This year I didn't take a single photo of my family. But they were there!
I did take a picture of the supper my best friend forever, Ivy Alley, provided one night. I told her all we needed was "cheese and crackers."
(Friday night she'd served me and our friend, the fabulous writer Minrose Gwin, fried chicken, including a small side of chicken livers as per my request, zucchini fritters, and I forget what else yummy was on the plate. Because, no photo.)
I did take a picture of my "cheese and crackers." Ivy is a fabulous hostess.
On Sunday, I visited the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
This quote seemed appropriate for the weekend.
Recap by the numbers: 300 kids, 2 schools, 1 bookstore, more-than-I-care to count fabulous meals:
A small sample:
Shrimp and Grits
Bayou Bites and brownies
Fried chicken
Caramel Cake
Vegetable plate
Biscuits for breakfast, with bacon
Bread pudding AND pecan pie for lunch
Dinner at Saltine with family
"Cheese and crackers" supper
August 27, 2018
My MONDAY READING: Barbara O'Connor and Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
It's Monday, my favorite book sharing day!
Tomorrow lots of things happen. Okay, voting. Let's all get out and vote!
But also, it's the birthday of two of my favorite middle-grade novels of the year.
My friend, Barbara O'Connor's newest book, WONDERLAND.
And a book I've had a lot of fun reading and figuring out, THE STORY COLLECTOR by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb.
(Sharing my favorite photo from recent Facebook posts. Barbara loves dogs!)
WONDERLAND is told from several points of view, including the retired racing greyhound pictured on the cover. Barbara has that illusive thing called "voice" nailed, in all her books. But to write from that many different characters' voices? My friends, you need a special talent and a lot of skill to pull that off.
This one's a winner!
Barbara O'Connor is the champion of Author Visits. She'll be doing a bunch of them to celebrate her newest book, but if your school isn't one of the lucky visits, contact her via her website to see about bringing her to you.
Teachers and librarians, she has some truly excellent tips for hosting an author, HERE.
HERE'S A LINK to various places to buy the book.
You can also read the first chapter and see some great reviews.
I'll add my two-cents worth. This is a super book to read aloud. So many things to discuss in all of Barbara's books.
My second book recommendation on this glorious Monday?
THE STORY COLLECTOR.
Okay, I'm a former librarian who loves to visit the New York Public Library. So the bits about raising pigeons on the roof, snooping around after hours, climbing up a card catalog drawer by drawer, tickled me a lot. I love a good mystery, and I know kids do, too. Historical fiction's also my thing. This book was a total win for me, and I bet for lots of middle-grade teachers, librarians, and their readers.
Betsy Bird, former children's librarian at the NYPL, wrote a great piece for School Library Journal. HERE'S THE LINK.
I couldn't possibly say it better than Betsy.
If I still lived near NYC, I would find a young reader to take to this event. Can you imagine your book having its own scavenger hunt at the New York Public Library?
Check it out HERE.
There are a whole lot of other fun activities listed on Kristin's blog- including a launch party at what must surely be a totally cool bookstore, Parnassus Books. (My goal is to visit one day!)
(I bet you can call ahead and pre-order a signed copy.)
What say you, fellow #IMWAYRers? I know you've been busy this week, but for those of you savoring the last days of summer with a book, I can't wait to hear what you're reading.
Tomorrow lots of things happen. Okay, voting. Let's all get out and vote!
But also, it's the birthday of two of my favorite middle-grade novels of the year.
My friend, Barbara O'Connor's newest book, WONDERLAND.
And a book I've had a lot of fun reading and figuring out, THE STORY COLLECTOR by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb.
(Sharing my favorite photo from recent Facebook posts. Barbara loves dogs!)
WONDERLAND is told from several points of view, including the retired racing greyhound pictured on the cover. Barbara has that illusive thing called "voice" nailed, in all her books. But to write from that many different characters' voices? My friends, you need a special talent and a lot of skill to pull that off.
This one's a winner!
Barbara O'Connor is the champion of Author Visits. She'll be doing a bunch of them to celebrate her newest book, but if your school isn't one of the lucky visits, contact her via her website to see about bringing her to you.
Teachers and librarians, she has some truly excellent tips for hosting an author, HERE.
HERE'S A LINK to various places to buy the book.
You can also read the first chapter and see some great reviews.
I'll add my two-cents worth. This is a super book to read aloud. So many things to discuss in all of Barbara's books.
My second book recommendation on this glorious Monday?
THE STORY COLLECTOR.
Okay, I'm a former librarian who loves to visit the New York Public Library. So the bits about raising pigeons on the roof, snooping around after hours, climbing up a card catalog drawer by drawer, tickled me a lot. I love a good mystery, and I know kids do, too. Historical fiction's also my thing. This book was a total win for me, and I bet for lots of middle-grade teachers, librarians, and their readers.
Betsy Bird, former children's librarian at the NYPL, wrote a great piece for School Library Journal. HERE'S THE LINK.
I couldn't possibly say it better than Betsy.
If I still lived near NYC, I would find a young reader to take to this event. Can you imagine your book having its own scavenger hunt at the New York Public Library? Check it out HERE.
There are a whole lot of other fun activities listed on Kristin's blog- including a launch party at what must surely be a totally cool bookstore, Parnassus Books. (My goal is to visit one day!)
(I bet you can call ahead and pre-order a signed copy.)
What say you, fellow #IMWAYRers? I know you've been busy this week, but for those of you savoring the last days of summer with a book, I can't wait to hear what you're reading.
August 21, 2018
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Making Friends With Billy Wong
My book is TWO years old!
This week is the anniversary of MAKING FRIENDS WITH BILLY WONG's publication.
To mark this book birthday, I'm giving away all three of my books, plus an assortment of bookmarks, etc.
(Hardback copies= perfect for your library!)
If you'd like to enter, please comment here on my blog or my social media accounts.
This giveaway is for teachers and librarians only.
(Mailing to US school or library address)
I'll draw a name in just two days, on Thursday, August 23, 8 PM.
Good luck.
And for those of you who've read and shared MAKING FRIENDS WITH BILLY WONG since August 2016, Billy, Azalea, Grandma Clark and I thank you.
(Elvis popped over from the pages of GLORY BE to thank you, too.)
August 10, 2018
Ghetto Cowboy
I'd never heard of Greg Neri until I moved to Tampa Bay.
Truthfully, maybe a lot of people hadn't heard about his books then. He was just beginning to be published. But Greg became a big advocate for the Tampa Bay writing community. Workshops, support, encouragement--he did it all. And he did it while writing, learning, and working hard to publish his first book.
Before I really knew who "G. Neri" was, this book really touched me. I reviewed GHETTO COWBOY for the Christian Science Monitor.
You can read my review HERE.
Now one of my absolute favorite actors has joined the team to make GHETTO COWBOY into a movie. IDRIS ELBA! (Yes, that would be Luther of TV fame, among a lot of other fabulous roles.)
Here's the link about the movie: https://variety.com/2018/film/news/idris-elba-ghetto-cowboy-1202900133/
And the cover of the book, in case you somehow don't know it. It's a quick read and a perfect discussion about so many things.
(All my Philadelphia friends and family are going to love this one!)
Truthfully, maybe a lot of people hadn't heard about his books then. He was just beginning to be published. But Greg became a big advocate for the Tampa Bay writing community. Workshops, support, encouragement--he did it all. And he did it while writing, learning, and working hard to publish his first book.
Before I really knew who "G. Neri" was, this book really touched me. I reviewed GHETTO COWBOY for the Christian Science Monitor.
You can read my review HERE.
Now one of my absolute favorite actors has joined the team to make GHETTO COWBOY into a movie. IDRIS ELBA! (Yes, that would be Luther of TV fame, among a lot of other fabulous roles.)
Here's the link about the movie: https://variety.com/2018/film/news/idris-elba-ghetto-cowboy-1202900133/
And the cover of the book, in case you somehow don't know it. It's a quick read and a perfect discussion about so many things.
(All my Philadelphia friends and family are going to love this one!)
July 28, 2018
Mr. Schu's Summer Road Trip
Hey, John? Remember when you had time to leisurely enjoy your summers? Read a ton of books? Travel around sharing them?
(Okay, you still do that last part!)
But a big thrill of my writing life was when you traveled to Mississippi on a summer roadtrip with GLORY BE on board.
Here's what popped up in my social media memory today.
CLICK HERE for lots more photos of Mr. Schu tripping all over Mississippi, including stops at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Welty Library. Cool beans!
(There's a Cactus Museum in Mississippi?)
(Okay, you still do that last part!)
But a big thrill of my writing life was when you traveled to Mississippi on a summer roadtrip with GLORY BE on board.
Here's what popped up in my social media memory today.
CLICK HERE for lots more photos of Mr. Schu tripping all over Mississippi, including stops at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Welty Library. Cool beans!
(There's a Cactus Museum in Mississippi?)
