Jessica Haight's Blog, page 122
June 25, 2013
Answer to Monday's Riddle! ~ A Ship Adrift ~
Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week we're setting sail for open waters. Lizzy's review will take us into the horizon, and Thursday on Top of the Heap we'll navigate the turbulent tides. Friday, Randi Barrow will be riding in on a wave to tell us about her story Finding Zasha , and Saturday on The DMS Wants to Know , we hope to find your message in a bottle. See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F
Over and under, but really on top. I drift through the crest, though that's what I'll chop. With a bow, I stretch out in wonder, as the wake of my carriage ripples asunder. Bobbing around with my reflection, I stay on course when you right my direction. Should you boldly enter the deep, your body and spirit I promise to keep.
What am I? Answer: Boat/ Ship
Clue: Titanic/ Heart of the Ocean 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Fairday's Riddles: Volume I Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on SmashwordsFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 24, 2013
Monday's Riddle! Into the Deep...
Hello Riddlers! Can you guess the theme this week? Lots of this going on over the weekend ; ) ~ FOver and under, but really on top. I drift through the crest, though that's what I'll chop. With a bow, I stretch out in wonder, as the wake of my carriage ripples asunder. Bobbing around with my reflection, I stay on course when you right my direction. Should you boldly enter the deep, your body and spirit I promise to keep.
What am I?
I gave you a clue!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 22, 2013
The DMS Wants to Know!
Monday's Riddle was rooted in magic, and Lizzy's review of The Real Boy by Anne Ursu took us into a magical land of spells and enchantments. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we enjoyed showing off a few of our favorite trees, and Friday, we were lucky enough to chat with Kim Harrington, author of the middle grade mystery Sleuth or Dare. Today, we want to hear from you!
The DMS wants to know:
What is your favorite type of tree? How does it make you feel?
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 21, 2013
Author Interview with Kim Harrington
The DMS was lucky enough to interview
Kim Harrington
. Lizzy recently reviewed her middle grade mystery
Sleuth or Dare
, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind her stories. So, without further ado... take it away, Kim!
What inspired you to write Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime?
When I started brainstorming, I thought about what kind of book I would’ve loved at around age nine or ten. And, though I wanted to write a mystery, I didn’t want the plot to be a simple “who stole the [insert item here].” I wanted something more complex, yet still age appropriate. So that took a bit of thinking and daydreaming.
How long did it take you to write Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime?
It took about 8-12 weeks to write each one. That’s very fast for me, but I had tight deadlines so I pushed myself hard.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
It’s funny, but my favorite series as a child was Choose Your Own Adventure . I adored those books. Even then, I wanted to be in charge of the character’s choices!
Where did you come up with the characters Darcy and Norah?
Darcy and Norah are very close to my heart. I really wanted to write about two strong, smart girls who were nerds and PROUD of it. I wrote a (probably overlong) blog post about why that was so important to me here . I love those girls!
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Probably Clare from Clarity . Though it would be a bit scary to be friends with someone who could have access to your secrets. (I think that’s one of the reasons Clare has trouble making friends. People want to keep their secrets to themselves.) But Clare is very loyal and I think once she’s your friend she’d back you up for life.
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
For the most part I write in my living room in complete silence. Sometimes I can listen to instrumental music (movie soundtracks, Explosions in the Sky, etc.). I’m not one of those writers who can bang out a chapter in Panera. I’m too easily distracted.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Right here. While I’ve done a lot of traveling, I’ve always lived in Massachusetts. And despite the snow and the long winters and the crazy drivers, I would never want to live anywhere else. I love this state. I love it like you love a person. It’s just a part of me.
Do you have a favorite part of the universe that you would like to see up close or visit (if it was safe)?
Wow! What a cool question! I’ve always been fascinated with Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. If you look at photos, it seems like it might be Earth-like. It has mountains and lakes and an atmosphere. But it is beyond cold. The temperature is –180 degrees. The lakes are liquid methane, not water. It’s a perfect example of looks being deceiving. ;)
Connect with this author!
☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble ☞ Independent Book Stores
Read the reviews!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
What inspired you to write Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime?
When I started brainstorming, I thought about what kind of book I would’ve loved at around age nine or ten. And, though I wanted to write a mystery, I didn’t want the plot to be a simple “who stole the [insert item here].” I wanted something more complex, yet still age appropriate. So that took a bit of thinking and daydreaming.
How long did it take you to write Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime?
It took about 8-12 weeks to write each one. That’s very fast for me, but I had tight deadlines so I pushed myself hard.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
It’s funny, but my favorite series as a child was Choose Your Own Adventure . I adored those books. Even then, I wanted to be in charge of the character’s choices!
Where did you come up with the characters Darcy and Norah?
Darcy and Norah are very close to my heart. I really wanted to write about two strong, smart girls who were nerds and PROUD of it. I wrote a (probably overlong) blog post about why that was so important to me here . I love those girls!
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Probably Clare from Clarity . Though it would be a bit scary to be friends with someone who could have access to your secrets. (I think that’s one of the reasons Clare has trouble making friends. People want to keep their secrets to themselves.) But Clare is very loyal and I think once she’s your friend she’d back you up for life.
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
For the most part I write in my living room in complete silence. Sometimes I can listen to instrumental music (movie soundtracks, Explosions in the Sky, etc.). I’m not one of those writers who can bang out a chapter in Panera. I’m too easily distracted.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Right here. While I’ve done a lot of traveling, I’ve always lived in Massachusetts. And despite the snow and the long winters and the crazy drivers, I would never want to live anywhere else. I love this state. I love it like you love a person. It’s just a part of me.
Do you have a favorite part of the universe that you would like to see up close or visit (if it was safe)?
Wow! What a cool question! I’ve always been fascinated with Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. If you look at photos, it seems like it might be Earth-like. It has mountains and lakes and an atmosphere. But it is beyond cold. The temperature is –180 degrees. The lakes are liquid methane, not water. It’s a perfect example of looks being deceiving. ;)
Connect with this author!
☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble ☞ Independent Book Stores
Read the reviews!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 20, 2013
Top of the Heap!
Monday's Riddle told of tree magic, and Lizzy's review of The Real Boy by Anne Ursu took us on a trip to an extraordinary place called the Barrow. Friday, Kim Harrington will be joining us to chat about her new middle grade mystery Sleuth or Dare , and Saturday on The DMS Wants to Know , we always love to hear your thoughts! Today, we're going to bark about some awesome trees that we've come across.
This week's top of the heap: Ode to the magic of trees...
Fairday & Lizzy: They're so dramatic : ) Enjoy!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 19, 2013
A Barrow of Magic!
"There is a danger in small enchantments, my boy. Small enchantments make us dream of big ones." ~ Master Malcolm from The Real Boy
Oscar is just a magician's hand. He's nothing special. Certainly not worth paying any mind to. He doesn't care, though. In fact, he couldn't feel luckier. Grinding herbs and packaging potions for Master Caleb, the most respected magic peddler in the Barrow, is a fine lot in life- better than the orphanage, that's for sure. Even though his memory of the boys' home is foggy, he's positive it wasn't a pleasant place to live. Oscar enjoys his routine of running to Caleb's spectacular gardens, gathering herbs, and learning how to draw out their natural attributes, like: raspberry leaves to protect a relationship or walnut leaves to break one up. It's very important to get the ingredients right, as you can see. Especially for the Shining People from the city, Asteri. They're Caleb's most valued customers. Asteri sits on a hilltop above the Barrow, which is a tangled, dark swath of magic soaked land that surrounds it like a moat. Asteri's residents visit the market in the Barrow to shop for spells, find cures, brew love, create luck, find lost items, etc. Their every fancy can be filled by the shop owners, who keep the land that survived the plague of death. It survived thanks to a hundred wizards, who rooted themselves into the ground and became magnificent trees that protect the city and feed the land with magic. When Master Caleb is called away to the continent, he leaves his apprentice, Wolf, in charge. Wolf enjoys reminding Oscar how worthless and non-magical he is, so Oscar isn't thrilled about this turn of events. On top of that, something strange has been going on in the forest. The animals are anxious, and the people seem nervous. The only confidants Oscar has are the cats that live in Caleb's shop with him, and they don't seem very happy about what's happening either- though, it's extremely hard to tell what cats are thinking at all.
"Most animals do not like magic-other than the ones native to forest, of course. But in the case of cats, I believe magic does not like them." ~ Master Malcolm
When the healer's apprentice, Callie, enters Caleb's shop, Oscar's life is changed forever. What will happen while Caleb's away? Will Oscar be able to take over the magical shop? Can Callie help Oscar figure out what's wrong with him? What is happening in the forest? You must read this spectacular book to find out!
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu speaks of the truest and oldest magic- that of the heart. Just like Breadcrumbs, this book will whisk you away on a unique, fairy tale adventure. I found myself caught up in Oscar and Callie's web of worry- so much so, that it inspired a little fan art, and now I know where Bookworm Stew was being brewed ; ) I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of magic and a spoonful of whimsy!
Caleb's Gardens
The Real Boy isn't out yet! This is a sneak peak. Oscar's story will be hitting bookshelves everywhere in September, so keep an eye out for this middle grade read! It's perfectly lovely.
Has anyone else read Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu ? What did you think?
* Check out our author interview with Anne Ursu and find out what she has to say about her stories!
Happy reading ~ F FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
Oscar is just a magician's hand. He's nothing special. Certainly not worth paying any mind to. He doesn't care, though. In fact, he couldn't feel luckier. Grinding herbs and packaging potions for Master Caleb, the most respected magic peddler in the Barrow, is a fine lot in life- better than the orphanage, that's for sure. Even though his memory of the boys' home is foggy, he's positive it wasn't a pleasant place to live. Oscar enjoys his routine of running to Caleb's spectacular gardens, gathering herbs, and learning how to draw out their natural attributes, like: raspberry leaves to protect a relationship or walnut leaves to break one up. It's very important to get the ingredients right, as you can see. Especially for the Shining People from the city, Asteri. They're Caleb's most valued customers. Asteri sits on a hilltop above the Barrow, which is a tangled, dark swath of magic soaked land that surrounds it like a moat. Asteri's residents visit the market in the Barrow to shop for spells, find cures, brew love, create luck, find lost items, etc. Their every fancy can be filled by the shop owners, who keep the land that survived the plague of death. It survived thanks to a hundred wizards, who rooted themselves into the ground and became magnificent trees that protect the city and feed the land with magic. When Master Caleb is called away to the continent, he leaves his apprentice, Wolf, in charge. Wolf enjoys reminding Oscar how worthless and non-magical he is, so Oscar isn't thrilled about this turn of events. On top of that, something strange has been going on in the forest. The animals are anxious, and the people seem nervous. The only confidants Oscar has are the cats that live in Caleb's shop with him, and they don't seem very happy about what's happening either- though, it's extremely hard to tell what cats are thinking at all."Most animals do not like magic-other than the ones native to forest, of course. But in the case of cats, I believe magic does not like them." ~ Master Malcolm
When the healer's apprentice, Callie, enters Caleb's shop, Oscar's life is changed forever. What will happen while Caleb's away? Will Oscar be able to take over the magical shop? Can Callie help Oscar figure out what's wrong with him? What is happening in the forest? You must read this spectacular book to find out!
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu speaks of the truest and oldest magic- that of the heart. Just like Breadcrumbs, this book will whisk you away on a unique, fairy tale adventure. I found myself caught up in Oscar and Callie's web of worry- so much so, that it inspired a little fan art, and now I know where Bookworm Stew was being brewed ; ) I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of magic and a spoonful of whimsy!
Caleb's GardensThe Real Boy isn't out yet! This is a sneak peak. Oscar's story will be hitting bookshelves everywhere in September, so keep an eye out for this middle grade read! It's perfectly lovely.
Has anyone else read Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu ? What did you think?
* Check out our author interview with Anne Ursu and find out what she has to say about her stories!
Happy reading ~ F FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 18, 2013
Answer to Monday's Riddle! Roots Soaked in Magic!
Excellent guessing Riddlers! I love hearing all the different interpretations. What's more exciting than great, old trees that appear to be soaked in magic? Not much, in my opinion. ; ) Lizzy's review will lift your spirit through the canopy, and Thursday on Top of the Heap, we'll branch out to tell you about some strong roots. Friday, Kim Harrington will be stopping by to chat about her mysterious middle grade,
Sleuth or Dare
. And, Saturday on The DMS Wants to Know, we always enjoy hearing from you. See you all around the book block! ~ FFor a long time they've stood in place- silently still, wearing a clever face. Twisted fingers reach and cross, delivering goods from under the moss. Comfy homes for gnomes and fairies- a place, perhaps, where you might find cherries. A shadowy shade that whispers stories, secrets about fortunes and tell- tale glories. A bark with no bite, these things of old- stonily sturdy; weather hot or cold. They fall in a circle, turning green, brown, or red, then hide in their sleep- so you'd think they were dead. But alas, there's a few still rooted in magic- to lose them to whimsy would surly be tragic. Remember this rhyme when you're standing below, look up at once, and then you'll know.
What am I referring to?
Answer: Ancient ( possibly magical) Trees ( Old Growth Forests : )
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Fairday's Riddles: Volume I Available in all e-book formatsDownload for only .99¢ on SmashwordsFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 17, 2013
Monday's Riddle! Rooted in Magic...
Hello Riddlers! It's that time again- can you guess the theme this week? I have seen one or two of these before. I'm sure of it! ; ) ~ FFor a long time they've stood in place- silently still, wearing a clever face. Twisted fingers reach and cross, delivering goods from under the moss. Comfy homes for gnomes and fairies- a place, perhaps, where you might find cherries. A shadowy shade that whispers stories, secrets about fortunes and tell- tale glories. A bark with no bite, these things of old- stonily sturdy; weather hot or cold. They fall in a circle, turning green, brown, or red, then hide in their sleep- so you'd think they were dead. But alas, there's a few still rooted in magic- to lose them to whimsy would surly be tragic. Remember this rhyme when you're standing below, look up at once, and then you'll know.
What am I referring to?
I gave you a clue!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 15, 2013
The DMS Wants to Know!
Monday's Riddle brought some courage to the table, and Lizzy's review of Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow was a tale of bravery. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we shared our thoughts on the topic with you, and Friday, Sharon Creech stopped by to tell us about her experience as an author. The Character Book Club met on Friday at The Write Game , and it was great to hear what our friends, Eric and Stig from The Deliverers, had to say to Pete from Alligators Overhead. Today, we want to hear from you!
The DMS wants to know:
What is an act of bravery that you've witnessed?
We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours! FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
June 14, 2013
Author Interview with Sharon Creech
The DMS was lucky enough to interview
Sharon Creech
, author of numerous amazing books. Lizzy recently reviewed
Granny Torelli Makes Soup
, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind her stories. So, without further ado... take it away, Sharon!
What inspired you to write Ruby Holler?
In a letter that my aunt wrote after my father died, she told a story about him and ended it with, “That was when we lived in the holler.” Holler? I hadn’t known my father and his family had ever lived in a holler. Although I wasn’t sure what a holler was, I began to imagine such a place. In my mind, the holler was a lush valley with a creek running through it. The more I thought about that place, the more I wondered who might most appreciate it – perhaps two children who had never had such beauty and freedom in their lives.
How long did it take you to write Ruby Holler?
Ruby Holler took about two years to write. I made a few wrong turns along the way! Otherwise, it would have been finished in a year.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
We did not live near a library, nor was there a library in our school. The only books I remember reading when I was young were Nancy Drew mysteries that a neighbor loaned me. I also read comic books because those were available at the local drugstore and they were inexpensive.
Where did you come up with the characters: Florida, Dallas, and the Trepids?
This is the greatest mystery of writing—where do these characters come from?! I think I started with the idea that the two children would be brother and sister but differ in personality, and that they would not have had much care or love shown to them and thus would be rough around the edges but still feisty in spirit. The Trepids –well, I knew the orphanage managers would be stingy (in all ways) and that would be a good contrast to what Dallas and Florida would find with Tiller and Sairy.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
I’d probably want to befriend all the main characters and tell each one, “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write in my home office, which overlooks woods and water. I’m surrounded by photos, books, papers, pens and pencils. I’m not usually able to listen to music while writing because it distracts me. I need to be able to ‘hear’ the voices in my head.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Although I’ve been able to live in some terrific places (England, Switzerland), I am now living exactly where I want to be: near the coast of Maine and close to my grandchildren.
In Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Bailey and Rosie learn some lessons while helping Granny cook. Do you have a favorite recipe or meal that you like to make?
I often make Granny Torrelli’s chicken zuppa, served with a tossed green salad. That zuppa is my grandchildren’s favorite!
Love that Dog and Hate that Cat are both books written in verse. Have you always been a fan of poetry? What inspired you to write books in this style?
I have always written poetry—just as I have always written prose. When I started Love That Dog, the narrator’s voice just popped out in short lines and evolved into a distinct verse voice as he gained confidence. I had so much fun with that book, and so when readers kept asking for another one about Jack, Where can we purchase your books?
You can find my books at most bookstores, and if they don’t have them in stock they can order them for you.
☞ Connect with this author
☞ Independent Book Stores ☞ Amazon ☞ B&N
Read our review
Read our review
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
What inspired you to write Ruby Holler?In a letter that my aunt wrote after my father died, she told a story about him and ended it with, “That was when we lived in the holler.” Holler? I hadn’t known my father and his family had ever lived in a holler. Although I wasn’t sure what a holler was, I began to imagine such a place. In my mind, the holler was a lush valley with a creek running through it. The more I thought about that place, the more I wondered who might most appreciate it – perhaps two children who had never had such beauty and freedom in their lives.
How long did it take you to write Ruby Holler?
Ruby Holler took about two years to write. I made a few wrong turns along the way! Otherwise, it would have been finished in a year.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
We did not live near a library, nor was there a library in our school. The only books I remember reading when I was young were Nancy Drew mysteries that a neighbor loaned me. I also read comic books because those were available at the local drugstore and they were inexpensive.
Where did you come up with the characters: Florida, Dallas, and the Trepids?
This is the greatest mystery of writing—where do these characters come from?! I think I started with the idea that the two children would be brother and sister but differ in personality, and that they would not have had much care or love shown to them and thus would be rough around the edges but still feisty in spirit. The Trepids –well, I knew the orphanage managers would be stingy (in all ways) and that would be a good contrast to what Dallas and Florida would find with Tiller and Sairy.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
I’d probably want to befriend all the main characters and tell each one, “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write in my home office, which overlooks woods and water. I’m surrounded by photos, books, papers, pens and pencils. I’m not usually able to listen to music while writing because it distracts me. I need to be able to ‘hear’ the voices in my head.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why? Although I’ve been able to live in some terrific places (England, Switzerland), I am now living exactly where I want to be: near the coast of Maine and close to my grandchildren.
In Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Bailey and Rosie learn some lessons while helping Granny cook. Do you have a favorite recipe or meal that you like to make?
I often make Granny Torrelli’s chicken zuppa, served with a tossed green salad. That zuppa is my grandchildren’s favorite!
Love that Dog and Hate that Cat are both books written in verse. Have you always been a fan of poetry? What inspired you to write books in this style?
I have always written poetry—just as I have always written prose. When I started Love That Dog, the narrator’s voice just popped out in short lines and evolved into a distinct verse voice as he gained confidence. I had so much fun with that book, and so when readers kept asking for another one about Jack, Where can we purchase your books?
You can find my books at most bookstores, and if they don’t have them in stock they can order them for you.
☞ Connect with this author
☞ Independent Book Stores ☞ Amazon ☞ B&N
Read our review
Read our review
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED
