R.A. White's Blog, page 19

Today's Breakthrough

Today, for the first time EVER, Trooper recognized a letter. At four and a third years old, I might have expected that he'd be sounding out simple words by now, but long ago he taught us that he'll get to his development stages when he jolly well feels like it, and not a moment sooner. And he DOES get to them, just not on my schedule. So I've been doing my best to present information without pressure and let him 'get it' when he's ready. Well, we're still a long, long way from sounding out words, but today was a huge breakthrough.
We were reviewing the alphabet as usual when he interrupted me excitedly. "Look, Mom, it's an 'M'!" he said as he pointed to the first letter in 'Monday' on the days-of-the-week bears. I tell you, I wouldn't have been more thrilled if he had started randomly reciting the multiplication table (still working on number recognition, too). As we continued our review of the alphabet, he later pointed out the 'S' in 'Saturday' and the 'T' in Thursday. Then the phone rang and we were done with letters for today.
In general I haven't been worried about his reading development since he loves books and can listen to stories for an indefinite length of time, but I admit there are times when I wonder if his seeming inability to make connections between sounds and symbols and see the distinction between those symbols is sign of a disability (a 30% chance with his syndrome) or sheer stubbornness (100% chance with a four-year-old). This really doesn't answer that question, but it does reassure me that it likely won't be a lifelong issue, whatever it is.
In most ways, Trooper is a very obviously smart child. He's curious, creatively mischievous, understands stories, and easily learns facts about things when he wants to. He has a surprising vocabulary despite his speech delay, and never forgets where he hid things. But trying to get him to learn 'academic' topics like letters, numbers, colors, and shapes has been a real challenge. I actually had to make a commitment to myself that I would stop trying to force outcomes (him learning) and instead I would just teach in every learning style I can. Since then, our house has been much more peaceful, he's been enjoying school, and he's also been getting a firmer grasp on things.
Why am I sharing all this? I don't know. It's on my mind, and as a writer it's especially important to me that my son be able to truly dive into the world of reading. Plus there's college and career and all that, which is generally easier when a guy is a good reader and knows his colors.

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Writing Progress

Last week I posted a short statement about errors in Kergulen, and I just wanted to update saying that I've made a lot of progress fixing it. After much thought, I've decided I must have lost the good (final edit) file when I switched computers a while back. I was having lots of trouble with the old computer and might not have pulled everything over. So, later I added some contact info to the end of the book (but I added it to the wrong book file) and now I have contact info, but a less perfect story. It's a pain, but I'm so glad someone mentioned the problems when she did. She also found a continuity error that no one else seems to have noticed... but I'm not sharing that with you. If you want to guess, go ahead, but it's fixed and that's the end of that. The rest of the world will never know.
So this week I've been editing Kergulen and writing Alonca's Quest, and I haven't been online much at all. So I'm short on blog posts and facebook keeps reminding me that I have 92 fans who haven't heard from me in a week, now, but I really have to concentrate on books or I'll fall behind over the holidays. So I'll share this post and the most recent interview (which I did last week or it wouldn't have gotten done) and call it a week.
Next week we have we have holiday craziness and doctor's appointments, so I don't know if I'll post or not. In case I don't, I'll wish you happy holidays now.
Happy Holidays!
PS. If you want to make my season bright, share this blog and my books with friends and family.
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Interview With Author Stacy Lynn Caroll.

Stacy Lynn Caroll wrote the true story of a quadriplegic man, titled, 'My Name is Bryan'. It's a short interview and very interesting, so you should check it out.

RA: Stacy, your book, My Name is Bryan, is based on a true story. Can you tell us why you decided to write about a quadriplegic man?

STACY: Bryan is actually my father-in-law. While I was dating my husband, I kept hearing different stories about his dad and thought, this really needs to be a book! It seemed like fate when his only son married a writer. Bryan's story is so inspirational and uplifting! I wanted to write his story so we could share it with the world. Too often bad things happen and people give up. Bryan is an example of someone who never gave up and never questioned why. His positive attitude is what has helped him live a full and happy life.

RA: Would you share a couple of highlights from his life, something that might inspire our readers today?

STACY: Here is a scene from the book:

“What else am I supposed to do? Lay in bed and wallow in self-pity?” he asked, crinkling his nose. “That sounds boring. And like a waste of time.”

 “You’d be surprised how many do, though. And trust me, their recovery time is a lot slower than yours.”

Bryan got married, had kids, graduated college, and has a full time job. All without the use of his arms or his legs. He blows through a straw to drive his wheelchair and uses a lot of voice recognition technology to help him accomplish things. But he is living a complete, full life.

RA: Wow, that's really amazing. It could make us think twice about the things we let hold us back. What audiences do you think would most enjoy your book?

STACY: It's general fiction, and also inspirational fiction. So anyone who enjoys stories of triumph and overcoming the odds.

RA: Thank you. I have the link to 'My Name is Bryan' (find it on Amazon
STACY: Thank you so much for taking interest in this story!

(Stacy shared the link to the following book trailer.)

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Diverse Book Tours Presents

ISBN: 978-1608208791

Publisher: FeatherWeight Press

Pages: 232

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Plot Summary:  

Intelligent Corrine, abandoned by her mother, and artsy Jamie, forced to play football by a redneck father, both dream of leaving their podunk town and never looking back. Their shared love of literature and a dream of a better life bring them together and a romance blossoms between them in a secret place of their own in the steamy North Carolina woods. When Jamie is involved in the accidental death of a white girl, he's terrified of his abusive father. Corrine takes the blame to protect Jaime, with dire consequences for herself and her dreams of the future. Her life in danger, Corrine's left wondering if Jamie ever cared about her at all.
Find it here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
Book Depository

Lisa T. Cresswell Biography

Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play "The Queen of the Nile" at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that's why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?

Unexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series . Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy , is now available from Featherweight Press.

Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!

Author Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Apologies

The short story is that I was recently informed that 'Kergulen' is full of typos and other problems. It turns out that the kindle version was somehow the wrong version, not the final draft, and people have been downloading the wrong thing. I had added some info to the back of the book, and must have used the wrong file. And then I deleted all the other files so I wouldn't mix them up. The short, short story is 'idiot'. The paperback version is still OK, although since I'm re-editing and making some other suggested improvements, I will eventually change that one, as well.
Synopsis of short story: If you recently acquired a copy of 'Kergulen', you probably have a bad version and need to sync with the new version for an update. I hope to have it finished in the next few days. Anyone who's had the book for a while should be fine, unless you got the updated bad version...I honestly don't know exactly how that works. I'm just going to try to fix it and move on. Uhg.

Interview with Rae Lori

The following is an interview with Rae Lori, author of several diverse books and all around nice person. Please take the time to learn a little about her and why she does what she does.

RA: You have a lot of titles featuring diverse main characters, so you clearly think it's important. Can you share with us a little bit of why that is?

RAE: I do indeed! I grew up around a diverse group of friends with so many fascinating cultures. It's become second nature to include it in my writing because it's been my life and it's a reflection of the world we live in. When stories focus on one group, I can't help but say 'you don't know what you're missing out on!' because the real world with so many beautiful hues, backgrounds and diversity of people is something that should be reflected and celebrated in the media.
Growing up, I wasn't happy with who I was because I saw so many images that didn't celebrate my features. Growing up, I began to love myself and celebrate it and I want other young girls and women of color to experience the same. Sadly that isn't true in YA lit. It's one of many reasons why I wanted to dip my pen into the world because I want to empower those young women to be comfortable in their skin with positive images of heroines that look like them. I'm hoping I can achieve that.

RA: Was there anyone who inspired you to become a writer, a mentor or an author? Or is this something you’ve done without the benefit of a role model?

RAE: I had a mentor and a few English teachers that said I should be a writer. I loved writing because it was an outlet for my imagination. When I was younger, I'd watch different movies, shows and plays. I'd get story inspiration from them with more diverse characters and I loved writing them out with different scenarios and endings. Eventually I shared them with classmates and teachers and in high school I met my mentor who would help me with story structure, characterization and all that. So I guess it was something I've done since I was really young but eventually became a better writer with guidance and crit partners.

RA: It's great that you had people encouraging you along the way. I'm sure they're happy to see that you've gone on to do great things. For our readers, would you share a little about your favorite character creation? Who is he or she, and what do you love about him or her?:-)

RAE: Surely! I think the encouragement definitely helped because I was always unsure about my stories. I first wrote them for my amusement and it was really rewarding to have readers that were entertained by such stories!)
As for my fave character creation, that would have to be Raven Blackheart my first full length novel character. I wanted her to be a strong yet vulnerable character who still had an integrity about her even through all the adversity she had been through in her life. There is a lot of myself in her and a lot of what I always wanted to see in a heroine that kicks butt. She had a lot to overcome as far as trust in herself, her abilities and falling in love again after her losing the love of her life and family.

RA: Wow, she sounds like an interesting character. Can you share some links with us so we can find her and your other work?

REA: Thanks! :-) And surely! Readers can learn more about Raven, her world and her love interest Russell Li at the webpage.

.  ...My works (current and upcoming) are listed at my book page.

RA: Cool! Thanks for joining us!

Earth to Echo

Trooper Videos

The first video, 'African Soup' is really more educational than for entertainment value. It's a great recipe and I encourage you to try it if you're at all adventurous. The second is silliness for silliness' sake.

Interview with Steven F. Freeman

This week we have the first in a series of interviews with authors who feature diverse main characters in their books. Each has an interesting story and point of view, so I hope you'll give them your attention. This week, we have Steven F. Freeman, the author of 'The Blackwell

RA: Your novel, 'Nefarious', features a disabled vet as the main character, as well as a diverse set of important secondary characters. Can you share with us why you didn't go with the default 'white and able-bodied' cast?

STEVE: I wanted “Nefarious” to reflect the world around me. Our country and, of course, our world include an incredible degree of diversity, which offers the potential to construct a layered, rich narrative not possible with a one-dimensional approach. This approach also confers a greater realism and connects with a broader audience of readers. Last, diversity of characters provides opportunities for ideas and cultures to intersect, which builds more tension because the reader has less certainty in which direction the plot will move.

RA: I have to agree with you on all accounts. Is there a reason why you chose to go with a disabled main character?

STEVE: Most good stories contain a character arc: a transformation in the main character(s). Alton, my main character, sustains his injury in the first chapter. This injury shatters not only his body but also self-confidence. Alton's struggle to overcome his physical and psychological trauma therefore becomes a key part of the entire novel. I believe his disability immediately draws the reader into Alton's corner, making him/her more invested in him as a character.

Here's what the "Good, Bad, Bizarre" book-review website had to say about this aspect of Nefarious:
"Tackles disabilities: This directly follows the previous point, but it was special enough that we thought we should bring it up again, just for emphasis. There aren’t that many stories out there that feature disabled or somewhat mobile-impaired characters, and of those few that do, they often bring in disabilities only for the purpose of lecturing the reader about this or that issue. Of course, this sort of thing often backfires, because nobody willingly reads to be lectured at (and those readers who claim that they like that sort of thing? Well, they’re lying). But this story is different. Does it feature a disabled/mobile impaired character? Yes. Does it harp on the issue? No. Does it ignore the issue? No. Does it show a character’s mindset, as he overcomes his limitations to grow as a person? Yes. While Alton isn’t in a wheelchair (i.e., he doesn’t possess a more serious condition), his physical impairment does put a definite dampener on his career plans, which of course makes it a Very Bad Thing. But it was really nice to see a story that handled a subject like this without allowing it to break the story’s back: yes, Alton is mobile impaired, yes, this seriously affects his life, but no, we’re not forced to endure any trite preaching on this matter, and yes, we do like seeing him deal with his problem in a human way without letting it overly define him and who he is. While reading it, we were definitely reminded of what real military personnel go through every day. We really appreciated this, so we’re giving it a specific shout out."
Here's the link to the review(which is quite a bit longer):


RA: Do you have any experience with physical disabilities?

STEVE: I did have a stress fracture in my right leg a few years ago. This was serious enough to require surgery to insert two screws into my femur. (The screws are still there, in fact). However, for the most part, I recovered, whereas Alton is disabled for life. I felt that using a more severe version of my own injury would lend a little more credibility to my descriptions of the physical sensation.

RA: You've given such well-rounded answers, with lots for us to think about. I really appreciate the time you put into sharing with us. 

Readers, you can find Steven F. Freeman on his Amazon author page here, and his website here.
Nefarious is the first book in "The Blackwell Files" series of four published books, and #5, The Devil's Due, is almost complete. The books can be read standalone, but are probably more enjoyable as a series since they feature the same main characters (including Alton, of course).

Diverse Book Tours Presents

I've joined Diverse Book Tours, so from time to time you'll see a promotion for a book featuring diverse characters. I haven't read this week's promotion, but 'Pig Park' looks like an interesting story. Check out the summary to see if it looks like your kind of book.



 
ISBN: 978-1935955764

Publisher: Cinco Punto Press

Pages: 256

Genre: YA Contemporary

  Plot Summary: It's crazy! Fifteen-year-old Masi Burciaga hauls bricks to help build a giant pyramid in her neighborhood park. Her neighborhood is becoming more of a ghost town each day since the lard company moved away. Even her school closed down. Her family's bakery and the other surviving businesses may soon follow. As a last resort, the neighborhood grown-ups enlist all the remaining able-bodied boys and girls into this scheme in hopes of luring visitors. Maybe their neighbors will come back too. But something's not right about the entrepreneur behind it all. And then there's the new boy who came to help. The one with the softest of lips. Pig Park is a contemporary Faustian tale that forces us to look at the desperate lengths people will go to in the name of community--and maybe love.  

Book Links Amazon: Purchase Link

Barnes & Noble: Purchase Link

Goodreads: Connect about it on Goodreads!

Book Depository: Pick up internationally!

Author Information Biography  
Claudia is the author of The Smell of Old Lady Perfume (Cinco Puntos, 2008) and Pig Park (Cinco Puntos, 2014). She grew up in sunny El Paso, Texas where she learned that letters form words from reading the subtitles of old westerns with her father. She now lives and writes in Chicago.  

Author Links Website: http://www.claudiaguadalupemartinez.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudia-Guadalupe-Martinez/107095645999600

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maquilagorilla

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1010472.Claudia_Guadalupe_Martinez