Carmela Dutra's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"

I was recently asked what my creative process is when it comes to writing. I laughed at first because when I thought about the answer it seemed a little silly to me, the answer is I watch the episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where Deborah writes a children's book. I don't know what it is about that episode but when I watch it even if I'm not in the mood to write; it triggers something and I just have to write.

Watching that episode definitely inspires me I can't explain why, but I cannot credit everything to that episode. I remember reading a number of children's books, especially ones that were my favorite growing up. In the end I couldn't force it. If it wasn't there, it wasn't there. I'm ok with that I would rather wait until I am content and happy with my work then to rush or force something that I feel I'm settling for.

Once getting into that moment where everything is flowing I can't stop until I hit a block or I finish. Then let it sit, come back to it in a few days with fresh eyes and see how I feel about everything. This is something that I appreciate now more than I did before, something I wish I could go back and do over on some stuff but it's like they say sometimes "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

Sail away in an adventure today!

Carmela Dutra author of
The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear

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Today is the creation date for Lorenzo the Bear! It was Four years ago today, that I watched an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. It was the one where Deborah writes a children's book. This was my muse so to speak.

My niece and nephew had been asking for me to write and draw them something, but I has been a little brain locked. After watching that episode the idea was sparked for a book about a bear I had as a child named Lorenzo. Four years later here I am a published book!

In those these four years I've taken a few other adventures, made some new friends, and foes. Keep your eyes open, my next adventure will be out soon...

*Hint* It has to do with Bees, and an Angry Hornet taking over the honey supply...

Have an Adventurous Day!

Carmela Dutra Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear

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Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that many like to uphold. Every year they pick out a few things to work on, maybe keeping the list framed by their bedside as a constant reminder. These resolutions can be anything from giving yourself more “Me Time” to starting that novel you've always wanted to work on.

What does the New Year mean to you? Is it a new beginning? A chance to excel? Maybe a time to meets goals that you didn't quite reach last year. Or an opportunity to make more powerful goals in order to push yourself further—to challenge yourself to bigger and better dreams.



Do you set a resolution for yourself? Many do, and yet out of those who do set a resolution many also fail to keep it. This can be for many different reasons, reasons beyond ones control. For me personally I do not make resolutions; I do try and better myself, my family, things I want to accomplish. But I don’t try and force myself into something, especially if I might not be able to keep it. Yes it is true what they say ‘a goal without a date is just a dream.’ But I feel you can have a goal and meet it without putting yourself into such a time crunch.

I am happy with what I accomplished last year, as I hope most everyone is as well. I like most, I have things that yes if given the chance I would like to do it differently, but that’s ok. What has happened has happened, that’s 2014’s problem. There is no use crying over spilled milk (or milk that never spilled at all).

To me the New Year brings on a chance for new possibilities. 2015 will be filled with a sense of wonder, and adventure, you just have to look for it. If you do not set for yourself a resolution, or a goal. Do you have something in which you hope to accomplish?

Here are a few things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year.

Tackling the third and fourth Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear is high on my to-do list. Which in itself is an undertaking considering I am also the illustrator.

Officially start on my new series about a little girl and her puppy who also take adventures. I’ve already wrote it, but now after letting it sit for many months I am ready to take another look at it and dive in.

Continue more classroom visits where I get to read to, and work one on one with students. If I can have any share in helping to cultivate a love of reading, writing in them… words could not express the joy that would bring me.
I have always wanted to put pen to paper and create YA novel…… Only time will tell what I come up with.

Aside from writing and illustrating, I want to truly savor each moment. Life is very precious, something that has been thoroughly impressed upon me throughout my years of volunteer work. Never taking things for granted, not dwelling on the past, and always looking towards the future.

Most important, as we look at 2014 in the rearview mirror, I want to thank you for being with me on this passage this past year. I’m beyond grateful for your company, support, and encouragement.

So here is my challenge to you! Be it a resolution, goal or accomplishment; just be the best you can be! 2015 is your year, make it count, make it last, make it memorable. Each year is unique all on its own. Leave a comment for us all to read, and together we can make 2015 a year for the books!




Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!

Carmela Dutra
Author of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
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Over the past two months I’ve had the opportunity to visit 5 classrooms, grades 2nd and 3rd. I also have had the opportunity to meet other teachers who expressed interest in having me come and visit their classrooms. Visiting the classrooms was such a wonderful privilege, I had been sharing some of the photos on my various social media pages. Each time I posted one I was asked more than once to tell them about the visit. So I thought I would take a few moments to tell all of you about these wonderful visits.

First I have to give a big thank you to a dear friend of mine Irma P. She took the initiative to reach out to the teachers of her niece and nephew. By her doing this, it allowed me to get my foot in the door with other teachers. She is probably tired of hearing me thank her, but here is one more big thanks to you Irma!

Author visits are more than just showing up to read their book(s) to the class and leaving. The best part of the visit is the interaction with the students. But how do you know what to do at these visits? What would I do? Would I talk about myself? About the book I’m reading? What kind of questions would I ask to engage my audience? Being young, their attention span might not be that long. So what would I come up with that would keep them engaged and focused during my visit?



Before visiting each classroom I talked with the teachers many times to find out where their students were in terms of the writing, and reading. What were they focusing on in the classroom? Younger grades might be focusing more on the art aspect of books, trying to tell stories through images. Or for the older students working on their understanding of verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Keeping all of this in mind would allow me to tailor my visit to each classroom to best meet their needs.



It just so happened that all of the classes I would be visiting were working on how to write their own stories (this is an author’s dream classroom visit). What better activity would there be then to have the students help write a new adventure for Lorenzo the Bear to take!

After introducing myself to the classroom I would give them a chance to ask me anything they wanted to ask (most of the time I didn’t have to even ask if they had any questions they would just start shouting things out at me). Before reading I would ask them “What would you do if your best friend didn’t show up to play with you one day?” Their answers were really thought out, and different too.

I then introduce everyone to Lucy Bear! She would spend the whole visit with all of the students. I encourage everyone to share her so everyone can have a chance to hold and play with her. Then I would hand her to the teacher to select which student would hold her first. Lucy Bear has become a key aspect of my author visits. She is used primarily for inspiration when writing. Once the reading is finished I open it up to the students, to see if they have any questions they would like to ask. E.g. characters, the writing process, illustration etc. I am always blow away by the variety of questions they ask me.



Next is time for the best part, activities! They students get so excited when they hear they will not only get to help write a Lorenzo story, but that the book will Painter classroom visit3include their ideas and be dedicated to their classroom. The particular story they were working on was a Winter Wonderland Story, where Lorenzo and Lucy journey to the artic. They are encouraged to think outside of the norm, getting creative is most of the fun!

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The ideas these kids had were so funny and unique. They ranged from artic animals to Pit Bulls, Zebra’s, and even a few made up animals. At the conclusion of my visit all of the students received a certificate, promoting them Junior Authors! They were all shocked when I handed them their certificates, I had several ask me: “Does this mean I get to write my own stories now too?” As authors is any sweeter feeling than knowing that your visit impacted them? Even if just one student puts a pen (or pencil) to paper and creates something of their own, it was all worth it.




It was such a joy to visit these classrooms, work one on one with the students, and to connect with the teachers. The best part is going home with their stories and reading their ideas for the next story The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear. Once I have the story completed the teachers have invited me back to visit again, and share the story we all created together. I had one teacher tell me, “In all of the years I have been teaching, I’ve never had a single author come and visit my class before. This was a treat for the student’s, but an even bigger one for me.”

“So you’re an author? That’s cool! So like why? Why do you write?” I was just asked this the other day. It’s a common enough question (and plenty of the pros have reasoned this with more eloquence than I could ever imagine), so one might think I’d have a better answer – but I don’t.

Achieving fame, being awarded sparkling prizes or even just being recognized as a half decent author are not among the reasons. I write, because I write. Simple as that. There is a sense of joy and excitement in taking the bizarre, silly, cheerful and sometimes wretched thoughts from my mind and throwing them onto a canvas.

If someone actually likes what I create, that’s great! And if they don’t, well there are always other books to read. I know that what I produce is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor do I expect all to enjoy it. Now this is not to say that I’m not pleased when my books or eBooks sell, the contrary in fact, but it’s not the main objective when I write.

Much like with my art, when I don’t write something feels off. It’s like I have this lion roaring at me, telling me ‘I need to get out!’ It’s something that calls to me, almost mocking me in a sorts. The more I suppress it, the louder it gets.



Sometimes when I sit down, I don’t know what I am creating; but I know that I’m tired of being mocked. Once I succumb, and the words starting falling into place, I don’t usually want to stop. I get this drive to finish what I’ve started, becoming more excited the clearer the image becomes. And once I’m finished, that once roaring lion, is now a peaceful lamb.

There are a plethora of reasons why writers do what they do. Why they enjoy it, why they continue despite any agony it may bring. So many diverse reasons, and yet one commonality. We write, because we are writers!

So I guess the question I should be asking is to all of you…. why do you write?

Leave a comment below sharing with us why you write.


Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!


Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series

www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Back in December I was visiting a classroom of second graders where I was asked a series of questions. Who is Lorenzo the Bear? Where did he come from? Is he real, or fictional? Will he have more adventures, and stories to tell? All excellent questions! Such thinkers these children were!

I loved how excited they were they had so many questions, I couldn't keep up! It got me thinking, I don’t recall ever addressing all of these questions for you. Since tomorrow will be the Book Launch for Lorenzo’s next adventure, Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. What better time than right now to tell you a little more about Lorenzo.

I was asked by a little boy ‘Who is Lorenzo, did you make him up?’ That is a question I get asked quite a lot and the answer is simple. Lorenzo is, HEY! If this is a blog about me, can’t I tell them about the classroom visit, and answer the questions? Of course! You are so right Lorenzo, why didn’t I think of that!?! OK, go ahead the keyboard is all yours! Thank you!

Okay. Am I real? YES!! I am based off a real stuffed toy my maker Carmela Dutra had when she was a child. When her dad gave her the bear he said he would protect her so she could sleep. Okay hang on, let me tell this part After all this was before you were borne. You’re right I think you should tell them. Thank you.

Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, the night was especially hard for me. One day, my dad told me he had something that would help me; then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved the bear so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo (why I picked Lorenzo as the name, I have no idea). So between Lorenzo, a trusty nightlight, and my usual bed time stories; I was able to sleep again.



Thus, when my nephew Jason asked me to draw him pictures, and Desi wanted a story I couldn’t think of anything else other then my most beloved stuffed animal! For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life.

Are you curious to see what the real Lorenzo looks like? Well, then check out the bear Desi is holding in the picture. That’s him!

That hasn’t changed. Even though I am happy in my new home I still keep in touch with Carmy. I’m still that same lovable, brave bear she had as a child. The only difference now, is that I can help all kinds of animals, and people alike through my stories! I am an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. I’d like to think that I am the kind of bear that you can always count on. I do not let fear stand in my way when it comes to helping others. But What I really love is visiting classrooms!

It was so much see all of the boys and girls. They were so eager to hear about my first Adventure to Jellyfish Cove. Carmela even brought in with her a stuffed Lucy Bear for all of the boys and girls to hold and play with, it was a Beartastic time!

After the reading was finished all of the boys and girls started asking questions. One question that was asked more than once was, ‘Will Lorenzo take another adventure somewhere else???’ Why yes I do! My next one will be to Honeysuckle Mountain where I visit Queen Berverlee the Bumble Bee.

But do you what you what to know what my most favorite part about the visit was??? Come closer to the screen so you can hear me…… Closer…… Closer…… It was when they were told they get to help write a story!!!!!! Oh all of the boys and girls just screamed in excitement! Oh and their ideas! There were some pretty nifty ideas that they had. They were very descriptive of what would happen too. Some told how I would have to face off against Lord Boris again, then some talked about helping lost Zebras, and the Yeti’s!!

It was the most awesome, Beartastic experience I have ever had! I cannot wait until our next classroom visit. Well you don’t have to wait too much longer Lorenzo. I haven’t told you yet, but next week are visiting a second and third grade classroom at Anne Darling! REALLY!! Oh boy! I can’t wait I’m so beary excited! Let’s start planning that trip right now!

Thank you all for reading the blog that Lorenzo and I worked on together. Do you have any questions you would like to ask? Please leave a comment with your questions!! And bee sure to join us March 31st for the Book Launch of; The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain! https://www.facebook.com/events/15548...












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This month is a very special month, do you know why? I can see all of you scratching your heads, trying to guess what the reason might be. Let me help you out no it has nothing to do with Easter. Did that help? Hmmm…. No you’re right that didn’t narrow it down much either. It has nothing to do with birthday, anniversary, or party. Or does it……..



Did you guess it?? Not yet!? Okay, okay, I won’t keep you guessing anymore. It’s really mean on my part to keep you in suspense, wondering what in the world is this girl blabbing on and on about.



Okay here it is, are you ready? Come a little bit close to the screen so you can hear…


Closer……..

Closer……………

Closer……………..

That’s too close! Back up just a little!



Much better, thank you! Okay are you ready! Of course you are, I already asked that didn’t I? HAHA! Okay, Okay, for reals this time I promise!!

IT’S THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF KID LITERATURE!! WHOOO HOOOO!!



(Background filled with shouts, laughter, and bubbly being poured into glasses)



In honor of the 1 year anniversary for Kid Literature Karen Emma Hall, (founder) Steve Conoboy, Cat Michael’s, along with myself and other contributors have been thinking just how on earth are we going to celebrate this!?! Well, I am here to tell you that we have come up with a smashing way to celebrate! How you ask??

Come closer….

Oh wait, let’s not do this again. I’ll just tell you. Wait for it…. Wait for it… With a weeklong party! WOOT WOOT!! We are going to have videos, games, giveaways and more! Each day starting the 13-19th of April we will be having oodles and oodles of fun!


The Kid Literature Community did not form overnight. We came together as authors with a shared love of not only writing, but also that of reading children’s books (especially picture books). We wanted to create a place where not only could we share our works, but to encourage each other. To grow, to give back. Everything we do, we do it for the kids. That is something we have said since day one, and that is something that will never change. Everything comes back full circle for the kids, and because of the kids.

It was one year ago today that Karen started proposing the idea. Soon, that idea became a reality. Kid Literature became something bigger than any of us could have dreamed of! Kid Literature is made up not just from us Admins, but it is comprised of all of you too! Our supporters, our fans, our friends!

We couldn’t do this without all of you!



Because of this special week, I have decided to dedicate this month of blogs to Kid Literature. The community, the people, and the books. Kid Literature gives so much to all us as writers, parents and most importantly, the children.

So do join us next week for a fabulous party! I assure you it will be a week that you will not soon forget!




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This week marks the One year anniversary for Kid Literature (formerly known as Kid Literature Authors). I am ever so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community of authors, illustrators, and readers alike. It was this time last year a group of authors came together over a common thread, our love a reading, especially children’s books.

A little bit about Kid Literature



All of us apart of Kid Literature are writers, illustrators, parents, teachers and overall lovers of books. Striving to bridge the gap of books sitting on a shelf collecting dust, to enjoying what you are reading. All of us banning together to get books into the hands that matter the most important readers, the children. Trying to cultivate a love of reading in our young ones.

Kid Literature (or otherwise known as KL) is more than just a place to post about books, it has become a community. A place to share and receive encouragement. A place where you can go as a writer, a parent, or just lover of books, and share your insights. Your comments, your feelings, a place where you are surrounded by fellow bookies.

How did Kid Literature come about?

Things don’t just happen overnight, right? You’re right, they don’t. Like anything, it all started with an idea. That Idea came from founder Karen Emma Hall.

A group of us formed on twitter, we supported each other, shared thoughtful quotes and encouragement. We were all fellow authors with the same goal, getting our books into the hands of readers. How and where would we do this?

Karen approached us with the idea of starting a group online where other fellow authors would be able to join. A place where we could share our books with other individuals, and where we could share their books too. We would tell our friends about it inviting them to join, and all of us would share in making posts. And thus, Kid Literature was borne!

What started off as a simple plan, quickly grew like wildfire! Before we knew it KL had become its own entity! With more than 17k followers on Twitter, over 3,000k likes on Facebook, and over 800 followers on Pinterest! KL has become bigger than any of us could have imagined! All of it started with an idea, and little by little it became something more. Made of up a little bit of all of us, little bits of books and magic.



What does Kid Literature mean to me?

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to have a share in Kid Literature from the ground up. Karen’s idea has grown and blossomed into something that I don’t think any of us could have imagined possible! I’ve have learned so much from all of these wonderful people I work with, friendships and bonds have been created that I never expected.

What started off as just something fun to do and share ideas, has resulted in a support system. A support system that has grown so massive that it’s hard to look back and remember a time before I had this. I do not know what I would do without ones like Karen, Cat, Steve, and Carolin, just to name a few of the many wonderful people apart of KL. In short, KL has become my writing family!

So I say to any of you who have not had the opportunity to visit this wonderful page, please don’t wait any longer! If you are looking for help starting out in writing, looking to share your latest book, or just need an inspirational quote; then Kid Literature is the place for you.

I am sure everyone has heard the saying It takes a village. That “village” applies to every aspect in writing! Writing can be, and often is a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be! KL offers so much support, but just like with anything you have to be willing to accept it. So hop on over to the Facebook page, give us a like and let the magic begin!

This is what Kid Literature means to me. In a couple of weeks we will hear from Karen Emma Hall, Cat Michaels, and Carolin Palmer as they share with all of us what the Magic of Kid Literature Means to them.

Have you been a part of Kid Literature from the start, or have you just recently joined the community? Have you found KL to be helpful and fun place to visit? Please Leave a comment in the section below, and tell us what Kid Literature means to you?

In the meantime, here is a video of a look back over KL’s first year. To learn more about Kid Literature visit their new website! www.kidliteratureauthors.com or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/kidliterature

Don’t forget to click enter the Giveaway for the chance to win oodles of prizes!

Kid Literature 1st Year Anniversary Video

Tests, test, and more tests!! It seems to be as quickly as students complete one set of testing another round begins. I’m sure everyone who is reading this will agree with me when I say ‘we didn’t have this many tests when I was in school.’

Sadly things have changed over the years. Things we never thought would be cut from schools have long since passes. Funding has been cut, and more quizzes have sprung up in their place. There seems to be a test for everything now a days. Why just the other day I was talking with my nephew and was telling me about his report card. I was floored when he said he was given a written test for PE. A written test in PE? Really? That surprised me!

We could spend all day arguing the politics of tests, the pros and cons, and our personal beliefs on such subjects. However, that is not what this blog is about. This is not to state my personal opinion on tests and whether or not schools should have the amount they do in one school year. In fact, it will be years before my son even takes his first test in school. By that point, I’m sure I will have an abundant supply of opinions on the matter (haha).

This is actually a two part blog series that will be focusing on ways to help students taking tests specifically in writing. The first part of this blog will be from my experience in working with students in this area. The second part of this blog will be next week, where we will hear from other authors on this topic.

Over the past several weeks during my classroom visits, all of the teachers wanted to focus on the same activities in class. Writing a narrative story incorporating the use of dialogue. Then a close friend asked me to help her son with a writing assignment he had in class (homeschool). His was also on the same topic, writing a narrative story focusing on the use of dialogue.



This was no coincidence. All of classes I visited and my friend’s son would have an important test to take this year that will focus on the use of dialogue in writing. The grades I had been visiting, and my friend’s son were between the grades of 2-4. The common core standardized testing focuses in on writing, ensuring the children are adequately prepared in this area, and to move ahead. The question then becomes how can we prepare for this?

The classrooms I visited had amazing teachers! They spent a portion each day helping their students to prepare for this test, and others like it. So when I came to visit their classrooms this became another area they could use to help their students prepare for this upcoming test. How did we accomplish this?


First we read one of my stories together, and as we read we kept in mind a few things. 1. What is the setting? 2. What were the elements of the story? 3. How many characters were there in the story, and how were we able to identify who each one was? Then after we finished reading we discussed: Why is use of dialogue important when we write? What are the elements that go into writing a story? After we covered everything, then we put it into action by writing our own stories!

Each student received a printout I created with the needs of the classroom in mind. It was a story prompt to help them get started on writing their own narrative. I worked closely with each student helping them to focus in on what they will be tested on later. Use of imagination was strongly encouraged, since each child is an individual, I wanted each of the stories to hold true to their own uniqueness.

The same way I worked with the classrooms was the same approach I took with my friend’s son. Only difference was, since we had more time together we were able to work on everything from start to finish. We worked on the rough draft, the editing, and then completed story. Even though it was not required, he decided that he wanted to add illustrations to enhance the story.



Often times we can become overwhelmed and fearful of what we do not understand. Taking tests, or even preparing for them can be especially challenging for young ones, parents even educators. Once we understand what it is involved then we remove that fear, and can tackle it head on.

Everyone has different approaches to writing. Some for example may need to draw the illustration first, before they are able to write the accompanying story. While others need to write everything from start to finish, then focus on the illustrations. Same is true for authors. Each author has their own unique approach to what they do, and how they do it. What are some of their tips and suggestions for student writing? Well check out next week’s blog and hear from a few fellow kid lit authors yourself!

For more information about Common Core Testing in your state you can visit the website Common Core Standards you can also visit my website Lorenzothebear.com where you can download free writing activities that can be used at home, or in the classroom.

Up next week in the conclusion of this two part blog series hear from fellow authors

AJ Cosmo author of such stories as: Monsters A to Z and My Pet Raptor

Cat Michaels author of Sweet T and the North Wind and Finding Fuzzy

Rosie Russell author of such books as: Beasley’s Journey, Avi and Jackson Best Friends, and Maggie, Millie, and Merries Magical Aventure

Lise Chase author of the Wally and Warren Series

Rhonda Paglia author of such stories as The Three Little Gnomes and a Boy named Orion and the Meeda and Me Series.

Welcome back everyone! Last week we talked about narrative writing and a few ways to help our children and students in this area as they prepare for upcoming testing in this area. As promised this week we will be hearing from few fellow Kid Lit authors who have experience in this area.

What are some of the tips, tricks, or techniques they can impart with all of us today? How do they incorporate this in their own creative works? Everyone has their own unique approach to things, and writing is no different. So let’s take a look and hear from some Beartastic authors, and some of the advice they would like to share with you.

First, I would like to introduce all of you to Lise Chase. Lise is the author/illustrator of The Adventures of Wally and Warren children’s picture book series. best known for her frequent visits to classrooms in her community, where she shares her series and encourages children to unleash their own creative spirit through writing, drawing, and crafting.

The Importance of Dialogue

As an author, I use dialogue to make the story more engaging to the reader. For example, instead of saying – Wally didn’t think Warren could swing by himself – I use dialogue to say: “You can’t,” said Wally. “I can!” Warren cried, and he hopped on the swing and went for a ride!



Just as you use expressions to convey feelings in your illustrations, you use dialogue to convey a powerful emotion to the reader that is not achieved in just a story. By using dialogue in your story you are able to make it more interesting to the reader. Even a teacher grading a piece of your writing will be more engaged if you use dialogue and use punctuation properly in your sentences. It will also move the story forward at the same time. Dialogue helps you define your character’s personalities without listing them in a conventional story line which can sometimes be boring or dull to the reader.

You can make your story twice the power of emotions and feelings by adding dialogue to your character driven story. Just make sure you use the correct punctuation or you will lose your reader. I keep a chart by me so I can double check it to make sure I am punctuating properly.

Happy Writing!

Lise’ Chase


The Adventures of Wally and Warren

Next, I would like to introduce you to AJ Cosmo. He is the author of several children’s stories all are a fun, silly read that help parents to convey an important message. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.’s stories allow your child to develop and master a new level of reading. You can learn more about AJ and his stories, by clicking on his name and following the link to his page

Can You Write a Story?



There is a ton of information out there on how to write; conflicting rules, definitions, techniques, and wisdom abound. In my experience, there are two things that every person should learn:

A) Anyone can tell a story. B) Most of what is written is garbage.

Proof of point A can be found in any casual conversation that you have ever had. “Did you hear about what Susan did at work yesterday?” is a story. Humans communicate to either inform or entertain and most of the time we do so in the form of a story. Simple gossip usually has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and can even have a moral. Susan is being gossiped about because she was late for work for the fifth time and now she’s in trouble with her boss.

So if everyone already tells stories, why isn’t everyone a writer? Simple: reason B. Children especially have a warped view of the work required in creative labor. Part of that is to blame on shows such as “The Voice” which declares that talent is innate and judgment happens once. Most of the confusion, however, comes from the end product appearing so effortless. A painting is visually absorbed in seconds, regardless of how many years it took to paint. Therefore it’s logical for people to expect that writers generate perfect prose instantly. Since their prose are likely awful, most people simply say they cannot write and give up.

Little do they know how many words the average writer throws out. (I’d like to point out that at this point in writing this tutorial I have re-read and changed the previous passage five times and deleted around fifteen words. Also I just found another typo…) It’s important for writers, escpecially young writers, to give permission to themselves to fail. Your first draft will be awful, but that’s okay, because once you see what’s there you will have a better idea of where it needs to be. Stories get better the more that they are shared. Humans embellish events as they are retold based upon the reaction of the listener. I have no doubt that this is how the great stories were first formed.

So let your first draft roll out of your hands and do not judge it harshly. Tell your stories like you are telling a close friend. Fill in all the details that your friend would have to know, but also make sure your friend doesn’t fall asleep. Read it again and see what needs to change. Everyone is a storyteller. Everyone starts out as a really bad storyteller, too. The only difference is that some of us are stubborn enough to make frustration a career.

Keep writing,

AJ


Next up we have Cat Michaels! Cat Michaels!

Cat’ is the author of Sweet T and the North Wind, and Finding Fuzzy a You Decide tale of a lost friend. Her stories are chapter books for early- and middle-grade readers that tell of everyday life, with a twist of magic and mystery. She has had the opportunity to help students from kindergarten to college during two decades in her education. Her books may also open young minds to new ways of thinking, not to mention being a fun to read, too!

Where to Start?

I just turn out the best-written story I can for children to enjoy that also serves as a model for the written word. A powerful way to teach writing is to have children read assigned short passages of favorite books together in teams to look for specific writing techniques being taught. What is the voice? Why did the author use it? How does the author use any of the five senses to help you enjoy the story? What is your favorite passage on this page? Why do you like it? Find a sentence that you like. What is the subject? Action? Does it make complete sense? Teaching dialogue can be tough, especially when separating it from discourse, which is that tricky he-said/she-said summary, but not a direct quote. If I were in the classroom today, I would break kids into teams and introduce them to the bitstrips app, where users create simple comic strips using dialogue balloons. Each team would have a common scenario to storyboard and script dialogue…..what movie to see, the best things to eat for lunch, what game to play during recess, etc. once the comic strip is completed, shared, and enjoyed, THEN I would introduce the concept setting up dialogue with text and punctuation for the whole group. The teams could return to their bitstrips story and turn their dialogue balloons into scripted writing. Hope this helps. Just some ideas off the top of my head for you to use or not.

Take care!

Cat Michaels



Please give your attention to Rhonda Paglia, a retired Elementary Teacher from Pennsylvania. Author of “Grammy Pags Stories” for Kids!

The 5 w’s of Writing!

One of my jobs as an elementary teacher was to introduce students to story writing. This can be a daunting task for some kids! I used the following tips to help them get started. Once they answered the following questions, the task of completing the story writing project was a little easier.



Tip #1: Make sure to include the 5 W’s (Who – Where – When – What – Why) and 1 H (How) in your story.

Tip #2: Make sure your story has three parts: a Beginning, a Middle, and an End.

Which part goes where?

The BEGINNING includes: Who – Where – When

Who: Who is your story about? Who are the characters in your story? Use adjectives to describe your characters so your reader gets to know your character(s).
Where and When: This is also called the SETTING. Where does your story take place? When does it happen? Does your story take place on an ocean beach in the middle of hot summer day, or is the setting a spooky haunted house on a cold fall night? Use words to describe the setting and when your story takes place.
The MIDDLE includes: What – Why

What and Why: This is also called the PLOT. It’s the biggest part of your story. What problem is your character trying to solve, or what trouble or mess did your character get into? Why did this problem happen? What are the details and series of events?
The END includes: How

How: This is also called the SOLUTION. How does your character solve the problem and get out of the big mess?
Have fun, and be sure to use the 5 – W’s (Who – Where – When – What – Why) and 1 – H (How) when writing the beginning, middle, and end of your story!

Grammy Rhonda!



Last, but certainly not least, Rosie Russel! Rosie Russell is the author and illustrator of Beasley’s Journey, Maggie, Millie, and Merrie’s Magical Adventure, Avi Jackson Best Friends, A Search and Find of Every Kind with Jake and his dog named Cain, and her latest release, Maggie, Millie, and Merrie’s Magical Coins. She has studied Early Childhood Education and has taught students in elementary and middle school for fifteen years in the Midwest.

A few pointers for writing dialog.

Knowing the audience you are writing to, is the first key. This helps you focus on what your writing piece will be about and the tone that you use. Are you writing to entertain? Is your goal to inform a group on a subject? Or are you trying to persuade a particular audience?

Once you know your audience, what voice or tone will you convey? What is the personality of the person speaking in your dialog? This brings a strong view and purpose to the reader’s experience. When writing, what emotions do you want your reader to feel in your story or situation? When adding your dialog, word choices, punctuation, paragraphing, and style helps strengthen a writer’s voice.

Another thing to consider is to check to see if you are using an active voice or a passive voice. This gives the reader a sense of clarity. There are many examples on the internet to look up these differences. Here is a link to explain more on active and passive voices used in the English language: http://creativewriting.wikia.com/wiki...

When writing fiction, action sentences are more exciting and pack a punch. Passive sentences are wordier for readers and can become boring. Another way to find a passive voice in your writing is if the word “was” is used too often. Here are a few example:

Active: The boy threw the ball.

Passive: The ball was thrown by the boy.

Active: The cat ate the mouse.

Passive: The mouse was eaten by the cat.

When I start a story, I like to use a simple web process to fill in. You can make as many of these as you want to keep your story organized. First, I like to make one for the title, setting, characters, etc. A second web can be used for deeper story details. Next, after I have all the information to get started, I make a book out of paper. I make it to the actual size that it will be when printed. Edit this many times if needed. It gives me a “visual” feel for what it will contain. I can add more details along the way.

All the best,

Rosie.



I hope everyone enjoyed this 2 part blog series on narrative writing. If you missed last weeks blog Just visit my website www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Big thanks to all of the authors involved to help bring this project together. To learn more about each author, their books, and how to contact them simply click on their names highlighted in red and follow the link to their page. Best of luck to all who are exploring the writing world!