L.J. Singleton's Blog, page 15

What I was doing during WOODSTOCK...

I'm going to see the WOODSTOCK movie today. I don't know if I'll like it or not but I'm curious and I went online to scoop out some info so I know a little background.

I was just a little kid August 15-18, 1969 when Woodstock rocked the country. I had no idea history was taking place in New York. Instead, here is the "history" I was making in my own life word-for-word from green flowered diary:

August 15, 1969:
Cindy came over. Went to park. Played on swings most of the time at park. 

August...

Talk vs Type

Thanks to newport2newportfor sharing this article on social networking and how some view it as destructive towards friendships. Very interesting points.  I've been blogging for about four years and have watched this cyber-social world evolve. At first I remember just writing like my words were falling into a black hole. Now I'm more aware that you're reading and I try to offer something fun, helpful or interesting.

The cyber world is great but it can't replace sharing moments together with fam...

LOVE TO JULIE-JULIA

Yesterday I really wanted to go see the movie Julie-Julia.

I emailed two friends and one was busy and the other didn't check email till later.

Called my mom but she was busy.

Mentioned it to my daughter, and said she'd go with me. YAY!

So we went and I fell in love with this wonderful movie about Julia Childs (Meryl Streep, the acting chameleon) and Julie (Amy Adams, loved her since she played a princess). Supporting cast was amazing, too. All such skilled actors and they totally created a magical

A different Kind of Interview...

I've given many interviews as an author.

But never one like this...
The phrases "bat's blood" and "favorite ice cream" are included in this interview.

Where I've Been

Did you notice I was gone?

THREE WHOLE DAYS without Internet.

Guess I have to admit that I am addicted to online blogging, Tweeting, email, etc.

While I was enjoying a beautiful lake and towering evergreen pines, I kept longing to go
online, to check out what all of you are saying. But I resisted going into the nearby town
and using the Internet Cafe -- not wanting to let the addiciton win.

I'm back now though and going through email. There's some kind of glitch with
my Facebook -- I can't post anythi

AS YOU WISH by Jackson Pearce

Celebrating another book birthday today! 

Today, AS YOU WISH, a novel for teens written by Jackson Pearce and published by Harper Collins makes it way into the world. Here's what it's about, courtesy of Jackson, who is also the founder of the 2009 Debutantes, a group of debut writers for kids and young adults.

Seven months ago, Viola's boyfriend shared a secret that ended their relationship. Heartbroken, Viola has resigned herself to near invisibility, until she inadvertently summons a young jinn

MAGIC UNDER GLASS

 Coming 12/22/09 from Bloomsbury...

Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry’s involvement in a group of corrupt sorcerers for whom the rules of the living and dead are meant

WHY SOMEONE ELSE WON THE CONTEST....

Have you entered a writing contest and won?  If so, congratulations! It's not easy and a huge accomplishment.

But if you've entered contests and not placed in the finals, there could be some simple things you can do to improve your chances.

I recently judged a writing contest and it was so interesting to read these entries; imagining myself an editor, and sympathizing with some of the common mistakes they must see repeatedly. (Note: this was NOT a SCBWI contest, so most entrants were probably new

5 BOOKS ON FRIDAY

As I type this, I'm listening to Entertainment Tonight with my left ear and my I-Pod with my right ear.

I probably should post more about SCBWI Nationals, but many bloggers have already done such a great job. I'll just echo all the kudos, YAYS and "I had a great time's."

Instead of FIVE THINGS ON FRIDAY, I'll share thoughts on 5 books I recently read.

1.  THE DEMON'S LEXICON by Sarah Rees Brennan -- Lots of buzz about this book and it had a lot of holds for it at the library so I had to wait seve

Mini Review: WHEN I REACH YOU by Rebecca Stead

WHEN I REACH YOU 

This quiet, fascinating, brilliant book pulls you in right away with the mysterious news of a letter that seemed to be predicting the future. Small clues weave together in the everyday life of friends and school, until the ending...which has layers of surprise and greatness.

I will read this again some day just to study the structure and clues.

Librarians and educators--check out this book and consider it for award lists ... including the Newbery.

Also recommended: Rebecca's fir