Raven Howell's Blog - Posts Tagged "reading"

I love what author Toni Morrison said about writing, and encourage writers to follow her directive: "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." Also, for those who love to read - make sure you stock your Goodreads "to-read" lists with books you maybe wouldn't normally choose!

I've been taking note of all I accomplished last year and what my goals are for this one - and enjoying a winter "writer's retreat". It's important to re-charge and take the time to enjoy the space and quiet for writing, illustrating, creating, reading or just in peaceful contemplation.

Sending you warm hugs and sunny regards!

I visit my parents. In my mind I refer to them "on the edge of 90" because in their last years of their eighties now, well, they are. We sit quietly. I read to them. We quiet down again. We watch the birds outside the sliding glass door, and muse. When I ask what I can get for them, what I can do for them, they simply say, just be with us. That is what they want. No material things, no new gadgets or fancy cooking. Just sit and love them. Share precious gentle moments. When I spend time with children, again - it's not what or how I'm DOING something with them. They really don't care which one of my picture books I choose to read to them, nor what student activity they will be given. They revel in the time that I'm JUST WITH THEM. Paying attention, being attentive, sharing, smiling, loving. Stepping back to look at the bigger picture, our world is a mirror of this. We all may crave admiration and attention, but the true way to connect is through just being with another. So whether you are a writer or an avid reader, spend a little time with a child or another - and sure, bond over a good book, but heed and hold on to that gift of sharing in its peaceful background silence. Dozy Poems, Cozy Days: Poems to Calm the Active Child

Although fonts may not be the most popular literary-themed subject to share, I can’t help but find it fascinating how the variety of lettering designs, called fonts, came about. Guess how many fonts exist in the world today? Over 200,000! That’s a lot of typeface fun!

The Old English font, called BLACKLETTER was the first invented font in the world. It has dramatically thick and thin strokes, think “Gothic”. This font evolved from the mid-12th century, Europe.

Pioneer, Johannes Gutenberg, through his mechanical moving type printer, produced the bible in the TEXTURA font. The Declaration of Independence? That was printed in a British font, CASLON. And I had no idea there was a “most hated” font! Even its creator, Vincent Connare doesn’t like it. Ha! COMIC SANS.

Beyond font history, the first question other fellow writers and book lovers ask me is what is the most often used typeface? Most of the signage you see, and the typeface on business forms, receipts, and invoices is the world-wide popular HELVETICA.

I also love the psychological aspect of fonts. As you may guess, different fonts communicate different messages. Most people are likely to believe the text written in BASKERVILLE rather than say, COMIC SANS. Diners reading a fancy font on their menus assume the chef more posh. Simple fonts on menus? Blah – no special kitchen skill, the mind tells us. Should you pick up a vibe of assertiveness, you are probably reading either GEORGIA, ROCKWELL BOLD or IMPACT fonts.

CASLON continues to be one of the most popular fonts today with lots of versions and interpretations. Some say this font conveys an inviting feeling. It gives a feeling of warmth and familiarity. Choose CASLON for historical novels and if a dependable feeling is desired.

Finally, ideally, online text should never be less than 10 pt in size, and keep it easy to read by using a font such as ARIAL, GEORGIA, VERDANA or TIMES NEW ROMAN.

Got a favorite font? Share it! The font used in my picture poetry book, SPIN A CIRCLE! uses a DYSLEXIE font. You can check out my book here. Spin a Circle!

In my children's writing workshop, I discussed the importance of reading to our becoming good writers. One student felt discouraged, not being able to find a book she enjoyed to read through to the end.

I couldn't help but think of those chocolate boxes with a myriad of flavors and fillings, where you'd inevitably find a half bitten-into chocolate from a taste tester who didn't approve. So, after the students and I confessed of committing the crime ourselves, we decided it's perfectly alright to "taste test" books to find just the right one to bite into and devour.

I'm delighted to report, after one more false start (and trip to her library), the student is now happily sinking her teeth into a book she really loves.

Now for the secret in de-coding those chocolates!

First, square and rectangular shaped chocolates typically have crunchy or chewy centers. You'll find toffee and caramel, perhaps nougat.

Circular and oval treats usually contain soft fillings, like ganache or cream.

Nut candies can be easy to find because they often have bumpy surfaces.

Because shiny foil protects against leaks, those wrappers signal an ooey-gooey liquid center, like a cherry cordial.

Okay. Now - pick a chocolate and grab your favorite book for a good read!

Raven Howell