Raven Howell's Blog, page 5

A new year!

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!

Celebrating #1 status!

Carina Povarchik, the illustrator for my picture poetry book Shimmer, and I, have been celebrating Shimmer's status as the #1 Amazon Hottest New Children's Poetry Book releases for a couple of weeks in mid November! Wow - we feel grateful and are amazed. Meanwhile, I'm preparing for my yearly Toys for Tots work and I've already gotten together a nice collection of brand new picture books that will go in the boxes! Hooray for kid lit! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and will experience a fun time preparing for the upcoming end of December holidays!

Book Tour Blog

It's incredibly fun to be on my promo book tour - and there's no end in sight for now! Lots of book events, meeting new fans, greeting avid book readers, and presenting many children's workshops. And I just mailed out copies of A Star Full of Sky to 5 lucky winners in the Goodreads Giveaway!

So interesting to meet a wide variety of book shop owners and librarians and teachers. One librarian I recently encountered is very attached to her Story Time kids and hour she spends with them weekly that she simply refuses any other guest author to participate along with her! How sweet and caring and loving she is with the children in her group!

Let's continue to get all children reading and writing and living creatively!

Enjoying...

Carina Povarchik, the illustrator for our book, Shimmer, Songs of Night, and I are elated with the great reviews coming in! Kirkus even wrote that "this verbal and visual treat portrays the evening as a lively and thought-provoking place of wonder." How cool is that? Celebration in anticipation of its October 17th release!

Reading to children

Fun reminders now that fall and school season is getting into full swing: Use voice inflection to imitate characters or make animal sounds - it will usually make your kids giggle, especially if it's not something they're used to seeing or hearing from you! How about taking turns to read certain parts or even just some words, depending on the child's age? When finished, share your thoughts about the book and ask your child to tell you how they feel about it, too. If possible, start "writing" your own story together with them. Ask them what they would write about if they authored a book!

Tips for writers young and old!

Consumed with your manuscript or idea, and not getting your head out of your story? Remember to keep reading other books, magazines, stories, poems - a way for you to continue becoming a better writer! Want to get revved up as a poet? Try writing a short directive poem like my examples on my website! Please visit for a light-hearted, fun look at tips on writing and sharing:

http://www.ravenhowell.com