Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 69
November 6, 2015
Fiction Friday: Hiding Places
November 2, 2015
Change: an Opportunity for a Fresh Promised Land
October 30, 2015
Fiction Friday: My Brother’s Crown & more
October 28, 2015
CFBA Tour: Deadlock
October 26, 2015
Creating Kids who are Readers
One thing you may not know about me is I homeschool my kids. You know the part about homeschooling that overwhelmed and scared me the most?
It wasn’t teaching math, though it should have been. Teaching long division about did me in for my older two. Thank goodness I haven’t hit that stage yet with the younger two!
It wasn’t teaching them how to write, because I knew if they read, they would eventually fall in love with word.s
It was teaching them how to read. That. Was. Terrifying.
If I messed that up, nothing else would work…well, except for math, but remember long division? Ugh!
Want your kids to be #readers? @Cara_Putman offers 5 strategies. #amreading
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My undergrad degree is in political science and history. Nary a class in teaching reading. My law degree and MBA don’t help either. Yet somehow I have four kids who love books with a passion. The best bribe for any of them is the next book in a favorite series. And when your almost five-year-old begs to go to Barnes & Noble so he can get the next Magic Treehouse book to read, it’s hard to say no.
Many people would tell you reading is a dying art. That kids simply aren’t doing it. I don’t believe them.
I believe there are a host of kids who have never had an adult read to them before they hit school, and that makes me sad. I believe there are kids that have never discovered the fun of a novel read aloud to them with all kinds of goofy voices just for fun. I believe there are kids who would inhale books if someone would help them understand the mystery of how letters fit together to become words. And I know there are some kids who need extra help to have the mystery translated in a way that works for their brains.
But as I unpack yet another box of books, give away a second, and see the four large boxes of children’s books that desperately need a bookshelf home, I know and am so grateful that each of my kids delights in reading the written word. That is a gift no one can ever take away from them.
Here are a few things I did that might help you, too.
Read outloud to your kids constantly. And not always books that are at their age. I started when my kiddos were newborns. We’d snuggle up at night and read Dr. Seuss ABC and Are You My Mother board books. But then as they got older I kept reading. And I read up. Challenge your kids to learn new things and try new things. Read from a variety of genres and styles.
Read outloud with voices and like your acting. What has been fascinating is that all of my kids now do this naturally…even the almost 5 year old. He instinctively use inflection and voices for different characters.
Read voraciously yourself. Rather than turning on the TV, model reading a book. My husband reads almost as much as I do and much more broadly. There are bookshelves in almost every room of the house — except the dining room and kitchen. And one might have to go into the dining room soon! Which leads me to…
Have all kinds of books available to them. It’s only with my third that I have a child who is interested in biographies. It doesn’t mean I haven’t had a couple shelves of biographies all along. We’ve also had Tin-Tin and the classics. We’ve had the new classics. We’ve had books of all styles, genres, time periods, fiction, nonfiction, etc. It’s all been good and given them opportunities to try books until they find ones they like.
Keep offering books. If there’s an author or book you are convinced your child needs to read and they refuse, keep offering. Over and over if you need to. I loved the Grandma’s Attic series as preteen and early teen. My oldest refused. I kept offering them to her, and when she finally tried them, she inhaled the series in a week. Literally. So don’t give in. She’s been more stubborn with Anne of Green Gables, so I finally made it a read-aloud for all of us to enjoy together. And guess what? I’ve actually caught her laughing in spite of herself!
As an extra benefit, here are my kids favorite series:
the newly minted fifteen-year-old: The Gallagher Girls, The River of Time series, Heist Society and related books, The Becoming Beka series, and many, many more.
the two-weeks-until-he’s-twelve year-old: Percy Jackson (really my husband, 15 and 12 year olds, and I love Rick Riordan’s Greek and Roman series), Andrew Klavan, Warrior Cats (I don’t understand), Gregor the Overlander, and anything by Brandon Mull.
the 7.5 year-old: Nancy Clancy, the Who Was? Series (we’re currently reading Queen Elizabeth I), Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie, Little Critter, and more.
the almost 5 year old: (yes, he is reading!) Magic Tree House in order of course, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and anything that I will read aloud to him…he has to read a paragraph every couple pages though.
What do/did your kids like to read?
October 21, 2015
A Writer’s Survival Guide
Writing is a dream job, but it’s not an easy job. We’ve all read the quote about how writing it like opening a vein and bleeding onto the page. Easy peasy, right?
Strugging to survive writing? @Cara_Putman offers 5 tips to thrive.
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Not in the back and forth of real life.
Real life with its interruptions, challenges, and just plain work. So what’s a writer to do when life is just plain making you live in a frazzled daze? I don’t have it all figured out. But as I write book 22 and edit book 21 while plotting book 23, I have a few suggestions and tips that I hope will help you on your writing journey.
Join a circus. No, seriously, learn how to juggle. One of the things I do is cart my laptop around with me when I think I can grab even 30 minutes to work. I’ve learned that sometimes the quick bursts can be more productive because I understand just how precious the time is. And if there’s no internet? Even better! That means fewer online distractions.
Look for ways to delegate. Are there things that someone else can help with? At one point in our family that was getting my kids to start helping with chores each week. We’ve slid away from that, and life feels more chaotic. Hmm, maybe it’s time to reemphasize the help around the house. Hate doing the email newsletter all the publishers want to see? Then see about hiring a virtual assistant to help take the ouch out of creating it. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but just removing a couple things from your mental to-do list can be very helpful and create space for writing.
Take a Break. Yes, I actually typed “take a break.” Sometimes the well has simply run dry, and we’re forcing words that we know are terrible. Worse yet, we’re staring at a blank screen and beating ourselves up for not being able to force words onto the screen. So go grab a movie, read a book, take a walk. Do something other than writing and take care of yourself. I’m learning this is a critical piece of surviving the process of writing.
Fall in love with your story and characters. Some books are a job. They simply are. But if you can rediscover the reason you decided to write the book in the first place, it can help reignite the joy in the writing process. Reread what you’ve written. Write a page of journaling for your character. Rehear his or her voice and passion. Before long, you’ll be itching to get back to the keyboard and their story.
Invite God back into the process of writing. Sometimes in the stress of writing and deadlines (even the self-imposed ones) it’s so easy to lose sight of the Giver of the gift and call. I have truly felt God’s joy as I’ve partnered with Him in writing a story. And when that piece is missing? I want to quit. So if the stress and strain is draining you, turn the whole process, story, and characters back over to Him. If He’s called you to write, He will equip you!
As I’ve been dealing with the stress of lingering boxes and distractions, I uncovered a box of writing books. In the box was one I enjoyed, but need to pass on to someone wondering how to have a career as a novelist. All you have to do is use the rafflecopter form below to be entered to receive the copy of Don Maas’ book. Good luck!
October 19, 2015
The Comparison Game
Late last week I was somewhere – where doesn’t matter – but as I left my heart was grieved.
Why?
Because I listened to two younger moms talk for almost an hour about who’s schedule was more chaotic and driven than the others. As I listened my heart broke in so many ways. Maybe you can guess some of them. (If my husband is reading this, he’s probably chuckling.) But I’ve been the mom trapped in the cycle of “I’m doing more” and I’ve still that mom who’s running frazzled most days.
Has #comparison robbed your #joy. Hop off says @cara_putman.
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But that night my heart hurt for those moms and their kids.
My heart broke for the moms because I know that in that frazzled state of existence, it is so hard to stop and read that book when a child brings it to you. It’s hard to find time to simply play when the weather screams perfect fall day. It’s hard to embrace the quietness that breeds a heart-to-heart connection.
Instead the days pass in a blur of frenzied activity.
My heart broke for the kids, because I wondered how many times they’d heard their mom list the insanely long litany of things she does for them that take the place of time with them.
As the mom with a young woman of 15 who just yesterday was a newborn placed in my arms, I’m becoming keenly aware of just how quickly the days pass that I have my children.
But one thing that broke my heart is the spirit of comparison this exchange illustrated. So often we get caught in a spiral of comparison. I’m doing more than you. No, actually, I volunteer much more than you do, but I’m too stressed to enjoy a moment of my life. I wasn’t very far into my thirties before I knew I wanted off the comparison merry-go-round. Even then, it’s hard to know how to jump off. The pedestal is uncomfortable. It teeters and totters so much that life feels even more hectic.
We don’t do ourselves any favors when we compare. My reality is so different from yours. What God is asking of me is not what He’s asking of you. What I need is people who will celebrate with me, encourage me, and on occasion tell me I am insane to take on the things I do. That’s what you need, too.
Can we agree to do just that? And leave the comparing to others?
Just a few thoughts form my heart to yours.
October 16, 2015
Fiction Friday: The Splendor of Ordinary Days
This week I’ve read a book that is a sheer delight. The Splendor of Ordinary Days is like a stroll through small town life through the eyes of the local doctor Luke Bradford. There’s something special about this place where ordinary activities fill the days… and the young doctor recognizes it with an eye that gives a literary spin to it all. There’s joy in the routine. There’s peace in the normal. And there are enough disruptions to keep the days interesting.
Did you love the #Mitford series? @Cara_Putman suggests Splendor of Ordinary Days. #amreading
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I love the relationships that lace The Splendor of Ordinary Days. There’s a real caring among those who live in this town, even as there are disruptions. It has a Mitford feel to it — yet is totally different.
In a time where life is complicated, rushed, and hurried, this book paints a picture of community that fills the soul — at least mine. I loved it, and will be looking for other books from this author.
Sidenote: while The Splendor of Ordinary Days is not the first book set in Watervalley, I certainly didn’t need to read the others first to succomb to the charm of this book. But I will be going back to read the earlier stories.
The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, 
Tennessee, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he’s caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict.
After a rocky start as Watervalley’s only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans’ emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.
At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting “Keep Out” notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.
As Luke struggles to understand Luther’s past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life’s toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
October 14, 2015
CFBA Tour: Lightning
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Lightning
Revell (October 6, 2015)
by
Bonnie S. CalhounDo you like Dystopian novels? Then this postapocalyptic book and series by Bonnie Calhoun is one you should try. With a compelling setting and characters that resonate, this novel will pull you in and keep you turning the pages. If you’re not sure dystopian is for you, you can try the series with a couple free novellas. Tremors is the prequel to Thunder, and Aftershock (short story) comes before Lightning.
ABOUT THE BOOK
After she found her real father, life for Selah should have felt settled. But the horrors have just begun. In her broken world of toxic earth and tribal clashes, Selah must battle the forces of nature alongside those in the Mountain who are calling for her blood. Haunted by the pain of mounting losses, she forges on, seeking her lost family and
uncovering new mysteries. But the ultimate betrayal of her own body may soon make her quest impossible as it becomes apparent that what has made her new could also drive her to a life of madness.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Lightning, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year.”
She loves to write with body count, blood, or blowing things up. She also has mad skills at coding HTML, and website design. And she lives in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres and a pond full of bass, though she’d rather buy fish at the grocery store. Bonnie shares her domain with a husband and two cats, all of whom think she’s waitstaff!
Her latest series is a YA dystopian with Revell titled Stone Braide Chronicles. The first book Thunder published in 2014. The second book Lightning published Oct 2015. There are also two FREE e-book short stories. Tremors is the prequel to Thunder, and Aftershock (short story) comes before Lightning.
October 12, 2015
3 Tips for Successful Radio Interviews
I’ve had periods of high intensity promotion surrounding a book’s release where I’ve participated in a couple radio interviews a week. Radio is a format I really enjoy. Think about it, no one can see if I’ve got make-up on and I don’t have to go anywhere. They can’t see how messy and jumbled my desk is. Radio also keeps my complicated life a wee bit simpler.
#Radio interviews stressful? @Cara_putman offers 3 tips to make easier. #mediatraining
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Unfortunately, I know it’s a format that stresses many people. Wheth
er or not you’re an author, you may find yourself in need of an interview. Here are some tips to help you succeed in this format.
1) Think in sound bites. Radio interviews can be anywhere from five minutes to an hour. Whatever the length of time, if you keep your answers short (think a minute or less), the host and audience will enjoy the discussion more if it’s not one run-on sentence.
2) Stand up and move. Even though no one can see you, they can hear you. If you move around, your voice is usually more engaged and it’s easier to avoid a monotone. Movement also helps keep the blood pumping which helps your engagement. I’ve been known to make a bed, fold clothes, clean a bathroom — just make sure you choose something quiet! You want listeners to hear you, not the vacuum.
3) Be prepared to talk about something other than your book. A good interview will cover other territory…offer something to listeners other than “please buy my book.” If they like you from the interview, it adds to the positive feeling they will have for you when they see your book. But spend some time thinking about what you have to offer. For me it’s often the idea of balance because I’m a mom doing lots of different things. Other times the focus has been homeschooling, World War II, writing.
I hope these tips help remove some of the stress from this great way to connect with readers!
