It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s Monday – time to share what you have been reading, from picture books to YA. This is a fun meme hosted by Jen at “Teach Mentor Texts”

I haven’t posted for a few weeks, but I have been reading a number of books.

MG/YA – as I am studying these books for writing courses, I am trying to read a range of books

The French Isles  by Claire Mowat.

As part of a reading challenge “Amy’s Marathon of Books”, I am trying to read a book/author from each province and territory. Claire lives in both Ontario and Nova Scotia.

This was a sequel to a previous book and takes place in Newfoundland. I enjoyed it and actually learned a bit about the French isles off of Newfoundland.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing  by Judy Blume

I finally read this, although I have read a number of Blume’s books. Peter certainly has his hands full with fudge. Just okay for me.

Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear by Norma Fox Mazer

Another story about troubles with a sibling.but also with friends. A good story.

Marty McGuire by Kate Messner

I have been wanting to read this for awhile and i enjoyed it. Marty is quite the character.

Picture Books

Galileo’s Journal 1609 – 10  by Jeanne K. Pettenati

An excellent creative non-fiction. Well researched and illustrated (by Paolo Rui)

The Road to Afghanistan by Linda Granfield

Another excellent creative non-fiction. A book that will introduce children to the mission of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

ROW80 Sunday Check-In

Time again for the weekly Sunday check-in at ROW80. 

This past week I have actually made some headway with my new course and with a new challenge.

I started the “Picture Book Magic” writing course on May 1 and the first lesson was to choose a character and answer a slew of questions. I usually try to get to know the characters I write about, but this list was quite intensive. I have my character – a little girl named Hazel and am trying to work on the problems she will face (lesson 2). Still have more work on this one.

NaPiBoWriWee – national Picture Book Writing Week runs from May 1 -7 and I have joined in. I felt that even though I might now fully write a picture book each day, I would generate ideas and brainstorm each day on one of my ideas. In the past 4 days though, I have written two pix book scripts. It must be true – the more you write, the more you do write.

I have also started my research for my historical MG novel – Jacob’s Journey. I have checked out books from the library and looked online.  I hope to go to the University of Waterloo in the next 2 weeks to do more in depth research.

I worked on another chapter of my newest romance novel.

I posted a poem for “30 Words Thursday”.

I have now finished my tutoring job, so I will have more time for writing, in longer blocks.

In the next few days I will continue with my course and picture book writing; work on my research and my romance novel.

30 Words Thursday

Pacific Ocean Visit

Ocean as far as the eye can see

Lap, lapping of gentle waves

against my feet

Toes buried in the sand

Then a cold spray

Scent of water, dead fish

This morning I was thinking of our trip to Mexico a couple of years ago, when I found some writing I had done at the time. The words seemed to call for a poem.

Join in at Treasures Found for a fun writing challenge – 30 Words Thursdayl

ROW80 Mid-Week Check-In

 

Time for the ROW80 Mid-Week Check-In

The past few days I have:

* completed 1 post for Slice of Life Tuesday

*read 2.3rds of “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott. I am thoroughly enjoying her writing and advice

*received another critique and it has helped me change the chapter to make it stronger

*read several more articles – on outlining and pacing

 

 

Tomorrow, I start a month-long writing course with Susanna Hill on Picture Book Magic. I have written several picture books, but want to improve. I’m looking forward to daily practice.

Tomorrow is also the last day of tutoring, so that then I can get back to a better routine, of morning writing.

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