Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap

Available next week - A Puppy, Not a Guppy

2009-11-05T12:05:00.001-06:00

Another new release, A Puppy, Not a Guppy, from 4RV Publishing can now be pre-ordered here. Holly Jahangiri has a knack for writing enjoyable stories, which are fun and even educational. The book is delightfully illustrated by Ryan Shaw.

Below is a slide show prepared by Mandy Hedrick.

4RV's newest release - Tilly's Tale

2009-11-04T17:07:00.005-06:00

Brian Porter, writing under the name Harry Porter, has his first children's book out, to be officially released tomorrow. November 5, copies of Tilly's Tale may be ordered from the 4RV bookstore. Within a week, it will be found on Amazon.com, B&N.com, and through most bookstores.

Mandy Hedrick, the illustrator for Tilly's Tale, created the following trailer.

Register now for 2010 Muse Online Writers Conference

2009-10-30T06:18:00.002-05:00

The 2009 Muse Online Writers Conference closed October 18, but people can already register for the 2010 conference. Lea Schizas says she will not add late comers next year. True, the registration deadline isn't until August 2010, but waiting can often mean forgetting. Another reason to register early is to be able to have time to learn one's way around the site and be able to take part in different activities during the year.

For those who can't afford to attend a writing conference or can't find one close enough to attend, here is your chance. A free conference, online, means anyone can afford to attend. The only suggestion I have is to be sure you allow yourself time to take all the workshops you'd like. Forum workshops can be entered anytime day or not. Live chats, though, are scheduled for specific times. This year, except for the pitch sessions involving 4RV, I stuck to the forum workshops since my schedule is so hectic.

Lea's registration directions are as follows:

Next year's conference will be held October 11 - 17, 2010. Only those who register and follow my INDIVIDUAL EMAIL request will get updates throughout the year about upcoming new workshops and pitch sessions I'll be hosting in 2010 -- before the 2010 Conference.

To register go here:

http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/2010MuseConferenceRegistration/

But remember for the conference registration, you MUST have your membership in INDIVIDUAL MODE. This year many registered but missed out because they had their membership in NO EMAIL. I'm sorry, but I don't have time to check over 1000 members to see what they've done. Your responsibility.

Next year, 4RV Publishing will have a forum, as the company has for the past two years. This year we had topics such as answering questions about the company, answering writing questions, discussing what 4RV needs in submissions and what is not acceptable. The company also took pitches for submissions, and will again next year.

Also, next year I will have workshop titled English Refresher 101. We'll work at refreshing our knowledge (or learning) mechanics and grammar that often give writers problems.

Anyone who takes the time to use the live chat workshops and/or the forum workshops can help themselves be better writers. I learn something each year. The conference is a good place to network and to bump into real publishers, editors, and agents.

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Whew, another Muse Online Writers Conference finished

2009-10-18T06:42:00.005-05:00

Later this month I'll post information about how people can register for next year's Muse Online Writers Conference, but for now, I'm finishing up this year's. Today is the last day.

The week was busy but interesting. Lea Schizas added a new activity: authors could pitch, in writing, to publishers, editors, and/or agents. 4RV ended up with two pitch sessions, fourteen pitches in one and twelve in the other. We may have some good submissions as a result.

The pitch sessions gave writers a chance to present their work and receive some professional feedback. Yes, real agents, editors, and publishers attended.

Hopefully, life can get back to normal (whatever that is) now that conferences are over and only one more book festival to attend this year.

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Two great new books from 4RV now available

2009-10-04T16:35:00.007-05:00

Let's first look at Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure, cover and book design by Aidana WillowRaven.

Beverly and Breeze are holding a book launch party, which everyone can enjoy. Go to Just Breeze's website to discover all the guidelines.

A few words about the young adult/middle grade novel:

Eighth grade starts out the same as every other year for Breeze Brannigan. She’s still the tallest student, boy or girl, in her class, wears shoes that would fit an elephant, and her smile reveals dazzling braces that blind everyone within ten feet.

Then she meets Cam , the new boy in school who speaks with an accent and must be from another planet, for none of the earthling boys she knows are so polite. He also has a secret, a secret that could mean life or death for Cam and his mother and that Breeze must help him keep.

The second release in September is Second Chance by Galand Nuchols, cover and book also designed by Aidana WillowRaven.

The characters from Second Chance, another young adult novel, don't have their own blog or website yet, but we can know more about their story from the blurb on the back of the book:

Josh and Leroy are friends despite their differences. They face a world of depression, segregation, drought, and prohibition.

Josh, the main target of the town bully, uses the boy’s Achilles heel to even the score. Leroy hates the father he has never seen, but he must make life changing decisions when the man returns to be a part of Leroy's and his
mother’s lives.

They help a mutual friend, George, and his family walk a tightrope, as they deal with
their white neighbor, who is determined to get rid of them.

Together the three friends bring a small measure of justice to their challenging world, as they each experience a second chance.

Both books can be found through bookstores, as well as online stores, and from the publisher 4RV Publishing.

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A children's story from Carolyn Howard-Johnson

2009-10-03T07:54:00.003-05:00

Today finishes this month's rotation for VBT - Writers on the Move. Carolyn Howard-Johnson has been my guest for October 1 and today.

We are used to reading and hearing about Carolyn's How To Do It Frugally books for writers. Most of us don’t know she also writes children’s stories and poetry.

Carolyn has been working on stories she's collected on her travels from around the world for several years with no end in sight. Generally, like this one, they are told using the traditional style for legends and fairytales. Learn more about her travels at Red Engine Press and more about her fiction and poetry at Published Works Almanac.

Below is one of her stories.

The Legend of Laguna del Incas

A long time ago in the land of the Inca—long before this faraway place had names like Chile and Peru—there lived a young couple in love.

Most Incas felt close to their gods and these two young people were no exception. Febo, the god who warmed them with warm rays and made the crops grow, was part of their everyday lives. So was Eolo who blew clouds into puffy shapes like giant umbrellas. Old men and women who lived in the villages reminisced about Eolo and Febo as they blew their smoke from pipes into rings. They still do, still think of the young people as smoke curls up into the thin mountain air.

Illi Yupanqui and the Princess Kora-Ilé were to marry and, because the Incas considered themselves children of the sun, they chose Aconagua, the highest peak in the Andes, for their wedding. There they could be as close as possible to Febo's warmth and Eolo's magic. Aconagua was not only the highest mountain in all of the Andes, it was the highest in all of their world. It was so high, so very, very high that the peaks were carved into giant black teeth, pure and barren, by glaciers and by Eolo's icy gusts.

Kora-Ilé's eyes were so blue-green they looked as if the gods had mixed lapis lazuli found in the veins of mountain rocks with silver waters of the lagoon at the foot of the Aconagua. For her wedding, she chose white linen, much as brides do today. It was often cold on the mountain even in summer, and the sun god Febo made her dress look as pure as glacier ice against the dark peaks that surrounded them. The princess walked regally followed by her séquito down the steep dark precipice where all could see her, much as modern brides make their entrance down a curving staircase.

The cliffs were smooth and slippery from the morning dew. She chose her way carefully. Trying to glimpse her Illi, she looked away from the path. Her soft slipper caught on a piece of smooth black basalt and she fell to her death.

Illi Yupanqui could not bear to have her removed from the place where they had experienced the bliss of true love. He wrapped her in his arms and carried her to the edge of the silver lagoon at the foot of the peaks. There he kissed her lips, immersed her into the pure, clear water and watched her sink. The lake was so clear he could see her as she descended deeper and deeper. He didn't think he could leave the lake as long as he could see her hair flowing in the water, her dress shining up at him like a white pebble from the bottom of the clear lake.

The gods knew Illi's thoughts. As Illi watched, Eolo moved the surface of the water. Tiny ripples obscured the young bridegroom's view of Koru-Ilé. Then Febo moved across the sky so shadows from the peaks darkened the water. Soon the water turned from crystalline to turquoise. Eolo's breath no longer pushed it into tiny waves. It became a smooth cabochon, rounded and opaque like a semi-precious stone set in black metal, just as the Laguna del Inca mountain, looks today.

Illi Yupanqui knew it was a sign that all would be well. When the moon is full, high up in those mountains where the country of Chile meets the border of Argentina, the village people who trek to the summit can hear the princess's voice blend with Eolo's call. Eolo, for his part, has never disturbed the surface of the lagoon from that day to this, though some say it is only because the peaks that surround it protect it from his sighs.

Descendants of the Incas are reminded of this love story by the blend of Eolo's quiet moans and Kora-Ilé's high, young cry that can be heard in the thin mountain air, and, of course, by the tales that are told today of a love still pure in this place so close to the home of their gods.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson is collecting stories from around the world for a book that will include little known legends from places she has visited. A work in progress, it includes myths and legends and stories of monsters and princesses. She is the author of THIS IS THE PLACE and HARKENING, and TRACINGS, a chapbook of poetry. All are award winning books. She also writes books that will help other authors. They are the multi award-winning How To Do It Frugally books for writers.

Thank you so much for sharing this story with us, Carolyn. It’s very interesting and definitely shows your versatility.

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Hearland New Day BookFest on KOKH FOX 25 :: Morning News

2009-10-01T17:02:00.004-05:00

KOKH FOX 25 :: Morning News

Shared via AddThis

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An interview with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Ms. Fugal herself

2009-10-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

Every month members of VBT - Writers on the Move host another member on the first and third of the month. This month I'm privileged to host Carolyn Howard-Johnson, promoted and author of the Fugal books.

I promised Carolyn not to have the cookie-cutter type interview. Therefore, I invited her over to my house, handed her a shovel to make her way through the clutter, and offered her a cup of Constant Comment tea mixed with green.

After she and I were cozy with mugs of tea and some tasty sugar-free zuchinni bread, I started the questions.

How did/does your history and home background affect your writing, especially since you write nonfiction help books?

Answer: I also write fiction and poetry, Viv. And my history and background (and that of my ancestors) is extremely important in most of that work.

But it is for my how-to books, too. That I started in journalism at the Salt Lake Tribune when I was only 18 and worked as an editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping and as a fashion publicist all contributed to my marketing skills. Then I owned retail stores for 30 years. Operating stores successfully is probably 80% pure marketing. In fact, my latest book is for retailers, A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. It's available at www.budurl.com/RetailersGuide and even includes information on how to incorporate the use of authors into profit-making events. In fact, some authors have said it helped them understand retailing better--all the better to sell an author event to their local bookstores and other retailers.

Wow, I didn't know how versatile a writter you are. (After a sip of the tea, I asked the next questions on my mind.)

Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Answer: I was an English Lit major so that pretty much answers that question. But my education has continued as I teach writers for UCLA's Writers' Program. I've been doing it for about five years now and I constantly am learning more things from writers about what writers need to know. So that helps answer your question about my how-to books, too. (-;

I knew you and I agreed on many things concerning writing, and no wonder. I'm a retired English and composition teacher myself.

Please fill us in on your hobbies, interests, or activities you participate in during your leisure time. *laugh* If you have any – besides attending book festivals and other public appearance.

Carolyn took a bite of zuchinni bread before she nodded to let me know she would be with us again in a second.

Answer: Travel is probably my major interest outside of writing, and it's really integrally involved with writing, too. I find travel contributes to writing in so many ways. It keeps a writers' interests broad. Reading does the same thing. I've been to so many countries I've lost count but I've studied writing at Herzen University in St. Petersburg, Russia; Cambridge University in the UK; and Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic. Did you know Charles University is the oldest university in Europe--by their reckoning, any way.

What keeps you writing?

Answer: I just can't help myself. (-:

That's an answer I can understand only too well.

You have so many projects going all the time: working on books, traveling, etc.; how do you manage?

Answer: That's impossible to answer. I guess just keep putting one foot ahead of the other and going.

How do you feel when you complete a book? Which book has been your favorite?

Answer: My favorite book was my first, a novel. It is really the story of my life, fictionalized. And it deals with the most important themes that run through all my serious work. It is This Is the Place and is a story of a young journalistic coming of age at a time when women were repressed. She lives not only in a repressive time, but also a repressive place and must find her way by examining the lives of women who came before her.

You are definitely one interesting woman.

What are your writing achievements and goals?

Answer: I am on the final draft of Here's How I Don’t Cook, a memoir, and I'm looking for an agent for it.

Another thing we have in common, not cooking or very little. Who has time?

How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing? Also, we might tie some information about your presentations with this.

Answer: I love my critique groups, the ones I use to better my own writing. I also love the seminars and workshops I conduct to help better the writers of others. Of course, I get tons out of both of them. One of those you know about is the free Muse Online Writers Conference I cosponsor with Lea Schizas. It happens every October and attracts--literally--thousands.

Ah, yes, I'm involved in the Muse Online Writers Conference, but not nearly to the stage you are.

Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Answer: This is such a good questions. If writing doesn't help a writer get better as a person, then that writer probably isn't being as truthful with him or herself as she should be. I do know that many writers fear stripping themselves bare but--really--they are limiting themselves if they let their fears limit them from learning more about themselves.

Thank you, Carolyn, for joining me today. You always have such insightful comments.

Please let readers know how they can purchase your books.

Carolyn: My books are all at Amazon, and Amazon makes it easy and inexpensive to buy them. My Amazon profile is at www.budurl.com/CarolynsAmazProfile. From there each book is but a click away. Also, my how-to books are all available for the Kindle reader.

Any other comments?

Carolyn: Only many thanks for a caring interview. Oh, and a reminder via my motto: "“Careers that are not fed soon die as readily as any living organism given no sustenance.”

P.S.Oh! And come back to Viv's Bubbles blog to read a legend I found in Chile retold for children.

Thank you again, Carolyn. I so enjoyed the visit, and hope you liked the tea and zuchinni bread.

Now about VBT:

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT - Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

4RV Publishing authors Linda Asato, Katie Hines, Elysabeth Eldering, Crysatlee Calderwood, and Vivian Zabel participate.

If you're interested in finding out more about our promotional group, you can send an email to: karenrcfv@yahoo.com.
Please put VBT-VBT in the subject line.

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Tomorrow: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

2009-09-30T15:48:00.002-05:00

Be sure and enjoy the interview with Carolyn Howard-Johnson tomorrow, right here on Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.

Then on Wednesday, we'll have a story written for children by Carolyn.

Come one! Come all!

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Apostrophes - Comma Bats

2009-09-24T18:53:00.004-05:00

Apostrophes remind me of comma bats, commas that hang upside down. There are rules that decide where and when apostrophes are used.

Rule 1. Use an apostrophe in contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
Examples: don't, isn't; You're right. She's a great teacher.

Rule 2. Use an apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession, unless the singular noun ends in an s, then place the apostrophe after the final s.
Examples: one girl's book; one woman's hat; one actress' hat; one child's hat; Ms. Chang's house
NOTE: Nouns ending in s or an s sound are not required to have the second s added in possessive form.

Rule 3. Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.
Example: This was his father's, not his jacket.

Rule 4. To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples: two girls' books; two women's hats; two actresses' hats; two children's hats; the Changs' house; the Joneses' golf clubs; the Strauses' daughter; the Rogeres' car.

Rule 5. Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.The Changs have two cats and a dog.

Rule 6. With a singular compound noun, show possession with 's at the end of the word.
Example: my mother-in-law's hat

Rule 7. If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then use the apostrophe.
Example: my two brothers-in-law's hats

Rule 8. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
Examples: Cesar and Maribel's home is constructed of redwood. Cesar's and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year. Indicates separate ownership.

Cesar and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year. Indicates joint ownership of more than one contract.

Rule 9. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose.They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.
Examples:
Correct: This book is hers, not yours.
Incorrect: Sincerely your's.

Rule 10. The only time an apostrophe is used for it's is when it is a contraction for it is or it has.
Examples: It's a nice day. It's your right to refuse the invitation. It's been great getting to know you.

Rule 11. The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.
Examples: She consulted with three M.D.s. BUT She went to three M.D.s' offices. The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.
She learned her ABCs. the 1990s not the 1990's; the '90s or the mid-'70s not the '90's or the mid-'70's
She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.
Exception: Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.
Examples: Please dot your i's. (You don't mean is.) Ted couldn't distinguish between her 6's and 0's.(You don't mean Os.)

Rule 12. Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-ing word).
Examples: Alex's skating was a joy to behold. This does not stop Joan's inspecting of our facilities next Thursday.

Rule 13. If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form of that pronoun.
Examples: I appreciate your inviting me to dinner. I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.

Knowing where and when to use those bat commas is a matter of study and practice.

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Encyclo-Media Oklahoma

2009-09-19T21:29:00.017-05:00

A year ago, Jacque Graham and I "discovered" Encyclo-Media and started planning on having a booth for 4RV Publishing this year.

Encyclo-Media is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education under State Superintendent Sandy Garrett. The event has over 1,000 exhibitors and many sessions for teachers, librarians, and school councilors.

We saved and continued publishing books. After less than two years in business, we took twenty-three titles to the event, displaying them in a 10 x 10 booth.

On Wednesday, Jacque, Suzy Koch (whose book Being Jacob: First Day of School made its debut), and I, with help from Mike Koch, set up our booth.

Thursday, the event began. Jacque and I were on site, after driving through rain, by 7:30 AM. We left for home a little before 5 PM. Suzy joined us that morning after battling her way through masses of idiot drivers and left in time to pick up her sons at school.

Hundreds and hundreds of the 5,000 or more teachers, librarians, and/or counselors attending stopped and examined our books. More than half who stopped and looked took notes about the titles that interested them. All had to return to their schools and send out purchase orders for any books they wanted.

Quite a few teachers asked if we would/could prepare AR tests to go with the books. Jacque has worked with Advanced Reader for more than one grade level and said we could and would. A few of our books already have study guides, some of which have tests already: Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us by Lea Schizas, State of Wilderness and State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering (illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven), and Prairie Dog Cowboy by V. Gilbert Zabel, illustrated by Jordan M. Vinyard.

I put together a written process for educators to follow when they order from the company so they get a discount. Most of those who visited with us thought the discount was an incentive for schools to order from us.

Friday, we were on duty from 7:30 until shortly before 3. They locked the doors of the hall at 3. Jacob, Suzy's son and the Jacob of her book, joined us Friday.

All of us were excited, tired, and anxious.

Now we wait.

What is a "real" writer?

2009-09-13T16:29:00.004-05:00

Nancy Famolari posted a blog entry entitled "Are You a Real Writer?" She stated a group set the criteria for being called a published author to mean a published author is a "writer" who receives an advance from a publisher.

In other words, that group considers one is only an author if he or she becomes indebted to the publisher. Yes, that's what an advance is -- a debt that will be repaid by royalties being withheld until the advance is repaid.

According to Joe Quirk (novelist, humorist, and ghostwriter): Your advance (from a publisher) is a LOAN with your career as collateral. If borrowing money from your credit card at 8% interest to support your writing is a bad idea, than borrowing money from a big New York publisher against books you haven't sold yet is a catastrophic idea. Bankruptcy ends after 7 years. The Red Mark next to your name is forever.

Therefore, according to the narrow, unrealistic definition of a published author by that group, only a writer who goes into debt to a publisher qualifies.

I am a writer because I write. Emily Dickinson never received an advance, was never paid for her work, and wasn't even "discovered" until after her death. Yet, no one can deny that she was a writer, an author: because she wrote, used words as colors to create images on the canvas of sheets of paper.

Yes, I've been paid for some of my writings and I've received some royalties, but I was a writer before I ever received a penny. I used words as my tools to create visual imagery on paper and computer screen. That action makes me a writer.

Other bloggers addressing this topic:

Harry Gilleland
Karen Cioffi-Ventrice
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VBT October schedule

2009-09-13T11:04:00.003-05:00

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

4RV Publishing authors Linda Asato, Katie Hines, Elysabeth Eldering, Crysatlee Calderwood, and Vivian Zabel participate.

If you're interested in finding out more about our promotional group, you can send an email to: karenrcfv@yahoo.com.
Please put VBT-VBT in the subject line.

Dianne Sagan hosts Harry Gilleland
Harry Gilleland hosts Marvin Wilson
Karen Cioffi hosts Kathy Stemke
Kathy Stemke hosts Jane Sutton
Nancy Famolari hosts Steve Tremp
Vivian Zabel hosts Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Margaret Fieland hosts Nancy Famolari
Crystalee Calderwood hosts Elysabeth Eldering
Katie Hines hosts Linda Asato
Helena Harper hosts Katie Hines
Liana Metal hosts Margaret Fieland
Carolyn Howard-Johnson hosts Mayra Calvani
Gayle Trent hosts Crystalee Calderwood
Mayra Calvani hosts Dianne Sagan
Marvin Wilson hosts Helena Harper
Linda Asato hosts Gayle Trent
Heather Paye hostsVivian Zabel
Steve Tremp hosts Heather Paye
Elysabeth Eldering hosts Liana Metal
Jane Sutton hosts Karen Cioffi
Jack E. Geroge hosts Darcia Helle
Darcia Helle hosts Jack George

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Shadows of 9/11 eight years later

2009-09-11T10:27:00.007-05:00

Do you remember what you were doing eight years ago today? I remember clearly.

At that time I wrote everything long hand and then typed my work into the computer. I sat in my recliner with my pen and tablet. I had retired from teaching in July and was still pretty much house bound because of my health.

The phone rang. When I answered, my son Randy, usually so unflappable, yelled, with tears in his voice, "Do you have the TV on? Turn it on."

I grabbed my remote control and punched the power button. What met my eyes shocked me. The network replayed the plane plowing into the first tower before going back live to show the bellowing black smoke. Seconds later, the second plane hit the remaining tower. My son and I sat and watched and cried, physically miles apart but emotionally together. We shared our fears when we watched the damage caused to the Pentagon.

When the account of the plane crashing in Pennsylvania, due to the courage of passengers willing to give their lives to avoid the terrorists hitting another target, we both felt a deep sorrow and loss because of the people on that plane, but a sense of pride in them, too. Their bravery left a different kind of mark on history.

The memories of horror, terror, and outrage, a pain so severe that I could feel it physically pierce me left scars that will never disappear. I don't know how anyone could forget how vulnerable we were at that time, how easily terrorists could attacked us and destroy our sense of safety. They shows us that idea we were safe was an illusion.

I pray for those intimately effected by the events of eight years ago. I also hope and pray that we are never in that position again. I hope and pray ...

The ground where Flight 93 crashed has healed;the Pentagon's damage rebuilt; the remains of the Twin Towers, removed. However, the shadows still loom over our country and always will.

Let us never forget, and may we always remember the lesson learned.

(photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

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News article about Being Jacob: First Day of School

2009-09-10T15:44:00.011-05:00

Being Jacob: First Day of School, written by Suzy Koch and illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven, was released by 4RV Publishing the middle of August.

The day after Suzy picked up her copies, she gave a copy to a disc jockey who was talking on the radio about his youngest starting his first day of school. Suzy kept calling as she drove toward the radio station, and she was on line with the dj as she parked outside the station. She told him she had something for him.

After she left a copy with the receptionist and got back to her car, the dj was telling his listening audience about a wonderful little book.

A short time later, Aaron Wright, editor of The Sun, contacted me about an interview with Suzy and me.

The following article is the result of that interview.

The official launch of Being Jacob: First Day of School will be September 17 and 18 at the Oklahoma State Department of Education's Encyclo-Media.

Note: To be able to read the article better, go to 4RV Publishing. The article is on the home page.

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Kreativ Blogger Award for Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap

2009-09-10T02:43:00.003-05:00

Jean Henry Mead sent me the Kreativ Blogger Award (translation: Creative Blogger Award). Thank you, Jean.

I'm now required to pass the award to seven bloggers. As many blogs I know that meet the definition of being creative, choosing only seven was difficult. However, after many hours of mental gymnastics, I pass this award to the following:

1. Holly Jahangiri's It's All a Matter of Perspective blog site.

2. Katie Hines - Walking on Water.

3. Aidana WillowRaven's WillowRaven Illustration & Design Plus.

4. Nikki Shoemaker's What Comes from Nikki's Pencil ...

5. Rena Jones Children's Author & Nature Photographer.

6. Lea Schizas' The Writing Jungle.

7. L. Diane Wolfe's Spunk on a Stick.

The rules for the Kreativ Blogger Award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

I thanked Jean above and will on her blog. I copied the logo and pasted it above. I linked to Jean's blog and the seven (7) I nominated. I will leave a comment on each blog informing the nominees to come read this post about their nominations.

Now, for the seven (7) things people might find interesting about me; although, I'm not sure what about me might be interesting.

1. I had twenty-two school changes.
2. I lived in Morocco from October of eighth grade until April of ninth grade.
3. Guam is a place I would like to visit, since I lived there in part of the second and third grades.
4. I was born in Texas, but Oklahoma has always been home.
5. I thought marrying a man who had always stayed in one place for over twenty-two years would mean I wouldn't move very much -- boy, was I in for a surprise.
6. Robert and I have lived in thirty-six places in over forty-seven years.
7. We have lived in this house seventeen years -- home at last.

To Comma or Not to Comma, That Is the Question

2009-09-07T23:00:00.004-05:00

As I edited lately,I noticed more comma problems. Either commas are scattered like flower petals or not used correctly.

Commas really are not living entities that reproduce and decide where to live and where not to live. Neither are they snow flakes that land wherever the wind may take them. They are not decorations to be used or not as a person’s fancy may decide. Commas actually have a vital and exact use in writing stories, poetry, essays, or articles. Let’s visit Comma World and see if we can discover when and where commas should be used.

We should use a comma to separate words in a series, and use a comma before the conjunction, too, unless we’re writing a journalistic article. In a newspaper article, no comma is used before the conjunction. In literary writing, such as essays, stories, and poetry, one is.

Error: Wolves are found in Alaska Canada and Minnesota.
Correct: Wolves are found in Alaska, Canada, and Minnesota.

Names directly addressed need to be set off by commas.

Error: Don’t run on the ice Mary, or you’ll fall.
Correct: Don’t run on the ice, Mary, or you’ll fall.

Commas should be used to set off conjunctive adverbs that introduce a clause or sentence. However, internal or final conjunctive adverbs should be set off by commas only when they interrupt the flow of a sentence.

Error: Meanwhile the Everly Brothers introduced country harmonies to rock-and-roll.
Correct: Meanwhile, the Everly Brothers introduced country harmonies to rock-and-roll.

Mild interjections not needing exclamation points will need to be set off by commas. These interjections include words such as yes, no, well, okay, and oh.

Error: Well you aren’t clear when you write.
Correct: Well, you aren’t clear when you write.

Error: When I saw the hole in the offensive line wow I knew the safety would sack the quarterback.
Correct: When I saw the hole in the offensive line, wow, I knew the safety would sack the quarterback.

Another place commas are used would be between main clauses unless they are extremely short clauses. The comma comes before the conjunction (and, or, nor, but, yet, sometimes for) joining the main clauses in a compound sentence.

Error: Rabbits usually run when sensing danger but sometimes they freeze in place.
Correct: Rabbits usually run when sensing danger, but sometimes they freeze in place.

Equal adjectives should be separated with a comma. One test is to see if the word and could be used between the adjectives. If so, then a comma is needed.

Error: The velvet skirt fell in soft flowing folds.
Correct: The velvet skirt fell in soft, flowing folds.(Test: The velvet skirt fell in long and flowing folds.)

Adjectives that must in a specific order are not separated by commas.

Error: They have many, clever ways of surviving.
Correct: They have many clever ways of surviving.

A phrase adding nonessential information should be set off by commas.

Error: Wolves in pairs or sometimes in packs hunt animals such as deer and caribou.
Correct: Wolves, in pairs or sometimes in packs, hunt animals such as deer and caribou.

A comma is needed after introductory words.

Error: To be sure smaller animals can make fierce pets.
Correct: To be sure, smaller animals can make fierce pets.

A phrase that is essential to the meaning of sentence should not be set off by commas.

Error: Animals, falling into this category, include rodents and rabbits.
Correct: Animals falling into this category include rodents and rabbits.

A clause which doesn’t add essential information in a sentence should be set off by commas. (A clause has a subject and verb that go together.)

Error: Clowns who usually cause people to laugh instill fear in some people.
Correct: Clowns, who usually cause people to laugh, instill fear in some people.

One should not set off essential clauses with commas.

Error: The wolf, that is found in Alaska, is called the gray wolf.
Correct: The wolf that is found in Alaska is called the gray wolf.

Non-essential appositives should be set off by commas. (An appositive is a noun or pronoun - word, phrase, or clause - placed after another noun or pronoun to provide more information or rename the first.)

Error: The gray wolf a wild species of dog is also called the timber wolf.
Correct: The gray wolf, a wild species of dog, is also called the timber wolf.

But an appositive essential to the meaning of the sentence should not be set off by commas.

Error: The writer, Mark Twain, writes about a young man who runs away.
Correct: The writer Mark Twain writes about a young man who runs away.

Sometimes a name can be non-essential, and sometimes it can be essential. If a person has only one brother, then the brother’s name would be non-essential. If he has more than one brother, then the brother’s name would be essential.

Examples:My brother, Bob, lives in New York. (“I” have only one brother.)
My brother Bob lives in New York. (“I” have two or more brothers.)

Punctuation in poetry is the same as in other types of writing. Commas add to the meaning of poetry and allows the reader to better understand what the poet tries to say.

Therefore, the answer to the original question is one should comma when and where needed.

(taken from Vivian Zabel's teaching notes and lesson plans)

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2009-09-03T01:22:00.006-05:00

Author of Moving Through All Seven Days, Kathy Stemke shares some her knowledge with us today.

15 Key to Unlocking the World of Reading to Children
by Kathy Stemke

There's nothing quite like seeing a child's eyes light up with joy because he has finally read his first word. Having fun with language is the key you need to unlock the world of reading to your child. The following tips and activities will be the keys you need to make reading fun for your child. Try them and see what works for you and your child.

1. Make reading a habit. Give your child lots of opportunities to read. Bring a book with you wherever you go. They can read in the car, or waiting in the doctor's office. Make a ritual of reading at bedtime.

2. Play a rhyming game with a puppet. Have the puppet say, "My name is Mark. Can you find words that rhyme with Mark?" If the answer is yes, jump up and down, and if the answer is no, squat down low. "Does park rhyme with Mark? Does ball rhyme with Mark?"

3. Trace letters and say their sounds. Involving the senses of touch, sight, and speech is a powerful tool for learning letter sounds. Use a finger to trace a letter while saying the letter sound. Do this on a paper, in a sandbox, or on a plate filled with sugar.

4. Play sound matching games. Using a set of alphabet letters, have your child pick the letter that matches the sound you make. Start with five letters and add more letters when your child is ready.

5. Pick books that are the right difficulty level for your child. If the book is too difficult, your child will become frustrated and upset. The aim is to give your child many successful reading experiences. Have fiction and non-fiction books available.

6. Have your child watch your lips to see how you make certain sounds. You can ask, "Can you see my tongue touch my teeth when I say (th)? Does it tickle your tongue?"

7. Play sight word concentration games. Make two sets of common sight words, and have them hunt for pairs. If they can read the word, it goes in their pile.

8. Point out words all around the town such as traffic signs, grocery signs, or advertising signs.

9. Gently correct your young reader only when the meaning of the story is lost.
10. Say silly tongue twisters, songs and rhymes. This will help kids become sensitive to the different sounds found in words.

11. While you read aloud, use musical instruments to create suspense, happiness or sadness. This can bring a story to life and keep your child engaged. Your child can even make simple shakers with beans or rice inside a can, and join in the music making activity.

12. Create the atmosphere you find in the book. For example, use a poster board to build a rocket if the book is about outer space. When you read aloud, read with expression and proper phrasing.

13. Have the children act out what you read. If the character walks to the store, they should be able to walk in place as they reach a door and open it and grab some groceries. This should be fun and can help on those days it's raining out and their energy levels are high.

14. Use a prop bag to illustrate parts of the story. If you're reading, "Miss Spider's Tea Party," you might pull the following items out of the bag: rubber bugs, a tea cup, silk butterflies, or a handkerchief to wipe the spider's tears away.

15. Do a fun activity that relates to the book in some way. For instance, if the book is about a tall person, make your own stilts using metal cans. Punch two holes on either side of each can, near the bottom. Measure a piece of rope so it is the appropriate length for children. Thread one end of the rope into each hole and secure with a knot. To walk on stilts, children stand on the cans, holding the rope in their hands. (Verify that the edge of the can is not sharp, and add masking tape for extra protection.)

If you read a book about lions or the circus, you can have your child jump through a hoop like a lion at the circus. This activity may be done indoors or outdoors. Add words of encouragement such as, "Come, my beautiful lions!" Continue raising the hoop higher for a greater challenge. You can also alternate between a high and low hoop.

Reading must be fun! With activities like these you can inspire your child to practice every day. The more kids see and work with words, the more they are able to effortlessly decode them. Be patient and encourage them. This will give them the desire and confidence to continue to learn, and soon they will be hooked on reading.

Learn more about Kathy from her interview Meet Kathy Stemke.

Kathy's blog

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

The full rotation can be found on September VBT Schedule.

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Meet Kathy Stemke

2009-09-01T01:13:00.003-05:00

I was delighted to interview Kathy Stemke for this tour of VBT - Writers on the Move. Let's get to know Kathy a bit better. Her replies will be in bold.

Kathy, tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

My background is in physical education and early childhood education. After 38 years of teaching I have found what works for children and what works for the teacher. That’s why I always offer movement activities, and worksheets with my picture books. It’s one stop shopping for teachers. I have found that when children move as they learn, they learn faster and retain more. My books are full of movement!

I also have a degree in Christian Ministry. My books are full of good values without being too obvious. I want to enrich the lives of children by igniting a love of reading, moving, and creating.

Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I’d like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

Because I was born with a passion for the arts, I’ve always been involved in creating. Writing poetry has been a lifetime activity for me. I hiked and photographed the Appalachian Trail, then wrote poetry at the rest stop. I’ve also taught photojournalism courses where children coupled their creative writing with photographs.

When I published some education articles, I realized that I had something to offer others. I created my blog to offer parents and teachers help with curriculum. I offer a free monthly newsletter titled, Movement and Rhythm. When my readers thank me, and tell me I helped them with a big problem, I’m inspired to write more. Recently, I was honored to be included in the Best 100 Blogs for Home schooling Moms.

What inspired you to write your book?

My first book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was a natural outgrowth of a blog post. I actually expanded a simple rhyme of the days of the week to a longer rhyme that teaches the children how to spell each day. This 32-page e-book includes a song, worksheets, movement activities for each day, and even a coloring book. I’ve gotten great reviews from teachers. It’s available for purchase as an e-book on Lulu.

What are your writing achievements and goals? Any books in the works?

Several of my articles have been published. As a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children Center, I write a monthly teaching tip article.
Gradually, I’m putting together a book of dance poems. My poem, "An Empty Stage," finished in the top ten of The 2009 Predators and Editors Poll. My poem, "Dance," is published in The Abandoned Towers Magazine.

My book, Trouble on Earth Day, is being illustrated, and set to be published this year by Cyberwizard productions, Toy Box Books. This fun picture book entertains and teaches kids about recycling. I’d like to write a series of environmental books with the same characters. Wonderful Water Explorers, the second book in the series, will spark discussion about water conservation. Both of these books offer several pages of projects and worksheets.

How do you feel when you complete a book?

The joy for me comes when I get positive feedback from the children and the teachers. When kid’s eyes sparkle, or they laugh out loud, I feel satisfied and eager to write more.

How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing, Kathy?

My involvement with the Children’s Writers Coaching Club has been very rewarding. I’ve learned my craft from published authors like, Margot Finke, Simon Rose, and Suzanne Lieurance. It also serves as a valuable critique group.

The Writers on the Move Virtual Book Tour has introduced me to more talented and kind authors with smart marketing tips and wonderful words of encouragement. It is essential to have support in the cruel writing business.

What advice would you have for a new author?

My first suggestion would be to read everything you can get your hands on in your venue. I took out 60 picture books a week for several months before I wrote my first story. Reread the excellent books that jumped out at you, and find out what makes them special. Sometimes it’s an unusual character, or an unexpected twist.
Then write, write, and write everyday. You’ll start to develop your own writing style.

If you can afford to, I suggest that you take a children’s writing course on-line. This will save you time and heartache. Find a good critique group, which has at least some published writers.

Research the market and submit stories to magazines and book publishers. Be flexible and use criticism wisely. Lastly, never give up. You can only lose when you give up.

Thank you for sharing information about yourself and your writing with us, Kathy.

Tomorrow's and Thursday's special guest - Kathy Stemke

2009-08-31T11:02:00.003-05:00

My VBT guest for September is Kathy Stemke. Please join us tomorrow for an interview with Kathy and Thursday for and article by Kathy.

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

The full schedule can be found here.

Hope you stop by tomorrow to learn more about Kathy Stemke.

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The government's unfair treatment - CPSIA

2009-08-28T15:29:00.005-05:00

I hadn't planned on blogging again until I announced my VBT schedule, not the full schedule already posted, but my posts about Kathy Stemke. However, something happened that caused my ire to rise.

I posted about the Consumer Product Safety Inspection Act of 2008 several times:
Will we lose a treasure of children's lit?
CPSIA and libraries - breaking the law?
What? The CPSC didn't say what it said? Libraries are not criminals?
The fight against the CPSIA continues

Those listed above are just a few of the many posts about the CPSIA, which became law as a result of Mattel importing toys from China with heavy lead content in their paint, causing illness and death.

Small companies are folding as a result, because the massive law requires third party testing, expensive and prohibitive testing.

Oh, but wait, one major company, the one that caused all the trouble, gets a waiver. The law doesn't apply to them. They don't have to have their products, whether imported or made in the U.S., tested by a third party. That's right, Mattel was granted a waiver.

Quoted from Mattel gets a CPSIA waiver(also found on News Inferno.com):

After consumers discovered an influx of lead-tainted toys imported by Mattel and other companies, Congress acted to strengthen protections through the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The legislation created almost impossible hurdles for small manufacturers and resellers for testing products, while earlier this month the CPSC announced it would send inspectors fanning out across the USA to enforce the laws in thrift shops. Now one of the companies that created the problem in the first place has gotten a waiver from the CPSIA’s requirements for third-party testing:

Toy-makers, clothing manufacturers and other companies selling products for young children are submitting samples to independent laboratories for safety tests. But the nation’s largest toy maker, Mattel, isn’t being required to do the same.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently, and quietly, granted Mattel’s request to use its own labs for testing that is required under a law Congress passed last summer in the wake of a rash of recalls of toys contaminated by lead. Six of those toys were produced by Mattel Inc., and its subsidiary Fisher-Price. …

Mattel is getting a competitive advantage, Green said, because smaller companies must pay independent labs to do the tests. Testing costs can run from several hundred dollars to many thousands, depending on the test and the toy or product.

Mattel had to recall more than 2 million toys from the market after inspectors discovered lead in the imported products. Now they claim that their “firewalled” labs will protect consumers and block out “corporate influence”. Where are the labs that Mattel will use? Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China — and China is where the dangerous toys originated.

Oh, yes, our government is so fair and helps small businesses and individuals -- sure, sure, and I have some beach front property on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, and I don't mean the Great Salt Plains.

Ish! Big guys get bailouts and special considerations, but the rest of us, individuals and small business, get to pay for everything and get nothing but that large knife in the back.

Let's let everyone we can know how angry we are.

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What is POD?

2009-08-26T13:45:00.002-05:00

I read and hear so often that POD is self-publishing. Even when people are told the difference between POD and self-publishing, they won't stop using POD as a synonym for self-publishing. THEY ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS.

I'm going to try one more time to explain what POD, print on demand - not publish on demand, means.

First of all, POD, digital printing, is a form of technology that is used to PRINT material. It is not a type of publishing, even though it is often used by publishers and by people who self-publish.

We can find print on demand publishers or print on demand services, but those names simply mean that they use digital technology, not that POD is what the publisher or service provider is called.

Digital printing allows a complete book to be printed and bound in a matter of minutes. The process is used for smaller numbers of books to be printed. Offset printing results in a lower cost per copy, but a much higher initial outlay, because 1,000 or more books must be printed per run. Digital is technology that works better for smaller runs. Offset is not cost effective for small runs.

So, if you use the term POD to mean self-publishers or self-publishing, don't be surprised when I scream.

September VBT schedule

2009-08-24T16:49:00.007-05:00

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

Dianne Sagan hosts Crystalee Calderwood
Harry Gilleland hosts Steve Tremp
Karen Cioffi hosts Vivian Zabel
Kathy Stemke hosts Heather Paye
Lea Schizas hosts Nancy Famalari
Nancy Famalari hosts Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Vivian Zabel hosts Kathy Stemke
Margaret Fieland hosts Dianne Sagan
Crystalee Calderwood hosts Deborah Weed
Katie Hines hosts Marvin Wilson
Helena Harper hosts Mayra Calvani
Dorothy Massey hosts Harry Gilleland
Liana Metal hosts Lea Schizas
Carolyn Howard-Johnson hosts Gayle Trent
Gayle Trent hosts Karen Cioffi
Mayra Calvani hosts Katie Hines
Marvin Wilson hosts Liana Metal
Anita Yasuda hosts Dorothy Massey
Linda Asato hosts Helena Harper
Heather Paye hosts Anita Yasuda
Steve Tremp hosts Margaret Fieland
Deboran Weed hosts Linda Asato

If you're interested in finding out more about our promotional group, you can send an email to: karenrcfv@yahoo.com.
Please put VBT-VBT in the subject line.

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Now a few writing tips, don't do

2009-08-23T19:09:00.002-05:00

I promised to add some don't tips to the do tips in the previous post.

DON’T do the following:

1. Don’t use second person unless giving directions or in dialogue.

Example of incorrect use of second person: The crowd moved toward the doors of the auditorium. You could see the panic starting to build.

Example of corrected sentences: The crowd moved toward the doors of the auditorium. Anyone watching could see the panic starting to build.

* * *

2. Don’t write a rough draft expecting someone else to edit or revise it for you. If the writing is yours, then you edit, revise, proofread, and rewrite before allowing someone else to edit or proofread.

* * *

3. Don’t switch verb tenses unless the time frame of your writing has changed.

Example of switching tenses: The young man looked at the steaming food as his stomach growls.

Correct tenses: The young man looked at the steaming food as his stomach growled.

* * *

4. Don’t use incorrect sentence structure or use short, choppy sentences (The only exception for using short, choppy sentences is when using briefly for effect such as quickening the pace in a fight or a rush).

* * *

5. Don’t misspell or misuse words. Use a thesaurus to find the "right" word to "fit" what you write (make sure the synonym that means exactly what is needed). Avoid overusing words and phrases. Stay away from cliches.

* * *

6. Don’t use pronouns incorrectly. Avoid using the nominative (subject) form of a pronoun when the objective form is required. Example of incorrect usage: Don't give the answers to him and I. Should be, Don't give the answers to him and me.

* * *

7. Don’t use very many state-of-being verbs rather than vivid action verbs. State-of-being verbs can be used as helping verbs, but as helping verbs their purpose in a sentence is different.

Examples of helping verb: Mary was helping with the children. With her arm in a cast, Janene is fighting the urge to scratch.

Better: Mary helped with the children. With her arm in a cast, Janene fought the urge to scratch.

Example of being used as a state-of-being verb: Mary is with the children. (Correction: Mary cares for the children.)

* * *

8. Don’t use passive voice often, only when necessary to achieve a desired effect, and then seldom.

* * *

9. Don’t start a sentence with well (unless in conversation), there, this, or that (other than as an adjective before a subject or in conversation), or with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, nor. Once a writer know the rules, he may occasionally break them for effect.

* * *

10. Don’t use the word so as a conjunction (except in dialogue). Check to see if so that or therefore is what is needed instead. In more informal writing, the word so is sometimes used as a conjunction for effect. "So as to" should also be avoided.

* * *

11. Don’t continue to make the same mistakes time after time. Improve each and every time you write. Learn from your previous mistakes. Everyone can improve his writing IF he learns from his mistakes and from the mistakes of others. Writing is a skill that can be learned with work, practice, and improvement.

Yes, all the don't tips reinforce the do tips.

I also did not ask the opinion of others, whether they consider themselves experts or not. I feel that fifty some years of study and research should be ample for now.

Also I did not give all tips possible to improve writing. As I stated before, that would take a book, maybe more.

Please use these as a starting point or reminders.

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Some Do's for Writing

2009-08-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

The following writing tips have become mine through study and usage, but they are based on techniques advocated by English textbooks, creative writing books, composition books, and various published authors and other experts in the field of writing.

The list of tips is broken into two parts: Things that should be done (posted today), and the things that should not be done (tomorrow's post). Everything is not covered, or I would have a book. Here are some things that can make a difference.

DO the following:

1. Do use first or third person when writing. Second person should be used only when writing directions or in dialogue.

Example of third person: "Roger grabbed his suitcase off the rack."

Example of second person: "You grabbed your suitcase off the rack."

Example of first person: "I grabbed my suitcase off the rack."

2. Do experiment with a variety of sentence beginnings. The following list gives some different ways to begin a sentence:

A. Subject followed by adjective
Example: Curtains, lacy and white, ruffled in the breeze.

B. Adverb
Example: Lazily, the toy duck floated in the tub.

C. Prepositional phrase
Example: Behind the tree, the two boys giggled as they hid.

D. Subordinate adverbial clause
Example: When she saw the knife in his hand, she screamed.

E. Adjective
Example: Lively curls tumbled around her face.

F. Present participle
Example: Laughing, the man felt more relaxed than he had in a long time.

G. Past participle
Example: Frightened, the little girl started crying.

H. Infinitive
Example: To find the truth, Margery vowed she would search wherever needed.

I. Absolute phrase
Example: Her hands shaking from the cold, the woman dropped the valuable vase.

3. Do remember and use the seven C’s of composition:

Clarity - the writing is clear, lucid

Coherence - parts of the writing "stick" together, are connected

Completeness - no parts are missing, has a beginning, middle, and end

Conciseness - condensed, brief, no extra, unneeded padding

Concreteness - solid, united

Continuity - continues in sequence or order

Correctness - rightness, rectification of errors, revised without errors

4. Do use the writing process: brainstorm, organize, support; write rough draft, revise, rewrite until work is error-free and clearly communicates your ideas; do final write for publication, assignment, or posting.

5. Do use correct sentence structure (avoiding run-on sentences and sentence fragments) and a good variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex).

Examples of run-on sentences:

The boy ran into the house and he called for his mother. (A comma after house would correct this sentence.)

The boy ran into the house, he called for his mother. (This run-on is also called a comma splice. To correct this error, a coordinating conjunction such as "and" must be added after the comma.)

Examples of sentence fragment:

Called for his mother.

Since the phone rang.

Examples of sentence types:
Simple: The dog chased his tail but never caught it. (One set of subject and verb with a complete thought called an independent clause)
Compound: The dog chased his tail, and he caught it. (Two or more independent clauses, joined correctly)
Complex: With his hand held out in supplication, the man begged for help. {One independent clause - the man begged for help - and one or more dependent clauses [has subject and verb, but without a complete thought] - with his hand held out in supplication)
Compound-complex: With his hand held out in supplication, the man begged for help, but he never said a word. (Two or more independent clauses joined correctly and one or more dependent clauses)

6. Do use correct spelling and a variety of correctly used words (increase your vocabulary). Use spell check, dictionary, Google (search engine at http://www.google.com ) and a thesaurus. Check for words that sound the same but have different meanings so that the correct word is used. (Examples: it's and its; your and you're; their, there, and they're). Use synonyms for overused words, but be sure the synonym "fits" the way you use it in a sentence.

Spell all right correctly. All right is always two words, just as all wrong is two words.

Distinguish between which and that:
A. Which is used with non-necessary clauses. Example: The book, which sits on the table, has a red cover.
B. That is used with necessary clauses. Example: The book that I need has been taken from the library.

Distinguish between sit and set
A. Sit means to perch, to be situated, and it doesn't have a direct object.
B. Set means to place, and it has a direct object.

7. Do use correct pronouns and correct pronoun references. Also avoid using a vague “it.” It as a pronoun should refer to a singular noun or indefinite pronoun (such as anything) used previously and closely to the pronoun.

Example of incorrect pronoun usage: Does anyone have their paperwork completed? (Anyone is singular while their is plural.) To correct this sentence, we need to either use a plural antecedent or change their to his or her.

Another example of incorrect pronoun usage: Mary gave gifts to John and I. (I is the object of the preposition to and must be the object form me.)

Another example of incorrect usage of I: This idea is between you and I. (Should be you and me because between is a preposition, too.)

Example of vague "it": It was a beautiful day. Rewriting avoids the vague "it": The sun shone brightly, creating a beautiful day. (The revision also avoids the use of a state-of-being verb and uses an action verb. It also tells the reader what "beautiful" means.)

8. Do use correct punctuation and capitalization, even in poetry.

9. Do have correct subject / verb agreement.

Example of incorrect subject/verb agreement: One of the children have forgotten the date. (One is the subject.)

Example of correct subject/verb agreement: One of the children has forgotten the date.

10. Do have unity, coherence, and organization in all writing.

11. Do use correct sentence beginnings. Unless used in dialogue, certain words are not strong sentence starters. Coordinating conjunctions (such as and, nor, but, or), there, that, and this (unless used as adjectives before a subject) and well should be avoided.

12. Do make all work believable and understandable to the audience (your readers). You need to know to whom you are writing, who will be reading your work.

13. Do use active voice most of the time in writing. Passive voice is to be used seldom and only when it cannot be avoided, because passive voice many times destroys accountability.

In active voice, the subject is doing the acting. "The boy hit the ball."

In passive voice, the subject receives the action. "The ball was hit by the boy."

14. Do use vivid action verbs with few state-of-being verbs.

Example of state-of-being verb usage: Everyone is very happy about the birth of a baby.

Example of action verb: The birth of a baby delights everyone.

15. Do keep verb tenses consistent.

Example of inconsistent verb tense: I wanted to go with him to town, but he wants me to stay home and wash dishes.

Example of consistent verb tense: I wanted to to go with him to town, but he wanted me to stay home and wash dishes.

NOTE: In both sentences, "to" wash is understood.

16. Do write numbers under 100 as words. For journalistic articles only, write numbers under 10 as words.

17. Do reread final copy of material before posting or submitting. If any problems or errors exist, revise and correct.

18. Do practice to improve proofreading skills: read slowly and read aloud; examine each line; be aware of usual errors; check dictionary; have a friend check your writing; read the material backwards to catch spelling errors and see things you might miss because you've read it often.

Tomorrow some Don't's for writing.

I taught English grammar and composition as well as creative writing, newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine for much of my life. As I taught, I also attended classes, workshops, and clinics dealing with writing, not only to help be a better teacher, but also to hone my own writing skills. I still attend writing conferences and sessions to help me improve.

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