Day 21: Mapping Out Writing Time: Injecting Humor the Inkygirl Way

Well. The whole household has fallen to this evil virus, called the flu. Is it swine flu? No idea since our doctor's office won't test for it. Even if it was this fast-morphing contagion, there are no prescription meds for the flu to be found.

But, I will tell you it is nasty. And totally unfair. I have three sick kids home from school. Aaack! No recuperation time for me.

In the meantime, for your writing inspiration entertainment, I give you Moxie and Ed, the comic darlings of Inkygirl. Man, this is good stuff.

Because sometimes, you just need a smile or laugh to get through the hard stuff.



If you want to keep up with Inkygirl's Moxie and Ed comics, click here to go over to her NaNoWriMo archive.

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Unexpected things happen, and sometimes, it's not a good thing for your MC. Write a scene where you inject some levity into the situation. Use dialogue, action, a look, a misunderstanding.

Have fun and enjoy your writing day!

NaNoWriMo Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest

Hey, did you hear? Serendipity Literary Agency, in collaboration with Sourcebooks and Gotham Writers' Workshop, is hosting the first Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest.

Writers must be 13 years of age or older. Submit your title and first 250 words over at the Gotham Writer's Workshop website. Entries will be accepted until November 30th at 11:59pm (ET). Be sure to read the Official Rules and Prizes! Good luck!

John Green on NaNoWriMo

This is great. If you're planning on participating in NaNoWriMo, you must watch this first...er...of course I know NaNoWriMo officially started on Sunday. But, this is John Green! He is made of awesome.

Good luck!

November readergirlz: Marlene Carvell and Sweetgrass Basket

We are thrilled to welcome Marlene Carvell to readergirlz. Her beautiful novel, Sweetgrass Basket, is our November pick! Check out the our interview with Marlene, book party ideas themed around Sweetgrass Basket, and our Reach Out project idea--as well as the sweet soundtrack Marlene's chosen for the book--on readergirlz.com.

Here's a little about the book: "In prose poetry and alternating voices, Sweetgrass Basket tells the story of Mattie and Sarah Tarbell, two Mohawk sisters from upstate New York who are sent to an off-reservation school after the death of their mother. Subject to intimidation and corporal punishment, with little hope of contact with their father, the girls are taught menial tasks to prepare them for life as domestics. After Mattie is falsely accused of stealing, and subsequently runs away, Sarah feels helpless and alone. How Mattie and Sarah protect their culture, memories of family life, and their love for each other under this forced assimilation makes for a powerful, unforgettable historical novel."

And the buzz...

"In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, it is an honor to spotlight Marlene Carvell's novel Sweetgrass Basket. In beautiful free verse, Marlene sensitively relays the struggles of two girls clinging to their Mohawk heritage in the midst of forced assimilation. This is a book that should be read and treasured." - Lorie Ann Grover, rgz co-founder

Winner: Jefferson Cup Award (2006) A Jane Addams Peace Honor TitleCBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book

IRA Children's Book Award Notable

IRA Notable Book for a Global Society

We are honored to have this wonderful author with us this month! Join us all month right here on the blog for discussions and mark your calendars a LIVE chat on Tuesday, November 24th at 6pm PST/9pm EST.

Happy November, readergirlz!

Day 20: Mapping Out Writing Time: Offering an Olive Branch

Thanks, Everyone, for your comments on last week's post. Man, it was a tough few days, trying to keep Spy Girl from obsessing over her hurt. But, as we all knew would happen, Spy Girl survived feeling left out. Nothing like just turning 11 and feeling like your world is turned upside down.

However, a good thing came from all this. One of Spy Girl's friends, L, later told her she was sorry. L and company didn't think other kids would be upset. She promised to include Spy Girl in other group activities.

The pressure is on. I must be sure Spy Girl has fun plans for the next half-day of school. After all this, I'd hate to see her face when I say, "No," when she asks to go into town with her friends. Unsupervised. Sigh.

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Your MC will experience more than her share of conflict and perhaps hurt feelings, before the end of her story. Write a scene where a peace offering is made, either by your protagonist or another character. Is this a sincere gesture? One made from guilt? Or is there a sinister motive behind this? What does your MC feel about this--belief, uncertainty, relief, wariness, etc.? Overall, is the peace offering a good thing? Or a band-aid? Be sure to work in the appropriate conflict and emotion through dialogue and action. Good luck!

Libba Bray Chat with readergirlz Tonight 6pm PST/9pm EST

Stop by tonight at readergirlz for a chat with Libba Bray! 6pm PST/9pm EST. See you there!

Day 19: Mapping Out Writing Time: Celebrate in Style

Spy Girl had her birthday party over the weekend. Fifteen friends stopped by to help her celebrate. Her birthday theme...a Rockin' Movie Party.

The Jonas Brothers greeted the girls when they came into the house. Let me tell you, the one thing I neglected to purchase were ear plugs, which I should have worn, along with ear muffs.


Unfortunately, I didn't have the foresight to take pictures of the screening room (AKA the living room) before the party, so you'll have to picture it. Tiny lights sparkled along the walls. Blue and green streamers hung along the fireplace mantel, windows and doorways. And the concession table: full-size Skittles and Starburst, blue margarita plastic glasses (Spy Girl arranged them into a pyramid), root beer, lemonade, and of course, lots of popcorn with marshmallows.

Yes, you read it right. Popcorn and marshmallows. Pop a big batch of popcorn. Pour popcorn into a big bowl. Sprinkle salt and tiny marshmallows over the hot popcorn. Yum!

The girls descended on the movie treats and found a place to sit on the rug and sofas. Spy Girl chose Zorro and in hindsight, it wasn't the best movie for 15 girls of varying tastes. I think it was too much adventure for half the girls, who wanted to see a chick flick.

After the movie, I served dinner: pasta and meatballs, garden salad with croutons and my homemade focaccia.

Then, came the karaoke sing-off. Let me tell you, if there is one thing you should have at your disposal during a party for a group of girls, it is a karaoke machine. HUGE hit! We have an awesome machine, with two microphones and camera. Perfect for this group of girls. They sang and danced and sang some more. I loved how some of the shyer girls became rock stars when they had their chance at the microphone.

We also did photo shoots with the Jonas Brothers. Nick, by far, was the favorite, and the girls swooned and shrieked. And I realized my husband, He Who Doesn't Have a Good Name Yet For My Blog, did the smart thing by high-tailing it out of the house.

The girls then danced and sang some more. They were disappointed when their parents came to pick them up. All in all, the party was a success. Most importantly, Spy Girl had a great time.

As for the goody bags, I found these pins....


I also made CD's of Spy Girl's party music and put them in these great jewel-colored cases. Then, I put a CD and a couple cool pins in a green striped cellophane bag and tied them up with a pearl blue ribbon.


Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: What kind of celebration will be part of your MC's life? Is it a coming-of-age celebration, a cultural or religious holiday, or perhaps a secret society induction? Keep in mind, the celebration doesn't have to be traditional. Remember to share the significance and the emotions it should evoke. Have fun!

Day 18: Mapping Out Writing Time: Making a Good Impression

Let's face it. Good impressions are important. Some people may claim it's superficial and unfair. Isn't it what's inside that counts anyway?

For the most part, absolutely.

But to get to the inner core, there has to be a certain something that makes someone want to take a second look. I hate to say it, but that's reality, whether we're talking about making friends, getting a job interview, or getting a reader to invest emotional energy with your characters.

I cringe as I write this, because I'm a rebel at heart. But...isn't it true? Good impressions are about conforming to society's definition of a certain norm.

Think about it. Why do people go off and get themselves all dressed up before going to a party or attending an all important job interview or meeting? Why do people study up on a topic before meeting their professor or approaching someone to invest in their business? Why do people agonize on how to write their resume or query letter?

Say it all with me...to make a good impression.

I'm sure the thought of having to conform is downright painful for independent spirits everywhere; however, there's no need to grumble--you can still shine and show your individuality. Good impressions don't always clinch the deal. This is where the rebel lovers everywhere can have their moment of triumph...it's important to show a little of yourself to make yourself memorable.

Within reason, of course. We're not talking body parts or underwear here. So keep it clean and respect yourself.

If you haven't seen Pretty in Pink, you must! It's a classic teen movie.

Think of this as you create a good impression in the beginning of your manuscript. I've got three of my top picks for what I think will help you create a strong beginning. Now keep in mind, this is my personal opinion, based on all the books I've read and enjoyed. By no means am I an expert in this sort of thing. If you like, you're more than welcome to add other things in the comments section.

1. A great hook: For me, this could be through a great opening line or prologue, interesting characters, the setting, instant conflict or emotion that draws me in and makes me want to read on.

2. An Interesting and Compelling Voice: It doesn't matter whether I love or hate the protagonist. That's actually part of what will make me want to read on. What is their personality and inner conflict, why are they likeable or not, what is the tone of their voice and does it grab my attention.

3. A Teaser: Some people have all the luck on understanding the nuances of proper teasing. Because it's all about showing just a little, a little bit at a time, to give the reader an idea of what's to come. Do it wrong, and the reader is just going to get frustrated and give up. But do it right, and your reader is going to hang around until the very end.

What do you think makes a great first impression in the beginning of a novel?

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Read over your first chapter and look at your MC through an objective camera lens. Or ask your critique group or writing buddy to help you. Are you conveying a clear picture of what your character looks like, thinks, believes, acts, wants, needs? Obviously, you may not be able to show all of these in the first chapter, but have you shown enough of your character so readers will want to turn the page to know more?

If you've created a good first impression, congratulations! You're one step closer to a finished manuscript.

If you're finding your character is still missing that certain something, go back and work it. You can do it! Good luck!

Day 17: Mapping Out Writing Time: Not Fitting In

Today is a half-day of school and it figures I will be without Sophie, my ten-year-old car. Sophie has been working hard to keep us safe. It's time to bring her in to get some work done.

Spy Girl isn't too happy Sophie won't be with us. A bunch of 5th grade girls made plans to go into the center of town, have lunch and shop. Spy Girl wasn't included and she wants Sophie to whisk her away to the movie theater or someplace else where she won't have to run into her friends. I find this so strange since all these girls are coming to Spy Girl's birthday party this weekend.

I'm trying to be cool about the whole thing, but of course I'm a little upset since I don't want to see my child left out. More importantly, I don't want to feed into her disappointment and make her think this is horrible. However, I'm also relieved--I'm not ready to have my just-turned-eleven-year-old walk around town, unsupervised, in the midst of middle schoolers and high schoolers who will be hanging around, enjoying the half-day off from school.

It'll be interesting to see what happens this morning at school, if new plans are made for this afternoon...

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: There will be times when your protagonist won't feel like part of a group. Write a scene where your MC doesn't fit in. Is it her choice? Does it bother him? Describe the situation and the other players. Dig deep to find the motivating factor.

Don't be afraid to let your inner teen out and reveal insecurities. Remember to show the emotion and conflict! Be brave!

Day 16:Mapping Out Writing Time: Look Fear in the Eye

Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.

- Dorothy Thompson

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

- Henry James

Time for a little pep talk--throw away those negative thoughts that slow you down. No need to have them in your way.

Prove to yourself that you can do it--make the time, write those words, bring your characters to life. Your story needs to be told.

Kick your fear to the curb and follow your dream. Or...you will always wonder...

Hmmm. Think I feel better already.

How are you doing?

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: What are your MC's dreams and fears? Write a scene where your protagonist has doubts about his abilities. Is she alone or talking to friends/family? What happens that makes him want to quit or continue? This should be an angst-driven scene. Build up conflict and emotion!

readergirlz Welcomes Libba Bray for October!

We are thrilled to welcome Libba Bray to readergirlz. Her third novel in the Gemma Doyle trilogy, The Sweet Far Thing, is our October pick! Check out the our interview with Libba, book party ideas themed around The Sweet Far Thing, and our Reach Out project idea--as well as the awesome soundtrack Libba's chosen for the book--on readergirlz.com.

Here's a little about the book: It's been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy and discovered her ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs deep. Now, enemies old and new will stop at nothing to take the magical power bound to her. With the fate of realms and her Victorian world hanging in the balance, her London debut approaching, her friendships on the line, and her relationship with the mysterious Kartik taking a new, forbidden turn, Gemma will face her greatest - and most dangerous - trial yet, one with consequences beyond imagining.

And the buzz...

"A huge work of massive ambition." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A rare treat that offers...romance, magic, history, Gothic intrigue..." - People

A #1 Book Sense bestseller

A New York Times bestseller

A 2008 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

"Boy, it's really long." - Libba's mom

We are psyched to have this fabulous (and, uh, ridiculously funny) author with us this month! Join us all month right here on the blog for discussions and mark your calendars a LIVE chat on Wednesday, October 28th at 6pm PST/9pm EST.

Happy October, readergirlz!

readergirlz Read Beyond Reality: 2009 YALSA Teen Read Week October 18th-24th!

We are ready to Read Beyond Reality with YALSA, rgz! The divas will host nine young-adult authors - eight of whom are nominees for the Teens' Top Ten - throughout Teen Read Week. The week's chats will culminate with an online gala celebration, where Sylvia Engdahl, a pioneer in young-adult science fiction, will be hosted and honored for her contributions to the literary landscape. Watch for signed book prizes and swag from iHeartDaily.com.

*Monday, October 19th: Beyond Imagination with rgz diva Justina Chen Headley (NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL), Alyson Noël (EVERMORE) and Zoe Marriott (DAUGHTER OF THE FLAMES)
*Tuesday, October 20th: Beyond Hardship with rgz diva Lorie Ann Grover (HOLD ME TIGHT), Elizabeth Scott (LIVING DEAD GIRL) and Lynn Weingarten (WHEREVER NINA LIES)
*Wednesday, October 21st: Beyond Daily Life with rgz diva Holly Cupala (TELL ME A SECRET), Lisa McMann (WAKE) and Cynthia Leitich Smith (ETERNAL)
*Thursday, October 22nd: Beyond Our World with rgz diva Melissa Walker (LOVESTRUCK SUMMER), Cassandra Clare (CITY OF ASHES) and Patrick Ness (THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO)
*Friday, October 23rd: Into Our Beyond with rgz diva Dia Calhoun (AVIELLE OF RHIA) and pioneering YA sci-fi author Sylvia Engdahl (ENCHANTRESS FROM THE STARS)

It all happens at the rgz blog, October 19rd-23rd at 6 PM Pacific/9 PM. Eastern. Spread the word with the press release, poster, banners, and trailer.

Do you love YALSA's Teen Read Week? Let it out at your blog through a post or vlog, then send the link to readergirlz@gmail.com with the subject line set up like this: Your name, TRW Tribute. Tell us about your recent release, or a book you love dearly, and then give a shoutout for Teen Read Week. We'll collect all the contributions and post them at the rgz blog in a 24 hour time span on October 23rd, 2009.

Day 15: Mapping Out Writing Time: Pay It Forward

We went apple picking today. I almost had a heart attack when I saw the entrance fee. If you need a better view, click on the photo. This is a haven for little kids. There's a huge play area--complete with moonbounce, petting zoo, jungle gyms, climbing walls, a maze, haystack climbing stack, etc.

But, I digress.

There were four lines of people waiting to gain entry. I couldn't help but notice that once some people paid the fee, they handed tickets to the folks behind them. This went on for some time, a few people shared these tickets, while most tucked them away for later use. Of course I was curious what this was and found out soon enough. Included with my receipt were 4 coupons for 50% off the next visit (1 coupon per person). I admit, I was small-minded enough to be jealous of the lucky people who saved money. For a moment.

Because what I noticed, was even better. Once I gave away my tickets, I bored my girls with an informal 10 minute observation on human behavior--specifically--paying it forward.

"In the order of nature

we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them,

or only seldom. But the benefit we receive must be rendered again,

line for line, deed for deed, cent for cent, to somebody."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

What do you think I discovered?

Write-a-Scene-Writing-Prompt: Few people are made of altruistic goodness--wanting to pay it forward--every single time someone shows them a kindness. Some people are generous, but know how to show restraint if necessary. Others, are a little more careful with what they are willing to give up. Generosity can be shown with money, time, efforts, friendships, love, gifts, coupons, etc.

Where does your protagonist fit on the Pay it Forward scale? Write a scene where your MC gives back, ie: to the community, to a friend, to a stranger, etc. Is this a punishment, that turns into a pay it forward situation? Or is this something your MC wants to do because someone was kind to her? Is this something he can do easily? Or does she fight it every step of the way? Does he pay it forward in the midst of lots of fanfare? Or does she do this anonymously? Have fun!

Day 14: Mapping Out Writing Time: The I Want It Now Blues

Remember Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? This spoiled young girl wanted everything--a golden ticket, an Oompa Loompa, a golden geese, the golden egg--ALL Right NOW!

Not everyone knows what they want. Sometimes it's wrapped up in immediate gratification or based on current trends. Or maybe it's reflected in the mood of the day. There's a certain level of respect, albeit a very thin one, we should offer Veruca, as she absolutely without a doubt knew what she wanted, how to articulate it, and by the way, if you didn't understand, it was all to be delivered right now. Yes, she was extreme and yes, she did fall on unfortunate circumstances, but she had her moments to shine and exploited used them to her advantage.

It's hard to wait for the things we most want. It's even harder when you're young, when patience is a foreign word, and you believe you deserve the world. Think about this as you discover what your MC wants most and how to get this to happen in your story. Hey, even better, use the following Magic Questions. Proceed with caution...if used properly, you'll find your story transformed. If not, you'll have one cluster@#$#.

REMEMBER These Magic Questions:

• What does your character want most?
• What is the main thing that will drive your MC to reach her goal?
• What kinds of things will your protagonist do to get what he wants?
• When push comes to shove, what makes your character reach into inner reserves to get what she wants?
• How does this influence others around him?

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Write a scene where your MC finds resistance when acting upon desires. I know, I know. Your manuscript needs to be built with scenes like this. So, get writing! Remember to ask yourself the questions I've noted above, before writing each scene. These questions are magic. They will drive your story forward and help create a compelling plot. Come on. Try it!

Day 13: Mapping Out Writing Time: On Gratitude

I started this blog over 2 1/2 years ago because of a dare. My sister insisted that if I really wanted to become a published author, I'd better conquer my fear of having people read my work. Her solution? A blog.

"Get yourself out there," she said. "Blogging allows people to read what you've written. If you're lucky, you'll find a great community of support. You really need to practice letting go."

She had a point.

"Bet you don't have the nerve."

Gah! I had no choice.

Despite my doubts, because of my little sister, who not only is a fantastic artist but also an incredible writer, I wandered into the unknown and emerged a winner. I've been blessed with new friends, my on-line critique group, and my involvement in readergirlz, the WBBT/SBBT, and the Cybils. When I started blogging, I never thought anyone would read my blog, and to discover that there are people who stop by on a regular basis...well, that pretty much makes my day. It's wonderful to be part of such a supportive community and for that, I am so grateful. To think it all started with my sister.

A big hug and thank you to my sister. And a big thank you to all of you--THANK YOU!

Now after all this, it may surprise you that I've been remiss in some acknowledgments. *hangs head in shame* A few people have stopped by over the past couple months to leave various awards. There's really no good excuse for this...I've been quite negligent on passing them along. Please forgive me.

Since I'd like to spread the wealth, I'm going to share these awards over the next couple weeks. Here's the most recent--a very cool award that's “the result of a discussion about what the acronym BLOG stands for, and the creative responses to the question.”--The Blogman Award:

Thank you to Jim Harrington - Quotes on Writing Blog for this honor.

Here are the rules:
1. Tell us your favorite hero/superhero (it doesn't have to be Batman, after all) and why.
2. Copy the badge and post it on your blog.
3. Present the badge to five (the number of points on a Batarang) other worthy bloggers.
4. Post links to the five people you nominate.
5. Comment on their pages to let them know they have been nominated.

As you may remember, I'm up to my eyeballs in superheroines. Wonder Girl just turned six and I'm still planning her Wonder Woman birthday party for her friends. Sadly, it's slim pickings for girls and superheroines, which really ticks me off--is it too much to ask for superheroine party supplies? While I'm at it, what about a superheroine with a normal figure and proper attire? Sigh. Thankfully, we have a fun party theme--a Super Heroine Training Camp Party. Details later.

As for my heroine, without a doubt, it's my sister.

I'm having a hard time choosing just five people. This award is so cool, I'd love to share it with all of you. Who is your favorite hero/heroine?

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: How does your protagonist express gratitude? Write a scene where your MC needs to show appreciation to someone. What do they do? Not do? Are they reluctant to give thanks? Enthusiastic? This gives you a chance to dig deep into your MC's personality. Have fun with this!

Want a writing prompt tied with a contest? If you're under 25, enter the readergirlz writing contest by September 25th. The winning work will be posted on readergirlz author-in-residence Beth Kephart's blog. The winner will also receive a signed copy of UNDERCOVER by Beth Kephart-- a beautiful, beautiful book. What are you waiting for? Write away!

National Book Festival 2009: Saturday, September 26th

If you're in the Washington, D.C. area this weekend, go and check out the National Book Festival. It will be held on the National Mall--Saturday, September 26th from 10am - 5:30pm and is slated to feature over 70 best-selling writers, illustrators and poets.

The event is free and open to the public.

New this year, the Library is bringing the festival direct to mobile phone users with their first-ever mobile campaign. By texting ‘BOOK’ to 61399, mobile phone users can opt-in to receive the latest festival announcements as well as author presentations and signing schedules. NOTE: Standard Messaging Rates may apply.

Festival fans will also be able to download author podcasts, accessed free of charge through the Library’s website or on iTunes. The recordings feature candid interviews with award-winning authors George Pelecanos, James Patterson, Rickey Minor, Nicholas Sparks, and more. For those who want more interaction, go to The Washington Post to participate in the online discussions with several participating authors, including Annette Gordon-Reed, Ken Burns, and Douglas Brinkley.

For more information, go to the 2009 National Book Festival website.