Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Whimsical Word of the Week

Cumshaw -

(n.) gift; gratuity; tip.

Example: The teen was elated by the college's cumshaw of an academic four-year scholarship.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Bibliophile's Corner


The Carpet People
written and illustrated
by Terry Pratchett
 
Back Cover Description:
Deep among the Carpet fronds, where the wild snargs prowl, the Munrung tribe has known peace for decades. But now the old order is unraveling, and a new story is in the making. A story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction; of villainous mouls, hungry for power;  and of two noble brothers on the adventure of a lifetime.
 
It's a story that will come to a terrible end - if someone doesn't do something about it. If everyone doesn't do something about it...
 
My Thoughts:
The British author, Terry Pratchett wrote the fantasy novel, Carpet People in 1971. However, after the author's works were more well-known, it was rewritten and re-released in 1992. Mr. Pratchett was quoted as saying, "This book has two authors, and they were both the same person." This extraordinary children's book is full of humor and wit and the illustrations by the talented author are just amazing. I would highly recommend The Carpet People to readers from the ages of eight to eighty!

To learn more about the award-winning author, Sir Terry Pratchett, click here.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Storyteller's Journey

Photo Credit: Public Domain
       A Writer's Different Hats

Even before embarking on my path to publication I was acutely aware of the multi-tasking that is required of an aspiring author. Now that I'm busy not only with the writing of my W.I.P., but with exploring marketing opportunites, I feel like I "put on a different hat" nearly every day!

As a natural introvert and a writer who enjoys my time in my creative cave, the need to interact with different professionals in my desire to market The Scandinavian Santa is a bit too much socializing at times.

When I set out on my storyteller's journey I had no idea that I'd be meeting with a videographer, or taking PowerPoint  classes, or experiencing any number of new situations. My love for writing was why I decided to pursue publication so many years ago. However, I must admit that some of the new tasks I've tackled have actually caused me to grow as a person, and even sometimes, to confront and conquer a hidden fear along the way.

Here are a few of the "hats" I've worn on my storyteller's journey:

Writer, researcher, editor, blogger, social network butterfly, conference attendee, student (creative writing and PowerPoint classes), and computer geek, to name a few. By far the "hats" that have been the most difficult to wear are those that make me feel uncomfortable; those that require me to be just a bit of an extrovert. As the publication date for my book draws near, there seems to be more and more need to wear the "hat" of an extrovert. Maybe after the release of my book I'll get back to wearing a minimal of hats, lest I become a mad hatter!

As a writer, have you "worn a hat" that seems a bit uncomfortable?

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Whimsical Word of the Week

Balter -
(v.) to dance artlessly, without particular grace or skill, but usually with enjoyment.
Example: The author baltered about after receiving news of a book deal.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Bibliophile's Corner

Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times
by Emma Trevayne

Flap Copy Description:
Ten-year-old Jack Foster has stepped through a doorway and into quite a different London.

Londinium is a smoky, dark, and dangerous place, home to mischievous metal faeries and fearsome clockwork dragons that breathe scalding steam. The people wear goggles to protect their eyes, brass grill insets in their nostrils to filter air, and mechanical limbs to replace missing ones. The Gearwing grants wishes - or it did before it was broken - before it was killed. But some things don't stay dead forever.

My Thoughts:
The latest release from Emma Trevayne is both imaginative and inventive. The steampunk settings of Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times seem to transport the reader to the parallel world of the metal and magical Londinium. The character arc of the protagonist - Jack Foster - will keep the reader turning the pages of this beautiful book. I would highly recommend this middle grade novel to readers from the ages of eight to twelve!

Friday, July 18, 2014

Storyteller's Journey



An interview and book trailer for THE SCANDINAVIAN SANTA,
written by Victoria Lindstrom with paintings by Michael Lindstrom.
(Produced by MVP Video - Jim Martin - Vancouver, WA.)

I've chosen to reveal the YouTube video for my soon to be released debut children's book here on Writ of Whimsy since you, my blogging friends, are really the ones who know all about the challenges a writer goes through, and have been with me through my storyteller's journey thus far. One thing I've definitely learned from the making of this video: an actress or comedienne I am not! However, I am thrilled with what my producer, Jim Martin of MVP Video has created for my website. I'll use it for other marketing opportunities too. (Both websites listed at the end of the video are not yet live. They will be launched soon!)

Jim Martin, me, Lee Blaylock (also a children's writer!)

These guys made our time in front of the camera lots of fun. Thanks, Jim and Lee!