Whimsical Word of the Week

Alexithymia -

inability to describe emotions in a verbal manner.

Example: The author could describe the feelings of the protagonist upon the pages of her novel, but had a bad case of alexithymia in her own life.

Bibliophile's Corner

Fortunately, the Milk
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Skottie Young

Amazon Description:
"I bought the milk," said my father. "I walked out of the corner shop, and heard a noise like this: T h u m m t h u m m. I looked up and saw a huge silver disc hovering in the air above Marshall Road."

"Hullo," I said to myself. "That's not something you see every day." And then something odd happened.


My Thoughts:
Leave it to Neil Gaiman to come up with one of the wackiest and wildest stories for children ever written! The master storyteller has written a book that reads like a tall tale told by an odd fellow indeed. However, upon a closer look, this well-written story is loaded with lots of laughs; twists and turns; and time travel...with breakfast cereal thrown in for good measure. If you are a parent or teacher to a reluctant reader, this book could be just the remedy. Fortunately, we have been gifted with an extraordinary author in Neil Gaiman. I would highly recommend this zany book with its awesome illustrations to readers from the ages of eight to twelve.

To learn more about the Newbery Medal winning author, Neil Gaiman, click here: http://neilgaiman.com/p/About_Neil

Storyteller's Journey

Writer's Rebel Creed
              2014

I discovered this writer's creed on Facebook, via a post from my blogging pal, Theresa Milstein. The positive statements within the creed really resonate with me at this time. If you'd like to join me and add your name to the growing list of writers who have committed to this creed, click here.

      Thanks to S.A. Larsen for this inspirational creed!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Algid -

cold; chilly.

Example: The weather forecast for much of the nation was predicting extremely algid temperatures.

Bibliophile's Corner

 

The Twistrose Key
by Tone Almhjell

Flap Copy Description:
Something is wrong in the house that Lin's family has rented; Lin is sure of it.
The clocks tick too slowly. Frost covers the flower bed, even in a rainstorm. And when a secret key marked "Twistrose" arrives for her, Lin finds a crack in the cellar; a gate to the world of Sylver.
     This frozen realm is the home of every dead animal ta ever loved a child. Lin is overjoyed to be reunited with Rufus, the pet she buried under a rosebush. But together they must find the missing Winter Prince in order to save Sylver from destruction.
     They are not the only ones hunting for the boy this night. In the dark hides a shadow-lipped man, waiting for the last Winter Prince to be delivered into his hands.

My Thoughts:
The Twistrose Key is the delightful debut middle grade novel from Tone Almhjell of Oslo, Norway. This fantasy adventure story is set in the magical kingdom of wintry Sylver; features anthropomorphic animal characters; and contains some of the best writing I've read in a children's book in a long time. Can you tell I love this book?! If you enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, The Wind in the Willows, or the more recent Wildwood Chronicles, you'll love this upper middle grade novel too. I would highly recommend The Twistrose Key to readers from the ages of eight to eighty!

To learn more about the author, Tone Almhjell, click here: http://thetwistrosekey.com/#author

Storyteller's Journey

Walking into 2014

On New Year's Day my husband drove down our country road to do some plein air painting. After I finished my morning chores I picked up my camera and padded down the road to see him.

I thought I'd share with you a photo tour of my New Year's Day walk. This little creek is about three blocks down the road from our house. It's amazing how much beauty is all around me when I take the time to notice.

As if on cue to say hello, this flock of geese honked as they passed overhead. With so much water near our home, the birds offer a common sight and sound in our neighborhood - they are welcome guests that I cherish seeing and hearing.

Mimsi Marsh is a wildlife refuge for a variety of animal and bird species - I've mentioned it on this blog before. It's also a favorite subject for my husband to paint. (I stopped and took this photo when he was just ahead on the road.)

As I came upon Michael, I could see that he was focused on his work, so I walked in back of him and snapped this shot. He was painting the east end of the marsh...and would want me to mention that this painting is far from finished!

After visiting with Michael for a few minutes, I said good bye and turned around to head back for the return walk. These withered winter berries looked so lovely, that when my husband saw this photo he vowed to paint them.

Heading west from the marsh, I took a chance at standing directly on this lonely stretch of railroad tracks. The distant fog seemed to bring to mind a poem, or maybe even a novel of mystery and intrigue. (The road is on the right.)

These photos I've shared with you represent some of the lovely locations that are within two miles of our house. One of my New Year's resolutions is to take this walk more often. (I snapped this shot of the Columbia River near our home.)

As a writer, it is important that I not only experience life, but that I enjoy it. Allowing the wonders that are all around to inspire me, is just as important as the word counts I accomplish or the workshops I attend. I hope this photo tour has provided each of you with some inspiration as you proceed on your own storyteller's journey this year.

           Here's wishing you an awesome year of writing in 2014!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Sempervirent -

always fresh; evergreen.

Example: The bookworm's passion for literature seemed to be sempervirent from year to year.

Happy New Year!