Sentimental Serendipity

Earlier this week I attended a "sneak-peek" of the new Fort Vancouver Regional Library - the Grand Opening is on July 17th. Although I will miss our old community library - this new one is breathtaking - take a look...

This wall is both inspiring and artistic; the entire library pushes the architectural boundaries of tradition out the window! By the way, the old facility will become the new home for the business and administrative offices, for all thirteen library branches in Clark County.

The children's section takes up a full floor of the library; complete with lots of opportunities for educational interaction - like the little boat! This will be a familiar area to me, since I volunteer at the library on Tuesday mornings, helping out with the children.

Earlier in my blog I mentioned this new library and I said that it has four stories; technically it is considered to have five stories - with the basement floor. The openness and light in this modern facility are wonderful - it will help to brighten even the grayest of Northwest days!

Although I am an avid reader of adult novels, I must confess to spending alot of time in the children's section. Check out my blog on Mondays; Bibliophile's Corner includes a book review of great children's literature every week.

This beautiful south facing observation deck includes bamboo trees, metal sculptures, and an amazing view of the Columbia River! If you are a local, be sure and check out your new library later this month, when it will be open to the public. I hope you enjoyed this tour of one of my new favorite places.

Storyteller's Journey

     It has occurrred to me that to be a successful children's book writer, I would do well to become as a child - at least occasionally.
     Like most Type A people, I am a borderline workaholic; now it seems I need to work at having fun!
     After a relaxing and enjoyable holiday weekend at our cabin, I am noticing how much more energized and inspired I feel.
     I encourage you to enjoy your summer as much as possible - while still focusing on your goals as a writer. I can't help but believe that the more alive we are as writers - the more alive, too, will be our writing!

Writer in the Woods

Yes, that is me. As you can see my hair does not like the moisture in my beloved Olympic National Forest! (Does Rosanna, Rosanna, Danna ring a bell?) Since I haven't posted on Thursdays for awhile, I thought I would share a few nature photos of the vegetation near our cabin. Each week, for the rest of the summer, I will share a new plant.

Our first example of indigenous vegetation in the rain forest is the Salmonberry, blooming in early summer. It is a favorite food not only of birds and bears, but of my husband, Michael, too! He enjoys having his hot oatmeal with a scattering of salmonberries on top. Since this berry is rarely used commercially, it is that much more enjoyed by the local folks.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Ort-

A scrap of food left after a meal is completed.

Bibliophile's Corner

George Washington, Spymaster
by Thomas B. Allen

Flap Copy description:
It's 1775 and General Washington is in serious trouble. He has a ragtag army, a few muskets and some cannons, and no money to fight the world's most powerful empire. His only hope of beating the British is to wage an invisible war - a war of spies and deception.
    You are about to enter the shadowy world of double agents and covert operations, of codes and ciphers - a world so secret that even the spymaster himself doesn't know the identities of some of his agents. You'll meet members of the elusive Culper Ring, uncover a "mole" in the Sons of Liberty, and see how invisible ink and even a clothesline were used to send messages, as you follow the successes and failures of the Americans in their War of Independence.

My thoughts:
This historical book for young readers documents the true story of how our nation used espionage to help win our War of Independence. The author, Thomas B. Allen, has written an interesting and informative text based on his in depth research of historical documents. The section detailing Benedict Arnold is especially enlightening. The book includes a map, timeline, spy terms, and the Code that was actually used by General Washington. I would recommend George Washington, Spymaster to anyone who enjoys U.S. history - or has a desire to become a secret agent someday!      Happy Independence Day!

Incredible Inspiration

We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.



                            John F. Kennedy

Storyteller's Journey

      Recently I attended a Writers' Mixer at Cover to Cover Books and Espresso; where the speaker, Randal Houle, discussed the importance of writing strong minor characters into your story. One point he made was that you can reveal more of your major characters' traits by having the minor characters reactions to them.
     The following week I went through my text and strengthened my secondary and minor characters. It made a big improvement, thanks Randal Houle!
    
     While I'm mentioning my current work in progress, I will give you a brief update. I am still on track to finish the re-write of my animal fantasy by mid-late August. My plan is to spend a couple of weeks in September revising (strengthening verbs, etc.) and two additional weeks editing (grammar and punctuation) my story. The goal is to attend the SCBWI Fall Retreat at Silver Falls Conference Center, in Sublimity, Oregon, in October. Wish me luck!