Happy Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I've included a list of the things I'm thankful for as a writer. 

I'm thankful for:

• The time to write (no matter how minuscule it seems on some days);
• My son who has written 1,001 words of his first novel and has developed a love of writing;
• My writing friend (and my BFF) who lets me read her writing and gives me hope that I can one day write as well as she does;
• My online critique friends who keep letting me send them my writing;
• Published authors who write amazing stories and provide me with wonderful mentor texts;
• My friends in the blogosphere who inspire me on a daily basis; and
• The desire to write, even on the days when I'm filled with self-doubt.

 I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

NaNoWriMo

I challenge you all to participate in November's NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): 30 days, 50,000 words, and a whole lot of fun!  If you've ever thought about writing a novel, here's your chance.  And hold back those excuses -- I'm a single mom working two jobs, and if I can still find the time, so can you!

Join here and add me as one of your Writing Buddies!

Check out what John Green (Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns) has to say about NaNoWriMo: 

Circle of Friends Blogger Award

I received this wonderful award from Catherine A. Winn at The Writing Room.  Thanks Catherine! My job is to pass it on to five other bloggers.

Andria at My Meandering Musings

Renae at The Write Groove 

Debbie at Writing Soup

Jessie at Read Between the Lines

Michelle at Michelle Teacress 

Juggling Time

You may or may not have noticed, but I've been absent from my blog (and other blogs) for most of the summer. I had grandiose visions of being a full-time writer and dedicating my summer to finishing my novel.  

But, like some well-thought out plans, my vision failed rather quickly. I discovered that I work better on a tight, rigid schedule. With too much free time (like my summer as a teacher out of school), I tend to fill in the gaps with non-work: reading, playing with my kids, going to movies, etc. It surely didn't leave me enough time to write. In my mind, I was on vacation (loosely translated, no work!). Then it became easier and easier to push writing to my "back-burner."  

Now, three weeks before I have to return back to school, I can't imagine where the time went. Did I write every day? No. Did I finish the first draft of my novel? No. Did I stay caught up on blogging? No.  

But I can say that I had an enjoyable summer. Three months ago, my kids and I made a list of the top 50 things we wanted to do this summer. We didn't accomplish everything, but we did manage to hit 24 activities on the list. Not too bad, I think.  

What I realized this summer is that I tend to accomplish more when I have less time. Surprising, isn't it? I think I prioritize better when there's less time. I'm looking forward to getting back into a rigid schedule again, one that includes time to write. 

What about you? Did you achieve all that you wanted this summer?

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Begins Today!

Get ready ... Get set ... Start reading!  

Today is the first day in a three day read-a-thon, sponsored by Angela at The Reading Angel.  You can join in the festivities from her blog.  Each day from July 12 to July 14, there will be mini-activities that you can complete (and there are PRIZES!).

These are the books on my list to read:

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

So grab your own books and start reading! What's the next book you're going to read?

Developing Character

I admit that I don't spend a lot of time before I start writing a manuscript to outline my plot, sketch my characters, or create an emotional arc.  Instead, I write and let the characters develop themselves and the plot.  

I know that there isn't only one right way to be a writer, but here's some advice that I learned about character development from published authors at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference:

• All characters--heroes, villains, and secondary/tertiary characters--need to have strengths and weaknesses. (Alane Ferguson)
• As characters matter more to each other, they matter more to the reader. (Brandon Mull)
• Make sure secondary characters aren't "cardboard"--especially parents and young children. (Sara Zarr)
• Avoid stereotypical characters.  Each character must be "fresh." (Alane Ferguson)
• Characters need to relate to others, be interesting, and be likeable. (Brandon Mull)
• Be personally involved.  Be passionate about your characters and connect on deeper levels.  (Sara Zarr)

 What about you?  Is there any other advice about developing characters that you can add, either with your own experience or from conferences you've attended?

Gateway Books

In celebration of today's release of Eclipse, I want to praise the Twilight saga.  Now, this is not meant to be a forum to debate Stephenie Meyer's writing skills (we all know there are passionate feelings on both sides of the spectrum).  Instead, I want to focus on her books from the viewpoint of a high school English teacher.

As writers, it's easy for us to question why some books get published, especially when we feel adamant that we are better writers.  But as an English teacher, I've learned to appreciate any book that my students read.  My job is to get my students to read.  And to enjoy reading.  If it means they read a Twilight novel rather than Shakespeare, I'm okay with that.  Because at least they're reading.

We've all heard the term "gateway drugs."  (If not, Dictionary.com defines it here.)  But have you ever heard of gateway books?  These are the books that turn non-readers into readers.  I see that happen every school year. 

That's why I put every book I buy (or win in a contest or obtain as a donation) on my classroom shelf.  Because I never know which book will be the next gateway book for my students.  If I can help at least one non-reader become a reader, I'll feel like I've done my job.  

Let's be realistic as writers.  We need readers.  How else can we make a living as writers?  I applaud those writers, the ones like Stephenie Meyer, who can spin a great story and create energetic teen readers.

Here's my question to you: What were your gateway books?  Which ones helped you to become readers and/or writers?