Just Jemi

Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays: The Name of this Book is Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided to give middle grade books some well deserved attention. This week I've decided to play along!

The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

What a fun story! When the book orders come in to our classroom, I always do a quick introduction to each book that I've bought. Then I choose random names and they get to select the book they want from the pile of new books. Talk about excitement!

When I introduced this book, I read aloud the first 2 pages - the warning. The kids LOVED it. The kid who got to read it first was ecstatic! And he soon had kids clamouring to be the next one to read it.

The book is a fun-filled mystery and an adventure, with a touch of fantasy thrown in. The 2 main characters are so much fun. Cassandra - whose packback is filled with survival gear and who is ALWAYS ready for a disaster of any kind. Max Earnest who never stops talking and who tells joke after joke after joke. Too bad none of them are funny. The two reluctantly team up to solve a mystery and figure out if there's been a murder. All of it is centered around a mysterious box called The Symphony of Smells which once belonged to a dead magician.

There is a narrator to the story - he's the one who delivers the warning NOT to read the book - and his voice is fantastic. I'm not always a fan of narrators in stories, but this one most definitely works.

Do you like narrators in your stories?

Weather or Not

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

I'm over at From the Write Angle today talking weather - and whether or not I'm a good enough writer to include some of it. I hope you'll pop on over and join the discussion! Any hints are MORE than welcome :)

(source)

It's All Kid's Play!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:13:00 +0000

A fabulous blog buddy of mine, Jean Oram, has set up a great website for anyone who has kids. It's called It's All Kid's Play and it's a TON of fun! With so many screens calling for kids' attention now, it's important to have a lot of activites that are easy, ready to go, and most of all fun.

That's where Jean comes in. Her site has 32 categories (not including jokes and book recommendations) of activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports, to challenges, to outdoor activities, to games, etc. This site is great for parents looking to cure their children's boredom blues, reconnect with some games, looking for party activities, or just looking for a way to bring more free play (unstructured, creative, child-directed play into their lives). Let's take a tour of a few of those sections...

Tricky Business: This has those goofy challenges kids (and grown up kids) love. For example, armpit farts, can't touch the floor games, catching stacked pennies off your elbow, lick your elbow (can't do that one), making salt/sugar crystals, etc. Tricky challenges are a great way to get kids back to the basics of playing. They challenge our thinking, the way we think the world works, test our boundaries and skills, and are a sure fire way to start the giggles!

Car Rides: I feel this area of play is especially important these days as the family vehicle is one of the few places kids get to engage in free play these days. Families spend a lot of time in their vehicles commuting, driving to organized sports, etc., and it is a great place for families to reconnect and play. These days the majority of kids don't know how to entertain themselves in the vehicle without some sort of screen. On the car rides page I have a bunch of games that are great to help develop communication skills, visual skills, critical thinking skills, even math skills (and so much more). There is also a printable PDF with MORE games (than listed on the webpage) and a link to word games as well. There are so many things to do in the car! (Example games: I Spy, Round Up, How Long Will it Take?, License Plate games.)

Get out of the House: This section is great for families who are looking for something to do (heck, you don't even need to have kids for many of these!), planning a staycation, or planning an outing. This section includes many family friendly ideas on how to get everyone up, out, and moving. Spending time with your family increases individual resiliency whether you are 5 or 75. (Farmer's Market, go-carting, people watching, laser tag, go to the library, indoor wall climbing, etc.).

Those are fabulous! And those are only 3 of those 32 categories. You've got to check out the rest. I bet it'll make you want to play a game RIGHT NOW - whether you're a kid or not!

Jean and I originally met over at Agent Query Connect, where Jean is a super moderator for the site. If you haven't visited, it's an great place where writers at all stages of their careers hang out. Jean's blog is all about writing and you can also find Jean on twitter talking about writing as herself @jeanoram and representing her kids' site as @KidsPlay

What's your favourite kids' game?

Jean's got a Facebook page up and going - it looks great! Check it out too :)

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The White Assassin

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided to shine a spotlight and give some middle grade books the attention they deserve. This week, I'm playing along.

The White Assassin by Hilary Wagner

I thought this one would be a perfect choice for my first post of 2012. It's a fabulous MG book and if any of you are looking for a way to spend those gift cards, this is a great choice!

This is the 2nd book in Hilary's Nightshade Chronicles series. Nightshade City is the first book (which you'll love as well!).

I love the characters in this series. They are layered, complex individuals - whether they're rats, snakes or bats. Carn is probably my favourite - he put me through all kinds of emotions!! And the villain, Billycan, is much more complicated than you'd expect. The flashback scenes are powerful and pull you in directions you're not expecting, and not always prepared for. They're so well done!

It's a fabulous world of adventure and intrigue. Hilary ramps up the tension, so you just have to keep reading! As an added bonus, the book is dedicated to the fabulous Lenny Lee!

This is a perfect choice for anyone who loves adventures and mysteries. I know my students are going to love it too. They're going to be on Team Rat for sure! :)

Check out Shannon's blog for all the other participants in MMGM!

What's your favourite book with animals as main characters?

Recharged!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

The wrapping paper's been recycled. The turkey's long gone (although lots of soup is waiting in the freezer!). The baking's been gobbled up and the ornaments will soon be packed away.

So what's left?

Laughter, love, memories... and a few goofy gifts that make me laugh every time I see them. As well as a recharged battery.

I pulled up my pre-nano story and decided to read through it up until the revising point I was at before my nano story absorbed me. Of course, I can't just read through - I have to tweak and edit and rearrange bits and pieces. It's slow going, but I'm loving the story. It still needs some work (and that last chapter...), but it's not bad at all.

Nice feeling!

How's your writing going in these last days of 2011? Any other recharged batteries out there?

Enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:57:00 +0000

A bunch of us over at From the Write Angle are sharing our thoughts on what Christmas means to us. Pop on over and share some of your best memories - mine involves a favourite family recipe!

I'll be taking the next few days or more off to enjoy some time with my family and friends. I hope you're able to do the same! May your days be filled with joy, wonder, love and laughter!

(source)

Getting to Know You...

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

I'm over at From the Write Angle today talking about how writers get to know their characters. I hope you'll pop on over and share your secrets!

(source)

Deja Vu

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The Deja-vu blogfest is here! Our lovely hosts are DL Hammons, Katie Mills, Lydia Kang, and Nicole Ducleroir. The idea is to search and find a blogpost you think deserves a second look. I like this one because, even though I wrote it about 2 years ago, I feel the same.

"The idea is to write so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight into the heart."

-- Maya Angelou

My thoughts turned to Maya Angelou after hearing of her health scare. From what I can gather, she is still in hospital, but doing well. Hopefully that continues.

Maya has written so many wonderful things, and she is very quotable. I love the quote at the top of the post. To me, good story telling does just that. It touches the heart. I hope one day to be a strong enough writer to touch the heart of my readers. What an accomplishment that would be!

Many authors over the years have touched my heart. I vividly remember reading the Anne of Green Gables series when I was a child. Anne Shirley is a character who has stayed with me for years. I've reread her stories, and passed those books on to my daughter and my students. Anne's gutsy, optimistic, fun-loving, dramatic attitude has had so many readers fall in love with her over the years. Lucy Maud Montgomery is definitely one of those authors whose writing has arrowed straight to my heart.

How about you? Who was the first author or character who really touched your heart?

Untraceable & SR Johannes

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

I'm thrilled to be hosting SR Johannes, talented author of Untraceable, here today. Shelli's agreed to answer some questions and give us some insights into the way things work for her!

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
That moment when everything clicks and you can't type fast enough and the story is falling into place and you don’t want to stop because it feels so good that you had a breakthrough after months of writing crap. I love that.

Do you have your own writing spot in the house? What’s it like?
It’s my office. Jealous? Don’t be…

Because it also acts as a storage area for unread ARCS, a place for unfiled bills to stack, a place where kids want to play on the computer. The recycling room for all things paper. It’s also a place where Hubby can’t keep his side of the partner desk clean! Arg.

How do you feel about writing in public (coffee shop or library)?
I’m not good at it. I have ADHD so I get easily distracted.

In coffee shops - I have this bad habit of drinking coffee. Go figure. Then I get all wired up and can’t focus because heaven forbid if I ate because coffee is so much better for me than muffins. So I start listening to other people’s conversations and getting involved in their lives in my head.

In libraries, I can’t talk out loud to myself, which is what I do when I write. So librarians would hate me because I am “crazy lady who talks to herself” writer.

At least if I get distracted at home – it can be productive like laundry or cleaning or eating or Googling. :)

And a couple of quick questions just for fun:

Favourite beverage?
Morning - coffee with flavored cream
Mid-day - Sweet tea (I force myself to drink some water just to feel healthy)
Night (well not EVERY night) – wine or very dirty martini

Favourite season?
Fall. I love to be cozy in sweaters and jeans and UGGs. Then again, I wear jeans and UGGs all year long. And I wonder why Top Model hasn’t called. Hm.

Favourite animated character?
Oh gosh. I’m a mom so this is hard b/c THERE. ARE. SO. MANY. I think the characters in Despicable Me and Ice Age movies are hilarious. But overall, I always loved the Pink Panther. (Great choice!)

Favourite TV show?
Right now? Iron Chef and Chopped. I love reality shows that are competitions. I love Modern Family and Terra Nova. Overall I loved Ally McBeal and Friends (Am I showing my age yet?)

Great answers! :)
Thanks so much for visiting, Shelli! If you haven't picked up Untraceable yet, you should (paperback, Kindle, Smashwords)! It's a fabulous YA adventure story with all kinds of twists and turns. Check out my review here.

So, what's your answer to one of those quick questions?

Leap of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:36:00 +0000

It doesn't take much. A look. A word. A non-response.

All your carefully built confidence comes crumbling down. That risk you took - that teeny tiny step towards the next level - suddenly seems like a ridiculous stretch. And the chasm is widening while you're in mid-leap.

You can't sprout wings to reach the other side. You can't go back.

So, you fall.

A long way.

The crash hurts. A lot.

You get up, pout about those bruises for a minute. Maybe two. Then you face a choice. Go backwards to safety. Or forwards to the unknown.

Not much of a choice really. You take a deep breath, put away the pout, and take that first step. Forward. Up the next ridge. Up into the future. To the next risk.

A little warily, but a little wiser too.

Building the strength to make the next leap of faith.

Alex J Cavanaugh hosts the Insecure Writer's Support Group the first Wednesday of the month. Check out his blog for a list of all the participants.

How do you recover from those falls?

Untraceable

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:06:00 +0000

Wow! Just finished Shelli Johannes' Untraceable and had to write this post. Right now.

It's that good. As good as the cover - which I love! :)

Grace is a fabulous character. She's tough. She's smart. And she'll break your heart. She doesn't sit back and let life happen. She grabs it by the ears and tries to shake it into making sense.

All of the characters in the book are so real - even the secondary characters are flesh and blood. Shelli makes them really come to life.

Grace lives in the Smoky Mountains and she loves them. She and her dad spent many happy hours in them, but now he's gone missing and after several months, most people believe that he's gone. Grace wants to prove them wrong.

Grace is so real - touched by grief, pain, hope, love, loss, lust and terror. You'll love the rollercoaster ride of emotions she takes you on.

The action is awesome. At about the 70% mark, the world stopped mattering so much to me. Supper? Fend for yourselves. NaNo? Not tonight. Sleep? I don't think so!

So, do yourself a favour, go grab yourself a copy. And clear out a little time. You won't want to be disturbed!

Shelli will be back here in a couple of weeks for an interview - can't wait to learn more about her!

Here's where you can find the book...
Amazon
Smashwords
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble

In the story, Grace has to survive in the bush and hide from ... well, you'll have to read the book it to find out. :) How would you do on your own in the bush?

Querying that NaNo

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

I'm over at From the Write Angle today talking about querying that NaNo novel. I hope you'll pop on over and join the discussion.

I finished up the 50k on Saturday - but I'm nowhere near the end of the story. I do believe some major editing will be happening in the new year! :)

(I turned off comments here hoping you'll pop on over to say hi at FTWA!)

Voice Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:13:00 +0000

Do we have a choice with our voice? Not the one we speak with, but the one we write with. Are our voices an integral part of us - like our vocal voice?

My main characters vary depending on my story and the age level I'm aiming at. A 10 year girl testing out a new planet for the first time has a very different voice from a 30 year old man working on a cattle ranch. If not, I'm doing something wrong! :)

But my voice stays kind of the same throughout. I use the same mix of long and short sentences. I adore sentence fragments and they show up everywhere. I have a lot of short paragraphs - often one liners - no matter what genre I'm writing. None of my paragraphs go on for very long.

My sense of humour stays the same and probably shows up in the same way. I'm not a huge fan of reading or writing description, so that's going to be consistent as well.

There are changes with each story of course, because the main characters have a lot to say in the story, but I think my voice remains more or less the same.

And I'm okay with that. Will I ever get to this point?

(source)

Probably not, but I'd like to!

What about you, does your voice change with your stories, or does it remain the same no matter what you're writing?

Devil on a Sparrow's Wing

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Good news!!! Calista Taylor's 2nd book is out and about!

Devil on a Sparrow's Wing (book 2 in her Virdis series) follows more of Phoebe's adventures in Steampunk London. Independent, passionate Phoebe and brilliant tinkerer Seth are trying to help the poor of England, and rebellion is approaching. Gavin, Seth's Scottish pal, has a large part in this new book - he's a fabulous character. And that accent? You're going to love it!

Phoebe has developed another herbal - Sanctis - which enhances the senses in a way that will give the rebels a distinct advantage. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but the story takes some twists that you will NOT see coming. You know you're in for adventure when, within the first few pages, Seth gives Phoebe a leather corset he's designed to withstand attacks by fuse guns, pistols and knives!

Calista isn't afraid to let the characters take the lead. You'll be cheering for Phoebe, Seth and Gavin and your heart will be pulled right into their story. It's an incredible tale!

Devil on a Sparrow's Wing is available on Amazon and Smashwords. It'll be up on B&N soon. Only $2.99!

The new book stands on its own, but if you want the full experience & you haven't picked up Virdis yet, it's still free at Amazon, Smashwords & Barnes & Noble.

Visit Calista at her blog: A Steampunk Reverie. Check out the first chapter there to get a glimpse into the book.

Calista also has a steampunk craft book coming out through Fox Chapel Publishing - the tentative date is May 2012. Not only did she design and create everything in the book, she took all the photographs and, of course, wrote up the instructions. She is one talented lady! She also created the gorgeous covers for both of her novels. She's got some tips over at From the Write Angle if you'd like to try it yourself.

So, if you're interested in a steamy, intriguing romance that's packed with adventure, check out the links. You won't regret it!

Have you tried designing your own cover - even just for fun?

Chart Rush!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:

jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost! (Trust me, you're going to love the musics - check out my thoughts on yesterday's post - Jemi)

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA
Amazon UK

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are not familiar with String Bridge, check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:
String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell
Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com/

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!
So, what are you waiting for? :)

Jessica's Melody

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

My multi-talented bloggy friend Jessica Bell has released her novel String Bridge along with a companion CD Melody Hill - On the Other Side. (I told you she was multi-talented!)

You HAVE to hear her music. It is haunting ... and lovely ... and so very beautiful. Jessica's voice blends with her guitar and the other instruments to create a unique experience you're going to love! The tempos change and build and draw you further and further in. She's going to touch your heart. Don't believe me? Check this out...

Excited yet? You should be! I've played her soundtrack several times while writing and it definitely a mood setter!

Jessica Bell is a literary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successful independent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

So, where can you pick up these goodies?

Soundtrack on iTunes
Soundtrack on Amazon.com
Soundtrack on Amazon UK

ebook on Amazon.com
ebook on Amazon UK

paperback on Amazon.com
paperback on Amazon UK
paperback on Barnes & Noble

And where can you find the multi-talented Jessica?
String Bridge Website and merchandise
Goodreads
website
blog: The Alliterative Allomorph
Facebook
Twitter

I'm SO impressed with this soundtrack - it's absolutely gorgeous! And wait until tomorrow - Jessica's got a special surprise for you all. Hint: don't click on those 'buy me' links just yet... :) I'll have the breaking news for you here!

I've occasionally heard a song I thought would match my characters or plot, but to create an entire soundtrack for my story? WAY beyond my skill level! How about you - ever thought of creating music to go with your story?

Whale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:42:00 +0000

If you need a laugh, click on the video - it's under a minute. And it's Dory - speaking whale!

I could have posted the 'Just keep swimming' link instead, but this one cracks me up. Anyway, it's NaNo and I haven't been able to visit the bloggy-verse as much as I'd like. It's also been report card season -- which isn't nearly as much fun.

Don't you think the writers for these animated movies are brilliant? I do - the humour is priceless. And then the actors bring it to life. Hopefully our characters do the same for our dialogue.

Anyway, I felt like it was a good time for a smile and Dory/Ellen is always a great choice for that!

Which animated movie/character cracks you up or makes you smile?

Keeping Open Minds

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Woot! Today is the day Susan Kaye Quinn releases another book - Open Minds.

Isn't that a great cover?! Here's the blurb from Susan's site:

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where being forced to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

Unique concept! Love it.

In honour of Susan's release today, I'm talking about #keepingOPENMINDS. As a teacher this is a topic near and dear to my heart. I've taught a lot of kids over the years. None of them fit the same mould. Thankfully.

It's difficult growing up. No one feels like they fit in all the time. We all have moments (sometimes long ones) of insecurity and self-doubt. Some kids grow up tough. Without love. Without security. Without any way to build their own self-esteem.

Then comes school. Where some people are looking for someone lower on the list. Kids who are so broken or hurt inside, they can only feel good by making someone else feel bad.

Teasing. Bugging. Nit-picking. Name calling. Poking. Tripping... You know.

Until one day the Ray of Sunshine walks in. The one who IS secure in his/her own skin. The one who likes people. All people. The one who makes an effort. Reaches out. Cares. The one who lets the bully's words slide off with a smile. Who knows the world is better when we're all unique - when we all have a chance to shine. The one whose mind is always open.

These Sunshines with their open minds do more than reach out. They save. They bring back from the brink. I've seen kids who felt helpless and hopeless, kids who've attempted the unthinkable, kids who had no one who now suddenly have someone in their corner. That sunshine spreads, grows, nurtures. And the kids are no longer helpless, hopeless or alone.

#keepingOPENMINDS is what it's all about. Try it.

So, have you met any of these Sunshines? Any stories to share?

*********************

PRIZES! Susan Kaye Quinn is giving away an Open Books/Open Minds t-shirt, mug, and some fun wristbands to celebrate the Virtual Launch Party of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy)! (Check out the prizes here.)

Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):
1) Leave a comment here or at the Virtual Launch Party post

2) Tweet (with tag #keepingOPENMINDS)

Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://www.susankayequinn.com/
Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn #keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://www.susankayequinn.com/

3) Facebook (tag @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn)

Example: Celebrate the launch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chance to win Open Books/Open Minds prizes!

Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available in e-book (Amazon US (also UK, France and Germany), Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print (Amazon, Createspace, also autographed copies available from the author).

Gutting Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:39:00 +0000

My pumpkin carving skills are limited. Especially since I hate the smell of pumpkin and usually use markers instead. :)

This guy's skills are slightly superior. Check out these samples...

For lots more check out The Pumpkin Gutter site. How are your pumpkin carving skills?

Hope you all have a Halloween weekend - watch out for those goblins!
P.S. Are you ready for NaNo?

NaNo Nuttiness

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Hi! I'm over at From the Write Angle today talking about NaNo. I love National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoWriMo or NaNo for short). Not sure if I'm Nano-ing or not this year (yes, it's a verb!) - what about you? Any good NaNo stories to share?

Please pop on over to discuss how writing a 50k novel in 30 days is/isn't nuts!

I've turned off comments in the hope you'll visit me there! Thanks :)

Babe

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:21:00 +0000

(source)

Okay, so the writer in me wants to gently remind the Babe that people are 'who' and things are 'that', but I sure agree with the sentiment. There has been lots and lots and lots of great news in the bloggy-verse lately - and it's so exciting to celebrate success!!!

It always gives me hope. I'm on the right road. I'm heading in the right direction. Sure, at times it seems I'm moving more slowly than an arthritic snail, but I'm moving! I've seen a lot of sad faces in the bloggy-verse lately too. I hope these people see the hope and joy these successes bring.

Success is contagious - I say, bring it on!

(Edited to add one more 'lots' - another piece of GREAT news!!!) :)

Forward ... March!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Matthew MacNish & Alex J Cavanaugh have brewed up another blogfest! In this one, we`re to choose 3 blogs we think others will enjoy, but who may fly under the radar. SO HARD!!!!

I have so many great blog friends - it`s pretty impossible to select just 3. But, them`s the rules, so...

Terry Lynn Johnson - Terry`s MG adventure Dogsled Dreams was THE favourite book in my classroom last year. They loved Rebecca and her dream to run her dogs in a dogsled race. It`s a fabulous story. As an added bonus, Terry is a true outdoor adventurer herself. She kayaks and canoes all over the place and has had some hysterical adventures!

Riley Redgate over at In the Jungle - Riley`s a young aspiring author and is having a blast with her blog. I originally met Riley over at Agent Query Connect. She`s very talented and her sense of humour is quick and often surprising. You`ll love her spirit!

Mindy McGinnis over at Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire! - Mindy - known over at Agent Query Connect as BBC (Big Black Cat) has a fantastic blog. She has several series she runs with some rather unusual names. SAT (Successful Author Talk), BOA (Bloggers of Awesome) & SHIT (Submission Hell - It`s True). Yup - you can tell you`re going to like Mindy already, can`t you? :)

So, there you have it! 3 of the many fabulous bloggers I adore! Hope you have fun visiting! :)

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Maniac Magee

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Shannon Whitney Messenger created Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays to celebrate some fabulous MG books. This week I've decided to play along! :) Check out Shannon's place to see who else is playing.

(Jerry Spinelli's site)

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

This is a fabulous book! On the surface its a light-hearted book about a boy who's trying to find his place. On deeper levels it's about so much more: racism, kindness, friendship, courage, risk-taking, love, the power of books, and the importance of education.

Spinelli is a master at making kids laugh. The situations Maniac gets into are hilarious and daring and plain ol' fun. Maniac is a great kid who wants an address and a family to go with it. He copes with all the traumas and disasters of his life by running. When he runs into a town firmly divided into black and white, he wants to stay. Wants to belong. He doesn't 'see' the colours, doesn't understand the divisions and that helps everyone around him do the same.

My students always love this book when I read it aloud. It's full of fun and adventure. And they LOVE the messages the story contains. We have tons of conversations and they're very thankful that our world doesn't have problems like racism anymore. And yes, I teach in a school with kids from many different cultures! Don't you just love kids??? :)

What other books do you know of that deal successfully with serious topics in a light-hearted manner?

Turkey!

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:14:00 +0000

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It's our Thanksgiving weekend up here. Yay for turkey and stuffing and all the goodies that go along with it!

Being thankful's important. Here's a few of the things I'm thankful for today:

family
kids
laughter
imagination
love
sunshine
fall leaves
raspberries
magic
books
chai tea
music
best crit buddies in the bloggy-verse
hope
Rolo ice cream
you!

Happy weekend, Thanksgiving or otherwise, to everyone!!! Enjoy :)

Banned Books Week

noreply@blogger.com (Jemi Fraser) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:24:00 +0000

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As most of you know, this has been Banned Books Week in the US. We Canadians have our Freedom to Read week in the new year. I love that the weeks are different - we get to celebrate twice!

I don't think it's any secret that I always let my own kids read widely when they were growing up and I encourage my students to do the same. I've never had a student read beyond his/her emotional yet. They always put down those books, call them 'boring' and choose something at their level. Strong readers will encounter mature topics earlier than other readers, but I've never found one not able to handle it.

I like skimming the lists to see how many are in my classroom. Kinda fun! Here's a Wikipedia List of the top 100 most commonly banned books. I have around 40 from this list in my MG class.

RL Stine's Goosebump series always makes these lists. They are 'horror' books - but they're usually more comedy than real suspense. One year I taught a girl in Grade 6 who had never read a book on her own. Too hard. I read one of the Goosebumps books into a tape recorder and she read/listened to it via headphones during our silent reading time. She asked for me another. And another. I couldn't keep up. So she told me she'd go ahead and try one on her own. She read two on her own that year.

I had her again in Grade 7. She read 17 more Goosebumps books that year. And then she tried the Fear Street series (tougher reading level). Then she moved on to more.

She came back to visit me years later and told me those books saved her. They opened her to the world of books and they helped her cope with a less than loving home life. She finished high school and college and was working towards owning her own business last I saw her.

She couldn't read more than a couple of dozen words at the beginning of Grade 6.

She read banned books.

Thankfully.

What's your favourite banned book?