It's probably just me, but I find it very hard to already be celebrating the longest day of the year when my little city has only experienced about a week-and-a-half of Sprummer. How rude is that?
Oh well. At least it's finally stopped snowing, so that's something good, and the weather has been (so far!) remaining in a nice, warm season. Let's hope it continues!
So, why is today the longest day?
Well, I would have done a much more thorough post, but I had to help a sister with computer issues. So instead, I shall simply direct you to some sites that explain what the solstice is all about.
Happy reading! God bless!
About.com
National Geographic
Science World
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Naming your Setting
So, I'm doing a critique tonight, and I was wondering. What keeps you reading a story?
Me, I love first sentences. Those perfectly crafted sentences hook me and really draw me deep into a story. If a first sentence is beautifully crafted, you get setting, character, and theme shot at you at once. It's the best feeling.
My second favourite thing is the overall phrasing of the first paragraph. In my first paragraphs I really try to get the reader into the setting, to let them know what sort of character and place they're getting.
Fantasy? I'd probably begin like this: "Anair, there is a presence within the stone." Instantly you think, Who is Anair? Who is the person speaking? How can there be a presence in stone? Where is this story taking place?
Isn't that fun?
Do you prefer Steampunk? Let's try this sentence: Kat would have fled before the German soldier turned his head and saw her hovering beneath the steam-powered lantern, but her glider was broken. What do you think when you read this sentence?
Historical Fiction? Peggy grimaced and ran her hands down the belling folds of her corseted dress.
Science Fiction? Don Oden leaned forward and typed a phrase of command into his computer keyboard.
I love getting my characters named right off, so you know who the story is about. I love trying to get the feel for the story right there on the first sentence. Most, I love trying to hook you in, to make you think WHY is this character doing this?
How about you? What is the most favourite thing in writing that you strive to make the best?
Me, I love first sentences. Those perfectly crafted sentences hook me and really draw me deep into a story. If a first sentence is beautifully crafted, you get setting, character, and theme shot at you at once. It's the best feeling.
My second favourite thing is the overall phrasing of the first paragraph. In my first paragraphs I really try to get the reader into the setting, to let them know what sort of character and place they're getting.
Fantasy? I'd probably begin like this: "Anair, there is a presence within the stone." Instantly you think, Who is Anair? Who is the person speaking? How can there be a presence in stone? Where is this story taking place?
Isn't that fun?
Do you prefer Steampunk? Let's try this sentence: Kat would have fled before the German soldier turned his head and saw her hovering beneath the steam-powered lantern, but her glider was broken. What do you think when you read this sentence?
Historical Fiction? Peggy grimaced and ran her hands down the belling folds of her corseted dress.
Science Fiction? Don Oden leaned forward and typed a phrase of command into his computer keyboard.
I love getting my characters named right off, so you know who the story is about. I love trying to get the feel for the story right there on the first sentence. Most, I love trying to hook you in, to make you think WHY is this character doing this?
How about you? What is the most favourite thing in writing that you strive to make the best?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Melissa Kline's Debut Novel
I would like to congratulate Melissa Kline, whose debut novel, "My Beginning," published by Lucky Press LLC, will be coming out early July of this year. You can find out more about Melissa's book at her website, and even leave her a nice comment. :)You can also find Melissa on Facebook, and read more about her upcoming novel. In the meantime, enjoy her book trailer! It looks very intriguing.
Congratulations, Melissa!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Contest winnings!!
I am notorious for NEVER winning something I participate in. Ever. Never ever ever.
But today, in my inbox, I received an email from fellow blogger friend Sheri Larsen, and I happened to be the winner for her blog contest! How cool is that?! The contest featured my fellow critique partner Kelly Hashway, and I was the proud winner of Kelly's SWAG giveaway for her picture book May the Best Dog Win. I'm so excited. I've been wanting to win her book for a long time, but I just never win anything! However, in this past month, I've actually won two giveaways. It's awesome.
So, that's my news for the day. Thanks for popping in to see how excited I was. :)
God bless.
But today, in my inbox, I received an email from fellow blogger friend Sheri Larsen, and I happened to be the winner for her blog contest! How cool is that?! The contest featured my fellow critique partner Kelly Hashway, and I was the proud winner of Kelly's SWAG giveaway for her picture book May the Best Dog Win. I'm so excited. I've been wanting to win her book for a long time, but I just never win anything! However, in this past month, I've actually won two giveaways. It's awesome.
So, that's my news for the day. Thanks for popping in to see how excited I was. :)
God bless.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The best things come in threes
Some of the best things in the world comes in threes.
Look at children's stories. Look at Goldilocks. She goes to the Bears' house, tastes three bowls of porridge, sits in three different chairs, and lays down in three different beds. Of course, when the three Bears come home she jumps out a window in fright, but aside from that, the Rule of Three plays out beautifully.
Look at the three little pigs. They each build a house - one of straw, one of wood, and one of brick - and the wolf comes and huffs and puffs on houses one, two, and three... even though he doesn't knock number three down. Again, here's the Rule of Three.
Look at Jack and the Beanstalk. He goes up the stalk three times before the giant chases him down and Jack is able to kill him. Three again.
My favourite things in life come in groups of threes. God, family, and books.
Food comes in three stages. Preparatory, (chopping, mincing, blending, etc.) cooking, and EATING! :)
Take a look at plants. One of the most famous plants, the clover, has three petals.
Look at the virtues. Faith, hope, and charity are a group of three.
Families are arranged in groups of threes. Father, mother, and children.
Then my favourite. God is Three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Look at children's stories. Look at Goldilocks. She goes to the Bears' house, tastes three bowls of porridge, sits in three different chairs, and lays down in three different beds. Of course, when the three Bears come home she jumps out a window in fright, but aside from that, the Rule of Three plays out beautifully.
Look at the three little pigs. They each build a house - one of straw, one of wood, and one of brick - and the wolf comes and huffs and puffs on houses one, two, and three... even though he doesn't knock number three down. Again, here's the Rule of Three.
Look at Jack and the Beanstalk. He goes up the stalk three times before the giant chases him down and Jack is able to kill him. Three again.
My favourite things in life come in groups of threes. God, family, and books.
Food comes in three stages. Preparatory, (chopping, mincing, blending, etc.) cooking, and EATING! :)
Take a look at plants. One of the most famous plants, the clover, has three petals.
Look at the virtues. Faith, hope, and charity are a group of three.
Families are arranged in groups of threes. Father, mother, and children.
Then my favourite. God is Three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
