Upcoming free author talks, sponsored by the Star-Telegram and other local underwriting trusts, need to be attended. Support the arts - events at the Bass, Jubilee Theater, Circle Theater, etc will broaden your views, offer new perspectives, and generally give you a laugh. Here's new dates for authors - 10/7/09 Garrison Keillor at Bass Hall. 11/23/09 - Clive Kussler at Bass Hall. Send a SASE to Star-Telegram, Author events PO Box 1870 Fort Worth TX 76101 and be sure to list the author you are interested in seeing. These are FREE!
I'm still thinking about Jeffery Deaver's chat at Casa Manana. Engaging and forthcoming, he encouraged new writers to analyze books in their genre. If you intend to write a thriller, then take Deaver's latest Roadside Crosses and outline it. Think about his pacing, his characters, his clues, the logic, and the organization of his book. He might take eight months to outline and create the book, before he even writes the thing. Perspiration and preparation. He says he writes for us - the readers and that gives him enjoyment (and plenty of success and money). In this crazy publishing business he is one of about two hundred authors who are ongoing "sure things". That's not many - all the more reason to edit, edit, and rewrite the edit.
I promised a convoluted tale, so I'm switching gears here and introducing you to Colorado (picture above courtesy of Crystal Hines). Again, check out Crystal's work - this talented photographer on her blog - http://www.peekthrumylenz.blogspot.com and pass the word if you know anyone interested in having their portrait done.
It'll be a fun experience. Colorado, above, had a good time. Now, what will encourage her to read and grow? I hope she's read aloud to now or at least chews on some picture books. Then Dr.Seuss, Richard Scarry, and onward to Amelia Bedelia, The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, and more. How do you keep kids interested and wanting to read?
I've got very mixed emotions about summer suggested reading lists. I believe this begins in junior high and on into high school. Yes, I want kids to read. But, if they are made to read, then it is forced and I've seen it suck the joy. It becomes a chore and a job. I'm generalizing about those kids who aren't avid readers. They are on the fence and can be swayed to hate to read. Sigh - that's so sad. I can't imagine saying, "I don't like to read." Wow - miss out on adventures, characters, and escape.
I'll be curious to know what folks think about this and/or what they've witnessed with their kids. I plan on continuing the discussion too - more convoluted tales to come.
Now, it's time for me to pluck a book from my huge pile and read and roam.........
Joanne
I have passionate opinions about schools, children, and reading. That's part of why we were a homeschool family for ten years. Too often, 'literature' studies suck the life out of the joy of reading. On the other hand, 'forcing' my son to read Gilgimish and Beowolf let him discover how fun and adventurous they were. It takes a firm, but gentle hand to get the mix right. Some classics, some current fluff, some poetry, some non-fiction...it's all good stuff.
ReplyDeleteNow...don't get me started on the 'suicide' genre that our kiddoes are forced to read...Hamliet, A Separate Peace, Romeo and Juliet just to name a few. Why oh why don't students get to study Shakespeare's comedies as well as his tragedies...Hey! I told you not to get me started.....