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5 Minute Friday–EXCUSE

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I’m a teacher so when I hear the word excuse, I think immediately of:
        
    -Excuses why your homework wasn’t done.
If you don’t have an excuse, there is a consequence.
or
            -Excused and unexcused absences
(Meaning if you have a good reason or someone like a parent to vouch for you, your absence is not counted against you.  If not, it is “unexcused,” and you are penalized.)
or
            -Being tardy without an excuse…
If you come into my class late without an excuse, I mark you tardy.  After 3 unexcused tardies, you receive a detention from the Dean.

(Don’t you miss high school and all of its rules?)

As a teacher, when someone is absent, tardy, or without his homework, I want to know “What is your excuse?”

The Bible says in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

In my opinion, this means that God’s Creation and his eternal and invisible qualities are enough to show all of us that he exists.  Those who choose not to believe in him are without excuse. 

So what happens if you are unexcused with God?  The Bible is clear that just like a “late” student without a pass/excuse deserves detention, “the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23a
Thank God there is more to that verse.

“but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b

He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sin.   He paid it to “excuse” or pardon our sin by having Jesus die on the cross in our place. By placing our faith in what Jesus did on the cross, we receive forgiveness (our excuse) and eternal life.

Thanks be to God! 

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Analyzing for layers–PICK A PINE TREE by Patricia Toht

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Even though its the middle of November, I’m in a Christmasy mood!  So I chose a sparkly, new Christmas book fresh off of the library shelf and decided to analyze it for the layers that Julie Hedlund talked about in her FB video.

Here is a picture of the cover–isn’t it cute?

Interestingly enough, this book has a unique STRUCTURE in that it is a rhyming poem about the setting up of a Christmas tree, so it does not have much on the layers of PLOT and CHARACTER, but instead it is very strong in HEART, LANGUAGE, AND PACING.

In fact, I’m pretty sure HEART is the reason I chose it!  I’m drawn to those little Hallmark-y places where you can cut down your own Christmas tree as a family, sip some cocoa or cider, and then go home and have a special family night of decorating.  I identified with the description of each step in the process, and my heart does a big “Awww, so sweet!” because of the warm feelings doing this activity evokes each year.  It is a fun, family time!

I call the layer of LANGUAGE “word choice”.  Patricia Toht has this layer down pat! Even the title “Pick a Pine Tree” is poetic.  I love the phrase in the book “hang them all in little nooks” because that perfectly describes how we look for the perfect little spot to nestle in our special ornaments.

Other vivid/specific word choices that paint pictures:  
spiky needle clumps, 
snug and sturdy
bundle it upon your sled, 
piney scent, 
thirsty tree, 
bulging boxes, 
rusty tins, 
pointy tips, 
candle clips, 
trinkets, 
lacy snowflakes, 
silver drips

She does a nice job with PACING.  There is just the right amount of text on a page.  And many times the page ends with “but wait,” “next,” “it’s a…,” Which leads you to the next page.

As I mentioned, this was a book that paints the picture of decorating the tree–not an action driven or conflict driven PLOT.

As for CHARACTER, there is one main family, but there are many other people depicted.  There is not one main character in this book.

The RULE OF THREE is in there, but more subtle.  I found these three’s:

one with spiky needle clumps, scaly bark, or sappy bumps.
Lift, bundle, and bring it home
Golden star, velvet bow, angel dressed in flowing robes
I loved the details in the ILLUSTRATIONS, and I notice something new with each reading.  
For example: 
-the red thermos by the tree salesman in the chair at the tree lot,
-the texturizing of the trees,
-the netting on the tree that dad holds while mom trims the trunk,
-the white kitty hiding in the tree,
-the welcoming light from the house as they invite their friends in for a decorating day,
-(and on last page) Santa’s sleigh on the roof and Santa in the living room

As you read, you can hear the VOICE in the story that builds and builds to the crescendo:

“It’s a CHRISTMAS TREE” 
“Merry Christmas , one and all”

Finally, the THEME is not stated (of course) but I would say it is the joy that comes from family and togetherness at the holidays.

If you read this picture book, look for these layers!  I would love to hear other examples that you find! And great job Patricia Toht and her illustrator Jarvis on a beautiful Christmas book!
Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Jackie Yeager, middle grade debut author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

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Book summary:
An eleven year old and her four teammates (The Crimson Five) discover a world full of spinning bunk beds, floating playgrounds, and an invention task more complex than anything they’d prepared for at home.  These kids are on a competitive adventure in a world of magical realism where anything is possible.
Jackie, so glad you can join me today!  I can’t wait to hear your answers to my questions. 

 First off, I love the behind-the-scenes information when it comes to how authors get their inspiration.  I have read that you based SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB off of an Odyssey of the Mind Competition in which you were involved.  I would love to know, what is the Odyssey of the Mind Competition?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving competition. Kids work in teams of 5-7 and are supported by one or more volunteer coaches—usually a parent. They work through the school year on a one of five long term complex problems. On competition day, the team presents their solution to a panel of judges in the form of a skit. That day, they also solve an on-the-spot type verbal, hands on, or verbal/hands on problem that they are not given until they walk into the judging room. The program helps to develop team work and creative problem solving skills and is available in many schools around the country. My kids were lucky that there was a strong Odyssey of the Mind program already in place in their school district.
So your own kids were in this competition and you were the coach?

When my daughter was in fourth grade I coached her team and continued to do so for several years after that. When my son was in fourth grade I began coaching his team as well. The kids had a lot of fun through the years and I did too. 
Sounds fun!  Can you tell us what happened with that team and how you used it as a springboard for the novel?
In 2011, the first year that my son’s team worked together, they placed first in the regional competition and earned a chance to compete at the New York state competition. It was an amazing experience and the kids were just thrilled to be competing there. In a shocking turn of events, the team placed second at the NY state competition earning them a chance to compete at the World Finals along with 850 other international teams and teams from around the US. It was an amazing experience for all of us—not just for the kids and me but for all of our families too, one I’m sure none of us will ever forget. It was like being at the Olympics of Imagination, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, parades, and incredible performances by kids from all over the world! 
At the time, I had been querying another middle grade novel, without much luck. It was during and after our trip to the World Finals that I realized that this could be the bases for an incredible story. It took me a year after that to formulate an idea, not really an Odyssey of the Mind Story, but a story of five kids who compete in something on a larger than life scale. It eventually became the backdrop for THE CRIMSON FIVE books.   
That is fascinating.  I am also curious whether there is a scene in the novel that you are most proud of or that was most difficult to write?
                                                                                            
There’s a heartbreaking scene between Kia Krumpet (the main character) and her Grandma Kitty that was particularly difficult to write. It’s a scene where I hope to show the moment in a child’s life when he or she realizes that a family member (like a parent or grandparent) is not perfect—that moment when that illusion is shattered. It happens to every child at some point in their life and can be a defining moment for them. 
Now you have my interest piqued!  I will enjoy reading how you handled that delicate scene.  

Is there a takeaway you hope your readers have after reading your book?

I’m all about positive thinking and dreaming big. One of my favorite quotes by Kia Krumpet is, “I know my chances stink, but somebody has to win. I pick me.” That quote is not meant to show that Kia is conceited but rather that her dreams are bigger than her present reality and she’s not afraid of them. I hope if there’s one thing my book will inspire readers to do, it’s to Dream Big!

That is beautiful!  The sky is the limit when we dream big!  Love it!  
When will SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB be available for pre-order?

The publication date is January 9, 2018 but it’s available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also through any independent bookseller on the IndieBound website. Here are the links:


Finally, I’ve heard that there is a sequel!  Is that true?  If so, can you share the title of the sequel and its release date?
                  
The sequel to Spin the Golden Light Bulbis Flip the Silver Switch and it’ll be released on July 10, 2018 almost exactly six months later.



Ooh–congrats on the sequel, as well!  2018 is going to be a special year for you.  I’m so happy for you!  Finally, I’m sure everyone is so curious to know…what happens when you spin the light bulb?

I definitely cannot give that one away. Kia and her teammates would be disqualified from the competition if I did! But…January 9th is coming fast, so at least you won’t have to wait too long to find out! 

Well, I tried 🙂  I can’t wait to read the book and find out!     

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mindy. It was fun answering your questions!

You’re welcome!  I’m hoping you’ll join me again sometime soon!  I want to ask you about some writing tips…


Sure thing!

In the meantime, best wishes on this fabulous book and its sequel!
Author blog: www.swirlandspark.com  (Jackie has a BOOK NOOK where she recommends great middle grade fiction, and SCRIBBLE TIPS where she gives helpful writing advice, along with her fabulous blog entries)
Twitter:  @JackieYeager
What is Magical Realism? It is realistic fiction that includes an element or two that relies on the reader believing in magic or the possibility that it could happen in the future through science. Jackie’s book is futuristic magical realism relying on the possibility of things being different in the future.

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

About the author: 
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could.  When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games.  She does a lot of cheering!  She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals.  They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

My Faith

5 minute Friday–SILENCE

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Silence
To be honest, this week’s word I don’t really want to write about.
Probably because I know SILENCE all too well. And I don’t have an answer. 
  •       When life does not go as you wanted it to—SILENCE

  •        When the bad guy wins–SILENCE

  •       You cry out to God–SILENCE

  •       You long for justice—SILENCE

  •       You want to know the future—SILENCE

  •       You are waiting for something to change—SILENCE

  •       You ask him why—SILENCE

Sometimes silence is so loud it roars!

The Bible is full of people just like us who also dealt with SILENCE. 
  •      Joseph—how many YEARS was he a slave, in a prison, seemingly forgotten

  •      Daniel—he spent a lifetime in captivity in Babylon (not fair!)


  •       Sarah—how long she waited on a promised son



  •       The disciples in the upper room—confused and bewildered


  •        Mary and Martha when Lazarus died and Jesus didn’t come—heartbroken and hurting

I relate to their frailty and admire their faith.
We  have the benefit of seeing beyond their reality. 
o   We see how God answered. 
o   How he showed up.
o   The end of the story.  The why.
o   The meaning or purpose of the SILENCE.
My response:
I wait on God to meet me in my silence.  He will!

Author life, Writing tips

Layers–Julie Hedlund’s list of layers in picture books and link to FB live seminar

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Social media–gotta love it.

I was able to tune into a Facebook Live chat with Julie Hedlund about layers in picture books.  She had some fantastic information.  I shared it to my Facebook page if you are interested, or you can find it at the PB Summit Facebook page.  I also have a link to Julie’s FB Page because her page offers some more fabulous tricks of the trade that I think are helpful to any picture book writer.

Julie Hedlund Facebook

PB Summit Facebook

My Facebook Page

The layers she talked about were:
1.  Plot
2. Character
3. Heart
4. Rule of Three
5. Pacing
6. Illustrations
7. Voice
8. Structure
9. Language
10. Theme

What a great list!

I loved how she gave example texts and talked about how they exemplified each layer.  

So, for my next challenge, I am going to:

1. Check out some picture books and analyze for layering.

2. Revise my own manuscripts with these layers in mind.

I’ll let you know my progress! (Stay tuned!)

Thanks, Julie at PB Summit for a great FB Live post!