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The B Word

A TV show this morning warning about how watching computer screens isn't good for the growth of a child's brain made me think about when I was a kid (pre-computers) and my best friend and I would sit in my room, talking about how bored we were....until we'd come up with ideas for new games, creating crafts or outside adventures.

Next time I get bored, I'll try to avoid the habit of picking up my iPad.

Instead I'll remind myself to look around, think deep thoughts or talk to someone. Reading is always a great option, too (g).

Boredom isn't the enemy, it's a staircase to new ideas and creativity. Embrace your boredom

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Note from Linda Joy Singleton:
I am relieved to say that my new mystery series, CURIOUS CAT SPY CLUB, does not have sabotage as a plot in all 4 books (in the works). In fact, after reading some of the Nancy Drew fans comments about wanting more classic series themes like missing heirs, theft and hidden treasure--all 4 themes are in my work-in-progress SECRET OF THE SHADOW BANDIT (Fall 2016).

Karen McCoy Books Presents: The Writer Librarian: THE CURIOUS CAT SPY CLUB by Linda Joy Singleton

Secrets of writing revealed...

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8 REASONS WHY WRITERS SHOULD WATCH REALITY TV

Every summer I have an obsession.

It's not illegal or immoral yet when I tell people, I get the kind of looks you'd give a crazy person.

I confess, I watch the reality show Big Brother.

"Why would you want to waste your time watching such a fake show?" I'm asked.

I answer, "The setting is artificial but the people are real. I am NOT wasting my time--I'm doing character research for my writing."

Where else would I watch interactions between a wrestler with a master in literature, a gorgeous woman who used to be a man, a rock star dentist, a surfer and a top woman poker player?

While I enjoy the CBS show which is on TV 3 nights a week, that hour-long show is NOT what I'm talking about. It's not just the dramatic moments Production chooses to show on TV. What people see on that hour is NOT the reality feedsters watch.

IT'S THE LIVE FEEDS. 24 hour cameras film the houseguests. Some might call this being a voyeur, but I think of it as social research. For a writer, when I watch the feeds, I pay attention to:

1. How people speak at different ages. As I get older, I seldom hear casual conversation with younger generations. While I avoid using slang in my books, I often learn a phrase or way of expressing something that I can pass on to my own characters. I learn which words and activities are outdated.

2. It's interesting to discover what people younger than myself care about; dating, social media, their phones. Values, though, are often the same; most houseguests put their families and faith above all else. Once the houseguests have been there for awhile, they forget about the cameras and just do their daily routine--fixing their hair, eating, washing clothes, etc. And without any phones or internet or even books (except Bible) to read, all they have to do in down time is talk to each other. And it's real, not scripted. Sometimes they just sit around not even talking--boring like real life.

3. I listen for interesting stories that spark ideas for settings or situations in my future books. For instance, I loved Donny from Season 16 so in an upcoming book, there's a character with a similar name and the same job. Little details from reality enhance writing.

4. I note contradictions and commonalities in different age groups; social-economic backgrounds, singles-vs-married, etc. Most writers will tell you they live quiet lives without a lot of social interaction so there aren’t many opportunities to observe real people. And yes--the houseguests are REAL people. Sure some of them are "mactors" hoping for a career break, but even aspiring actors/models have to wash their hair, brush teeth, prepare meals and just hang out making small talk. And when pitted against each other in a game for a $500K prize, conversations can get VERY interesting.

5. I also pay attention to behaviors I love and hate about houseguests. Emotions are the glue to hold a story together. Realizing what actions bring out specific emotions is a useful tool for a writer.

6. I don't just watch to study characters. I LOVE THE GAME. It's fun to root for a favorite character -- very much like football obsessed fans who cheer on their favorite players. When anyone tries to understand what I love about Big Brother, I compare it to watching sports (beating up people on a playing field is an acceptable American pastime). Big Brother is my sport and the houseguests are playing a game with high stakes. Instead of a ball, they're playing with skills, words and strategy.

7. Do you ever wake up at night and can't go back to sleep? Often houseguests are enjoying quiet moments in the night where a few people just hang out, talking about life, families and strategy. Sometimes emotions flare into anger or confidences warm into comforting hugs. Very few of these moments are shown on TV -- too ordinary, too boring, too real to fit in with the production of a TV show. But these ordinary moments are what fascinate me as a writer.

8. What I also find interesting is comparing what I've watched on the feeds to what CBS shapes into a TV storyline. A houseguest that I know is really nice may be only shown at their worst. Or someone I think is superficial and mean, comes off like a saint. Production is brilliant, really, because they take 24 hours x 7 days a week and shape it into a one hour drama.

A little bit of reality TV can spark ideas and awareness of the interaction of different personalities. I truly believe watching reality shows keeps my character's dialog realistic (think about it--where do teens get most of their sayings? From the commonality of TV/movies).

So if you want to improve your writing, watch a reality show. For me, it's Big Brother. I can't wait to find out who wins BB17.

Latest books by Linda Joy Singleton:
SNOW DOG, SAND DOG (picture book) from Albert Whitman
CURIOUS CAT SPY CLUB (midgrade series) Albert Whitman
NEXT BEEN TEXTED (young adult) August 2015, Leap Books
Free short stories: www.lindajoysingleton.com
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Do you know what a SOLAR DANCER is?

Watch the newest collecting craze dance in the sunshine!!

http://youtu.be/eHezwblkbRE



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHezwblkbRE&sns=tw via @youtube

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FROM PSYCHICS TO SNOW DOGS

or
How a Multi-Published Author Became a Debut Author

Blame it on SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). When I joined SCBWI over two decades ago, I’d already sold a middle-grade and was interested in writing young adult books, too. Yet most of my writer friends wrote picture books. Whenever I went to SCBWI conferences, I attended many presentations by talented PB authors and illustrators. I listened to so many PB talks that I joked I could teach a picture book writing class myself. But write a picture book? Nope. Not interested.

2009 was the year I sold my 37th book, BURIED/YA mystery (Flux)—and the year I wrote a picture book. This PB idea struck with no warning—like summer rain or falling in love. I was driving to a SCBWI retreat with authors Verla Kay, Danna K. Smith and Linda Whalen when my thoughts jumped to the childhood photo Verla had showed me of a snow dog. A word storm of Inspiration flooded my head. When we stopped for lunch, I grabbed a napkin and wrote a story that began: More than anything, Ally wanted a dog—but dogs made her ACHOO. So Ally drew pictures of dogs….

Jump five years and that napkin-scribbled book is now my debut picture book, SNOW DOG, SAND DOG (Albert Whitman). And my box of author copies arrived this week (YAY!). But it’s not like I stopped writing MG/YA. I still do that, too.

How did this genre hopping happen? Thinking it over, it’s more of a surprise that I resisted writing PBs for so long. Whether I’m writing for big or little kids, I love the rhythm of lyrical, active and funny words. Studying the art of picture book writing has actually strengthened my novel writing. Sentences roll and sway like songs from thoughts to finger-tips.

For example (from a MG work-in-progress):
I’m squashed like a human pretzel and struggling not to sneeze at dog hair or freak out as I imagine creepy crawlies creeping and crawling all over me.
This is a sentence from a middle-grade book yet fun words like sneeze, creepy and crawling create a rhythm like when I’m writing pictures books.

From SNOW DOG, SAND DOG:
They heated popcorn and played fetch with straw brooms. They napped with a scarecrow then danced to the music of wind chimes.

I love the craft of word play; molding words like clay until they’re shaped into sentences that make children smile. Writing words for children brings out the child in all of us—and it’s fun.

But it’s hard work, too. I consider picture books the hardest format to write. There’s no room for even one sloppy word. Every word counts and the story arc should rise and fall with character growth like a novel.

It took five years for SNOW DOG, SAND DOG to become a published book. It went through editors, agents, rejections and rewrites. I rode a roller coaster of disappointments and hopes. The day it sold, my agent told me, “You’re now a picture book author.”

And this MG/YA author is very proud to be a picture book author.

WHY PICTURE BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT

My first picture book, SNOW DOG SAND DOG, was featured on the November Book Month






Why Picture Books Are Important by Linda Joy Singleton
The first picture book I remember loving was The Poky Little Puppy. It was an early copy with gorgeous art and a thick colorful cover. Years later, as an adult, I spotted this book on my grandmother’s shelf and couldn’t resist reading it. There’s a special feeling children reserve for the books they fall in love with, and holding this book made me feel like a child again.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I pursued my writing career. I quickly realized I loved kids books the best. While I happily published midgrade and teen books, I also admired the picture books by my writing friends. I thought, “It would be so cool to have an artist draw pictures for my words.” And I dreamed of having a picture book of my own.

Still it took a while to write a picture book that was good enough to publish. Writing picture books is hard! Every word has to sing with meaning, plot, and character. All this is a super short format–usually less than 500 words. What a challenge!

But I thrive on challenges, and I never give up on my dreams. My first published picture book was about dogs—one for each season. I was lucky my publisher found an amazing illustrator who shared my love of books and dogs. And now I get to read my own picture book to kids. It’s SO fun! They laugh, smile and ask great questions. Kids really connect with the art in picture books and the art of telling a story just for them.

A picture book can transform a lap into a magical carpet that takes both reader and listener on an amazing journey. Words and pictures are like food for the soul, nourishing young minds and hearts. In my case, loving a picture book about a poky puppy was the beginning of a future of writing for kids—which is a wonderful honor.

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Snow Dog, Sand Dog

Snow Dog, Sand Dog

Snow Dog, Sand Dog

Snow Dog, Sand Dog


My picture book!

NAME THAT SNOW DOG CONTEST

BIG CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT:::



"SNOW DOG NEEDS A NAME" Contest

A panel of kids readers will select the top three names and the winners will receive:

* Autographed SNOW DOG, SAND DOG book by Linda Joy Singleton & Jess Golden

* A set of Albert Whitman books for your favorite library/school.

* And for FACEBOOK friends--I will also put YOUR name in a future published book.

It's easy to enter:

Email your name suggestion to: ljscheer@yahoo.com with subject: SNOW DOG CONTEST

Include your email/mailing contract information.

Contest ends September 1st. Winners will be notified by email and the name for Snow Dog will be announced online.

http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Dog-Sand-Linda-Singleton/dp/0807575364/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1405610097&sr=8-8&keywords=linda+joy+singleton

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TURN A PHOTO INTO A PICTURE BOOK!

When I saw this photo, an idea clicked in my head.

I was writing YA at the time and gaining fans for my THE SEER & DEAD GIRL series.

I didn't write picture books, but suddenly an IDEA was there. I couldn't ignore it.
I found a napkin and wrote: MORE THAN ANYTHING ALLY WANTED A DOG, BUT DOGS MADE HER ACHOO.

Within a few days, I had a rough draft. But it took five years and many rewrites before the photograph became a picture book, which recently was published by Albert Whitman.

SNOW DOG, SANND DOG -- my first ever picture book!

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WHAT HAPPENS IN SMALL MOUNTAIN TOWNS STAYS THERE (unless someone blogs about it!)

TALENT IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN TOWN???? READ MORE TO FIND OUT WHAT I FOUND OUT.....

The population sign shows just over 700 people live in the small town my family traveled to last night. We drove high into forest rimmed roads that twisted and twisted for miles with few homes or towns. It took over an hour to reach our destination.

Our group included 3 little kids, two parents and two grandparents. We embarked on this trip to watch seven year old Nik perform a musical number on his recorder (like a flute). Nik wore a pin-striped dress shirt and looked excellent. Little brother Pat was also styling like a gentleman, despite his energetic habits of looking for trouble. And 3 year old Bee charmed everyone with her purple-streaked blond hair, deceptively-innocent big blue eyes, velvety prom-styled dress and wicked-cute attitude.

I'm used to going to suburban kid activities like soccer, t-ball and gymnastics. But I hadn't been to a talent show--especially one so far out in the rural mountains, so I didn't know what to expect.

We parked off the main road and entered the Community Hall. I was glad I'd decided to dress up at the last minute as others shined in their best clothes. One model-thin young woman wore a tight business suit with her hair-pulled back elegantly, more like a New Yorker at a cocktail party--but later I found out why--she was in costume for one of the acts. A performance that had the audience laughing. But I'll get to that later....

Not only was this event a talent show, but there was a baked goods raffle and ice cream social. Count me happy! Who can resist ice cream? It was served between acts. And those raffled pies, cakes and cheese cake were raffled off for $50-$125.

Soon the lights dimmed...and the performances begin!!

The first few were what proud parents expect. A gorgeous blond girl (think Taylor Swift). If Simon from American Idol were judging he might have been harsh for some off-key notes but her confidence and grace wowed the audience. She belted out a song like a big star in a small sky.

Next came the little kids (including our own amazing Nik). Cute little kids with lots of relatives in the audience to enthusiastically applaud piano keys, ukulele strums and sweet recorder notes. Nik was a little shy but wonderfully composed for a seven year old. And when he bent over in a formal bow after his performance, the audience LOVED him even more.

The next performer shifted the night into a surprising realm of talent. Kellsey was a 20-something, flowing dark-haired beauty with curves...and when she stood on the stage to sing, I thought I was on Broadway or at an opera. Her voice was larger than the stage, the room, the town. She belted out a song from Phantom of the Opera that had the audience standing up for an ovation. So what's she doing hidden away in a mountain town? Get out to Broadway, Kellsey!

The next singer, a spunky country singer sang a bouncy song called "Dead Skunk." As someone who travels on country roads often, dead skunks are a familiar rural perfume.

The lights went out and movement rumbled from behind the stage--then four black-lit figures looking like shadows with only stick-figure shapes glowing from costumes that seemed made of glow sticks. And when they turned around to dance, their backsides glowed with circle butts, which they booty-shook to bursts of laughter. Very funny dance.

Lots of creativity and hometown support for little kids. I was impressed but figured that the opera singer was a fluke, that everything else would be the average talent show fair. But then the next singer stepped up to the piano and sung an original song she'd written herself which was bouncy and crafted with the skill of a pro; uplifting and sweet like an Elton John tribute to Disney.

We left a little early due to little kids falling asleep or crawling under the table, so the last act I watched was a definite "finale" in humor. A skit of "Jeopardy" in a small mountain town. Each "contestant" portrayed a stereotype of country residents. The elegant woman spouting off NPR, the New Age free-spirit, the savvy grandma and the good-old gal who loves to drink "cold ones." Very funny questions and crazy answers. I loved how everyone made fun of their own stereo-types, and how well rehearsed they were, too.

So in closing, all I can say is that all those America Talent Shows on tv, should look closer into the rural towns, even if it means driving for hours and miles, through wooded, curvy roads. The talent is amazing (including our Nik).

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How many faces do you recognize in this video?

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How many faces to you recognize in this SCBWI video?
(And if you like it, please share. It would be cool if it went viral). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaaXk58b6xQ

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Do You keep a LIST?

Does anyone else keep a list of the books they read?

I keep my list in a small notebook which I keep on my computer desk. I number each book, put in the date, title, author name then give it up to 5 stars.

Some of my 5-star reads this year:
ROOFTOPPERS (midgrade)
OUT OF EASY by Ruta Sepetys Smith
THE CUCKOO'S CALLING by J.K. Rowling
THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL by Kirby Jeanette Larson
NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson
THE SILVER BOWQL by Diane Stanley
GRIMM LEGACY by Polly Shulman
FIFTY WAVE by Rick Yancy
CONJURED by Sarah Beth Durst

Amazing books!! Read them and enjoy

THIS STORY IS A HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS AND ADULTS by Linda Joy Singleton

Here's how it works.

Sit in a circle and have someone hold a wrapped present (or something that can be a reward for the winner).

For younger kids, explain carefully which hand is LEFT and RIGHT.

Someone then reads the following story, explaining that whenever you hear the word LEFT and RIGHT, the person holding the prize hands it to their left or right. The reader should read slowly and emphasize each LEFT and RIGHT. When the story ends, whoever is holding the prize gets to keep it. (Perhaps two prizes: one is good and the other funny).

The following story is one I sold to an online magazine but they folded so I got my story back and revised it to fit this game.

ENJOY -- AND MAY THE LUCKIEST PLAY WIN!!!


NEXT DOOR NIGHTMARE

by Linda Joy Singleton
www.LindaJoySingleton.com

Allisha and Deryck left school and went looking for their friend Kelly Wright. They went right to the Wright house but Kelly wasn’t there. Kelly Wright’s little brother Zane shook his head right then left as he told them, "Kelly is gone."
"But Kelly said she’d come right to my house after she ate leftovers for dinner.”
“She left a while ago,” Zane said. “She said she was going right to your house.”
“But she left us waiting and never showed us,” Allisha said nervously twisting her black braid to the right then the left then to the right.
Deryck, Kelly Wright's latest boyfriend, raised his left eyebrow and demanded, "Zane, if you know anything, tell us right now. Where is Kelly?"
Zane knew they wouldn't believe him. Geez, it was amazing they remembered his last name even though it was Wright just like Kelly’s. Kelly and her friends treated him like something gross left on the bottom on shoes. They called him wimp, geek, or totally ignored him.
"See for yourself." Zane put his left hand in his right pocket and withdrew a small paper that read:
Going right next door to Leftmeyers' house.
Kelly Wright.
"Kelly would NEVER go there!" Allisha cried waving her right and left hands in the air. "Mr. Leftmeyer is weird and does strange experiments. Kelly's afraid of him."
"But she DID go there." Zane looked to the left where the driveway to the Leftmeyer’s house was blocked right up to the street by an iron gate. “And now she's missing."
* * *
Minutes later, Zane, Allisha, and Deryck left the Wright house to go to the Leftmeyer house right next door.
Mr. Leftmeyer lived alone in a ramshackle Victorian mansion which badly needed painting. Few people spoke to him or even knew what he looked like.
Zane boldly pounded on the door with his left fist. But no one answered.
"That's odd," Zane murmured, rubbing his chin with his right hand. His reached out for the door knob and turned it left then right and the door opened.
"We can't break into someone's house!" Allisha objected as she stomped her right foot.
"My sister could be in trouble,” Zane insisted. “I'm going right in."
"Me, too. I’m always left standing in the winner’s circle at my wrestling matches,” Deryck boasted, flexing his right and left arm muscles. “I’m not afraid of this old Leftmeyer guy."
“Maybe you should be,” Zane said ominously.
They stepped right into a dark room, lit only with antique wall lights. No sound. No life. They were left with only eerie silence.
"Kelly? Kelly Wright?" Allisha called. "Are you here?"
There was a faint distant thump in reply.
"Kelly!" Deryck yelled. "Come here right now!"
Two thumps this time and it sounded like it was coming from a spooky hallway on the left. Zane pointed his right arm to a shadowed hall. "The sounds came from the left."
Zane took a few steps to the left, but stepped right in his tracks when he heard a shriek from behind him. When he turned left, he saw Deryck was staring at a life-size statue of an elegant Victorian lady who held a bouquet of dead flowers in her right hand.
"She...She moved!” Deryck cried. “The statue is alive!"
"You're imagining things." Allisha was right-brained and very logical.
"No, NO!" Both Deryck's left and right eyes were wide and terrified. "She winked at me and then she...she-"
"What?" Zane asked.
"She kicked me right in my left knee. And it hurt!"
Allisha and Zane looked right at each other then laughed at Deryck.
"Don’t freak, out, Deryck." Allisha tugged on his left hand impatiently. "Focus on Kelly. We have to find her before Mr. Leftmeyer does something horrible to her."
"His statue already did something horrible to my left knee." Deryck rubbed his left knee. "This place is creepy. Why would Kelly come here? That doesn't make sense."
"My sister never makes sense,” Zane said with a shrug of his right and left shoulders. “But I hope she's all right."
"We have to find her," Allisha said fearfully. "Look! There's someone in that right hallway...or SOMETHING!"
"Only it doesn't have a head!" Zane cried as a glowing monstrous body glided down the right hallway like a ghost.
"He has a head!" Deryck choked. "But he's holding it in his left arm! I'm out of here!" Deryck, who bragged about being so brave at wrestling, sobbed like a big baby as he ran for the left hallway and bolted right for the front door.
But the door was locked. He pounded with his right and left fists on the wood. "Hey, let me out!”
"Don’t panic, Deryck. You’ll be all right but we can’t go until we find Kelly," Zane said, heading back to the left passage, which appeared to be the wrong way to safety but the right way to finding his sister.
The others followed right behind Zane even though he was younger and so short they could see right over his head. The door shut right behind them, leaving behind that horrible ghost wailing like a banshee as he held in his left arm.
"This must be the kitchen," Zane said.
"But there are no windows or back door," Allisha replied, biting the thumbnail on her left hand.
"We gotta get out of here and get help right away!" Deryck exclaimed.
Zane rubbed his chin with his right hand and studied the dimly lit room. "I've read about old houses like this. There might be a secret exit."
"I hope so!" Allisha said. "Oh, no! ... WHAT's THAT?"
Sparks of electricity shot from the left side of the kitchen where a toaster burst into fire. At the same time, water squirted upright from the sink faucet. And a waffle maker clapped open and shut like a spiked-jawed monster, its loose cord flapping like a snake.
When the refrigerator door opened and flung out plastic containers of leftovers like soggy missiles, Deryck threw his right and left hands in the air and screamed like a little girl. "The kitchen's alive! It’s haunted!” he squeeled.
Allisha looked scared, too. She clutched right Zane's hand. "Can you get us out of here? Kelly always jokes about you being a geeky brainiac. But you’re all right and really brave. We could really use some of your brains now."
"The leftovers are attacking me!” Deryck said, dodging to the right when spaghetti splatted toward him. Then he screamed again as the waffle maker nearly chomped down on his right hand. "Help! We gotta escape!"
"I'm thinking." Zane ran his fingers right across a wall, tapping and listening for a hollow sound. He touched an uneven part of the left side of the wall, pressed a knob right near the floor, and a secret panel opened right up.
"All right, Zane!” Allisha high-fived him with her left hand. “You did it!"
The three hurried right down the passage, Zane in front with Allisha right behind him and sissy Deryrk hurrying so he wouldn’t be left behind.
Up ahead the passage split into right and left passages, but both were blocked by a solid wall.
"There's no way out!" Tears streamed right down Deryck’s whiny face.
"There HAS to be a way," Zane insisted, feeling the wall with both his right and left palms.
When he heard Allisha scream, he looked to the right and saw the glowing headless monster appear out of nowhere. The head floated like a bloody cloud in the monster’s left arm, coming toward them, closer, and closer....
Suddenly Zane's fingers touched a button and the right passage slid open right into a side yard. They hurried through, slamming the door behind them. SAFE!
"You did it, Zane!" Allisha sobbed, hugging him.
"Yeah. You did all right," Deryck said, looking down in embarrassment at the wet spot on his pants.
On the street, a car was parking left curb. Zane's mother, Mrs. Wright, was at the wheel. The left hand passenger door open, and out stepped Kelly.
Overjoyed, the three rushed right over to Kelly. "I'm so glad you're all right!” Allisha exclaimed. “We thought you were trapped in that crazy place with the headless ghosts and fiendish kitchen!" Allisha pointed at the Leftmeyer’s house.
Kelly rubbed her chin with her right hand, looking puzzled. "Didn't you get the note I left saying I had to go to my dentist Lefty Writenheimer?"
Deryck looked puzzled. "You didn’t write a note about Mr. Writenheimer. Your note said you went to Mr. Leftmeyer’s house.”
“That’s not the right message I left for you.”
“It doesn’t matter—as long as you’re all right.” Allisha gave a shaky laugh. "This has been a real weird day. Zane's the only one who kept his cool. Hey, why don't you come with us right now to my place to watch some videos, Zane?"
"Great idea!" Deryck added, patting Zane on the shoulder. “But I can’t go right there since I have to change my pants first. Then we’ll hang out and watch videos.”
Kelly looked at them and threw up her arms in outrage. "Are you guys NUTS?" Kelly demanded with righteous indignation. "Zane is always left behind because he’s annoying. We don't want my wimpy little brother hanging around."
"Don't you call my friend a wimp," Deryck warned, narrowing his left eyebrow right at Kelly. “Zane is all right and really brave, once you get to know him.”
Zane enjoyed the surprised look on his sister's face. About time she treated him with some respect. And watching videos, instead of being left out, would be fun, too.
Later that night when Zane was alone in his room, he withdrew two papers from his right pocket. Both were signed by Kelly, but she'd only written the one in his left hand. Zane had faked the one in his right hand.
Sometimes being a "brainiac" paid off.
Grinning to himself, Zane tapped the papers and watched them flare right into magical flames. It was a simple magic trick, one of the many he'd learned from Mr. Leftmeyer. Aside from being a great friend who enjoyed playing spooky tricks, Mr. Leftmeyer was also a brilliant magician.

The Amazing Wizard of Illusion.



The End.

MY ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BOOK GIVEAWAY...

I giveaway a book on three holidays.

Halloween means book-giveaway.

All you have to do to enter is go to my website

And click on the ENTER CONTEST link, leaving your name.

Good luck!!

Linda

dog-ologie: A Guide to Dogs by jess golden: What makes a 'Snow Dog'? And what makes a 'Sand Do...

dog-ologie: A Guide to Dogs by jess golden: What makes a 'Snow Dog'? And what makes a 'Sand Do...: Hello, out there! I'm taking a break from the usual Dog-Ologie post to  share some artwork I've done for an upcoming children'...

Random Acts of Writing: Hop, Skip and a Blog!

Random Acts of Writing: Hop, Skip and a Blog!: Ideas are a lot like opportunities. You never know when one is going to pop up right under your nose. So when my writing friend and awesome...

Writers make the best friends!

Just want to say how grateful I am to my writing friends.

Today I went to lunch with Danna Smith (author of non-fiction pb BALLOON TREES) and afterwards I felt encouraged and ready to tackle the writing world with renewed energy. We usually meet with another writer friend, Linda Whalen, but she couldn't make it this time. When she's back in town, we'll get together again. Our trio-friendship started because I lived south of Sacramento and found out Linda and Danna (separately) had moved into the area and were SCBWI members. I contacted them and soon we were traveling to conferences together and sharing hotel rooms. Now we meet about twice a month to talk about writing and life.

I also have a critique group which meets every other week -- and while this is fun, too, we're very serious about our work and are all business. We meet in a coffee shop and start off with sharing about what's new with our work (we're all published in kidlit). Then we explain the critiques we've written down on the work passed out at the previous meeting. The critiques are wonderful even when they're brutally honest. I've grown so much, learning from these amazing writers (Patti Newman, Connie Goldsmith and Jeri Chase Ferris).

And a really close friend, Verla Kay, lives far away now but we keep in touch and visit each other. I met her at SCBWI Asilomar in the early 90's and soon we were best friends. We rooted and cheered for each other through our sales -- she published many historical picture books with Putnam while I worked on THE SEER series, DEAD GIRL series and BURIED with Llewellyn/Flux.

In fact, Verla inspired my first ever picture book, SNOW DOG, SAND DOG, coming out in March (currently up on Amazon -- preorders appreciated!). I went with her to a school talk and watched her power point presentation. When she showed a photo of herself as a little girl building a snow dog, the image stuck in my head, and the next day the words came to me - and five years later SNOW DOG, SAND DOG will be published by Albert Whitman.

Thank you to all my writer friends -- I hope you all know how much I value and appreciate you.

PASS ON THE THANKS TO THE SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS IN YOUR OWN LIFE.

J Blakeson Set for THE 5TH WAVE

J Blakeson Set for THE 5TH WAVE

Operation Awesome: September 2013 Mystery Agent Contest!

Operation Awesome: September 2013 Mystery Agent Contest!: It's PITCHING TIME! Are you ready to enter? Pitch your completed novel to our Mystery Agent. September's Mystery Agent has req...

Will you remember yourself in the future?

If you're a teen reading this, you may think you will definitely remember your pets, your phone number, your best friends, your teachers and everything about yourself in twenty, thirty...fifty years from now. And if you're lucky you will.

My memory isn't that great, and I seemed to know this when I was a teen.

Here's a journal entry I found from when I was 14:

(Writing it to myself)

Since sometime in the future you'll forget all about yourself, I'd better tell you about yourself.
* You're 14.
* Lori Leann Jones is your best friend.
* I have a small kitten named Toby. Powder Puff has adopted it. The kitten even tries to nurse on her. He's gray.
* Recently Lori and I have been making yarn dolls. My recentest is a genie. I named her Jeanie Lorraine. She's real cute. I'm making an alligator but he isn't turning out well.
* This June 24th I'll be really having fun at Lori's garden club picnic. It's going to be so fun.
* I've been waiting weeks for Margaret Sutton to write. So far she hasn't. Boo hoo! I wonder if she's getting tired of writing (to me). I sure hope not.

(I have to add this next entry)....

June 15th -- Margaret Sutton wrote!

(She was my favorite author and also gone now she'll always be my favorite). You can read more about her at

5 Questions for Blog Hop

Prepare to be SHOCKED!
STARTLED!
AMAZED!

Well, at least not bored as I answer five questions for a blog hop.
I promise to be brutally honest.


What are you working on right now?
After requests from THE SEER fans, I am writing a new THE SEER book.
This is not #7 in the series. It's not a prequel.
So what does that leave you might wonder -- it's a THRILLER!
A stand-alone title featuring all the favorite characters from THE SEER.
And for those fans who always ask for more of the romance with Dominic and Sabine--YES! That's going to be a huge plot. Dominic wants to take their relationship a step further--yup, you guessed it--he's planning to propose marriage. But is Sabine ready yet? Stay tuned while I write....

How does it differ from other works in its genre?
The stand-alone THE SEER is different because it's a younger YA -- the opposite of NEW ADULT genre. My target audience is readers from age 10 up...and for those adults who enjoy lighter YA books, which still deal with some serious issues, but without violence, sexual scenes or adult language. I'm not a prude or anything, in fact you'd be surprised at the wicked bad-taste teasing I'll do in private. But I have a softer, gentler view of people and believe there's good in everyone, and like to show in my writing that all souls in this world are connected and important.

Why do you write what you do?
I love to tease readers. Cliff-hangers are my specialty! I love to play with words, create worlds and embrace readers with my passion for books.

What is the hardest part about writing?
The business end. Even after over 2 decades of publishing, rejections still sting--especially when a rejection comes from someone I trusted. And I lose faith in my own writing...at least for a few days of a pity-party. Then I brush off my damaged ego and try again. I'll never give up.

What is something unique you want readers to learn about you?
Unique? I don't think I'm that different from other writers -- and we're all a little crazy. Just yesterday I met with two writer friends and we were talking about our characters like they were real people. "I'm really going to make life difficult for her," I said about my character Sabine. "She'll stress out worrying that one of her friends is going to die and not knowing who--and I'll toss in some zombies, too."

Anyone listening to us would think we were plotting wicked acts--even murder.
Definitely not the kind of onversation non-writers have -- but it's sure fun!
Most writers I know think they're a little crazy. Not in the straight-jacket way, but crazy with creativity. You have to be a little crazy to stay sane in this business.

*****

Read more about THE SEER via links on in two FREE short stories.

BLOG HOP!!!

I’ve been invited to join this Children’s Author Blog Hop by fellow author Kay Lalone.

She answered a set of questions at her blog, The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection. She has tagged me to participate, and in turn I’ll tag three authors who will be posting their answers at their blogs.

http://kaylalone.blogspot.com/2013/08/childrens-author-blog-hop.html

GOTH GIRL #2: REAPER -- Goth Girl/THE SEER -- opening chapter (a work in progress)

GOTH GIRL 2 – REAPER
By
Linda Joy Singleton



CHAPTER ONE


I lie in bed, waiting.
Since finding the cryptic note in my locker, I’ve thought of nothing else:

To defend an honor,
Come join me,
Meet at midnight
Balcony.

The smiley face is the mark of the Grin Reaper; a vigilante cloaked in a knit cap instead of a cape. Justice Blankenship the 3rd (Jay) puts on this phony act at school, all pompous and pretty rich boy, yet lurking deep inside him are dark layers of amazing. I’m the only one at Nevada Bluff High who knows Jay is the Grin Reaper although I don’t know much else about him. What I do know I like. And I’d like to know more.
Nine minutes till midnight.
I’m ready for Jay, draped all in black; the color of night and secrets. The glowing numbers from my alarm clock and the dying flame from sandalwood incense cast eerie shadows, shifting ordinary furniture into strange shapes.
I hear a sound on my balcony where silvery moonshine defuses the darkness. I jerk up, clutching covers to my chest, not sure what to say when Jay arrives. Can I trust him? It’s a secret we even know each other, much less like each other. My bestie Rune suspects but I made a promise to Jay, so I admit nothing.
Reaching under my pillow, I pull out the folded note I’ve read and reread so many times it’s creased into dark roads tempting me into dangerous directions. I’ve told no one; hiding my thoughts during dinner with nods and smiles for my family. Only K.C., my “like a brother” friend who lives in a room over our garage, noticed my distraction, shooting me a suspicious look when I fake-yawned and said I was going to bed early.
As if I could sleep!
My nerves are razor-sharp, my thoughts spiking back and forth. What will I say when Jay shows up? He’s assuming a lot with the note—that I’ll jump at his invitation without explanation. Sure, being with Jay is a thrill ride like nothing else, but if I give in to him tonight, where will it lead?
Three minutes to midnight.
Sitting taller in bed, brass rails hard against my back, I stare at the illuminated numbers of my clock, willing them to speed up. Straining my ears, I listen for any hint of outside noise; rustling leaves, footfalls, the rumbling of an approaching car. But nothing. I wonder if he’s changed his mind and won’t be coming after all. Am I relieved or disappointed? The smart thing to do would be to burrow under my covers and forget all about Jay. But I’m not the smart kid in the family. That would be my younger sister Amy. She’d never accept an invitation from a guy who breaks rules, laws and hearts. She’ll never know what she’s missing….
My balcony is on the third floor, facing the backyard. Impossible to climb, you’d think. Not for Jay, who blends into shadows. He won’t need a ladder; he’ll use a grappling hook and rope like he’s freaking Spiderman. He’s not my boyfriend so he can’t expect much from me yet I can guess what he wants. What will I tell him?
No would be the sensible answer. As a P.K.—preacher’s kid—I’m supposed to set a good example for Mom’s congregation; heavy expectations that I usually give a middle finger salute to. Fortunately Mom’s cool with who I am, but not so much Dad. He still frowns when I come to breakfast in black leather, chains, army boots and piercings.
Midnight. So where is Jay?
A soft sound from my balcony and like a magic trick he unfolds from shadows. Medium-tall, slim, muscular, black jeans, black jacket, and piercing black eyes.
I toss my blanket aside and cross to the glass door, sliding it open, a gust of chilled night air shivering ice sickles up my skin. I step back as he reaches for the door with a leather gloved hand. He wears no hat, although I notice a corner of black knit hanging from his jeans pocket.
“Not in my face,” I say, blinking when he shines a hand-sized flashlight on me.
“Sorry.” He lowers his arm. “You look good, Thorn.”
“Thanks.” I keep my expression calm but inside I slap the moon a hi-five.
“What about me?” he asks lightly. “Don’t you think I look good?”
“You always do,” I say, and it’s true. Oh, yeah. So black-leather delicious, he’s a walking dessert, served steaming hot. Still his ego could use some knocking down so I add, “But that’s what I expect from a preppy rich kid.”
“You think that’s who I am?” His teasing tone has a sharp edge, as if I’ve struck too close to a raw nerve.
“Not really,” I admit. “But you assumed a lot with your note.”
“It was a poetic invitation, not an order.”
“Meter was a little off but not bad. Whose honor are we defending?”
“I’ll fill you in on the way. It’s good you’re wearing warm, dark clothes.” He gestures to my black jeans and long-sleeved shirt. “I wasn’t sure you’d be ready.”
I grab the jacket I’ve left hanging on a chair, but don’t slip it on. Instead I tilt my head, regarding him with reproach. “Not going anywhere without an explanation.”
“No time. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be too late.”
“Too late? What are you planning?”
“You know what I do on nights like this.” He flashes me a smug, irresistible grin. “Ready to go?’
I cross my arms over my chest. “Why should I go with you?”
“Because you’re up for anything exciting, and you know I’ll deliver.”
“Deliver trouble,” I scoff.
“I call it justice.” His black eyes shine. “Coming with me or not?”
It’s so tempting to say “or not,” and kill his smug grin.
When I hesitate he arches his brows in challenge. “Afraid?”
“Seriously? I can’t believe you said that.” I snort. “Afraid of what?”
“Breaking laws.”
I shrug. “Depends on the laws.”
“Misdemeanors. No felonies like grand theft or murder.”
I grip the edge of the sliding glass door. Stay here, a voice hisses in my head. Close the door and send him away.
“I’ll understand if you refuse,” he adds more seriously. “If we’re caught, things could get ugly.”
“So we won’t get caught.”
“Exactly.” His face lights up with a grin. “Does this mean you’re coming with me?”
I stand there between my sandalwood scented room and the dark mysteries of the night, aware of moonlight, his nearness and the thudding of my heart.
“Let’s go,” I tell him.
Turning away from safety and home, I close the door behind me.
And blend into the night with the Grin Reaper.

Have you ever tried to remember a movie you watched as a kid?

I just solved my own mini-movie mystery that has eluded me for decades.

As a kid (and adult actually) I am crazy about everything CAT. I have cat pictures, figurines, wall hangings in my office. When I was little I would listen out of my window for sounds of lost kittens that I longed to rescue and love. There wasn't much on TV about cats, though, so when I watched this animated cat movie with a white cat in love with a country cat, I fell in love, too. But as an adult whenever I tried to remember this film, it always sounded a lot like Aristocats and I wondered if my memory was just faulty.

This morning while waking up I thought of it again and was sure it wasn't Aristocats so started doing searches online for what I could remember. I knew the cat was white and it was set in Paris and I thought the cat's name was something like Minuette -- not Duchess like Aristocats. Still my searches kept coming up with Aristocats. I thought it came out in the 80's...but I was wrong. Turns out the movie I was thinking of came out in 1962--which explains why I haven't seen it since I was a child. It felt great to finally find it thanks to Google. It has the voice of Judy Garland and is called Gay Purr-ee. I have just ordered a DVD and will share it with the little cat-lovers in my life.

Oh, and the cat's name was Mewsette.

The Big Brother Insider Blog -- Big Brother 15 Spoilers: What We Know

The Big Brother Insider Blog -- Big Brother 15 Spoilers: What We Know: Julie Chen Host of BB15 Big Brother 15 is a month away! Can you believe it?! We thought it would be best to post the things we know ...

The Write Question: Children's Book Review: 'Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty D...

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Janet Gurtler- YA Addict: What did Linda Joy Singleton and her Best Friend D...

Janet Gurtler- YA Addict: What did Linda Joy Singleton and her Best Friend D...: Hello, hello! And please welcome to the friendship blog,   YA Author,   Linda Singleton.   Linda Joy Singleton is the author of over 35 b...

Janet Gurtler- YA Addict: What did Linda Joy Singleton and her Best Friend D...

Janet Gurtler- YA Addict: What did Linda Joy Singleton and her Best Friend D...: Hello, hello! And please welcome to the friendship blog,   YA Author,   Linda Singleton.   Linda Joy Singleton is the author of over 35 b...

PROJECT MAYHEM: TEN THINGS A MIDDLE GRADE AUTHOR HATES TO HEAR by ...

PROJECT MAYHEM: TEN THINGS A MIDDLE GRADE AUTHOR HATES TO HEAR by ...: -->      A few years ago, I was hired to speak at a writer’s conference as the token ‘juvenile novelist’.   (Yeah, I was confu...

A YOUNG WRITER ASKED ME HOW TO START A BOOK...

Things to know when starting a book:

* Introduce ONLY the most important characters--too many characters can be confusing.

* Introduce your characters in an active way -- while they are doing something even if it's just walking out of school. If they are talking, the conversation should lead into the story problem. Usually that means the heroine has something she wants and the story will show how she tries to get what she wants -- and sometimes she won't get it but will learn something about herself instead.

* Don't explain too much in the opening. Lead into the heroine's story problem. For instance if she's afraid to leave the house but her mother is kidnapped, she'll have to overcome her fears to rescue her mom. The opening wouldn't start at the kidnapping but show her arguing with her mom about never leaving the house--then right after she yells to her mother that she never wants to see her again, her mother is kidnapped--this sets up an external problem (kidnapping) and internal problem (getting along with her mother).

*Think of your story in 3 parts: beginning, middle and ending. The beginning introduces characters, sets up problems. Middle is action that rises both internally and externally. Ending is not always happy but the problem is solved; perhaps her mother is rescued but someone else is hurt along the way.

* Have fun with your story. Don't worry about making it perfect in the right draft. Rewriting is the best writing. Just write the storythen go back and improve it by rewriting and it can help to find a critique group either online or in person. Oh and go to www.verlakay.com for writing advice

Red Pen Reviews: Opening lines: location and movement

Red Pen Reviews: Opening lines: location and movement: At the suggestion of the commenters over on Captain Awkward , perhaps my favorite advice blog in existence, I'm starting a loose series ...

Making Stuff Up And Writing It Down: The Trailer-Makin' Post

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JennReneeRead: Review: Don't Die Dragonfly by Linda Joy Singleton...

JennReneeRead: Review: Don't Die Dragonfly by Linda Joy Singleton...: Title: Don't Die Dragonfly Author: Linda Joy Singleton Publisher:   Llewellyn Publications Publishing Date: September 8th 2004 Pages:...

A more personal post than usual for writers

If you want to know more about my 2012 year, go here:
http://lindajsingleton.livejournal.com/170237.html

The Upside to Publishing Merger Mania

The Upside to Publishing Merger Mania

YABookNerd: Mysterious Saturday Review: Buried

YABookNerd: Mysterious Saturday Review: Buried: Thorn has three secrets. Thorn is not her real name - not that she's ever tell her new BFF Rune. Thorn loves to create music.  She's c...

Secrets revealed and a chance to win a DON'T DIE DRAGONFLY download.

http://amberkatze.blogspot.com/2012/11/author-interview-with-linda-joy.html?showComment=1353269800523

Changling Amazon Paperbacks

Recently someone showed me an edition of DON'T DIE DRAGONFLY (#1 in THE SEER series 2004) that she'd ordered from Amazon. She wanted to know why the size was larger, so it didn't fit in on her shelf beside the other books and the book looked different, too, from the other paperbacks.

This puzzled me, reminding me of fairytales where someone finds a changling instead of their usual baby. My book baby had changed in size and texture. The larger cover wasn't smooth and shiny like usual. And it was listed as a first edition instead of the most recent 5th edition. Yet it also listed all of my books, including my March 2012 spin-off from THE SEER series, BURIED: A GOTH GIRL MYSTERY. So this had to be a recent change.

Now I already knew my publisher had been cleaning out the warehouse of some older titles, a few of mine included (all still avaiable as ebooks). But DON'T DIE DRAGONFLY is still in print, so I wondered what was going on.

Then I came up with a theory to explain this different edition and the reason Amazon can charge less than othe retailers for this series and even offer a 3 for 4 book deal. My guess is they didn't get this book from the publisher but printed it out themselves, a POD edition. Freeing up space in publisher warehouses while still offering paperbacks at low cost to readers. I wonder if this is happening with other paperback series, too.

I'm grateful that my books are available in mutliple formats. Still, I wonder what this means in the larger world of publishing. Any thoughts on this?

DEAD GIRL TO LIFE

BRINGING DEAD GIRL TO LIFE
By Linda Joy Singleton

Have you ever had rejection after rejection for a book and wanted to give up? Maybe you have a book you’ve loved for years but it just won’t sell and you’re thinking of shoving it in a drawer or through the shredder. Well hold on a minute. Maybe you can’t sell this book now but there’s hope for the future.

I started writing young, submitting my first short stories when I was 14. I even applied to a writing school but was told to wait till I was 17. But I got discouraged and gave up until I was in my 20’s. Then I joined a local writing group, critique group and learned how to write synopses, query letters and how target my submissions to appropriate publishers.

In 1988 I had this idea for a girl with a bad sense of direction (like me) to have a near-death experience where she meets her grandmother but is told it isn’t her time and to go back—only she makes a wrong turn and lands in the body of a wealthy, popular girl who just tried to commit suicide. I called it TURN LEFT AT THE MILKY WAY (disclaimer: I did not choose this title because Milky Ways are my favorite candy bar).

The first version of this book received rejections. I won’t deny that I was discouraged. I loved this idea SO much, had never read anything like it, but in retrospect I needed to develop my craft to deepen the story. So I put the story away, sold other books, brought this out again every five years or so, rewriting but still not quite there yet.

Then in 2007, I rewrote again, changing the title to DEAD GIRL WALKING. I mentioned this project to my Flux editor (Andrew Karre, now with Carolrhoda), and he liked the idea but he suggested making my main character more likeable, adding paranormal aspects, dangerous villains and turning this single-title into a short series.

Now making a book where the heroine’s body dies at the end into a series offered a serious challenge. I mean, if her body died, what sort of happy ending could she have?

So I thought and thought, until I came up with a new ending and additional plots. After rewriting, here’s what I emailed my Flux editor:
I appreciated your suggestions. Including a villainous character is a great idea and added some interesting plot-twists. Readers seem to enjoy a twisted romance so I included that, too.

A week later he offered me a three book contract.

The book that begun as TURN LEFT AT THE MILKY WAY was published 20 years later by Flux as DEAD GIRL WALKING.

Even better—it’s not just one book, it’s a trilogy with DEAD GIRL DANCING and DEAD GIRL IN LOVE. And my editor’s brilliant suggestions for villains really added wicked fun to the books—especially DEAD GIRL IN LOVE where my heroine risks her heart and soul to a Dark Lifer.

If you want to see the subtle difference twenty years writing can make, compare the original TURN LEFT AT THE MILKY WAY first page and the published first page of DEAD GIRL WALKING here: http://ljsingleton.livejournal.com/5371.html .

So my advice to writers: Never Shred a Manuscript. Go ahead, put it away and when you look at it next time some new magic inspiration may strike then many rewrites later, like me, you may hold the published book in your loving hands. Good luck!

www.LindaJoySingleton.com author of DEAD GIRL and SEER series and NEW RELEASE: BURIED: A GOTH GIRL MYSTERY http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Goth-Girl-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/0738719587/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349106956&sr=8-1&keywords=BURIED+by+Linda+Joy+Singleton

I MUST BE A MASOCHIST—A WRITER'S LIFE: FRIDAY FEATURES—INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LINDA JOY SI...

I MUST BE A MASOCHIST—A WRITER'S LIFE: FRIDAY FEATURES—INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LINDA JOY SI...: Welcome to  Friday Features ! This is where you'll find interviews and guest blogs with and by other authors of juvenile fiction. If you're ...

My favorite childhood mystery is

How many readers can say that they've co-written a book with their favorite author?

I can. 

When I was around 8 years old I discovered the delicious mysteries of vintage girl detectives - Nancy Drew, Ginny Gordon, Trixie Belden,  Judy Bolton and many more. My favorites were Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton. When I was 13, I wrote fan letters to both authors, not knowing that Carolyn Keene was a syndicated name and not a real person (I later met Mildred Wirt, the original Carolyn Keene, but that's another story).  So I did not hear back from Nancy Drew's "author." But Margaret Sutton, author of the 38 Judy Bolton mysteries, published from 1932-1967 did write back, a long single-spaced typed letter that I still treasure decades later. I wanted to be a writer and she encouraged me, even showed some of my work to a college class she taught a few years later. She helped me complete my Judy Bolton collection so I was able to read every mystery.

When I was in my 20's, I visited Margaret (she was in her 80's). She told me of other fans who had started a newsletter called The Whispered Watchword, and I enthusically became part of this group. Through serendipity, I was given the opening chapters to a new Judy Bolton mystery, THE TALKING SNOWMAN, which I was told I could finish if I wanted - and I wanted! I wrote 100 pages in less than 3 weeks, and later edited with Margaret's advice. I self-published this book in 1997, just 4 years before Margaret died at 98. 

Next week I'm flying to PA for the annual Judy Bolton Days event in Coudersport, where the books were set; fictionaizing a quaint, lovely mountain town. The real events of the town are featured in each Judy Bolton Mystery, and we will be touring the sites, including a broken dam, private homes and a stately mansion. Margaret's family will be there, too. All of the Judy Bolton books have been reprinted by Applewood Books (they did some Nancy Drews, too). It's now possible to own the entire collection in paperback. A new Judy has been written as a project of Margaret's daughter, one of the co-writers my a dear friend and former sister-inlaw. I have already ordered my copy.  The only Judy Bolton book not reprinted by Applewood is the one I still have copies of in my closet, THE TALKING SNOWMAN. 

We'll get together each evening and share Judy Bolton fun, like a quiz based on the book selected this year, #13 THE NAME ON THE BRACELET, a mystery about switched babies that was published in 1940. Life was much different then, and as I reread this book, I'm struck by how women stayed in the hospital for days after giving birth and the fathers weren't allowed to even see the babies except through glass.  

While Judy Bolton is my favorite mystery series, I love many other vintage girl series books, and I had fun weaving in titles and references in my THE SEER series. 
How many can you find? I can make a contest out of this and award the one who finds the most a free book.  Just email me with your answers. I'll keep it open for a few weeks.

What is your favorite childhood book or series?

NEW BOOK SALE!!

A NEW BOOK SALE!!!! IN A NEW GENRE FOR ME!


From Publisher's Marketplace:.

September 20, 2012
Children's:
Picture book

Linda Joy Singleton's SNOW DOG, SAND DOG, in which a a girl's imagination does not stop her from loving a dog, well actually 4 dogs, of her very own, to Kristin Ostby at Albert Whitman, by Jill Corcoran at The Herman Agency (World).


Excuse me while I do a happy dance! Yay! This book was inspired by a photograph of Verla Kay building a snow dog with her sister. The words came quickly, the rewrite slowly and the trip to an offer for publication feels amazing!

Community Bookstop: Buried by: Linda Joy Singleton

Community Bookstop: Buried by: Linda Joy Singleton: Title: Buried Author: Linda Joy Singleton Publisher: Flux Pages: 257 Format: ebook Source: NetGalley Series: Gothic Girl Mystery#1 D...

SCBWI 2012 CONFERENCE NOTES

SPEAKER NOTES FROM AUGUST 2012 SCBWI CONFERENCE.

This was my 21st SCBWI LA Conference & and the organization's 41st


I took my notes on my iPad, which is soooo convenient. Love this device!


Lin Oliver says there are 1,234 attendees; full conference. 46 states. 15 countries.


Keynote was ARTHUR LEVINE who is always witty and sincere. He said, “Children's books are a reflection of everything I value most dearly.”.


Also mentioned quote about anticipation being a better tool than surprise.
He spoke of Harry Potter, saying he won't talk about hype but of the good writing. He made an appearance at a week long Harry Potter camp. Now reading the 2nd book to his own 8 year old son. He published it because of his connection to Harry and how it made him cry when Harry stood in front of the Mirror of Erised.

TONY DITERLIZZI opened with, "Always have a logjam of ideas...tons of ideas." He showed photo of Albert Einstein, his favorite say, "If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairytales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairytales." The importance of imagination, that's key to me.

"Dungeons and Dragons introduced me to a lot of fantasy writing" He drew lots of fantasy creatures. SPIDER & FLY was his first NYT bestseller and Caldecott Honor. Asked himself "What would 10 year Tony want that 40 year old Tony can make?" He has a collection of toys from when he was a kid to remind him what it felt like to be a kid. Trying to make books for the kid version of himself.


SARA SHEPARD opened with, “I'm going to be talking about murders, scandals and lying." Author of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, book and tv series.

She was a ghost writer for Alloy, writing books under other names. Wrote about 6 ghosted books. Then she was told to write her own series and created PRETTY LITTLE LIARS. Was sold as 4 books, then another 4. TV show made it go beyond 8 books. Resurrected book with new plotting; reinventing.

She has rules about how to keep a mystery series (that's what she consider PLL) going.
You always have to know who your murderer is before you start out.
Always incorporate the "red herring."
Leave a bit to chance.
Be willing to change like when she had new book offers.
Outline. Outline. Outline.
Creates material that will never make it in the scenes (background)

"I definitely had secrets in my family, and used that."

Got book deal at age 28, and when PLL came out it wasn't that successful at first, and she was humbled. Although it was optioned nothing happened at first but then she heard people cast and script written. She was like "OMG" because some of the lines are straight from the book. "Whole experience has been kind of bizarre...suddenly on TV." Monday she is going to the set based on the town she made up. "It's a wonderful thing to see the characters on the scene, and pushes me to create better story lines." Sara Shepard, author of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS


PATRICIA MACLACHLAN opens with, "I'm so sorry I have no scandals or murders...in my books." She added that she’s never written an outline.

She went on to talk about her life as a writer, including stories of her granddaughters and imaginary friends. Humorous, lovely talk! She says, "Even though we look like adults, we're children."

DAN GUTMAN admitted he was a reluctant reader and didn't like classics and wanted to write books for kids like himself. He gave a list of tips, mostly humorous and he seemed very comfortable talking, his humor corny in a cute grown-up-kid way. I liked him.

KAREN CUSHMAN: Pubbed 1st book at age 50. Written 7 books.

Opens by saying "Use me...stop me in the halls...don't think you're bothering me."
Collects blogs with helpful hints.
Karen says to have no rules.
Be open to surprise. At times stray from our outlines, ask ourselves questions that we don't already know the answers. If you were to respond differently, how would that change the story? When writing our characters we undoubtedly write more than we know.
"I've often been surprised by something I've written." Karen Cushman,
She hadn't noticed her birth metaphors in MIDWIVES until others pointed it out.

Karen says: Read and reread your drafts looking for the surprise...what your story is really about...what you really want to say."
I am not satisfied with lousy first drafts...go over and over, looking for the surprise.
"Inspiration often strikes when I am far from my chair and I have to run home to write."
She reads other writers while writing and she learns a lot (like me!)
"I suggest you read 100 books like the one you want to write. Read what you love and ask yourself why you love it." Karen Cushman


CLARE VANDERPOOL won Newbery for Moon Over Manifest Oct/2010 which I got from library and read. Liked it.

She said: Some highlights in a year and a half, like sitting by Sara Shephard yesterday which impressed her daughter. Took Clare 16 years to be published.
Then: started writing at 1994, quit job and raised 4 kids. Had no agent and many rejections.
Now: Kids out of school for summer & kids in house with friends. She sits at the table with headphones on with rain sounds to muffle sounds. Showed video of her daughter singing while she's trying to write. But school will come. Now she has agent and editor and published book soon to come out, plus a nice medal.

RUTA SEPETYS, DIFFERENT SHADES OF GRAY award winning novel.
Amazing talk, like no other I’ve ever heard.

Ruta Sepetys who was blond and attractive and opened with her work for American Idol, helping the finalists to pick songs. Then she spoke of how she had a wake-up moment when a finalist asked her about herself and she said she was from Lithuania. But she didn't know anymore, so she researched and found out when her grandfather fled before he would have been executed by Stalin's people, his family left behind was punished, 12 of them sent to Siberia and only 2 surviving. She interviewed, traveled and asked more questions. She got emotional and determined to learn what it was like to survive a prison in Siberia. Then she paused and said she'd been encouraged to tell the rest of her story.

She heard about a group of college kids researching for a documentary. They wanted a real reenactment and were there for only 24 hours, but they couldn't wear them down over time. She wanted to experience this but was refused. So she offered them money and they agreed. She had to sign papers, and did much to her husband's concern. When she got there, there were lined up and suddenly the first men were beaten. She was terrified and it got worse because they came to her and beat her to, so she fell to the ground and they kicked her, rupturing her disk. She wiped off her tears with her wrist as she continued, admitting how she thought she'd be brave but it took only seconds for her to become terrified and a coward, ignoring a man's gesture for help, just wanting to get away, and glad to be put in a box away from the violence. But when she was put back with the others, one guy reached out to her and offered to help, and this gave her courage to help him, too. She didn't say much more, but obviously she got out and used all this for her book which won awards.

Afterwards we listened to Deborah Halverson talk about the market, which has improvement with picture books, which I knew already with my agent's sales.

Northern California Publishers & Authors - Supporting and Encouraging Independent Publishing in Our Region

Northern California Publishers & Authors - Supporting and Encouraging Independent Publishing in Our Region

Australia's "Katniss" is named Ellie

Years ago I read a thin paperback called TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGINS by an author I'd never heard of before, John Marsden. Something about this book intrigued me, and I've always loved reading about Australia. So I started reading...and didn't stop, so breathless by the action and captivated by the voice of a heroine who ripped into my heart. When I finished, it felt like my brain and emotions had run a marathon, and I had to have more books. But I quickly found out these were Australia books and it wasn't easy to get them in the US. After some research, I found all 7 books available in the US through Houghton Mifflin, the original copyright 1993 and first American printing in 1995. I'm guessing the series was a huge hit in Australia since there are 7 books then 2 addition featuring Ellie after the war. I didn't discover this series until 2003. The books were expensive in dj hardback, but I had to own them. (And to get the two Ellie ones later took some trading with an Australian friend). Now I've been a voracious reader since I was 8. So when I say that this series consumed me like no other, that is no small tribute. Each time I started one of the books, I could NOT stop reading till night turned into morning. My heart raced, my hands gripped the book, I forgot this world and lost myself in Ellie's Australia. I felt so fortunate to discover a series when it was completed at 7 (spin-off came later). I was waiting for Harry Potter still, praying that JK Rowling would stay healthy and avoid accidents. So to have all SEVEN books was heaven...and a little bit of hell when I read them and characters died in horrible ways. There's one death in that series that still haunts me. So imagine my absolute THRILL to hear there was a movie. I checked online and found it only available in Australia. I waited and checked again, and found it in DVD but not certain it would work on US DVD's. More time passed, and I saw it was listed on Netflix. I put it on que and it still hasn't come. I checked online again and it was like $30 to buy a copy, and I really just wanted to watch it, not necessarily own it. So I waited again -- and two nights ago I found it on our movie channel and set my DVR. Well I just watched the movie of TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN and I can not understand why US kids are not talking about this movie. It's very different than Hunger Games, but it packs a similar intensity, powerful teens and even small doses of humor. The characters seemed very much like how I remember them in the books, too. If it were released some some hype, it could be HUGE! I loved the cast and only hated when it ended and I'd already heard there wasn't a movie sequel. What's with the Australia movie makers -- get busy and film the second movie before those teens become adults. If you haven't checked out these books and the movie, do it NOW. Start with the books: http://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-When-War-Began/dp/0439829100/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342734149&sr=1-2&keywords=tomorrow+when+the+war+began Enjoy!

This is where I am: A tiny town at the edge of OR and Idaho. I've been visiting my picture-book-author-friend Verla Kay for a few days and we've been having a great time. Our hubbies get along great, too. The weather has been perfect, no hotter than 80 with cool breezes. And it's lovely here with rolling green hills and a friendly town right out of Mayberry. So far I've: * Took aa walk on a dirt road that used to be a railroad track * Road on a ferry boat ride on 4th of July * Walked a golf course while hubby played 9 holes & I found 12 lost balls (not his) * Played cards * Went to a casino where one of us won $300 on a piggy penny slot (not me) I also finished reading two books so far, both of them advance copies which I'll review later: SCARLET by Marissa Meyer (ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVED IT!) and SPY AND LIAR by Rebecca Stead which was a quiet, enjoyable read with twist at end. I just started EVERY DAY by Levithan which has an intriguing story of a guy who wakes up every morning in someone else's body. Anyone who has read my DEAD GIRL trilogy knows I love books about body switching, and just a few pages in this book and I'm already intrigued and eager to read more. When I read YA books I enjoy and learn, always studying why something works. Writing is a continual learning process, and I consider myself lucky that my education (reading books!) is so much fun.

Books I got at ALA

I posted news of ALA and list of books here. http://lindajsingleton.livejournal.com/

TV: First Peek at Shirley MacLaine's Downton Abbey

TV: First Peek at Shirley MacLaine's Downton Abbey

I love Downton Abbey!

FREE on Kindle and Nook...mystery short

FREE on Kindle and Nook What happens when psychic sleuth Sabine needs out-of-body help from Dead Girl Amber? http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lifers-Revenge-Short-ebook/dp/B006J9DENQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1324187472&sr=1-1

Rae's Rumblings: May Challenge Buried

Rae's Rumblings: May Challenge Buried:   Buried is the story of a finder of lost items.  Thorn's mother is a minister and does not approve of Thorn (real name is Beth Ann) appea...

Cynsations new article by me!! http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-post-linda-joy-singleton-on.html

REGENERATION series is regenerated

Tihe first book in my REGENERATION cloning series is now an ebook for only $2.99, and a wonderful new illustrator created a new cover for this book. Check it out here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/153744

Editors, Agents, Authors...Oh, my NOTES!

My SCBWI Spring Spirit Conference notes are up on my blog. Enjoy the editor, agent, author advice. http://lindajsingleton.livejournal.com/

Pens for Paws Auction: Teaser Tuesday: Auction Items as of 4/16/2012

Pens for Paws Auction: Teaser Tuesday: Auction Items as of 4/16/2012: In writing blog circles, we do a little thing called Teaser Tuesday, where we offer up short teasers from our work. I'm carrying that over ...

CubicleBlindness Reviews: Buried by Linda Joy Singleton

CubicleBlindness Reviews: Buried by Linda Joy Singleton: In a new school and determined to keep her secrets from being discovered, Thorn finds a mysterious locket that leads to a shocking discove...