Showing posts with label Children's books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's books. Show all posts

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Books, Books, Books!

Books! I can't get enough of them!
Lately the lot of them has been science fiction, which is a new genre for me.
Still, I can't get through them fast enough, having read twenty-five novels since this past March, I am still on a roll.

The latest series I finished was a young adult selection titled, "The Hunger Games", by Suzanne Collins. My fifteen year old is now reading them since they are mom approved.

This series was an interesting, thought provoking, suspenseful, emotional, funny, dramatic,... I can not come up with enough adjectives to describe what I thought about this series.

There are three books in all, the first being "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay." They are shorter books and easy reads. The elements for discussion within the books such as perception, tradition, government control or socialism, fight vs. flight, love, the list goes on; are great points of discussion for young and old.

The main character who is placed in a post-apocalyptic setting, is sixteen-seventeen years old throughout her journey, but the life she has experienced is that of someone much older. The romantic triangle tugs your heart in both directions as Katniss Everdeen discovers not only herself, but those who love her. 

You experience the innocence of heart and mind while in the same moment mature strength in the spirit to overcome. Katniss is not your typical female heroine, she makes more mistakes than one would care for. She also winds up remaining true to herself, which becomes somewhat of a revelation for this main character, because of the duress in which it presents itself. 

To find out more you'll have to get your own copy, and I hope you do!
Have you read "The Hunger Games"? What did you think? Were you satisfied with the ending? What would you have done differently if you were Katniss or Peeta or Haymich?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Week 4

O.k., so I have really bad at blogging the past month...or so. =(

Let's just say, no creative juices have had time to flow.
I mean no time. None. Zilch.
By no time, I don't necessarily mean that I have been sooo busy.
By no time, I mean the 'cute, little, (glad they're mine) munchkins', that have
not allowed for a moment of creative writing, or thought, or well, you get the picture.
Not that I'm complaining or anything. I believe 'things' get in the way,
not children...they were on purpose. :o)
Don't get me wrong, I have written a few stories, they've been fun!
I still need to get myself more organized, hrmph!
I need a little of your 'OCD' Jen.
That would certainly move things along, I think.
At least when I visit your blog I feel that way.

O.k., so I'll end this the way it began...I have been really bad at blogging the past month or so;
but really good at being a Mom!

Rachel

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Story Timers - Welcome to week 3

I love that autumn is upon us.
It's one of those magical seasons to me.
Wearing sweaters, getting the wood ready for fires, and smores. Yum!
I truly love the changing of the leaves, their colors and shapes.
The holidays that are coming and all the fan fare that goes with it.
The stress for some, the sheer enjoyment of baking, giving, dressing up, or down (p.j.'s and hot chocolate).
More excuses to eat to shop , to stay up really late.
Uhhh, I just love Autumn.


I was laughing at myself, thinking about what to blog about this week.
I thought, "I can't even think of what to write, how am I suppose to come up with
stories to publish, let alone meet deadlines."
Honestly though, I think it has more to do with opening up, and not being so personal about my business.
That may still take some time. But this is a step in the right direction.


Thanks Linda for your pointers, compass is moving closer to North. :o)


Rachel




Friday, September 19, 2008

Childrens books - Week Two

Thanks for your comments.
I really appreciate the emails I'm getting as well.
I love the encouraging words everyone is sending.
Now I just need to figure out if that's because everyone knows I'm crazy
and can't believe what I've gotten myself into...
or if it's genuine love and support.

Only kidding of course.
I know it's because I'm crazy! lol


have an imaginary day,


Rachel

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Childrens books - Week One

Wow, I finished my first story a couple of days ago. (rough-draft of course)
I read it in front of some really tough critics, yeah so they were my own children; but there's five of them so I figured this ones a no-brainer. (=
Here's to keeping the creative juices going.

Thanks to those of you who are recommending specific books as examples of what you like.

To mcteri who said, (&anyone who really knows me), "I definitely think you have to think like a child". Was there ever any question about my ability to fullfill that role. =)

Here's to never growing up, never surrendering, and all that other fantastical stuff that dreams are made of. Except during the hours when I need to act like a responsible adult.


Rachel






Saturday, September 6, 2008

Feedback for fun - childrens books!

Hi everyone,
This is my first blog...I'm so excited!
I'm looking for feedback into writing childrens books.
  • What do you look for in a good children's book?
  • What do you wish you saw more of/less of?
  • What questions do you think I should be asking next?
Thanks everyone for your input and I look forward to future blogs.

Rachel