Adventures of a Clever Pen: readers

I've created my blog for several reasons:

1. Practice - I'll be posting my practice writings including a weekly short story inspired by the word of the week on IllustrationFriday.com. It's a fabulous site for illustrators, and great for inspiration for me. If I chose my weekly word, it would be too contrived. Maybe I'll have a weekly suggestion from followers after things get rolling?!

2. Readers! - What good is having a story, if no one is around to read it? It will be so fun to share all that I'm writing and learning along the way.

3. Accountability & Motivation - Doing any self-motivated action that is sustainable, sometimes needs accountability. I will post goals and the results they produce. If I post that I'm going to submit a manuscript to a publisher, well I best do it!

4. Feedback - It will be helpful to know when I'm getting better! I don't expect to be a well-known children's favorite, award-winning author just yet. I wouldn't turn the job down, I just don't think I'm ready yet. So thank you for comments, critiques, and encouragement!

5. Enrich and Entertain - When people come to my blog to find out more about me and my stories, I want them to see that I enjoy writing. I want them to be able to sit back and enjoy a few minutes outside their busy world, and feel better going back into it. I want people to know they can go from not knowing a morsel about how to accomplish something, to being confident and proficient in that endeavor if they choose.

Latest Picture Books I've Enjoyed

Ball - 2013 Mary Sullivan, A one-worded, funny, heartwarming treasure!
Traction Man meets Turbo Dog - 2008 Mini Grey - This book grew more and more endearing. Told from the toy's point of view it's a fun adventure in a big world. Imaginative, and the super-hero saves the day!
Tennis Anyone? - 2007 Shane McG, A little boy named Tom gets a tennis racket among his birthday presents and doesn't know what to do with it. It's fun to see his little journey to find joy in sports instead of beeping things. Illustration is awesome. I almost want to call in animation!

Latest Chapter Books I've Enjoyed

Echoes in the Glass - Cheri Lasota, Why stop with one Lasota story? Her second novel did not disappoint! Great story line and character voices. unexpected moments. A great read.
Artemis Rising - Cheri Lasota, Intriguing story and well written, a good read!
Fablehaven Keys to the Demon Prison - Brandon Mull 2010. This book has been amazing. It is the fifth book in the Fablehaven series. Each one has a breathtaking pace, particularly this last installment. I feel like the whole book is the climax! Well paced, engaging story and characters. Another that I didn't want to put down!
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay - 2008, 2009, 2010 respectively, Suzanne Collins, Couldn't put them down, but don't expect lots of warm fuzzies! Children put in a locked area to kill everyone else is how it begins. How to save their people from a government that would do such a thing is the rest, oh but there's so much more!
Goose Girl - Shannon Hale, Another great book by Shannon Hale. Beautifully written to suck you into their world. A super fun and clean read.
Princess Academy - 2005 Shannon Hale, So well written. I love the characters. Young girls who have to learn to trust each other, be stronger than they thought they were, and become proud of their mountain roots.
The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger - 1993, 2000, 2004 respectively, Lois Lowry, Fabulous thoughtful trilogy. The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal. The books challenge everyday life of their characters and have you question society and how it should operate, while building compassion for each character. The storylines are captivating and thoughtful, spiced with tension.

Adventures of a Clever Pen

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