I want to take a moment to offer congratulations to my pal Amy! She has had a short story accepted for publication in the April 2011 issue of Pockets magazine, a Christian publication for kids aged 6-12. You can find out more about the magazine by visiting their website: http://pockets.upperroom.org.
Way to go, A.C.! I’m so excited for you!!
20
Nov
As we approach Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I find myself reflecting on my blessings this year. With all the craziness of working full-time, being a wife and mom, and trying to get my writing career off the ground, it’s easy to forget why I’m doing all of this in the first place. So, I’m putting my daily chaos on pause to take a moment and count just a few of my blessings:
1) A handsome hubby who can fix both computers and cars (a skill set that has come in handy just within the last week or two, as luck would have it), and yet is still adorably geeky enough to enjoy watching sci-fi, horror, and/or fantasy movies with me.
2) Two fabulous sons who are my biggest fans. They are my little rays of sunshine even on the darkest days. With Professor, my biggest concern is keeping him challenged in school and satisfying his insatiable quest for knowledge. With Moose, it’s encouraging his never ending enthusiasm for experiencing absolutely everything with unabashed zeal while helping him to contain that ebullience just a little bit while others are talking.
3) Laughter. Simple as that. I love to laugh, and I do so often–loudly and without reserve. It’s the best feeling ever.
4) Friends and family who love me and keep me going. It’s great to have my own cheering section. Thanks, gang!
5) Pumpkin pie. (Hey, it’s almost Thanksgiving. How could I not be thinking of my mother-in-law’s amazing pies?)
6) My house. It’s not my dream home by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s mine. When so many have lost their homes in recent years, I’m grateful that we are still safe and warm every night.
7) Good health. Enough said.
8 ) Other writers–both published and unpublished. It’s wonderful to have friends–old and new–who are going through the same trials and tribulations as I am. And I am so appreciative of those who are willing to share their wisdom and offer their time to help others break into the ‘biz.
9) COFFEE!!! (Oh, sweet nectar of the gods…where would I be without you?)
10) Love. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel the warmth and comfort of knowing that someone loves me. I might not be a millionaire, but when it comes to this treasure, I am truly wealthy.
Here’s wishing all of you many blessings of your own!
M.
2
Nov
It started as a chuckle, grew to a giggle, and soon was a head-back, laugh-out-loud guffaw. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the source of my nine-year-old’s amusement was a Middle Grade novel titled Dragonbreath. When Professor stopped laughing long enough to tell me about the story, I was definitely intrigued.
In a nutshell, Dragonbreath is the story of a young dragon named Danny Dragonbreath who hasn’t been able to master breathing fire. When Danny gets an “F” on his science paper (because he forgot to do it and so writes the paper–sans research–on the school bus at the last minute), he gets his cousin Edward (a sea serpent) to take him and his friend Wendell (a neurotic iguana) on a tour of the Sargasso Sea to gather research on the ocean and rescue his grade. The story is told in both prose and graphic novel form, with the graphic bits usually illustrating Danny’s more ridiculous flights of fancy.
Such an odd little story might have fallen flat if it weren’t for Ursula Vernon’s deliciously wry sense of humor. And when Professor asked me to give Dragonbreath a read, I found myself chuckling, giggling, and guffawing just as much as he did.
I confess, it’s been a long time since I’ve read something targeting the upper elementary school set, but I honestly can’t wait to read the rest of the series with Professor. With titles like Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs and Dragonbreath: The Curse of the Were-wiener, I’m sure we’ll have loads of fun reading these books together.
Whether you’re considering writing Middle Grade fiction or are looking for a fun series for your own kiddos between the ages of 8 and 12, Dragonbreath is definitely worth a read.
Enjoy!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
