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MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAGEDY: Reading Sucks, Man

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MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAGEDY: Reading Sucks, Man

Reading sucksReading Sucks is the reply this children’s book author heard when handing out free bookmarks at the Abbot Kinney Street Festival this past weekend.  Sadly, it was delivered by a tweenage boy, who’s father simply shrugged to the behavior.  As a children’s book author, my heart nearly broke when I heard a kid say, ‘reading sucks.’  I mean, how did we fail with this kid?  Where did our system of education go wrong?  Sure, not only was this a tragic statement to hear from a child, but to witness the father’s blasé attitude only confirmed our theory on why the statement was heard: don’t blame the child, blame the lazy parent!

Here is the article I wrote that appeared in the Santa Monica Daily Press:

“Grilling hot dogs, homemade ice cream sandwiches and the snap-crackling sounds of barbecuing corn on the cob.  The organizers of the 2010 Abbott Kinney Festival were ignited this past weekend as the mercury rose enough to finally deliver Santa Monica its first summer day of 2010. Little did I know, however, that a snarky comment from a twelve year-old kid could bring…CLICK HERE to read the entire article in the SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS!

MIDDLE SCHOOL READING: I Want To Be Older Now

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middle school readingMIDDLE SCHOOL READING: I Want To Be Older Now

A common trait in middle school reading and being a middle school student is the burning desire to be older, NOW.

This is why you guys read books with characters who are older than you are.  Sad to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s no getting around this one.  Every day is filled with 24 hours and every week is 7 days.

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about because I’m still a kid myself.  If you read Saltwater Taffy, you know that main character is me!  And when I was twelve years old, I wanted a later bedtime.  Who wouldn’t?  I mean, when you this age, you want to have more time doing what you want to do, not what your parents or teachers want you to do, right?  I hear ya, but the thing about your desire to be older is that it develops a bad habit in the future.   That bad habit is never really enjoying the moment you are in because…

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WRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

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do_your_bestWRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

One of the biggest secrets to writing children’s books is to watch your own thoughts.   Be careful not to judge your abilities, just trust in the process and keep moving the story forward.  Remember, if a chapter or page doesn’t propel your story, then CUT IT.  Be bold.  Be ruthless with your story.  If you don’t, who will?  Certainly not your readers because they will lose interest.

The process of creating my Middle Grade Fiction novel, Saltwater Taffy has been a wild ride.  By saying it’s been a wild ride, I mean my thoughts were all over the place…thoughts of JUDGEMENT, right there alongside…. Read more

MIDDLE GRADE BOREDOM: Think Again

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Middle Grade BoredomMiddle Grade Boredom: Think Again

Middle Grade Boredom is a myth.  How do I know this?  Well, are you really bored as a middle grade kid or are you just being lazy?  What does it mean to be bored or “bide one’s time?”  The Webster’s Dictionary, one of my favorite books of all time (ask me about the dictionary game!!!) says it means “TO WAIT FOR A GOOD OPPORTUNITY.”  Sounds safe enough, but within the hide of the bide, you’re missing out on the fabulous RIDE of being YOU.

The reason I say this is because most of the time middle school children are so busy watching the clock, waiting for the bell to ring, or waiting for school to get out, you miss out on what is happening right NOW.  Imagine if the kids in Saltwater Taffy were bored with being the kids they were and… Read more

MIDDLE GRADE CHILDREN Are Messengers of Greatness

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Flippity FlappityMIDDLE GRADE CHILDREN Are Messengers of Greatness

Why do I think middle grade children are messengers of greatness?  Well, when I sat down to write the Saltwater Taffy book, I knew I wanted to tell a story of adventure for middle grade readers.  Middle grade children are at an age where they still know what it is like to play, be silly, and dream of a brighter future.  They never worry about what other people think of them.  They simply go about their business and take no prisoners doing so.  They simply PLAY.

If we aren’t careful, however, it can also be an age where they develop bad habits that stick with them for the rest of their lives.  What kind of habits am I talking about?  The habit of… Read more