The Case For Graphic Novels....

      It happens at least once a week at my library: the classic, "parental graphic novel block." Well meaning parents come marching up to my desk confiding that their children are reading, "those darn comic books". They then ask me for help getting their child to read, "real books." Now I'm not going to say that I prefer graphic novels above all else in the children's section... I think chapter books and graphic novels both have their own special qualities to add to the reader experience.

        And in a way, graphic novels have changed a lot in the last couple of years. Growing up, these parents didn't have the likes of Dave Roman, Dan Santat, Raina Telgemeier, Jarrett Krosoczka, Jenny Holm and Matt Holm. So I try to take a deep breath and put on a smile before persuading parents that there are many types of books, and maybe we could look at both kinds for their children.

           In order to raise consciousness on the awesomeness of graphic novels, I started a Graphic Novel Book Club at the library. It seems to be most popular with eight year old boys, but I've always believed eight year old boys know more about awesomeness than other people anyways.

         Either way, I thought I'd share some of our experiences in the club for all the graphic novels naysayers out there. I've read articles that say people like reading graphic novels because they're "easy" and it doesn't take as much effort to read them. I have to say I've been surprised at how much the kids in the book club analyze the books. While reading Dave Roman's Astronaut Academy, one of the boys pointed out a detail  with Hakata Soy's crime fighting team assembling their space ships into a giant droid and how the pieces fit together. We spent fifteen minutes analyzing this one passage.

        I've also heard naysayers complain that graphic novels, "aren't real art". I'm going to bring up another example from our meeting on Astronaut Academy. Dave Roman uses Renaissance art techniques in several of his panels, such as chiaroscuro (when one half of an object is blinded in light and the other in shadow for those people who aren't art nerds out there.) The kids looked at Renaissance paintings to compare how both used this lighting technique. One of the kids noticed that it makes the panel a lot more dramatic feeling than just the regular lighting.

         Plus, the abstract nature of graphic novels, (see Scott McCloud's book, Understanding Comics for more explanation,) helps the reader put themselves in the story more. Which leads to more critical thinking about, "What would I do in that situation?" When we discussed Dan Santat's Sidekicks, the kids made up their own superheroes and disguises like, Anonymous and Shape Shifter.  Mind you this is after we had a twenty minute debate about whether a DNA transfer would chance your personality... the jury is still out on that one... what do you think? Comments?

Either way, I'm hoping some of these points will make those reluctant graphic novel readers, give this exciting format another chance. I think you'll find, you're missing a lot.

Book Suggestion: Cinder: A Cinderella with Guts

 There are only three words I really need to say about Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  Three C's...Cyborg... Cinderella... China. These three words spell out what makes Melissa Meyer's book so amazing. It's a re-imagining of Cinderella as an an ill-fated cyborg, adoptive daughter to a Chinese family. The Scientist father who adopted Cinder is long dead, and her stepmother doesn't take kindly to her presence. Cyborgs are of course, second class citizens in this futuristic version of China, considered only partially human.

One of Cinder's stepsisters is sympathetic to her plight, someone that Cinder can at least talk to. The worst happens when Cinder's stepsister contracts the debilitating plague that's been sweeping across the country. Cinder's stepmother volunteers her for plague research. After all, she is cyborg and she owes her life to Science anyways, right? The story takes surprising twists and turns as the reader discovers the truth behind Cinder's past.

This book was an emotional roller coaster. I loved how much I hated the stepmother, loved the prince and admired Cinder. Meyer envelopes us in the futuristic setting from page one, describing the rust that flakes off of Cinder's joints as she changes her foot. Starting with this scene not only gave me an idea of how strong a character Cinder is (seriously, I can't even dig a paper cut out of my finger without wincing.) But it gives the reader a great connection to a historical Chinese practice, foot binding as a Cinder tries to replace her foot with a larger foot... one that actually fits. The ending left me a bit frustrating since it leaves us hanging, but I'll feel better satisfied once I have Book 2 in my hands. This is a great book for fans of Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore, and a great read for Book Clubs as well. It could spark some thought-provoking conversations about racial divides and prejudice.  Cinder is not a wilting Victorian violet. She doesn't wait at home for her fairy godmother to hand her a dress, she takes fate in both cybernetic hands and chooses her own path.

Results From The Character Blogfest

  So I didn't get to write a decent post about this last week because of craziness going on at work, but I wanted to thank Cassie Mae and Angie for putting together The Character Blogfest. I was really surprised when I found out that Angie chose me as a winner for Day 2! Normally, I have horrible luck at winning things, ( I can remember a long stint losing Elementary School Bingo).  So this just felt great! And winning a masterful editing eye? Even better.

    My manuscript though, doesn't seem to want to behave. I've been doing a bit of editing lately to see if some of the bigger changes that I make improve the piece. I decided to try the neat and tidy route (so unlike me) and actually start with a full read through. I just take notes about the problems, and this gives me a chance to see the structural problems. Cheryl Klein mentions this strategy in her book Second Look. The only problem being that I get to focused in on the fact that I can't fix small grammar problems to notice the big glaring plot problems.

  What's a girl to do?

  I'd be interested to hear what everyone else's strategies are for editing novel pieces. Do you just dig in from page one? Or do you have a more structured approach. I'm interested to hear what works for you.

Coupon Organizers.... And Outlines...Oh My

I display the product.

I have a shaky history with coupon organizers. I've never liked coupons. They get lost in crumples at the bottom of my purse, or I remember right as I step up to the register to pay that they are in the car. So the other day when I saw a coupon organizer at the store, my first instinct was to run screaming in the other direction. But then I noticed that this lime green coupon organizer was the perfect size to store index cards.

 So what? You might say. Why would that make any difference? After all, anything connected with coupons must be inherently evil. But if you happen to know that I write scenes, characters, and various plot/theme ideas on random index cards, this starts to make a lot more sense.

   In the past, I've just rubber banded those suckers together into one pack. But then, my theme ideas are jumbled up between my random scene cards. My antagonist cards are dog-eared, gathering lint at the bottom of my bag. And don't even get me started on my subplots.

And that is why my eyes suddenly lit up when I spied that coupon organizer. The rubber band fell by the wayside and I was finished with scattered scenes. I now have tab organizers for my index cards. It's perfect. They fit in a purse, and you can customize the tabs to your outlining needs. Pesky subplot issues? Make a tab. Unruly characters? Make a tab. For my organizer, I made tabs for Blank Cards, Scenes, Characters, Random Theme Ideas, Settings and Pesky Subplots.

Don't Forget The Pesky Subplots!

You too can use the Coupon Organizer method to keep your scatterbrained thoughts at bay. Simply follow these steps:

1. Find least repulsive coupon organizer possible at the store. If possible, steer clear of vomit inducing shades of pink, (unless you like that sort of thing or happen to be writing a romance novel.)

2. Label tabs with handy stickers included in said coupon organizer. Don't forget a tab for blank cards, so you can keep extra cards handy for ideas that hit you on the go.

3. Write your index cards... for scene cards, I find it helpful to write the order that they come in... in pencil. This way if I change my mind... I can erase the number and move the scene.

When you're done, you too will have a handy Coupon Organizer Outline. You too will be able to pull out your scenes in the staff lunchroom or while traveling on the metro. And if people say, "hey, why are you piling index cards all over the seats?"

You can reply very calmly, "Don't worry... I'm a professional writer, and this is my Coupon Organizer Outline... and I don't get off till Dupont Circle." 

The 11 Questions Game....

I was supremely tickled when I found out that blogger/writer Miranda Hardy tagged me next for the 11 question meme. It reminds me of those times in camp when you sent email questionnaires to your friends. Except ours always involved where you would be in 20 years and which celebrity you would be married to.. (it was always JTT for me.) Either way, we're taking a break from book reviews and library programs while I blab about myself.


1. If you could travel back in time, what period would you most like to see? 

 Hmmm... I love steampunk, so it would be really cool to see the Victorian period. Of course, I would probably last about 24 hours without my keyboard and ready access to a shower. 

2. What is your favorite tree? 

I love willow trees... there's a willow in one of my favorite books from when I was a kid, The Dollmaker by M.B. Goffstein. I think they have a picnic by it, so willow trees make me think of fantasy stories. 

  
3. Do you prefer the sandy beach or a cabin in the mountains?

Depends on the weather, but probably a cabin. I love cabins in the woods. Just recently, my fiance and I went up to the Shenandoah Park area and got a cabin for the weekend. It was a great break from all the wedding stress, because without internet access, you can't feel guilty about writing instead of planning your wedding. Man, I love nature. 

4. Which celebrity do you most resemble and why? 

Hmm.. Kate Winset? But maybe that's just because I'm watching, The Holiday and I too am a character that needs to get some gumption. 

5. Fill in the blank. I would never ______________________.

I would never... stop writing. I think there are a lot of different reasons to write. I write, because I have to. I write because if I stop, I get this itch where I have to create something and I turn cranky. Others may think I haven't had my coffee yet that day. But really, I just need to sit down and write. Getting published.... lol, well that's another story.

6. Coffee or Tea? 

Tea! I have stomach issues that nix large amounts of caffeine and coffee. Don't get me wrong... I would love to drink it. I worked at Starbucks for a half a year while I wrote my first novel and I love the smell of coffee... but tea is my drink of choice. Besides, all those antioxidants and stuff? I hear they're good for you.

7. A date with Brad Pitt or jumping out of a plane? 

Question: Do I get a parachute? Either way, I'm thinking I'm going to need one. Jumping out of a plane should be obvious, but going out with action star Angelina Jolie's significant other? I think I'll need a getaway car, a parachute and a body guard. So I'll go with jumping out of a plane. Sorry Brad Pitt, if you're reading this, it's nothing personal.

8. If you could donate $1,000,000 to any charity, which would it be? 

 Easy! The Heifer Project. They use money contributed to buy livestock for families in need in various countries around the world. Ever hear the saying, "give a man a fish and he eats for one day, but teach him to fish and he'll eat for a long time"?  The Heifer Project provides animals like hens, ducks and cows, that will produce food and an income for a family for a long time.

9. What is a place you've never been, but would like to visit? 

India. I love the colors in their artwork and clothing. Occasionally in high school, I was known to wear a bindi, along with my hippie broom skirts. I'd love to see Rajasthan or Southern India and the Buddhist temples. 

10. What is your favorite sweet? 

  Hmmm... I really enjoy skittles.

11. Who do you admire most (anyone alive or dead)?  
I can only choose one?! Eek. This is tough. How about Neil Gaiman? I love the Graveyard Book, Coraline and Neverwhere. He just has this way of making every story poignant and haunting. I'd love to make my writing that meaningful.

So it's time to tag the next 11 people to carry on the torch and talk about themselves for a bit. I'm including some people I've noticed in the past week during The Character Blogfest. It will be fun to hear more about you all!

Sara Abis at Cutest Landing
Bobby McDaniel at Wildly Urban
Libby, Flash Fiction Wizard
Kelley at Between The Bookends
Jolynne Lyon at Mountain Lyon Notes
Hywela Lyn 
Rena at Dr. Fairy Godmother
Clarissa Draper
Melody Wright
Angela Cothran at Live To Write... Edit When Necessary
Cassie Mae at Reading, Writing and Lovin' It

And here's some questions:

1. What food can you not stand to eat?
2. What was your favorite book as a child?
3. Which author would you like to ask 11 questions? (Dead or alive.)
4. If you were an evil villain, what would your villain name be? (Sorry, I kind of have villains on the brain right now.)
5. What toy could you not be separated from as a child?
6. If you woke up in the morning and found out it was a snow day/blizzard and you had the day off from work... what would you do?
7. What is your favorite memory?
8. If you were a kitchen utensil, what would you be and why?
9. If you could live in any painting, what would it be?
10. What do you want people to say about you when you go back to your next high school reunion?
11. You've just become a celebrity and it's time to create a breakfast cereal... what would you name it?

Excited to see the answers! 

Last Day of The Character Blogfest

   Well, it's the last day of The Character Blogfest, and I have to say this has been a lot of fun. Some of the comments have jump started ideas in my head about how to go further with my WIP. A five step program to becoming evil? Oh the possibilities... A big thanks to Cassie Mae and Angela for starting this up, I've really gotten a lot out of it. Don't hesitate to head over and check out all the interesting participants. There's a full list here.  So without further ado, here is the last piece of the puzzle, a look at Tim's life at school. 

*********************************************************************

Master Viper slammed his drawer open with such force that it sent an inkwell flying off his desk. His chalk spider scurried out of the drawer and onto the chalkboard, its metal legs clicking. Tiny gears twisted, lowering the chalk.

Master Viper’s silver eye rotated slowly towards the class. A smile blossomed on his lips.

Tim’s mouth went dry.

“List the Hierarchy of Villains... in order of rank.” The Chalk Spider drew boxes furiously, chalk dust falling to the floor like snow. Master Viper’s iron gaze settled on the first desk. “Start with the top,” he said.

Tim tried desperately to swallow. His row. Master Viper was going down his row. There were four desks in front of him. How many levels were in the hierarchy? Tim’s eyes darted to the board. Five boxes were linked with arrows. The Chalk Spider was filling in the top box. Villains with Titles, it wrote in neat cursive. 

Master Viper’s hand slammed onto the next desk. “Answer!”

“Henchman,” said the student. 

He was getting closer. Tim squeezed his hands on his head. What was the fifth level?

“Villains without titles.”

“Automaton Servants.”

Master Viper’s palm slammed onto Tim’s desk. “What is the last level?” He hissed. 

Tim’s mouth struggled to shape words. “Superheroes?”

Master Viper’s mouth drew back into a sneer. “Superheroes have no place on the hierarchy... they are below it.” He leaned down so Tim could see the individual blades twist in his eye. “See me after class.”

Character Blogfest, Day 2: A Dialogue Between Two Characters

I apologize for the delay in posting Day 1 of the Character Blogfest... I messed up on scheduling the post. Either way, today we’re moving on to Day 2, an introduction between two characters using only dialogue and in 250 words. For this purpose, I have recovered a tape recording from the basement files of The Grimwood Academy For The Training of Villains.

<<< Recording Begins >>>

Night Terror: Well, I don’t see the point. Why do they need to know about us?

Agatha: But dear, it’s for the admission papers. They need to make sure we’re proper villains. Don’t you want what’s best for our son?

Night Terror: No.

Agatha: I think they’ll want to know he came from a good family. Why my father, the mad scientist....

Night Terror: Forget your father. Your side of the family is nothing but trouble.

Agatha: Oh, not that much dear, not the diabolical kind anyways.  

Night Terror: Agatha, he spoiled you horribly! And then, you went and named our son after a can of common scouring powder...a cleaning product! My heir could be mistaken for polishing bits.

Agatha: Tim... such a lovely name.

Night Terror: And that’s the problem. He has no backbone. But I imagine Grimwood Academy will want to know more about my career. I successfully completed seventeen jewel heists and once captured Amaz-o-man with a clockwork spider for a full fifteen minutes.

Agatha: You are accomplished, dear. 

Night Terror: Yes, well it’s my duty to set a devious example for the villain community. And you’ve contributed a bit, since you run the household while I’m away.

Agatha: Well, I find the household has a way of taking care of itself. That’s the beauty of modern villain conveniences, automaton servants and such. Why, I almost don’t have to do anything. 

Night Terror: Either way, Grimwood Academy will turn Tim into a proper villain.

<<< Recording Ends >>>