Jul
23
2007
I’m leaving for Chicago Thursday morning for BlogHer, a women’s blogging conference. I’ve been busy trying to get my writing work done before I leave. I write regularly on four blogs (including this one), semi-regularly on a couple of more, and have an e-newsletter and website update due for a client.
So much for having time to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, darn it! My husband is out of town, so I’ve been reading it at night after the kids are asleep when I’m too pooped to write. I’ll be taking it on the plane, too.
You’ve probably finished it by now, so how about writing a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows review? I know we already had a review writing invitation. But Shelfari, a social media site for book lovers, is having a “Seven Days of Harry Potter Seven” contest where you can win a variety of Potter-themed prizes, including a J.K. Rowling signed, first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
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Any Shelfari user who reads Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows within seven days of its release is eligible to win the grand prize. To be entered into the contest, you need to join Shelfari, add the latest Harry Potter book to your Shelfari bookshelf, and contribute a review.
I haven’t joined Shelfari yet, but it’s on my to do list as a way to network with people who love to read.
Writing Invitation One: Write a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Join Shelfari. Get your page set up. Put Deathly Hallows on your bookshelf. Submit your review. Keep your fingers crossed.
Parents: this is something you should do with your child. You must watch what your child does online, especially at social networking sites. Shelfari doesn’t have an age restriction and it does connect to Facebook. Sign up as a family or make it a mother/father-daughter or mother/father-son project to do with your child.
Writing Invitation Two: Write 7 Things About You that No One Knows About
In blogging, this kind of writing exercise is called a meme. A meme (rhymes with dream) is a list of questions that you saw on someone’s blog that you answer on your blog. Then someone sees it on your blog, and answers the list on their blog. And so on, and so on. It has a viral quality to it.
Since you’re probably not writing on a blog, pass the meme on to your family members and friends via email. Include everyone’s list in a final email. It’s a good way to keep in touch with friends and family you haven’t seen in awhile. Plus, you’ll have a good time discovering new things about each other. |
Jul
17
2007
If you or your older child loves to read about famous cooks and chefs from Julia Child to Emeril Lagasse, check out my book giveaway at The United States of Arugula: The Sun Dried, Cold Pressed, Dark Roasted, Extra Virgin Story of the American Food Revolution
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I reviewed the book back in October 2006 after a culinary adventure in Vegas, and loved it.
The publisher has sent me 10 copies of the David Kamp’s new paperback release to give away to my readers. Click here to enter!
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The topic for this week’s Denver Post haiku contest is SWIMMING.
The deadline is midnight Thursday (Denver time). Send your one stanza (5-7-5) haiku to lifestyle@denverpost.com or go online at www.denverpost.com/haiku to enter. (You can also read everyone else’s entries there.) As usual, the weekly winner will win a $25 gift certificate to the Tattered Cover bookstore. Get writing and good luck!
Jul
16
2007
When we’re writing anything from an email to a novel, writers often assume that their readers knows what they’re writing about. However, unless you supply some well-picked details, readers often don’t have a clue.
Just look at recipes. What happens if the author forgot to include the bake time? Or left out the step where you add the egg to the cake batter? Disaster! As they say, it’s all in the details.
Writing directions on how to make or do something is a great way to practice making sure all the right information gets into your writing.
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Writing Invitation One: Write instructions on how to blow up a balloon
Pretend you just met someone who has never seen a ballon before and doesn’t know what to do with one. Write a detailed list of directions on what one needs to do to blow up a balloon.
Don’t assume your reader knows anything. You may need to start this assignment with a simple step like, "Go to the store and buy a package of balloons."
Review your instructions. Did you leave anything out or make an assumption?For example, don’t go from buying the package of balloons to blowing into one. You have to open the package first and take one out!
Writing Invitation Two: Write instructions on how to turn making your bed from something boring and tedious to lots of fun
This takes the detailed instruction assignment one step further. Put in some ways to make bed making fun. For example, "First, put on your bed making fuzzy slippers. Sing the football team fight song as you fluff the pillows." The more silly details, the better.
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If you need more writing prompts, check out Write Anyway at 451Press.com. A new blogger, JM, has taken over. She also writes at Fiction Scribe.
Jul
10
2007
The topic for this week’s Denver Post haiku contest is BASEBALL.
The deadline is midnight Thursday (Denver time). Send your one stanza (5-7-5) haiku to lifestyle@denverpost.com or go online at www.denverpost.com/haiku to enter. (You can also read everyone else’s entries there.) As usual, the weekly winner will win a $25 gift certificate to the Tattered Cover bookstore. Good luck!
Speaking of the Denver Post, check out their thought provoking article, "The end is in sight for Harry Potter – The final Harry Potter book may spell doom for key characters, which has some parents squeamish"
With death looming near someone as important to kids as Harry…many Potter fans worry a fictional demise might leave scars on real children.
Not to worry, say literature experts and careful parents. Beloved characters have been dying in books and movies revered by children since Charles Dickens’ Little Nell, E.B. White’s Charlotte the spider, Bambi’s mom and "Sesame Street’s" Mr. Hooper. An important death written with care and consideration not only offers emotional growth to the young reader but makes for a great plot they’ll never forget.
No matter what the subject – racism, death, drugs, sexuality – books provide a great opportunity to have a family dialog about hard-to-approach matters. If your kids are reading Harry Potter, it’s a great time to discuss death, the imminent demise of elderly or sick relatives and friends, and your beliefs about spirituality and the hereafter.
Take advantage of the situation and talk with your kids!
Jul
09
2007
So what movies have you seen this summer? We’ve gone to Ratatouille and Shrek 3. We still haven’t seen Surf’s Up yet, though we will soon. However, as I was scanning the Denver Post to read the reviews, I noticed that the paper has been giving everything except Evan Almighty, three and a half stars.
Come on! There’s no way that Shrek 3 was as good as Ratatouille. I’d rather see at rat cook than an ogre fart any ol’ day of the week.
Thus inspired, let’s write some movie reviews! Don’t know how to start? E-how gives you tips on how to write a movie review that should help.
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Writing Invitation One: Write a review of a movie you saw this summer
It can be something you saw either in the theater or at home. It doesn’t have to be a new release, just something you saw for the first time recently. Also, please avoid, "I liked this movie. It was funny. It was cool." Use descriptive words and give examples why you thought it was funny or cool.
Writing Invitation Two: Write a review of your FAVORITE movie
This review can be more personalized. Again, use descriptive words and examples. But this time explain why this movie is your favorite. What about it appeals to you? Why does it "speak to your soul" or inspire you?
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Need some examples? For formal, professional movie reviews, go to the New York Times movie section. For very personalized movie reviews from a twenty-something year old guy, check out Movie Review Report over at 451Press.com.
