Monthly Archive: August 2018

Fun Writing Tools

Fun Writing Tools

I love to window shop for writing tools, booklets, folders, pens, etc. This is the best time of year since the major stores have big back-to-school sales that will be ending soon. Even if you don’t have students who need materials, I suggest you think of these ‘new’ tools as a way to encourage your entire family to write. Plan ahead. Use the sales to buy birthday or holidays writing tools now and tuck them away for later. Here are a few of the ‘new’ colorful items I’ve seen for 2018. * folders with current movie scenes as covers *...

Blackout Poetry – A Creative Look at a Written Page

Blackout Poetry – A Creative Look at a Written Page

All poetry is NOT created equal. Blackout poetry is a modern take on free verse. It requires you to find a newspaper article to enlarge or a page from a printed book that you slice free to use its words in a new way. Below are basic directions and two samples. Look for motivation on Pinterest, then dive in. It’s a challenge as well as a fun activity. Instructions for Blackout Poetry** Scan article or page for anchor words – words that jump out at you or words you know you would like to use in your poem Underline the...

The Great American Read

The Great American Read

I hope you are participating in the PBS balloting for America’s favorite books. It’s free! They have assembled 100 popular books from across the world of literature for you to think about and vote for your favorites. In Mid-October they will announce the book with the single most votes. The range of books is immense: Pilgrim’s Progress to 50 Shades of Gray; from Charlotte’s Web to Catch 22. You are encouraged to vote for as many books as you wish every day until the event ends. I’ve followed it since a PBS program introduced each book in June. That program...

Quotes Worth a Look

Quotes Worth a Look

When I read, I often find author’s have exquisite sentences. I save them in a special notebook. Here are a few I’ve sincerely appreciated. She maneuvered through the cranky traffic…tempers caught fire as easily as backyards. Kristin Hannah in Magic Hour Perhaps there is a secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society  bby Mary Ann Shaffer & Anne Barrows As they crossed the street, the moon, at half-phase, spread creamy light over the world, trannsforming the sidewalk to pale ribbons and putting thick shadows beneath the trees… LaVyrle...