Category: reader suggestions

Wintry Reading

an activity / book lists / musings / reader suggestions

Wintry Reading

As cuddle and cocoa and lap blanket time arrives, take a trip to the picture book section in your public library to read a few wise-beyond-their-age- group books. We often get so deeply into adult fare that we don’t look back to appreciate the children’s books that line those lower shelves, probably near a fish tank and tiny bean bag chairs; maybe beside a puppet stage or a small, low table circled by tiny chairs. Wander the shelves and pick random books, ask the librarian for suggestions, or look up the ALA (American Library Association)  http://www/ala/alsc/awards-grants-nota/ncb for a list of...

Refugee Book List

book lists / book reviewing / reader suggestions

Refugee Book List

When I was leaving my recent interview with Mary Kay at the Edmonds Bookshop I stopped to survey the front window. Michelle Bear, assistant manager of the bookshop, had arranged a display of books on refugees from around the world. I hurried back inside and asked her if that list would appear on the Edmonds Bookshop website http://www.edmondsbookshop.com Michelle assured me it could. Two days later she sent me the entire list which I have permission to reprint for your perusal. Thanks, Michelle! the display invited me to read outside my usual genres and was a timely topic. I hope...

Powerful Vowels

details in writing / editing / reader suggestions / writing process

Powerful Vowels

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) has a wonderful writer’s retreat each year. One year Darcy Pattison presented a discussion on the power of words, especially the energy of vowels. As readers and writers her ideas will shed light on how authors heighten energy in their stories. Here are a few details that may inspire you to occasionally stop and re-read for a different purpose. **High energy vowels include long e (tree), short i (sit) and long a (say). Compare these two sentences. Decide which provides more energy into the writing. The autumn I was seventeen, the nightmare...

Ways to Support Authors

musings / reader suggestions

Ways to Support Authors

As I became an author, I realized several ways people supported me beyond reading my books. I also realized that I needed to step-up my interactions and involvement with fellow authors. Here’s a few ideas I’ve come to believe are important way all of us can support authors. Give the books to friends as gifts. Ask the author for a signature card to add to the book if you cannot purchase a signed copy. Most authors will gladly personalize a stick-on and send it to you. Thank the author by writing a review that describes what you enjoyed in the...

details in writing / musings / reader suggestions / writing

Writing Genres

Fiction writers have many genres to pick from when they sit down: mystery, romance, science fiction, medical/police/legal procedurals, horror, western, historical,  comedy, adventure, fantasy, political thriller and more. New genres and sub-genres crop up every year as writers stretch their writing brains. My favorites are historical fiction, cozy mysteries (a sub-genre of mysteries), medical-police-legal procedurals, and women’s fiction. I enjoy having a host of characters to get to know and follow as they work through their problems or situations. I’ll leave the high adventure and new world making stories for my husband. I’m moving my writing away from pointe shoes,...

Summer Reading Ideas

Challenge / musings / reader suggestions

Summer Reading Ideas

This summer try a change of pace; read a book from outside your preferred genres. If you like adventure, try a biography. If you’re a Sci-fi fan, try a western. Enjoy historical fiction? Read personal essays from non-fiction. Like medical or legal procedurals? Slip over to the poetry section. Favor romance? Try a mystery. Prefer non-fiction? Step into a New York Times reviewed book? Not sure what to try? Visit an independent bookstore and ask for their ideas. Sometimes it’s good to shake up your reading. Maybe you’ll discover a new interest.

84 Ribbons / Letters to Follow / new works / reader suggestions / When the Music Stops

Marta: Epilogue to Her Story

Friends and readers at book talk often ask, “What happened to Marta after her stories ended?” Here’s my answer. I wrote this several years ago, but it’s still how I think an unwritten future chapter might progressed. Marta stood at the kitchen sink washing carrots from her garden. Her mind wandered a thousand miles away from her present view. Lynne had just written from her touring along the west coast. She laughed to herself. Lynne was always a joy with stories to keep them the phone for hours. R.J., Ryan Jonas, crawled across a rag rug toward her, dragging his...

Dancing / musings / reader suggestions

Questions about Paddy’s Dance Life

Friends and guests at my book talks often ask me questions about my dance life. Here are a few answers. When did you start dancing?  At age 3. I continued to take lessons until I was 18 and danced off and on until I was in my 40s. I was never a professional dancer. Which dance teachers were most inspiring? I only had 3 teachers across all the years I danced. Each influenced me in big or small ways: Margaret Tapping gave me the first opportunity to perform. I was 3 and loved being on the stage with the light...

blog readers voting / details in writing / musings / reader suggestions

Results: The Most Antagonistic Characters in the Ballet Trilogy Are…

The votes are in! There are few surprises. The FINALISTS are: Drum roll, please…         The 5 most antagonistic characters in the ballet trilogy are… Madame Cosper…..Uncle Leo…..Lynne’s parents…..Suzette….Carol   Each character was deemed continuously selfish, with hidden agendas, and focused on how Marta and Lynne’s needs and successes disrupted their lives. Thanks to everyone who voted. If you have further comments, send them to me at Paddy@PaddyEger.com  

5 Easy Ways to Help Authors – Part Two

book reviewing / reader suggestions

5 Easy Ways to Help Authors – Part Two

Here are 5 more ways to let authors know when you enjoy their writings: Suggest places where the book would fit into groups, organizations, etc. Pass out author information (bookmarks, brochures, reviews) to appropriate waiting rooms. Buy and send the book to a friend outside your local area. Host a book party for the author/for the book. Blog and talk about the book with your friends.