Rainbow Foods & Rainbow Stories

Rainbow Foods, Rainbow Stories

I love this poster of the American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month,

which just so happens to be this month:

Who doesn’t enjoy a plate full of tasty, rainbow-colored foods? But alas, 

my kids have twisted this phrase to their own advantage, suggesting yes, 

they agree. Just fill their plates will jelly beans, Twizzlers, Sour Patch kids and cupcakes

swirled with cheery frosting. Same rainbow but different nutrition!

Thinking about eating right with color makes me think about writing. Because writers

 write with a color palette, too. When I visit kids during school visits, we talk about how
writers use descriptive language to paint a scene

and to describe our character’s appearance, dialogue and setting. The more tones and shades we use, the more vivid  (and real) our descriptions.

Where do we get all these “writing paints” to work with? Good in = good out,

that’s what I say. The more we read and listen to a variety of voices, the more we 

acquire a database in our noggins to help us discover the right words we’re looking for.

And speaking of food (because I’ll admit it. Now I’m craving a bowl full of

colorful berries), we writers

 realize the power of food in our stories too. My first two books have food in

 their titles: Kimchi & Calamari, and Rocky Road.

(Do you know what these three foods are?) Food is something that makes readers

 perk up and pay attention.  They relate when our characters moan about a nasty 

casserole dinner, or cheer when they slurp down a creamy milkshake.

Here’s to National Nutrition Month and painting our writing with color and food.

Yum!

Sense-able Writing

Sense-able Writing

Looking for a quick way to jazz up your story?

Lay off your eyes. 

Really.

Give your ears, nose, mouth and fingers a greater role in your writing.

We writers know that it’s our job to use juicy details so our readers feel

they are right there with our characters when we set the stage. But sometimes we 

rely too heavy on showing what the stage "looks" like. Let’s say we are describing a bonfire gathering deep in the woods. We've got five senses to paint this picture, not one, in our writer’s toolbox. We can relay the smell of smoke and pine-tinged air, the sound of owls hooting, the touch of crunchy leaves on the ground, and the gooey-oh-so-good taste of s’mores. The more we add these other senses, the richer – and realer -- our writing becomes.

Next time you are writing, give this a try: Describe a scene using your other senses 

first before adding sight details.  Close your eyes if you have to! Your writing will be

more sense-able. Promise. 

Do you “see” my point?

Be the Mantis

Be the Mantis

This praying mantis has got it going, don’t you agree? She embodies drive & spirit. Bring in on! Maybe she knows it’s a new year too.

Seeing this bold green lady inspired a little research. I learned that there are 1,800 species of insects in this group, the genus Mantis. They got their name, praying mantis, from how they keep their spiny front legs bent when they are still. Praying mantises can swivel their heads 180 degrees. Their eyes can see movement up to 60 feet away. No wonder they usually win in a duel with prey.

As a writer, I need to be forward thinking too, and to keep my mind open in all directions, for the sake of my characters and the plot. And I need to pray-ask-seek answers in order to lead my story in the right direction and create the most satisfying ending for my readers.

So in this year 2013, I strive to be the mantis. (Well, not in every way. The praying mantis bites the back of its victim’s neck before eating it. I don’t want to hurt my reader, although I do enjoy “striking” in story with the element of surprise.

Here’s to all my fellow writers – student writers too. Be the mantis in 2013!

Yay For Nicholas!

Did you know that December 6th is officially known as the feast of Saint Nicholas in some parts of the world? If "Nicholas" sounds familiar this holiday season, you are onto something. Saint Nick is the one-and-the-same Santa Claus who makes merry later this month.

But what Nicholas was known for isn’t unique to any church or religion. “Nikola” lived in the town of Myra (in modern day Turkey) back around the year 300 A.D. He was a young, boyish community leader who earned a reputation for doing good deeds without calling attention to himself. Once a man desperately needed money to afford dowries for his three daughters who were marrying. Nikola wanted to help him, but he did not want credit for his generosity. So one night after everybody was sleeping he quietly climbed to the man’s rooftop and dropped three bags of gold down the chimney. Today children in some countries like Holland leave their shoes by the fireplace (or outside on the window ledge) before they go to bed for Saint Nicholas to fill with candies and small gifts.

So what does Nicholas have to do with being a children’s book author, you ask? I spend my days writing and visiting schools, where I celebrate my love of story with kids and teachers. In schools I see many examples of people committing acts of kindness & generosity. They too don't seek recognition. Kids helping classmates who struggle with school work. Teachers creating can-do classrooms that burst with promise & energy. Librarians, who go above and beyond to be reading cheerleaders and put books in the hands of kids. It’s magical to me, just like Nicholas dropping gold down the chimney.

Do you know a “Nicholas” by any other name in your school -- someone who keeps pouring out kindness and generosity? I bet you do. Well let ‘em know!

PS. Here is a picture of my own favorite little “saint” Nicholas (a.k.a. Niko). He too
brings you to the world!

Check Out These Fabulous Fifth-Graders!

Ah, yes, I remember fifth grade well. It was one of my favorite years. Which is why I love
visiting with fifth graders, like the awesome ones at Pleasant Valley Elementary School 
in Schenectady, NY.

In full disclosure: I have a pro-Schenectady bias. My newest book, ROCKY ROAD,
is set in an ice cream shop in Schenectady. I enjoy walking along the Mohawk River and gazing
at the beauty of The Rose Garden at Central Park. And I live just a few miles from this place that used
 to be known as "The City That Lights & Hauls the World," in reference to the old General Electric company and the American Locomotive Company.

But that truly had nothing to do with my having a four-star day at Pleasant Valley last week. No,
it had more to do with the smiling, curious kids who were bursting with energy and enthusiasm about writing and life. We chatted, we laughed, we ate lunch together and we wrote. Who could ask for anything more?

Thanks to principal Joe DiCaprio, librarian Emily Dearstyne and teacher Jude McQueen for hosting me. And a shout-out to all the Pleasant Valley fifth-graders. Read, write, and rock on!