Tinker with Tools Tuesday

Mr. Edward Magorium: "Unlikely adventures require unlikely tools."

When all else fails me  in writing I usually do something silly like watch Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium or  maybe I'll get down into the nit and grit of kid life and laugh at the silly things my kids do. Maybe I'll even jump on some bubble wrap. That always helps. Here are a few things to read after all the silly is out of your system and there is still hope:

On Writing by Stephen King
Pocket Keys for Writers -Ann Raimes
Elements of style -E.B. White
The Art of Fiction-John Gardner
Zen in the Art of Writing-Ray Bradbury
Self Editing for Fiction Writers-Rennie Browne, Dave King
On Becoming a Novelist-John Gardner
Politics and the English Language-George Orwell
Bird by Bird-Anne Lamont
Putting Your Passion Into Print-Arielle Eckstut, David Sterry

Masterpiece Monday

The proof that I can write it all, have fun while I write it, and keep the passion alive even amidst the everyday chaos of being a mother:

This ain't no moonshine*!


With so many things to write and so little time to write them in, I find my vision clouded. It is one thing to sit serenely at the computer or outside in perfect weather and type words to my hearts content. It is another thing to be doing it while also juggling the professions of, caretaker of two, chef to three, housekeeper, guardian of all things called toys, and mediator for two tumbling tykes who have no concern for the penned word quite yet. Do all this with brevity while carrying a dash of civility, grace, and all the indigestible parts of life right along with you, not to mention the skill of multitasking and you will have conjured up an experience similar to that of a  funambulator* experiencing a midlife crisis, but because you are far more clever than that you will instead find yourself scrupulously reading this wonderfully written book below. Before you know it a refreshing idea will  bloom betwixt and between the words on the pages or the beautiful illustrations that are full of detail and an abundance of curiously keen creatures.
http://www.amazon.com/Pish-Posh-Said-Hieronymus-Bosch/dp/0152622101

another good hit
http://www.amazon.com/Sam-Bangs-Moonshine-Owlet-Book/dp/0805003150




*moonshine-foolish talk and thought
*According to urbandictionary.com a funambulator is,  "a tight rope walker with a big 'bootay' often causing them to tip over and fall to their death." 

Bloomability Thursday

Every author has the opportunity for bloomability, because writing always creates many possibilities. Thursdays post is dedicated to all those who felt at one time or another that they just couldn't figure the writing out, or the mysterious and daunting publishing world. It is for those who seek improvement continually. Here is a wonderful children's book that might motivate you in the process. Even when we think something has already been done or there is no use for something....think again. Pull that rusty dusty element out and use it, because it is the best kind of surprise, the best twist we will ever encounter. So if you are hopelessly depressed and in the writing slums, this book is for you. Motivation is just around the corner, so hang on to your pen!

http://www.amazon.com/Otis-Loren-Long/dp/0399252487/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t