Middle Grade Novels Tackle Tough Stuff

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart
“Middle Grade Novels Tackle Tough Stuff” by Linda Martin Andersen

Read all about it

on Facebook and register to win a set of great middle grade novels.

http://mggetsreal.blogspot.com/2016/07/5-middle-grade-novels-with-tough-topics.html

Carol Baldwin read all about it and helped spread the word.  Read an interview on her blog.

http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/mggetsreal-behind-scenes-with-joyce.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FDtis+%28Carol+Baldwin%27s+blog%29

I encourage you to..

Read all about and help spread the word! Readers need to know!

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Who’s Coming to Town?

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart
“Who’s Coming to Town?” by Linda Martin Andersen

In summer, many families travel to visit relatives or vacation out-of-town.  This summer, an author friend is coming to town.  She was invited to do a book signing at Ft. Bragg, NC.  I hope you can stop by to see her and check out her latest book, as well as some short stories.

Who is this author who is coming to town? 

Sandra Warren. 

When is Sandra Warren’s book signing? 

Friday, August 5, 2016 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and

Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9:00 am – 12:00 am.

 

Where is Sandra Warren’s book signing?

At the PX

 5050 Butner Rd, Fort Bragg, NC 28307  

Sandra Warren will be signing copies of We Bought A WWII Bomber, Hidden Casualties: Battles On The Home Front and When Duty Called: Even Grandma Had To GO.  Watch a book trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUmxqhIpadI

Hidden Casualties and When Duty Called are nurses stories about serving in Desert Storm.

 

Sandra Warren didn’t stop here.  She found a way to turn her research and photos into another format.  See here:

http://sandrawarrenwrites.blogspot.com/2016/05/got-left-over-research-photos-put-them.html

Sandra Warren also shared how to create a book trailer.  See here:

http://sandrawarrenwrites.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-trailers-made-easy.html

Come out and meet Sandra Warren.  You’ll be glad you did.  If you don’t live in the area, Amazon carries these and more titles in various genres.  See here:

https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Warren/e/B00L4BPF2M/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1470137498&sr=1-2-ent

Everyone knows that one of teachers’ favorite back-to-school writing prompts is:  What did you do over summer vacation?

If I were writing in response to this prompt, I’d tell about Sandra Warren, the author who came to town.  Here are other prompts for you to consider.

Writing Prompts:

1. Who came to visit you this summer or who did you visit?
2. Write interview questions for a favorite relative.  Ask the person to respond.
3. What family projects did you do this summer?
4. What tips can you pass along on how to keep cool?
5. What books did you read for pleasure?  Tell about them.
6. How would you organize a book review panel?

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

The Last Cherry Blossom–Coming Very Soon!

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart
“The Last Cherry Blossom–Coming Very Soon!” by Linda Martin Andersen

NO, there’s no real danger to cherry trees that provide us so much beauty.  No threat to them in that way.

So what is this post about?  A new book called THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM by Kathleen Burkinshaw.

                   

Photos used with permission.

THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM is a book you don’t want to miss.  What have you heard about it?  If you don’t know about this debut book due to launch on August 2, read more here.

Earlier posts I hope you’ll choose to visit/revisit include…

• One of my earlier posts:

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/the-cherry-blossoms-in-washington-d-c-remind-me-of/

Two posts to follow by Carol Baldwin:

1. “Carol Baldwin’s blog:  Meet Kathleen Burkinshaw–Debut Middle Grade Author” posted at

https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/kathleen-burkinshaw-debut-middle-grade.html

2.  Carol Baldwin also posted a review of THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM.  See here:

https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-last-cherry-blossom-review-and-arc.html

• Here’s a Kirkus review too:

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kathleen-burkinshaw/the-last-cherry-blossom/

If you want to order a copy of this book before August 2, here’s one place to do so: 

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Cherry-Blossom-Kathleen-Burkinshaw/dp/1634506936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469710602&sr=8-1&keywords=Kathleen+Burkinshaw

I’m so happy for my writer friend and her writing journey!  What a great gift to readers everywhere.

Readers, I hope you’ll try some writing of your own..

Writing Prompts:

1. Tell about a time your life changed for the better.
2. Tell about a time your life changed for the worse.
3. What helps you to handle things when life turns worse?
4. How do you like to celebrate when life changes for the better?
5. Who helps you through life events when you face changes?

I hope you’ll look for and read THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM by Kathleen Burkinshaw.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

The Last Cherry Blossom–Carol Baldwin Interviews the Author

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Carol Baldwin’s blog:  Meet Kathleen Burkinshaw–Debut Middle Grade Author” posted at

https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/kathleen-burkinshaw-debut-middle-grade.html

Posted by Linda Martin Andersen

 

Have you ever been so excited for someone that you couldn’t stop thinking about it?  Have you ever known something was special before others declared it so?  If this isn’t making sense, I hope it soon will.

Please take time to read Carol Baldwin’s interview with a special debut author, Kathleen Burkinshaw.  Enjoy!

https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/kathleen-burkinshaw-debut-middle-grade.html

More posts to follow about Kathleen Burkinshaw and her debut book, THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM.

Writing Prompts:

1. Tell about meeting an author or illustrator for children’s books.
2. Write a letter to a favorite author or illustrator.
3. Interview someone who is special to you.  Share your interview with others.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Y is for Yard, Yes, and Yesterday

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Y is for Yard, Yes, and Yesterday” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Y is for Yard

In an earlier post, I wrote about an experience in my back yard.  An elm leaf was suspended in the air and twirled in the breeze–one of nature’s windsocks.  I am thankful for all I see out our window.  I am also thankful for the wide open space and for the wildlife that visits too.

Check out the photos below and earlier posts about them.  I hope you enjoy them.

Tell about some of your pleasant experiences in the yard.

 

Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/where-are-you-hanging-out-this-summer/

Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/08/28/its-show-and-tell-friday/

Photo by Jim Martin. Copyright.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/jump-back-jack/

 

Y is for Yes

Are you a writer and hoping for an acceptance from an editor or agent and rejections show up instead?  Stick with it.  Your “Yes” is out there somewhere.  It might be closer than you think.  See…

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

 Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Your job is to keep writing, polishing your work, and submitting it.  Find your “Yes.”

Y is for Yesterday

Do you like collecting antiques and reading old diaries?  Do you like history and nonfiction?  Do you enjoy visiting museums and touring old homes.  Do you enjoy looking at old photographs.  Is “yesterday” or history something you want to know more about?  Do you read historical fiction?

Which interests you most:  yesterday, today, or tomorrow?  Why? How will this guide your search for books to read?  Do you enjoy a variety or are you drawn to a specific genre or time period?

Some of my first independent readings were biographies.  Have you read any lately?

What “Y” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

W is for Wisteria

Have you seen wisteria twisting and climbing trees in your area?  I told someone it’s as close to purple mountain majesty as we get in the Sandhills of North Carolina.  Wisteria always reminds me of one of my favorite authors…

Joyce Moyer Hostetter has a new middle grade historical novel that will be launched in October 2016.  It’s called Aim.  It is the prequel to Blue.  Comfort rounds out the trilogy.  Wisteria plays an important role in the setting of Joyce’s books.  So of course, she’s showing off their lovely blooms below.

  These Advance Readers Copies (ARC) arrived on Monday.  The launch day for Aim is Oct. 4, 2016.  Congratulations, Joyce!                                   

Why is Joyce modeling wisteria? 

Perhaps she is celebrating that Aim, the prequel, is coming soon!

To learn more about Joyce Moyer Hostetter’s books, check here:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.com/my-books/

Joyce’s blog:  The Three R’s–Reading, ‘Riting, and Research:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com/

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joyce Hostetter for another of her books, Healing Water, a book that includes leprosy.  This post probably received the most comments of any I’ve ever written.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/who-would-write-about-leprosy-joyce-moyer-hostetter-thats-who/

Joyce Hostetter and Carol Baldwin co-write a newsletter for teachers and parents.  Learn more about “Talking Story” here:  http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/p/talking-story.html

I hope you’ll check out Joyce Moyer Hostetter and her books!

W is for Wonder

When I hear “wonder,” I tend to think “head in the clouds.”

Copyright 2014. Jim Martin

 

What do you think of when you hear “wonder?”  I wonder what he/she’s thinking.  I wonder if I’ll ever reach my goal.  I wonder what it would be like to be…or to do… I hope you’ll share something that you wonder.

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is participating in a poetry writing challenge this month that she calls, “Wallow in Wonder.”  Here’s a post to enjoy.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/04/wallow-in-wonder-day-25-mama-kangaroos.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+amylv%2FGmZc+%28The+Poem+Farm%29

Visit Wonderopolis here:  http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-do-kangaroos-keep-in-their-pockets

W is for Writer’s Gifts

When friends give me gifts, they sometimes purchase something to inspire my writing.  Here’s one example:

Writing Muse. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Thanks to all who gift me with encouragement, love, friendship, and shared writing tips!  I love and appreciate my writing community.  It keep me going!

What “W” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

 

T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

T is for Tractor

Every fall, our family has an annual hayride held on farm property surrounding our home.  Our son drives his tractor that pulls a trailer lined with straw and filled with children’s laughter.  I have blogged about our hayride here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/our-annual-hayride-a-fall-family-tradition/

 

 T is for Turkey

Yesterday, I was considering what “T” words to spotlight when two wild turkeys crossed our backyard.  I wasn’t able to photograph them, but one thing I have learned to do is to credit great photographers when I meet them.  Check out Tim and Mary Livingston’s art and photos of turkeys.  You’ll love their blogs too.

https://theforesterartist.com/2015/03/20/get-your-strut-on-its-spring/

https://theforesterartist.com/2013/11/28/make-yourself-at-home-i-made-turkey/

Sneaking Bliss Blog with Mary A. Livingston:

Turkeys–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/11/26/whimsday-bliss-turkey-dinner-old-school-3/

And bears–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/07/31/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/

T is for Thinking on Your Feet

Feet by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/think+on+feet

I am not the most mechanically minded one in the family by any stretch of the imagination, but I take comfort in being able to think on my feet some times.  It feels good to be able to solve something when you haven’t plotted and planned in advance.  My reaction:  “I want to scream and shout and let it all out”– Scream and Shout  by Will.i.am and Brittney Spears:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtGl1dX5qI

Name a time when you were quick at thinking on your feet.   How did you react?  Internally?  Externally?

Thanks for playing along!

What “T” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Q is for Question Marks, Quilts, and Quests

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Q is for Question Marks, Quilts, and Quests” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Q is for Question Marks–and with that comes lots of questions

Some Q & A activities, just for fun…

• Walk around your house with a question in mind.  Can you answer the question before your walk is complete?  For example:  What items in my house or yard begin with the letter “Q?”  I thought of quarter, quilt, and flowering quince.
• In what class or classes at school would you expect to see a lot of question marks?  Give an example.
• What written language uses inverted question marks?  How did you find the answer to this question?
• What animal(s) is sometimes described as having a curly Q tail?
• What is a good study skill habit that centers around questions when reading nonfiction?
• What “W” questions and one “H” question are good to ask when writing a story?
• Do you ever question your ability to do something?  What helps you build your confidence in situations like this?

Q is for Quilts

Years ago, I bought a quilt rack to display some of my oldest quilts.  Another special one was a gift from my mother-in-law.  Nice gift.  I also have commercially made quilts.  (See the photos below).    On our first Christmas as a married couple, my husband gave me a handmade quilt.  I was so excited.  I received a baby quilt for one son when he was born. The other son received a crocheted blanket.  I have featured a quilted apron at this blog.  You would think with this love of quilts and handmade things that I would quilt, but I don’t.  I’d rather admire someone else’s handiwork.  How about you?

 

Commercial quilt–larger view. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Q is for Quests

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/quest

I used to work as a school counselor in elementary schools.  When I taught classroom guidance, I often used a resource called  “Lions Quest Skills for Growing.”  Years later, I met a former student who told me he remembered me coming to his class and teaching lessons, and he remembered getting to hug Quinton the Bear–Q Bear, the program’s mascot.  He went on to say I was one of his favorite teachers.  It didn’t hurt that he got to hug Q Bear too. 😉

What are you on a quest for?

What “Q” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

D is for 9 1/2 David

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “D is for 9 1/2 David” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Just so you know, my selection for “D” may not seem to quite fit.  Stick with me!

D is for 9 1/2 David

9 1/2 David. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

• My husband wears a 9 1/2 D shoe.  When he goes to the shoe store, he asks for a 9 1/2 David and the clerk never seems to bat an eye.  She returns with just what he asked for.  My husband learned to ask for his size this way years ago.  Maybe it’s part of the shoe trade talk.  Other family shoe trivia: My dad wore a double d width. My older grandson wears a bigger size shoe than his dad and he’s only 14.  I understand he may soon outgrow the stocked sizes.  If his next shoes have to be special ordered,  I imagine that will be rather expensive.
• Perhaps you have special shoe shopping needs.  I have a narrow heel with a wide foot, which makes it difficult to find a non-lace shoe that fits.  For dress shoes, I tend to stick to a name brand that usually fits pretty well.  How about you?  Shoes…do you love them or hate them? 

More about shoes–but no reference to “D,” unless D is for Darlings–little darlings. Little Darlings’ shoes.  Little Darlings’ bronzed shoes.  (Please excuse the dust and the imperfect finish)

Bronzed Baby Shoes. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

• When young parents begin their family, they often keep baby books, scrapbooks, photo albums, or may even consider a tradition that goes back to the 1930s or so–  Bronzed baby shoes http://www.americanbronzing.com/  Have you ever seen any bronzed shoes?  Were they placed on bookends, like these?

Even more about shoes and a connection to another “D.”  D is for dumped shoes. Yes, dumped.  Lost, thrown away, dumped.

• A writer friend, Jennifer Larson wrote Lost Soles, a book about lost shoes.  I interviewed her here in 2014.
•  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/11/08/have-you-ever-found-a-lost-shoe-book-giveaway/  Although the entry for  book giveaway has long since ended, the interview is one you’ll still enjoy. 

 

A word from Jennifer Larson, author and collector:  “Over the years, I’ve photographed more than 100 lone shoes. I’m always on the lookout for the next one. If you have a lost sole find and want to share, please visit my website www.authorjenniferlarson.com. I love receiving photographs of lost soles from everywhere.” To keep up with Jennifer’s latest finds, follow her blog at www.authorjenniferlarson.blogspot.com.

What “D” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Meditation by Janis Silverman

                                     

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”

Imagine my surprise when I found a lovely meditation added to the comment section of one of my blog posts.  See here: https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/02/08/i-love-you-blog-followers/ 

I thought Janis Silverman’s meditation deserved its own space.  Check this out:

A Valentine for the World by Janis L. Silverman

Yes, I realize Valentine’s has passed, but treating yourself with love is worthwhile any time of the year. Thanks for sharing this meditation with us, Janis.

To learn more about Janis L. Silverman’s published books, visit here:  Janis L. Silverman’s  Amazon Books page http://www.amazon.com/Janis-L.-Silverman/e/B001K8HEEQ

Here is a link to Janis’ Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/JanisLSilvermanAuthor

For an earlier blog post about Janis L. Silverman, read here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/imagine-that-an-activity-book-giveaway-by-janis-silverman-guest-blogger/

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  What do you do to unwind?  Have you tried meditation?  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!