Star Light, Star Bright
Which star will I see first tonight?
Wish I may. Wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.

If you are a star gazer or a star wisher, you will love PBS’ new website called SEEING IN THE DARK highlighting a film by Timothy Ferris. The documentary airs at various times this month on PBS. Check the website for the broadcast schedule in your area.

http://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/index.html

But as interesting as the film sounds, the website itself is vastly entertaining. Truly out-of-this-world with astrological information and digital star charts. You can see exactly what the stars will look like tonight in your backyard. Or you can even discover which star began sending its light to earth the same year you were born. Plus, the site contains resources for teachers and families and star shots which will transport you to galaxies far, far away.

I have a poem to be published by HIGHLIGHTS magazine called, “Reaching for the Stars.” Truly, this new website seems to bring them easily within reach.

Writing can be lonely. It’s just the forlorn writer and the paper (ok, so probably computer, but I’m trying to sound poetic here.)

Anyway… everyday the solitary writer faces the page all alone. Battling writer’s block. Overcoming obstinate characters. Tackling yet another revision.

How do I cope with such overwhelming problems all by myself?

I don’t. I have a support staff!
Two long-time staff cats, Herman & Henry, and an apprentice dog, Holly

Herman, as you can see from the photo, takes notes at our latest office meeting where we discuss a new middle grade novel already in the works. He’s done his research and thinks we need to add at least one cat to the story and probably catnip as well for extra spice.

Holly and Henry brainstorm ideas for beefing up the tension in the plot. Holly suggests adding a territorial German Shepherd and a lost Siberian Husky who stir up old rivalries.
Henry wants a family of mice on a quest for cheese which leads them deep inside a renegade kitty lair.

I consult my story outline and see that we have wandered rather drastically from the original plot. I propose we adjourn for a break. Henry suggests snack time. Holly seconds and Herman is already leading them to the pantry.
So as you can see, with help like this, my job is never lonely.

So said a tongue-in-cheek Richard Michelson as he began his reflective presentation on writing across racial lines. Several of his books (including his upcoming AS GOOD AS ANYBODY) present black characters and viewpoints. The links below are examples of two of his essays which deal with this issue.

STOMPING AT THE SAVOY
Writing Across Racial Lines
http://www.nextbook.org/cultural/feature.html?id=299
Nextbook/4.26.06

FROM COLD FEET TO HAPPY FEET
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6393026.html?display=current&industry=Soapbox&verticalid=792
Pulbishers Weekly/11.20.06

Mr. Michelson also treated us to excerpts from his picture books HAPPY FEET, ACROSS THE ALLEY, and TOO YOUNG FOR YIDDISH. He answered numerous questions about editors, illustrators, and book research as well as shared some of his life story with us. I felt very lucky to have been a part of this wonderful evening presentation by such a reknowned author and poet.

If you ever have the chance to attend an event featuring Mr. Michelson, I suggest you go. On my own sole-ful speaker scale, I give him a 10–all ten toes-tapping and both feet can’t keep still. (And that’s excellent–because I can dance, sort of.)

Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day blog [http://picturebookoftheday.blogspot.com/]is a great place to study the variety of children’s picture books in print. Each day a different book is featured as an example of 6 writing traits, organization, voice, conventions, word choice, ideas, sentence fluency. Here’s a link explaining these 6 writing traits in more detail: http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/staff/LindaJancola/6Trait/what.htm

What picture book am I reading today? GRANDPA’S GAMBLE by Richard Michelson/ illustrated by Barry Moser. In it a Jewish grandfather reveals the touching story of his past to his grandchildren. This book has an interesting voice, told through the eyes of the grandson–who at first belittles his grandfather until he comes to understand what has made his grandfather the prayerful man he is.

ACROSS THE ALLEY and HAPPY FEET: THE SAVOY BALLROOM LINDY HOPPERS AND ME are two other picture books by Richard Michelson that I enjoyed. He has others as well. Hope you are able to read some of them.

And tomorrow I hope to attend a reading by Richard Michelson. Tune back in for an update.

Fresh off the Presses!

Special Website Updates just in time for the start of a new school year.

KIDS, look for Super Smoothies — a cool recipe for snacking https://www.cynthiareeg.com/kids/smoothy.html

Recycling Reading — a list that will lead you to the Green https://www.cynthiareeg.com/kids/recycle_read.html

Paper Bag Book Cover — a fun way to recycle and care for books
https://www.cynthiareeg.com/kids/paperbag.html

PARENTS & TEACHERS, look for Green Schools — learn how to have Zero waste in schools
https://www.cynthiareeg.com/teachers/green.html

Plus, new ordering information for both KITTY KERPLUNKING AND GIFTS FROM GOD https://www.cynthiareeg.com/writings/books.html

Stop in for a visit!

I spent a magical evening last Friday, the 10th, listening to Gail Carson Levine read from her latest book–Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand–and she also answered many questions from her excited young fans.

Here’s a few of the questions and answers in very random order:

Which is your favorite book?

Dave at Night (because it was inspired by her father who was also an orphan, like Dave)

What are some ways you use to convey characters?

Speech

Filling out a character questionnaire

Talking to the character–asking her/him questions

What are some of your favorite stories?

Pride and Prejudice

Anne of Green Gables

Peter Pan

Hat Full of Sky

Where do you get your inspiration?

From the books I read as a child, especially fairy tales

If you’d like more information on Ms. Levine, here’s a link to her website:

http://www.harperchildrens.com/authorintro/index.asp?authorid=12385

As a part of staying positive, I’m trying to do a THANKFUL list at least once a month. Of course, I take too much for granted each day. So here’s a list of today’s THANKS:

• a ladybug in the grass
• getting off a requested sub to an agent
• receiving a request for submission from said agent
• a dinner date with my husband and family
• 3 Rose-o-sharon bushes all in bloom–one white, one pink, one lilac
• a cool library on a hot day
• online writing buddies
• tug-of-war games with my dog Holly (she’s always wins)
• pre-season football starting in just a week (I love football!)
• silly kitty cat in a sack (that’s Henry)
• an email from my sister-in-law, Wil, that made me laugh
• cuddle time with purr-master Herman (my other cat)

Oh, and one big piece of GOOD NEWS to be THANKFUL for:

a contract for one of my short stories The Emily Explosion from Blooming Tree Press!!!

The story was one of five finalists chosen from the Smart Writers Contest. It will be published in an upcoming anthology.

Once again the 3 P’s have prevailed. (hint: read my prior blog entry)