tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63372464889354635952024-03-05T13:19:06.406-08:00desertdogblogdesertdogblogdesertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-90865609300309820682015-01-02T10:37:00.000-08:002015-01-02T10:38:35.838-08:00New Series for Reluctant Boy Readers!<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
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'The hardest thing about skateboarding is consistency: The slightest flick of your foot or gust of wind can send your board flying, so it's really anybody's game out there.'<br />
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--Shaun White <br />
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I'm currently preparing the character profiles and chapter outlines for Book Two in a new middle grade skateboarding adventure series conceived primarily for reluctant boy readers. Book One is complete and with my agent as I get started on the sequel. Main character, Eddie Castro, is a trou<span class="text_exposed_show">bled youth trying to gain a foothold on the rough and tumble streets of Flatbush. Veteran Brooklyn cop, Sam Toomey, has Eddie on his radar. But can he save the boy before drugs and street crime take him down? That's the gist, and without doubt it'll be a challenge matching the pace I set for readers in Book One. If you're a fan of the tension in runaway novels (and films) like 'The Taking of Pelham 123,' you'll enjoy 'Ripper's Tomb: The Adventures of Eddie Castro, Book One,' and 'Concrete Canyons: The Adventures of Eddie Castro, Book Two.' Both titles coming soon!</span><br />
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I'm currently preparing the character profiles and chapter outlines for Book Two in a new middle grade skateboarding adventure series conceived primarily for reluctant boy readers. Book One is complete and with my agent as I get started on the sequel. Main character, Eddie Castro, is a troubled youth trying to gain a foothold on the rough and tumble streets of Flatbush. Veteran Brooklyn cop, Sam Toomey, has Eddie on his radar. But can he save the boy before drugs and street crime take him down? That's the gist, and without doubt it'll be a challenge matching the pace I set for readers in Book One. If you're a fan of the tension in runaway novels (and films) like 'The Taking of Pelham 123,' you'll enjoy 'Ripper's Tomb: The Adventures of Eddie Castro, Book One,' and 'Concrete Canyons: The Adventures of Eddie Castro, Book Two.' Both titles coming soon!" border="0" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="229" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10898300_634038960056930_5155109101201218751_n.jpg?oh=54109f27220c0194034d7f98e8032c30&oe=552B3DC0&__gda__=1425632376_db18a4286ff65b76f9fbb747ecb4ea0e" width="220" /></a><br />
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-19772110204982582842014-09-25T17:08:00.001-07:002014-09-25T17:08:35.118-07:00From 'Coyote-Meeter's Abyss'<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
When Old Joseph meets with a mining company official, he doesn't mince words...<br />
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Lockwood watched him over the tops of his glasses. “So, explain again there, Estes, what your business is today.”<br /> “I am here for an understanding.”<br /> “Well, what is it I can help you understand?” <br /> “No, uh, it is about you understanding something.”<br /> “Okay, so shoot.”<br /> “The spirits of our ancestors are unhappy.”<br />Lockwood scratched his head. “What’s that got to do with us?” he asked.<br />“You are aware that within rock caves all over the land and in the mountains lie O’odham who have come before.”<br /> “Uh, you mean, there’s people...your people...buried in these places?” <br />Joseph sighed. “Let me put it this way. All this land is sacred because it is the body of Mother Earth. From Phoenix to the San Pedro River to the Gulf of California...all is sacred.”<br /> “How do you know this?” asked Lockwood.<br />“I am a makai, Earth Doctor. It is my job to know.”<br />Lockwood chuckled. “Do you have a degree?”<br />Joseph pushed on. “This great area holds everything we need to keep life going. Also, when we die, Mother Earth will receive us, body and soul.”<br />Lockwood was puzzled. “So, what you’re saying is...”<br /> “What I am saying is that Mother Earth holds the spirits of our people, back to the very beginning. Back to when the sky came down four times to meet the earth.”<br />Lockwood began to shuffle papers on his desk. He pulled open the center drawer and peered inside.<br />“Are you missing something?” Joseph asked patiently.<br />“No, no...Go ahead”<br /> “The first time, Elder Brother I’itoi came forth. The second time, Buzzard came forth. Coyote came the third time. All before Elder Brother made us out of clay.”<br /> “Can we, sort of...wrap this up?” asked Lockwood.<br />“I am sorry, but you asked, and so I answered,” said Joseph. “When I say the spirits are unhappy it is because the body of Mother Earth is sick and injured. You have drained her precious waters, disturbed the places where she guards our spirits, and shown great disrespect by digging in the land... scarring her body.”<br />Lockwood shrugged. “I’m really not sure I...”<br />Joseph grew angry. “You are not sure of anything,” he voiced. “But I am sure of one thing. If you do not stop what you are doing, we will all lose our way, and wander for eternity without souls.”<br /> “I think we’re done,” Lockwood responded.<br />“I will not allow you to do this to my grandchildren,” Joseph growled. “I have tried to show reason, but you do not listen.”<br />Lockwood hammered impatiently on a call button attached to his speaker phone. A female voice broke in suddenly.<br />“Janet, come in here, please,” he ordered.<br /> When the woman in the green blouse opened the office door, she came face-to-face with Joseph Estes, tight-lipped and sullen. <br />“I am leaving,” he muttered.<br />“Yup. Show Mr. Estes out,” said Lockwood.<br /> Joseph avoided Brad Echevara’s gaze as he stormed across the outer office and out the door. Back in the car, his anger slowly subsided. Still, he couldn’t purge the disappointment from his heart. He sat dejectedly for the longest time, before finally inserting his key in the ignition and starting the engine. On his way back along the rutted road, he thought of Danny and Sophie, and all the children in all the villages on the reservation. There would be dark days ahead, he knew. And only his wisdom, passed down from generations of tribal elders, could be relied upon. He felt suddenly lonely, very much alone. <br />
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'Coyote-Meeter's Abyss,' the final novel in my 'Borderlands Trilogy,' now available from Open Books Press Direct, Barnes&Noble Booksellers, Amazon.com, and all Independent Bookstores<br />
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-7626731450768189762014-07-24T17:13:00.000-07:002014-07-24T17:15:49.790-07:00Danny Rivas's greatest adventure!<span class="userContent"></span><br />
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Strange halos of light are appearing in the night sky above Baboquivari, sacred mountain of the Tohono O'odham. Eerie sounds of weeping echo through the dark canyons. Two reservation men are fiercely attacked by 'spirits of the dead' near t<span class="text_exposed_show">he Mexican border!<br /> Frightened residents confront village elders for answers to the mystery. Danny Rivas's grandfather, Joseph, knows their tribal way of life has been ignored for too long. They must move quickly before utter chaos engulfs the reservation!<br /> Danny, the Coyote-meeter, and his friend Diego devise a plan to offer the sacred medicine pouch of Chief Gray Horse to appease the powerful spirits and save their people. Badly injured in the process, they are trapped in a mine with a nest of rattlesnakes, scorpions, and a family of wolf spiders! Will they be rescued in time?<br /> Danny Rivas's greatest adventure! Now available from Open Books Press Direct, Barnes&Noble Booksellers, Amazon.com, and all Independent Bookstores.</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"> </span></div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-12050731590996511822014-06-10T11:22:00.000-07:002014-06-10T11:23:15.210-07:00'Coyote-Meeter's Abyss' release! Book Three in the 'Borderlands Trilogy'<span class="userContent"></span><br />
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And here it is! Open Books Press just released its 'Coyote-Meeter's Abyss' promotional package, including this stunning cover image! It's been a bit of a waiting game, but I'm delighted with it! <br />
It's the emotional conclusion to a series st<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">eeped in the mystery and tradition of southwest Indian life; Danny Rivas's greatest challenge and true coming-of-age! It has been my great privilege to immerse myself in local culture, meet Tohono O'odham scholars and tribal elders, and write the story of a young reservation boy and his beloved grandfather. The character of Danny Rivas is fiction, but there are so many true young O'odham children growing up in the remoteness of the Sonoran desert.<br /> I know you will love this final chapter in the lives of two very special characters! Happy reading and great adventures!</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"> </span></div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-78253514119600211732013-12-30T13:22:00.004-08:002013-12-30T14:21:23.311-08:00Mystery/Adventure Fiction for Young Readers <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxygKwyArqY5BaH-Ae4gD5Rd5p3CWhNvYr-gDg4wxT9vn_ydYVvPEBwZojXej8M8UQVXhSYxDnZ95eSKiCdgXMnew0k1AwodRT_RIlfRYWfCzZG-8JZmeIkbvQljeYG51x02tfvWrnFSc/s1600/promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxygKwyArqY5BaH-Ae4gD5Rd5p3CWhNvYr-gDg4wxT9vn_ydYVvPEBwZojXej8M8UQVXhSYxDnZ95eSKiCdgXMnew0k1AwodRT_RIlfRYWfCzZG-8JZmeIkbvQljeYG51x02tfvWrnFSc/s320/promo.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span class="userContent">Visit my website: <a href="http://www.robertlhunton.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.robertlhunton.com</a> for the latest updates and information on my adventure/mystery series for young readers, The Borderlands Trilogy, Books One and Two, available from Open Books Press Direct, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Amazon.com, and at all Independent Book stores. Book Three coming in 2014!</span> <br />
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The final novel in the 'Borderlands Trilogy,' <em>Coyote-meeter's Abyss</em>, finds
Danny Rivas and pal, Diego 'Digs' Ramirez, lost at the bottom of an abandoned
silver mine, trapped in a maze of tunnels crawling with rattlesnakes and
scorpions! W<span class="text_exposed_show">hile grandfather, Joseph, and
reservation police search desperately for the missing boys, an illegal immigrant
girl courageously comes to their rescue. Placing herself in grave danger, young
Lupita del Campo defies a ruthless coyote boss, secrets in precious food and
water, and braves the dark and cold passages to lead them to safety. It's an
emotional story of honor and sacrifice on the dangerous road of hope for a new
beginning. </span><br />
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Joseph Estes, Danny's grandfather, is a makai (healer) among his people, the Tohono O'odham of Southern Arizona and Sonoran Mexico. Throughout the three-book series, he stands as the guiding force behind Danny Rivas' development as a young man. He is instrumental in the boy's understanding of his father, Tony's, neglectful behavior. Joseph shares his deep knowledge of O'odham custom and tradition with Danny, helping him gain appreciation for who he is within the tight-knit reservation community. Perhaps most importantly, he accompanies Danny on his journey to manhood, protecting and advising. What does the final <em>Borderlands</em> adventure have in store for the aged Joseph?</div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-47107710259290866942013-11-03T14:38:00.001-08:002013-11-03T14:42:54.201-08:00Masks of the Iroquois Confederacy 'False Face Society'<span class="userContent"></span><br />
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Native Americans are traditionally very spiritual people. Perhaps none more so than members of various clans of the Five (then Six, after 1722) Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy of New York - Seneca (Keepers of the Western Door), Cayuga, <span class="text_exposed_show">Onandaga, Oneida, Tuscarora, Mohawk (Keepers of the Eastern Door). </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Clan traditionalists continue to hold that all creatures of nature - trees, plants, animals, the moon - have spirits of their own that either help or impede a person. A spirit can be prayed to for help and guidance. For guidance, members of a village are encouraged to recall/interpret their dreams, which hold great significance to tribal elders.<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">If a member needs help, he/she visits a spiritual doctor, a shaman, or contacts the False Face Society. The False Face Society was a collection of healers who used special masks with spiritual properties they carved themselves. The Society has largely disappeared today, but their fascinating masks remain; part of an amazing cultural legacy.<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I've never 'owned' one of these remarkable carvings, mostly because I know the Iroquois believe each mask to be a living entity, and as such, in possession of a free and roaming spirit. In addition, the masks are sacred and should be handled only by chosen healers. In recent years, Iroquois leaders have made serious attempts to retrieve these masks from collectors, non-indigenous museums, etc. Karonhia:ke - Behold, the sky world!</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Visit me at: <a href="http://www.robertlhunton.com/">www.robertlhunton.com</a> for more articles and stories of Indigenous culture.</span></div>
</span> <br />desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-33109892005042652012013-09-25T14:48:00.001-07:002013-09-25T14:48:20.214-07:00The Borderlands Trilogy, Book Three: 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss'<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_524358e075deb6217289183">
The final novel in the 'Borderlands Trilogy,' 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss,' finds Danny Rivas and pal, Diego 'Digs' Ramirez, lost at the bottom of an abandoned silver mine, trapped in a maze of tunnels crawling with rattlesnakes and scorpions! W<span class="text_exposed_show">hile grandfather, Joseph, and reservation police search desperately for the missing boys, an illegal immigrant girl courageously comes to their rescue. Placing herself in grave danger, young Lupita del Campo defies a ruthless coyote boss, secrets in precious food and water, and braves the dark and cold passages to lead them to safety. It's an emotional story of honor and sacrifice on the dangerous road of hope for a new beginning. Coming soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></span> desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-19525279561153695502013-07-13T11:27:00.001-07:002013-07-13T11:47:49.402-07:00Johnny Depp and the Wounded Knee Land Sale<br />
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Is the star of 'The Lone Ranger' really planning to buy the property (and return it to tribal ownership) where 300 Native American men, women, and children were killed by the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the 1890 massacre? Or is it all little more than a rumor? Here are some details that we know to be true:<br />
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<li>To a recent interview question posed by the London Daily Mail newspaper about the purchase of reservation land, Depp responded, 'I am doing my best to make that happen.' Yes, he did say this, but its exact meaning is still being discussed. </li>
<li>Landowner James Czywczynski, who has owned the two 40-acre parcels since 1968 (and is now trying to sell them), has publicly stated that his only goal is to 'get the land back to the tribe.' </li>
<li>The two parcels of land have been assessed at $14,000.00.</li>
<li>Mr. Czywczynski's asking price is $4.9 million.</li>
<li>Tribal leadership feels strongly that Mr. Czywczynski is trying to profit from their ancestor's killings.</li>
<li>Besides its proximity to the Indian burial grounds, the land includes the site of a previous trading post burned during the 1973 Wounded Knee uprising, where hundreds of American Indian Movement protestors occupied the town built on the massacre location.</li>
<li>That 71-day Wounded Knee standoff left two tribal members dead and a federal agent seriously wounded.</li>
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Joseph Brings Plenty, a spokesman for the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation, and who had several ancestors killed in the 1890 massacre, says: 'Honestly, I don't think it would be a bad thing if Johnny Depp would purchase the land with the cooperation of the various tribes. What is most important is that the land is preserved and an accurate account of what happened is shared with the public through a monument, a memorial.'<br />
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Time will be the determiner, as to whether or not Mr. Depp is serious about resolving this dilemma for the Sioux Nation. My feeling, which would be of little surprise to most, is that James Czywczynski is indeed greedy - greedy beyond all sense of reason and reality. If he truly cared about the people, history, and land, he would reconsider his outlandish price, drastically reduce it, and work with the Sioux Nation to transfer ownership in a dispatchful manner. Shame on you, Mr. Czywczynski, for not allowing this to happen. A day will come when you will reap reward for your action. </div>
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As for how Johnny Depp decides to spend his money: There are many world causes he could contribute to, and this cause is a noble one. It really is all about the time you are given to live on this earth, and what you choose to do with that time. Giving thanks for gifts received includes the act of sharing those gifts. Giving back is what really matters, not taking. God bless you, Johnny Depp, if this is the choice you make.</div>
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Source information: The Arizona Daily Star, Saturday, July 13, 2013.</div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-19121732504694313412013-07-05T10:48:00.001-07:002013-07-05T10:57:34.326-07:00Zero Tolerance drug testing/profanity/verbal threats/violence in schools<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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Here is a reasonable comparison:</div>
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Frank Schleck, Luxembourg pro cyclist, will not have his contract renewed by RadioShack-Leopard following his one-year suspension from the sport for doping (his ille<span class="text_exposed_show">gal use of a restricted diuretic). Simply put: The International Cycling Federation, along with the athletes themselves, MUST do this if they want the sport to survive. How can the accomplishments/legitimate title of any team or individual cyclist in any competition be upheld without the sure knowledge that cheating did not occur? It can't. And so, zero tolerance. Zero tolerance for cheating.<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">As a professional educator, I understand zero tolerance for profanity, verbal threats or any act of violence, and I accept it unconditionally. In public schools zero tolerance means an unwillingness on the part of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and boards to accept, condone, or tolerate bullying and/or intimidation on the part of a student(s) toward another student(s). Schools MUST do this if they want legitimate learning to take place, and to ensure that every child experiences maximum success socially and academically. How can a student be expected to perform at maximum efficiency if they feel unsafe or inferior? They can't. And so, zero tolerance for the actions mentioned above. Zero tolerance for anyone who, through their actions or words, prevents another from succeeding. Why must public schools do this? Because by law, public schools will accept ALL students, inclusively. None will be turned away for any reason. And, as professionals, we are charged with maximizing student academic performance. The American public, rightfully, wants and expects academic results.<br /> </span></div>
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Frank Schleck, Luxembourg pro cyclist, will not have his contract renewed by RadioShack-Leopard following his one-year suspension from the sport for doping (his illegal use of a restricted diuretic). Simply put: The International Cycling Federation, along with the athletes themselves, MUST do this if they want the sport to survive. How can the accomplishments/legitimate title of any team or individual cyclist in any competition be upheld without the sure knowledge that cheating did not occur? It can't. And so, zero tolerance. Zero tolerance for cheating.
As a professional educator, I understand zero tolerance for profanity, verbal threats or any act of violence, and I accept it unconditionally. In public schools zero tolerance means an unwillingness on the part of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and boards to accept, condone, or tolerate bullying and/or intimidation on the part of a student(s) toward another student(s). Schools MUST do this if they want legitimate learning to take place, and to ensure that every child experiences maximum success socially and academically. How can a student be expected to perform at maximum efficiency if they feel unsafe or inferior? They can't. And so, zero tolerance for the actions mentioned above. Zero tolerance for anyone who, through their actions or words, prevents another from succeeding. Why must public schools do this? Because by law, public schools will accept ALL students, inclusively. None will be turned away for any reason.
This comparison between the actions of/consequences for athletes who cheat and students who bully or intimidate serves us well, I feel. When the public is witness to such rules being implemented and enforced, though they may not be familiar with current public school, classroom social/academic practice, they nevertheless develop an understanding of why the rules are in place." border="0" class="img" height="120" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/998504_356554711138691_1690745001_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">This comparison between the actions of/consequences for athletes who cheat and students who bully or intimidate serves us well, I feel. When the public is witness to such rules being implemented and enforced, though they may not be familiar with current public school, classroom social/academic practice, they nevertheless develop an understanding of why the rules are in place.</span></div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-30021526752753208572013-04-23T16:45:00.000-07:002013-04-23T19:43:05.756-07:00Have You Committed an Offense(s) Against the Laws of Writing?If your story is good enough (I don't necessarily mean the writing, I mean the STORY), then it will eventually find a home in the heart of an agent and/or publisher. And that is because it is ALWAYS about story. Simple: Good stories sell. But your proposal (ms.) is also about the writing. You must exhibit enough writing talent and skill to convince those same agents and editors that you are capable of both constructing a novel and revising, the latter a very likely requirement.<br />
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I've heard so much in workshops and author presentations about the "do's and don'ts" of writing for publication, that it's often hard to focus on the most serious 'red flags' in a body of work. Let's take a look at five (5) examples of writing offenses/violations that are sure to relegate your project to the dust bin. They aren't in any order of importance. If you have a penchant for one, you might as well commit them all. <br />
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I have such a cheery manner, don't I? Hey, it was born in the pile of rejection letters and slips I received for my writing, particularly in the early stages of submitting to agents. That's right, to agents. I was determined to follow the time-honored path: Get an agent, then let that individual (agency) find me a publisher. Well, that's another story...So, back to the big (worst) five, based on my experience. Oh, and I'd love your comments and other feedback. Keep it clean!<br />
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1. <strong>Telling, not showing.</strong> Here's an example: Shawn walked around the park a few times and decided to sit on the bench to rest.<br />
It sounds fine? Might I suggest this as stronger writing: Shawn paced about the park's magnolia-lined pathways. He spotted a bench in the shade of an elm, back in the quiet. It looked so comfortable after all the walking. A few more trudges and he was there.<br />
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2<strong>. Shifting POV without signaling</strong>. This is sometimes called head hopping. Incorporating multiple POV can be unsettling to the reader. There are two things to consider: <strong>Transition and intimacy.</strong> Transition; referring to hints or proper setup, i.e. warning the reader that a major shift in POV is about to occur. Without handling this deftly, the writer forces the reader to re-read paragraphs for clarification. This is very distracting, if not downright jarring! Intimacy; referring to a reader's need to know and empathize with characters, and a writer's mistake in spending just brief periods of time with several different characters, rather than long periods of time with one character. Result: Readers knowing several characters slightly, rather than one character intimately.<br />
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3. <strong>Overuse of adverbs, adjectives</strong>. Use just enough to let readers get a picture of your scene. Too many, and you insult their intelligence, as well as, rob them of the imagination factor that adds necessary freedom and satisfaction to the act of reading. Read some Hemingway or Twain for sparseness of both. Read P. G. Wodehouse for adjectives used masterfully.<br />
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4<strong>. Starting a novel/chapter/scene with anything other than action</strong>. That's action, action, action. Begin the above in the <strong>middle</strong> of the action. Don't tell the reader what's about to happen, surprise them! Immerse them in it! Make them feel like they're in the scene with the character(s). An example: <em>Whuuump. </em>The hay bale struck Tom squarely on the head. His neck snapped and he collapsed under the weight of it, face down onto the concrete floor. Blood spurted crimson red, awash with fragments of tooth and bits of chewing tobacco. A deep-throated cackle came from the shadowy loft above. <br />
See what I mean? :-)<br />
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5. <strong>Disregarding your protagonist's journey in structuring your plot.</strong> You cannot lose sight of the underlying reasons for what drives your character. Fears, joys, resentments, jealousies, needs, flaws, etc. It is important to come back to these within the context of your story scenes, as reminders (I call them justifiers). Like everything else in writing though, don't overdo it. More in the beginning, fewer as the story progresses. Your novel's main character requires arc--Take him/her to the depths, before bringing them back. Build empathy in this way, remembering to maintain consistency. Keep the journey real!<br />
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Okay, there you have five that really matter. Tell me about others that are critical to writing success. Bring examples, too. I like to be able to visualize what you see as important. And above all else, never stop writing. Not for a second. Well, um, that's probably not feasible...So, how about an hour a day? Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-73483971874529005992012-11-29T10:39:00.002-08:002012-11-29T13:40:04.295-08:00A Boy Like Danny Rivas<br />
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Main character, Danny Rivas, a Tohono O'odham boy from the Desert Southwest near Tucson, Arizona, is the central player in a 3-part saga, 'The Borderlands Trilogy.' The novels; 'Gift of the Desert Dog,' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch,' and 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss,' feature his adventurous exploits, supported by grandfather, Joseph, and school chum, Diego 'Digs' Ramirez. Danny is both typical and atypical of today's adolescents on American Indian reservations. He possesses many of the rebellious traits of youth as revealed in these coming-of-age stories, longing to discover what the big-city life of nearby Tucson and Phoenix is all about, while still strongly tied to his Native community and similarly dependent upon his grandfather, Joseph, for support in dealing with a detached and negligent father. He has a lot on his plate, but still manages to grow and mature against the backdrop of a border region where illegal immigration and drug-trafficking combine to create a most dangerous environment.<br />
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In the opening novel, Danny is a petulant twelve year-old, at war with himself and his parents, particularly father, Tony, who is away for long periods of time working for a landscaping company in the city. Even when Tony isn't working, his tendancy to drive the back roads with drinking buddies leaves Danny feeling unwanted and abandoned, questioning whether his life has any meaning at all. Not surprisingly then, he handles everyday crises by running away--to a remote desert kih (ceremonial hut) fashioned in the traditional method by his grandfather (with Danny's help). In this place, he feels at peace for reasons he doesn't fully understand, but will slowly come to appreciate in the person of old Joseph. Their decision to seek out the spirits of their ancestors propels them on a desperate journey to the summit of legendary Baboquivari Peak, where a lone coyote teaches Danny the values of loyalty and commitment.<br />
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In the sequel, 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch,' Danny, Joseph, and 'Digs' Ramirez, join forces to uncover the lost portions of an ancient manuscript that reveal the secrets of a desert people. It is one year later and Danny, now a teenager, continues to grow and mature, gaining support and encouragement from Joseph and 'Digs.' <br />
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The final novel, 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss,' is a culmination for fourteen year-old Danny, as he discovers many of the unique characteristics that define him as a young man. When an illegal Mexican girl named Lupita rescues Danny and Digs from the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft, they all learn the importance of universal acceptance and respect. These revelations bring him closer to his family and friends. <br />
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Through all the adventure and mystery, Danny Rivas emerges as a viable force for positive change and self-fulfillment among the people of his O'odham reservation community. He has arrived as a leader for the future, and the reader senses that nothing can hold him back--no barrier is too strong, no mountain is too high to climb.<br />
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In learning about a boy named Danny Rivas, I hope young readers find in themselves many of the same strengths, appreciating their own unique abilities and talents--That they develop a greater love of family and community--That they come to realize what makes them truly special as Americans. <br />
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-51389895588387920582012-11-22T08:56:00.000-08:002012-11-22T08:59:26.730-08:00The Next Big Thing Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was tagged by my friend, Margaret Larsen, of the Words and Works blog for the Next Big Thing blog hop. I agreed to answer questions about my latest middle grade/YA novel in 'The Borderlands Trilogy.' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch' is a mystery/adventure for all ages, but written particularly for young readers.<br />
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<strong>Q: What is the title of your current work?</strong><br />
A: <em>Secrets of the Medicine Pouch, Book Two in The Borderlands Trilogy</em><br />
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<strong>Q: Where did the idea come from for the book (series)?</strong><br />
A: <em>This series was born out of my love for indigenous culture, particularly Tohono O'odham tradition of the SW, resulting from years of middle school classroom teaching</em><br />
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<strong>Q: What genre does your book fall under?</strong><br />
A: <em>Middle grade/YA fiction, mystery/adventure</em><br />
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<strong>Q: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?</strong><br />
A: <em>'Danny Rivas' - Layne Alten (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Cold Case), 'Diego 'Digs' Ramirez' - Arsalan Ghassemi (Iranian child actor), 'Old Joseph' - Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves)</em><br />
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<strong>Q: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?</strong><br />
A: <em>Wise old Joseph; a Tohono O'odham healer, his grandson, Danny Rivas, and Danny's pal, Diego 'Digs' Ramirez, risk their lives to unravel the secrets of Chief Jonathan Gray Horse's sacred medicine pouch and save their people from destruction</em><br />
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<strong>Q: Is your book self-published or represented by an agency?</strong><br />
A: <em>Represented by an agency - Andrew J. Whelchel III, GTR, Inc., Elizabeth, CO</em><br />
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<strong>Q: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?</strong><br />
A: <em>The first draft took four months</em><br />
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<strong>Q: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?</strong><br />
A: <em>'Touching Spirit Bear,' Ben Mikaelsen 'Hatchet,' Gary Paulsen 'Crossing the Wire,' Will Hobbs</em><br />
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<strong>Q: Who or what inspired you to write this series?</strong><br />
A: <em>My inspiration comes from the struggles of O'odham reservation families to provide a better life for their children</em><br />
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<strong>Q: What else about your series might pique the reader's interest?</strong><br />
A: <em>The three books in the series: 'Gift of the Desert Dog,' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch,' and 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss (coming in 2013), are adventure/mystery stories which take place in the dangerous desert/mountain borderlands area of southern Arizona</em><br />
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<strong>Q: Where can readers purchase your books?</strong><br />
A: <em>All titles can be purchased at B&N, B&N.com, Amazon.com, and all independent booksellers (greater Tucson - Mostly Books, Bookman's, Green Valley Book Shop)</em><br />
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<strong>Q: How can readers contact you?</strong><br />
A: <em>Visit me at my website: </em><a href="http://www.robertlhunton.com/"><em>www.robertlhunton.com</em></a><em> Follow me at my blog: </em><a href="http://www.desertdogblog.blogspot.com/"><em>www.desertdogblog.blogspot.com</em></a><em> Follow me on Twitter: @DesertDogWriter</em><br />
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<em></em><br />desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-68565834002923980742012-10-29T15:29:00.000-07:002012-10-29T15:33:00.192-07:00Writing That Inspires!<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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<span class="userContent">I think the reasons why Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings received her 1939 Pulitzer Prize for writing 'The Yearling' are many--not the least of which is the incredible emotion packed into every single word. I offer the following:</span><br />
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Ma Forrester sat by the side of the bed. She held her apron over her head and rocked herself back and forth. She flung down the apron. She said, 'I've lost my boy. My pore crookedy boy.' She covered herself again and swayed from side to side. She moaned, 'The Lord's hard. Oh, the Lord's hard.'<br />
Jody wanted to run away. The bony face on the pillow terrified him. It was Fodder-wing and it was not Fodder-wing. Buck drew him to the edge of the bed. 'He'll not hear, but speak to him.' Jody's throat worked. No words came. Fodder-wing seemed made of tallow, like a candle. Suddenly he was familiar. Jody whispered, 'Hey.' The paralysis broke, having spoken. His throat tightened as though a rope choked it. Fodder-wing's silence was intolerable. Now he understood. This was death.<br />
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To my way of thinking, Rawlings (although she wrote about the common man in humble surroundings) ranks among the very elite of the world's fiction writers. She absolutely captured in the pages of her work the essence of the American experience, ca 1850. Great writers do that in their own time, for their fellow citizens, and for a universal audience, as well.<br />
I think you have a copy of 'The Yearling.' If you don't, you must obtain one. Re-read this amazing story. And then, if you're like me, take a few days to decompress. :) My post-read experience has never changed--not in the several times that I've read this book. Thank you, Ms. Rawlings. :)</div>
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<img alt="Photo: I think the reasons why Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings received her 1939 Pulitzer Prize for writing 'The Yearling' are many--not the least of which is the incredible emotion packed into every single word. I offer the following:
Ma Forrester sat by the side of the bed. She held her apron over her head and rocked herself back and forth. She flung down the apron. She said, 'I've lost my boy. My pore crookedy boy.' She covered herself again and swayed from side to side. She moaned, 'The Lord's hard. Oh, the Lord's hard.'
Jody wanted to run away. The bony face on the pillow terrified him. It was Fodder-wing and it was not Fodder-wing. Buck drew him to the edge of the bed. 'He'll not hear, but speak to him.' Jody's throat worked. No words came. Fodder-wing seemed made of tallow, like a candle. Suddenly he was familiar. Jody whispered, 'Hey.' The paralysis broke, having spoken. His throat tightened as though a rope choked it. Fodder-wing's silence was intolerable. Now he understood. This was death.
To my way of thinking, Rawlings (although she wrote about the common man in humble surroundings) ranks among the very elite of the world's fiction writers. She absolutely captured in the pages of her work the essence of the American experience, ca 1850. Great writers do that in their own time, for their fellow citizens, and for a universal audience, as well.
I think you have a copy of 'The Yearling.' If you don't, you must obtain one. Re-read this amazing story. And then, if you're like me, take a few days to decompress. :) My post-read experience has never changed--not in the several times that I've read this book. Thank you, Ms. Rawlings. :)" class="img" height="272" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/1104_241110979349732_1506646390_n.jpg" width="185" /></div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-28907519767617980072012-10-11T15:35:00.001-07:002012-10-11T15:35:15.363-07:00Adventure fiction never loses its edge!Total escape! <br />
'Here the way was through utter darkness. The stream was narrow--so narrow that in the blackness I was constantly bumping first one rocky wall and then another as the river wound hither and thither along its flinty bed.<br />
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Far ahead I presently heard a deep and sullen roar which increased in volume as I advanced, and then broke upon my ears with all the intensity of its mad fury as I swung round a sharp curve into a dimly lighted stretch of water.'<br />
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The Warlord of Mars (1919) - Edgar Rice Burroughs<br />
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This amazing adventure story was published by A.C. McClurg, Chicago, the same year that my father was born! And it was my father who first introduced me to the novels of this greatest of science fiction/adventure writers. The first Burroughs novel I owned (and it's still in my bookcase) I received for my 10th birthday: 'Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar.'<br />
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Burroughs's descriptive passages resonate with me as much today as they ever did. Any writer wishing to work in the adventure genre needs to read Burroughs--pretty much any of his collective works will do.<br />
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Happy reading! desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-37869663506553458852012-10-01T13:41:00.000-07:002012-10-01T13:41:15.700-07:00Ben Mikaelsen's 'Touching Spirit Bear'This excellent YA novel was not included on my earlier list (posted here at the end of last month), but I'm including it now, even though it's publication date is 2001. What I love about this well-written story is the depth to which the author takes his protagonist before attempting to bring him back (experience an epiphany)--a remarkable construct of character that requires a profound understanding of both human nature and the adolescent mind.<br />
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A teaching colleague and friend commented recently that 'Touching Spirit Bear' is a book he always has in the back of his mind while recommending/helping students make reading selections. He added that what is required in the case of this title is 'a reader who is mature enough' to handle the tough dialogue and raw message. I agree completely with that assessment. This is not a book for casual pickup, but rather one that might give a particular struggling student a needed 'jolt.' The story intends to grab the reader's attention, and it succeeds with room to spare!<br />
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Also woven into the story is the 'spirit bear' theme. Because of how compelling the plot and characters are, readers would be drawn into a closer investigation of the hereditary science behind these remarkable creatures. What exactly is a double-recessive gene? What produces an albino offspring? Since these double het animals do not have pink eyes (are non-albino), how do they differ from the more common albino variety? What are the myths and legends surrounding these animals in the Native/Indigenous world?<br />
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Teachers looking for a title to use with students for serious self-assessment and/or to affect change in attitude will find this book quite useful. Particularly beneficial with reluctant boy readers, looking for a no-nonsense, realistic perspective. It carries my highest recommendation.desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-37117418521529926942012-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:002012-10-01T12:59:02.486-07:00Northwest 'Spirit Bears'<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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Here's another example of the double recessive gene in the wild. In this case, a 'spirit bear' of the Pacific Northwest. Again, a rather non-traditional black bear. The indigenous Klamath people of Oregon have ceremonies and stories about this animal.<br /> I can recommend a wonderful fiction read on the subject: Ben Mikaelsen's YA novel, 'Touching Spirit Bear,' will take you on an adventure into the deep woods of the Northwest! It's beautifully written. </div>
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I can recommend a wonderful fiction read on the subject: Ben Mikaelsen's YA novel, 'Touching Spirit Bear,' will take you on an adventure into the deep woods of the Northwest! It's beautifully written. :)" class="img" height="334" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.325.325/p403x403/564432_228898273904336_748552232_n.jpg" width="403" /></div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-38937232186055282232012-09-25T16:30:00.002-07:002012-09-25T16:35:43.427-07:00'Miracle,' the White Buffalo<div>
<span class="userContent">'Miracle,' an extremely rare wild, white buffalo. Born on August 20, 1994, on the Heider Farm, Janesville, WI. Not an albino, but the product of a double recessive gene. As with the 'spirit bears' of the Pacific Northwest (black bears, also double recessive, and thus, white), these rarities are held in very high esteem by Native peoples.</span><br />
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One legend passed down from the Rosebud and Lakota Sioux says: 'A holy woman spoke to a young brave on the prairie and said, "Return to your people and tell them I am coming." The woman brought a wrapped bundle to the people. She unwrapped it, giving them a sacred pipe and teaching them how to use it to pray. "With this pipe, you will walk like a living prayer," she said. She told the Sioux about the value of the buffalo, the women, and the children. "You are from Mother Earth," she told the women, "What you are doing is as great as the warriors do." Before she left, she told them she would return. As she walked away, she rolled over four times, turning into a white buffalo calf. It is said after that day the Lakota honor their pipes, and the buffalo will always be plentiful.'<br />
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'Miracle' lived just ten years, passing into the spirit world in 2004. But during the animal's lifetime, thousands visited the farm where 'Miracle' was part of a free-ranging herd. Among the visitors were tribal representatives from many North American Native nations.<br />
'Da'a uhpam hu'u, chu'uchum hemako' Fly back to the stars, little one...</div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-20032970054664463412012-09-24T15:33:00.001-07:002012-09-24T15:41:59.897-07:00Drew Hayden Taylor's 'The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel'Although this title has been out for a while (2007), I thought to include it in my reviews of Native-related subject matter, largely because of its author. An award-winning playwright, author, columnist, film maker, and lecturer, Canadian, Drew Hayden Taylor, utilizes a wonderful sense of humor to bridge the gap between various cultures. He accomplishes it nicely in his travel appearances, far and wide, and in the pages of his novels; 'The Night Wanderer,' his first YA, being no exception. I was lead initially to his writing by way of the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards, where 'Wanderer' took Gold/First prize in the Juvenile/YA fiction category. I followed that up by watching a short video book trailer and speaking performance clip. I was hooked!<br />
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What attracts me to work like 'The Night Wanderer' is that it blends together several important themes in ways that directly appeal to young readers - much as I strive to accomplish in my own fiction projects. Themes of coming of age, ties that bind, and redemption are backdrops for his treatment of kid-important issues like bullying, suicide, prejudice, and fairness. I was impressed with how he mixed these in 'Wanderer.' </div>
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His depiction of life on an Anishinabe (Canada) reserve is authentic and well-supported, including Native American vocabulary and word usage. The humor he weaves into the dialogue and description is refreshingly smart, and reminded me of the clip from his speaking performance - very funny stuff! </div>
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Yeah, this is a vampire novel, but it is definitely 'once removed.' And by that I mean that the main characters are Native American and the plot does not follow the typical line. The protagonists are Tiffany Hunter, a 16-year-old resident of the fictional Otter Lake Reserve in present-day Ontario, and Pierre L'Errant, a mysterious man of Anishinabe ancestory who shows up from Europe. Tiffany has serious issues going with her dad, who doesn't approve of her non-native boyfriend, while her grades at school are also taking a nose-dive. Pierre is seeking an honorable end to his vampirism, drawn into Tiffany's world when he becomes a boarder in her home (Tiffany's father decides to convert the house to a B & B).</div>
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This novel is great escapism; a delicious blend of the real and the unreal, plus thrills and chills in the deep woods of Canada. The dark of night encounter between Tiffany and Pierre is, by itself, sufficient to make the reader rave about this novel, once they've raced through the pages to finish it. I can enthusiastically recommend this read to those looking for a different slant on the traditional paranormal. </div>
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Look for more reviews in the coming days. Happy reading!</div>
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desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-81308554178792718292012-09-11T11:34:00.001-07:002012-09-11T12:01:55.185-07:00Great new selections in YA novels - Native American ThemeIn addition to my series, 'The Borderlands Trilogy:' 'Gift of the Desert Dog,' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch,' and 'Coyote-meeter's Abyss,' I highly recommend the following new books, all with a Native American theme. They are well-written, sensitive, and timely works reflecting the amazing diversity of North American Indian topics and nations.<br />
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<em>The Night Wanderer</em> by Drew Hayden Taylor</div>
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<em>The Lesser Blessed</em> by Richard Van Camp</div>
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<em>Blue Horses Rush In: Poems and Stories</em> by Luci Tapahonso</div>
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<em>Moccasin Thunder </em>by Lorie Marie Carlson</div>
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<em>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian</em> by Sherman Alexie</div>
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<em>Night Flying Woman</em> by Ignatia Broker</div>
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<em>Wild Inferno</em> by Sandi Ault</div>
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<em>Neighbors</em> by Joan Leslie Woodruff</div>
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You can find all of the above titles at your local library, or available at Barnes & Noble.com, Amazon.com, and all independent booksellers. I will begin a critical blog series on each of the titles shortly. Watch for my posts on Facebook, Twitter, and here at : <a href="http://www.desertdogblog.blogspot.com/">http://www.desertdogblog.blogspot.com</a></div>
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Happy reading!</div>
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<br />desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-34905935096545459582012-09-10T11:27:00.000-07:002012-09-10T11:31:54.101-07:00Descriptive Passage at its Best!In a recent Facebook post I suggested three novels of western author, Zane Grey, and so what do I now do?! Use a fourth. :) Here, from his 1910 classic<em>, The Heritage of the Desert</em>, is an excerpt that demonstrates his wonderful skill at setting a scene/establishing mood/creating imagery in the mind of the reader:<br />
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<em>Hare</em> (the protagonist) <em>held to the pommel and bent dizzily forward in the saddle. Silvermane </em>(his horse) <em>was going down, step by step, with metallic clicks upon flinty rock. Whether he went down or up was all the same to Hare; he held on with closed eyes and whispered to himself. Down and down, step by step, cracking the stones with iron-shod hoofs, the gray stallion worked his perilous way, sure-footed as a mountain-sheep. Then he stopped with a great slow heave and bent his head.</em><br />
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<em>The black bulge of a canon rim blurred in Hare's hot eyes. A trickling sound penetrated his tired brain. His ears had grown like his eyes--false. Only another delusion! As he had been tortured with the sight of lake and stream now he was to be tortured with the sound of running water. Yet he listened, for it was sweet even in its mockery. What a clear musical tinkle, like silver bells tossing in the wind! He listened. Soft murmuring flow, babble and gurgle, little hollow fall and splash!</em><br />
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What style! And here's the thing: When reading a story with this kind of creativity, the reader has no choice but to fall totally into the moment--up very close in the head and experience of the character. Since Grey is already there (in the head of his protagonist), his great challenge as a writer is to make sure you are too. And doesn't he succeed magnificently? <br />
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This two-passage example is <strong><u>very fine writing</u></strong> by an author known far more as a popular fictionist than a literary craftsman of remarkable prose. And yet, he delivers fabulously here in the tradition of masters of the pen, i.e. Stevenson, Hugo, Cooper, and Baroness Orczy. Is Grey's writing archaic? Yes, definitely. And is that a huge issue for today's readers? It could be for a younger audience, and perhaps a small distraction for the adult reading public. But I'm so impressed with his ability, his commitment to the craft of writing, the cleverness and beauty of his word selection, that I feel much less inclined to be a detractor--just the opposite, a strong supporter!<br />
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Why not take a similar journey yourself, into the pages (and fascinating imagery) of a Zane Grey novel? If you are a lover of the classic adventure story, you will find great escape. If you are a writer, you will (re?)discover a real stylist here! <br />
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My best to you in reading and writing!desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-41729912176645292542012-09-07T11:25:00.001-07:002012-09-11T11:46:41.160-07:00A Junior Version of Dan Brown!Recently I posted a promotional, calling my new middle grade/YA novel, <em>Secrets of the Medicine Pouch</em>, a 'junior version of Dan Brown's <em>The Da Vinci Code.'</em> Understanding how popular (and well-written) Brown's book is, I had to think hard about the similarities between our two works, and how/whether the plot, characters, pacing, story details, etc. would lead readers to make such a comparison. I'd like to share with you some general points that I believe make the case.<br />
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1. <strong>The imaginative use of ancient script and code</strong> - I did considerable research into the ancient writing and symbolism of Native American/Sonoran culture as it was originally interpreted and used, and ways it might still hold meaning and significance for today's reading audiences. The real challenge for me was conveying all of the specifics to my editorial staff at Open Books Press.<br />
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2. <strong>Important props in the storyline are secretive and hidden away</strong> - As with Dan Brown's riveting storyline<em>, Secrets</em> is very much about the delicious mystery of the unknown and the imaginative. What the reader is forced to speculate about, simply because detail is being held back, drives the plot and makes the novel a real page-turner. I try to provide just enough 'food for thought' to keep the 'stomach' from growling--at least, not too loudly.<br />
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3. <strong>The plot must develop fully within a very restricted timeframe</strong> - <em>Secrets</em> races, as does <em>The Da Vinci Code.</em> Placing a severe restriction on the amount of time your main characters have to successfully complete the mission is a winning formula in any novel project.<br />
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4. <strong>Very authentic and believable characters </strong>-<strong> </strong>Both novels utilize well-developed, dual protagonists who convince the reader early on that they are in charge, on top of the action, and best suited to solve the mystery and overcome the odds.<br />
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5<strong>. Unpredictability </strong>- Numerous twists and turns in the plot and storyline make it very difficult for the reader to anticipate what will happen next. I always want my reader to be with me, but not ahead of me. Actually, struggling to catch up is okay too!<br />
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And so, my advice to readers is to revisit <em>The Da Vinci Code. </em>Reread this wonderfully crafted book, enjoying it for all the literary strength it possesses. While you read, take mental notes (even jot down as necessary), so that you gain full satisfaction from the experience. Then, pick up <em>Secrets of the Medicine Pouch</em>. Follow a similar note-taking process, and finally ask yourself: Is this (<em>Secrets</em>) not the best example of historical mystery/adventure since the publication of Brown's hugely successful book? I strongly believe that that will be your conclusion! Happy discovery!</div>
desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-36226589380428071112012-07-16T14:30:00.002-07:002012-07-17T11:06:36.313-07:00Wow, is that a spelling error? But you're an author!I thought I would address this statement, not only because I professionally write and author books, but because I support the sentiment behind the quote: 'To err is human, to forgive devine.' And with this, the knowledge that a number of the world's greatest literary masters were famously poor spellers and punctuators. John Keats? Ernest Hemingway? Jane Austen? I'll return to these authors, among others, and their briefs shortly.<br />
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From the critic's perspective, deciding whether or not to publicly correct a writer's spelling, punctuation error(s) is definitely a judgment call. And that is certainly not to assume that everyone uses good judgment. When such an error is within the body of an email message, random posting, etc., it is (reasonably) much tougher to criticize. When an error is discovered within the text block of a published work (such examples are uncommon, but do surface occasionally), it is more likely that the mistake was the writer's and then overlooked by the line editor, though the editing process does work both ways. My editor would admit to her own errors not found in the original manuscript. An error might constitute more of an issue, particularly if the glitch distracts the reader, or prevents them, in some way, from fully enjoying the scene, setting, dialogue, story arc, etc. And if such an issue does result, it would (again, reasonably) justify contacting the author, publisher about it. But notice that I have thus far avoided a return to the word 'publicly,' used in my opening sentence. <br />
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There are those who cannot resist an opportunity to find fault in others. It's pretty much 'Psychology 101,' or 'I can repair my own low self-esteem by chipping away at yours.' And some would jump at the chance to provide criticism because they see published writing as falling within the domain of public consumption (Hey, it's out there for everyone to see, isn't it?). It's worth noting here that professional critics get paid to do this sort of thing. Nothing personal, of course! :) There's also this: 'I mean really! I paid good money for this book!' True, we all want and deserve our money's worth. Additionally, bad editing is insulting, since reading is a personal experience. But then, writing is also very personal.<br />
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Because writing is so personal, I am inclined, actually happy, to accept private notification, correction of errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or usage in my everyday correspondence, postings, etc. Although I try <strong>very hard </strong>to avoid such mistakes! After all, I am a published author with a reputation to uphold. Where I think the average critic oversteps the 'rudeness barrier' is when they point out such everyday errors in a public arena. This is likely to embarrass, at least disconcert.<br />
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In a novel I recently read, published by a major house, there were two errors that fall under the category of 'typo.' One, I had seen before, and is more common: 'the the.' The second: 'after' spelled 'alter.' Neither had any impact on my enjoyment of the work. Rarely does one see formatting issues; a good thing, since that kind of error can really distract.<br />
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Now back to the authors mentioned at the top of the blog, and a couple more that may surprise you. <br />
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Ernest Hemingway did a good deal of journalistic reporting during the Spanish Civil War, often from the front lines of the conflict. Newspaper editors regularly complained about his miscues and spelling mistakes. His typical response to them was something like - 'Well, that's what you're paid to correct!'<br />
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Jane Austen titled one of her early works, 'Love and Freindship,' and once spelled 'scissors' as 'scissers.'<br />
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William Faulkner's editor at Random House, Albert Erskine, referring to the author's misspellings, faulty punctuation, and accidental repetitions, once said, 'He depended on me to point out such errors and correct them, and though we never achieved a perfect performance, we tried.'<br />
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F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, 'This Side of Paradise,' was famously criticized by literary critic, Edmund Wilson, who said of the work, 'One of the most illiterate books of any merit ever published.'<br />
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In a love letter to Fanny Brawne, Keats spelled 'purple' as 'purplue.' The author tried to hide his embarrassment by claiming that he meant to coin a new word - a cross between purple and blue.<br />
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Enough examples of the human side of erring? It's reassuring to know that it has happened to the best of them, and will likely continue with today's writers. Doing the research to prepare this blog, I can say that I am as determined as ever to avoid missteps in my work, while appreciating that the foot bridge over the chasm is wobbly, my gait is unsteady, and there is no hand rail to protect me from falling! <br />
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My very best to you in writing!<br />
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<br />desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-39255927260991676072012-07-12T09:59:00.005-07:002012-07-12T10:00:24.672-07:00<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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Tonight is the night! Come join us! Three of southern Arizona's freshest voices in fiction - Robert L. Hunton, author of the 'Borderlands Trilogy,' including his new powerful sequel to 'Gift of the Desert Dog,' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouc<span class="text_exposed_show">h,' Michaele Lockhart and her latest novel, 'Hoarding Lies, Keeping Secrets,' and Matthew Marine, author of the just released mystery/suspense novel, 'Devil's Moon.'<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">The Bridge Gallery Art Walk - 5425 N. Kolb #113 - Ventana Plaza - Tucson, AZ - 5-9 p.m.<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Enjoy the warm evening air on your stroll along this wonderful venue and take advantage of some great summer reading selections! All three authors will be there to talk about their latest work and sign copies. The art is aesthetically pleasing, the mountains are majestic, and the fiction is fantastic! See you there!</span></div>
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<img alt="Photo: Tonight is the night! Come join us! Three of southern Arizona's freshest voices in fiction - Robert L. Hunton, author of the 'Borderlands Trilogy,' including his new powerful sequel to 'Gift of the Desert Dog,' 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch,' Michaele Lockhart and her latest novel, 'Hoarding Lies, Keeping Secrets,' and Matthew Marine, author of the just released mystery/suspense novel, 'Devil's Moon.'
The Bridge Gallery Art Walk - 5425 N. Kolb #113 - Ventana Plaza - Tucson, AZ - 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy the warm evening air on your stroll along this wonderful venue and take advantage of some great summer reading selections! All three authors will be there to talk about their latest work and sign copies. The art is aesthetically pleasing, the mountains are majestic, and the fiction is fantastic! See you there!" class="img" height="160" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/552367_203592499768247_2060675947_n.jpg" width="160" /></div>
</a></div>desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-29518010368552286272012-07-07T14:09:00.003-07:002012-07-07T14:10:41.678-07:00<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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Great reviews! </div>
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Here is what Nicole Sorkin, Managing Book Review Editor, Pacific Book Review, had to say about Michaele Lockhart's 'Last Night at the Claremont:'<br />
'Lockhart treats her readers, as does her character, with unique kindness and <span class="text_exposed_show">polite respect. Finishing her book I felt stories reverberate as long as possible only to become my memories as well. Bravissimo!'<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">And Lisa Barker of Biblio Reads - Children's Book Reviews, said this about Robert L. Hunton's 'Borderland's Trilogy' mystery/adventure series for young readers, including 'Gift of the Desert Dog' and 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch' - 'These stories are even more than the descriptions put forth. They are wonderfully warm and patiently told tales of a boy coming of age and embracing his heritage in the Arizona desert. I was swept up in the life of Danny Rivas. I found myself deeply immersed in the tension and unfolding mystery. Love and Native American spirituality are woven throughout. They are well worth the read!'<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Join Michaele Lockhart and Robert L. Hunton, Thursday, July 12, 6 - 9 p.m., The Bridge Art Gallery, Ventana Plaza, Sunrise and Kolb, Tucson, AZ. It's time to add to your summer reading list!</span></div>
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<img alt="Photo: Great reviews!
Here is what Nicole Sorkin, Managing Book Review Editor, Pacific Book Review, had to say about Michaele Lockhart's 'Last Night at the Claremont' -
'Lockhart treats her readers, as does her character, with unique kindness and polite respect. Finishing her book I felt stories reverberate as long as possible only to become my memories as well. Bravissimo!'
And Lisa Barker of Biblio Reads - Children's Book Reviews, said this about Robert L. Hunton's 'Borderland's Trilogy' mystery/adventure series for young readers, including 'Gift of the Desert Dog' and 'Secrets of the Medicine Pouch' - 'These stories are even more than the descriptions put forth. They are wonderfully warm and patiently told tales of a boy coming of age and embracing his heritage in the Arizona desert. I was swept up in the life of Danny Rivas. I found myself deeply immersed in the tension and unfolding mystery. Love and Native American spirituality are woven throughout. They are well worth the read!'
Join Michaele Lockhart and Robert L. Hunton, Thursday, July 12, 6 - 9 p.m., The Bridge Art Gallery, Ventana Plaza, Sunrise and Kolb, Tucson, AZ. It's time to add to your summer reading list!" class="img" height="160" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/578914_202044449923052_13730171_n.jpg" width="160" /></div>
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</div>desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6337246488935463595.post-75809693728579450572012-07-05T15:16:00.001-07:002012-07-05T15:16:26.804-07:00<div class="aboveUnitContent">
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I was just connected with young adult readers at Goodreads.com, and part of a discussion on: 'What book started you reading?' Many are citing wonderful examples, everything from C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' to Suzanne Collins's <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">'The Hunger Games.' <br /> I couldn't resist adding the book that really started it all for me, thanks in part to my 7th grade English teacher. She brought the pages of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' 1939 Pulitzer Prize winner, 'The Yearling,' to life for all of us in her class. For the first time, I learned about honor, respect, and sacrifice, and in a way few other writers have accomplished for me since.<br /> I urged all in the discussion thread to read the book, if they hadn't already, and share their thoughts.<br /> What book started you reading? More importantly perhaps - Why was it such a motivator for you?</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a href="">See More</a></span></span></div>
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<img alt="Photo: I was just connected with young adult readers at Goodreads.com, and part of a discussion on: 'What book started you reading?' Many are citing wonderful examples, everything from C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' to Suzanne Collins's 'The Hunger Games.'
I couldn't resist adding the book that really started it all for me, thanks in part to my 7th grade English teacher. She brought the pages of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' 1939 Pulitzer Prize winner, 'The Yearling' to life for all of us in her class. For the first time, I learned about honor, respect, and sacrifice, and in a way few other writers have accomplished for me since.
I urged all in the discussion thread to read the book, if they hadn't already, and share their thoughts.
What book started you reading? More importantly perhaps - Why was it such a motivator for you?" class="img" height="160" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/544652_200976800029817_2036256361_n.jpg" width="160" /></div>
</a></div>desertdogwriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03069793573547005209noreply@blogger.com0