Hey everyone! I'm still in the beautiful not-too-hot city of Calgary (Alberta, Canada). We walked around the zoo today for four hours, and then we went to the opening ceremony for my brother's soccer tournament (which is the reason we're in Calgary). There is lots of cowboy hats everywhere, because of the stampede. Anyway, apparently in my last post I worded a sentence oddly and accidentally called everyone in my family junk food.
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So today is the last day of the awesometastic Teen Writers blogfest hosted by Brittany who had the awesome idea in the first place. It's been super cool, and I've uh... met (?? well, I haven't met them but I've found lots of new blogs) lots of cool new bloggers. I also have quite a few more followers, so hi, followers! Say hi! I love comments and e-mails from people, so feel free to do that.
WELL. Today's day is Ask-the-Teens day, where YA writers, authors and bloggers ask us teens things about what we really think about reading. And I have to say, the questions the question-askers came up with are, well, really REALLY good questions. I can tell because as I was reading them the first time, I was already thinking up long, in-depth lengthy answers. :) Oh, and I've also tried to get some answers out of my brother for some of the questions, to get another teen's opinion.
From Jess:
1. Middle grade novels are defined as books for the 8-12 age range. Do teens still read middle grade fiction as they get older (for example, Harry Potter is an example of middle grade that's read by teens and adults) or are they naturally attracted to books with older themes and characters? Is it uncool to still read middle grade as you enter your teens?
I love YA, but I absolutely adore middle grade. For me, there is just something refreshing and fun about middle-grade. I also find the characters more interesting sometimes, more fun or quirky. And a quote from my brother: "Uh, I don't really pay attention to age." The thing is, every teen is different. There may be some teens out there that only read YA, but for me, I love reading a variety of different books about characters of a variety of different ages.
2. This is arguable, but it's been said that the teen years see a decrease in boy readership. Can you mention some books that you know male teenagers seem to be attracted to? Obviously, this depends on the reader, but are there books/themes that male teens connect to more than others?
I am a girl, so I personally can't answer this question but I can tell you some things about my brother (15 years old) and I also asked some of my guy friends on Facebook about their reading habits. ;) So, the summary:
My brother doesn't read often, but that is only because he doesn't pick out books for himself. When he gets a book handed to him, he will be enraptured with it until he finishes it. I think he would read more if he learned to pick out books on his own. (You can read more about my brother's reading habits here.) Anyway, my brother loves the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer (actually, so do I) and he also quite enjoyed the popular Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.
My brother's best friend (also 15), says he doesn't read that often but he enjoys the Alex Rider series (I have never read these, but I've heard they're good!!) and The Hunger Games.
Another friend of mine says he is currently reading quite a bit (mostly to reread Harry Potter before it comes out), but he does try to read a book a week in the summer (especially if the book is part of a series). His favourite series: the Inheritance Cycle, Pendragon Adventures, The Nine Princes in Amber, Terra Incognita series and the Keys to the Kingdom series (I have never read any of these except for the Inheritance books).
So... apparently series are popular with guys?? Haha, because that's accurate with a three-guy survey.
Sometimes when I read books that are written for guys, I find that they are way more interesting than (certain) books written for girls.
3. So many books and book series are being turned into films for the teen audience. Are you satisfied with the movie versions that you've seen recently? Can you comment on a few, both good and bad?
The most recent films I've seen based on books are the Harry Potter movies. I have to say that they were very well done, and gave a reader of the books exactly what they might be looking for. Well, except for the sixth one. But especially with the seventh one (part one). That's kind of a boring answer though, because everyone's seen and read HP... I think some movie versions of books are done excellently, and some are done really poorly. The dilemma is being able to transfer a book onto screen while keeping the main ideas, and giving the readers what they want to see live. It's very hard, I think, to satisfy the readers. One of my cousins refuses to see any movies based on books (although I'm not sure whether that's all movies based on books, or just movies based on books she's read.) I'm not quite that extreme.
From Elizabeth:
I would like to know how you go about choosing a book to read. Is it the cover? The title? Word of mouth?
There are a lot of different ways I choose a book to read. One is blogs, o' course, if I read a review and it sounds interesting. I usually don't hear about books through word of mouth, because usually I'm the one recommending books. Though sometimes I do hear about books over and over and over (so obviously these are popular books), and then I figure I should check the book out. :)
But if I'm not going by book reviews, or recommendations...
When I'm walking through a library, I look for interesting titles first (because that's what you see when books are shelved). If the title is interesting, then I don't really take the cover into account (unless I saw the cover before the title). Then I read the blurb. If the blurb is interesting, or it has something that I can connect to (because my sister has Down Syndrome I am into books about characters with disabilities), then I'll put it in my book bag. But whether I actually read the book depends on the writing itself. I also tend to go back to books by authors I like. And I won't go back to authors I don't like. (So make your first book really good!! :D)
Sorry this post was so long, but I will blame the good questions!! :D
Showing posts with label Teen Writers Summer Blogfest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teen Writers Summer Blogfest. Show all posts
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: The Grand Writing Journey
This post has been pre-scheduled, but right now I am actually probably squished in my van with my two siblings and my parents, along with a bunch of other junk like food, on the way to Calgary! Where, in case you were wondering, I do not live. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I won't be at home so I probably won't be replying to as many comments, etc, but I will still read them eventually!! So comment!! And I will still try and post!!
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GRACIE'S GRAND WRITING JOURNEY:
(or not so grand, whichever)
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I actually don't remember. I just remember growing up and thinking: I like to write. I want to be a writer. So I wrote some stuff like Linda and the Dragon, which people should forgive me for because I was six (or three, I'm not sure).
LEARNING
I have attended no writing conferences or anything fancy like that, but I attended one writing workshop with Duncan Thornton when I was probably ten. The only thing I can recall from that is he had a fancy journal that he wrote ideas in. And that the workshop had actually been on for multiple weeks but I was too shy to get up to the courage to go to the first few. Oh, and I also found out later that Duncan Thornton was my grandma's cousin's nephew...
I also attended a week-long writing camp about three or four summers ago. There was lots of cool people that came and talked to us about writing and poetry and reading aloud and stuff.
PUBLISHING
I've been into writing along time, so naturally I've been into publishing. There's lots of kids writer's magazines out there, and the first one I found that I liked was Stone Soup and I submitted a few (terrible) stories there. As a consequence (of the terribleness), I never heard from them.
However, a few years later I tried again with a story about a band class playing so passionately that a dragon appears in the the classroom (unknown to the band director). So, apparently I have a thing about dragons?? Anyway, that story I submitted to What If? Magazine when I was thirteen. It got published. That was so awesome. I didn't really count the Stone Soup submissions as submissions because I knew the material was awful, so I felt like I had been accepted on my very first try.
Just a note: if you're a teen and feel like you're not yet ready to brave the Big Bad Waters of Publishing A Book (and querying and all that jazz) then there are tons of small writer's magazines that you can submit to. (Go here to get some ideas.) It's a great way to gain experience.
BLOGGING
So I've been writing for forever, pretty much, but I had no idea there was a whole world and community of writers out there until earlier this year. I had signed up for an e-mail subscription for the Guide to Literary Agents blog after I'd read a book on book publishing, and they have interviews with authors and examples of good queries. Sometimes the authors sounded interesting, so I would go to their websites and through that I ended up at Emilia Plater's blog, and then the next logical step: YA Highway. And of course, once you hit the YA Highway, there's no going back.
ANYWAY it's really fun blogging about writing and reading stuff and READING about people blogging about THEIR writing and reading stuff. It's definitely encouraged me to write, and read, more.
YAY!!
Check out the other posts for the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest here.
---
GRACIE'S GRAND WRITING JOURNEY:
(or not so grand, whichever)
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I actually don't remember. I just remember growing up and thinking: I like to write. I want to be a writer. So I wrote some stuff like Linda and the Dragon, which people should forgive me for because I was six (or three, I'm not sure).
LEARNING
I have attended no writing conferences or anything fancy like that, but I attended one writing workshop with Duncan Thornton when I was probably ten. The only thing I can recall from that is he had a fancy journal that he wrote ideas in. And that the workshop had actually been on for multiple weeks but I was too shy to get up to the courage to go to the first few. Oh, and I also found out later that Duncan Thornton was my grandma's cousin's nephew...
I also attended a week-long writing camp about three or four summers ago. There was lots of cool people that came and talked to us about writing and poetry and reading aloud and stuff.
PUBLISHING
I've been into writing along time, so naturally I've been into publishing. There's lots of kids writer's magazines out there, and the first one I found that I liked was Stone Soup and I submitted a few (terrible) stories there. As a consequence (of the terribleness), I never heard from them.
However, a few years later I tried again with a story about a band class playing so passionately that a dragon appears in the the classroom (unknown to the band director). So, apparently I have a thing about dragons?? Anyway, that story I submitted to What If? Magazine when I was thirteen. It got published. That was so awesome. I didn't really count the Stone Soup submissions as submissions because I knew the material was awful, so I felt like I had been accepted on my very first try.
Just a note: if you're a teen and feel like you're not yet ready to brave the Big Bad Waters of Publishing A Book (and querying and all that jazz) then there are tons of small writer's magazines that you can submit to. (Go here to get some ideas.) It's a great way to gain experience.
BLOGGING
So I've been writing for forever, pretty much, but I had no idea there was a whole world and community of writers out there until earlier this year. I had signed up for an e-mail subscription for the Guide to Literary Agents blog after I'd read a book on book publishing, and they have interviews with authors and examples of good queries. Sometimes the authors sounded interesting, so I would go to their websites and through that I ended up at Emilia Plater's blog, and then the next logical step: YA Highway. And of course, once you hit the YA Highway, there's no going back.
ANYWAY it's really fun blogging about writing and reading stuff and READING about people blogging about THEIR writing and reading stuff. It's definitely encouraged me to write, and read, more.
YAY!!
Check out the other posts for the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest here.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: Blurbs!
So today for the blogfest, we're doing some blurb critiques. The point of this is to let some other people know what teen people look for when they are picking out books, specifically what they think about the "blurb" which is the little paragraph on a book jacket that tells you what the book is about.
Blurbs should tell what the book is about in an organized, interesting and slightly suspenseful manner. Right now I'm trying to think of what I, specifically, look for in a blurb.
I guess one thing that I really want to know is about the character. The characters in a book are an essential part of the book; they're what (who?) we connect to as readers. I also want reasons why I should stick around: is anything interesting going to happen? What's going to go wrong?, etcetera. There should always be conflict. And continuing with reasons why I should stick around, the blurb shouldn't give away the ending. It should end with something that should say (not literally, though) read on to find out what happens!
But there's also the thing where usually I have to have some sort of connection to the book. For example, my sister has Down Syndrome, so I'm automatically drawn to books about people with disabilities. (It's like when I am automatically drawn to blogs by teens or Canadians, because I am a teen and a Canadian). But you can't really do anything about that.
ONTO THE CRITIQUE! :)
Working Title: TRIPP PARKER VS. THE WORLD: THE AFRICAN KIBOKO LEGEND
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Adventure
Blurb:
Eccentric debate club champ Tripplehorn Parker is certain he’ll be dead by next week, his body rolling around the stomach of an African beastie. He might be right. While his wildlife-researcher parents are thrilled to be entering the field again, Tripp can only mourn the inevitable loss of his limbs. Unfortunately, nobody will listen to reason from a friendless twelve-year-old, even one with a large vocabulary. The night before leaving home, Tripp receives a cryptic message ending with: Only you can stop them.
An eight-fingered woman and her eyepatched sidekick appear to follow the Parkers from America to the Ugandan bush. The guide is a suspicious meanie. The support workers are twitchy. Warnings and symbols continue to appear in Tripp’s backpack, finally prompting him to do a very scary thing. He teams up with a Ugandan girl to determine why hippo territory is so popular. Clues and village folklore point to a hidden hippo shrine containing power and gold galore. Unfortunately, ancient legend calls for a human sacrifice (or three) to access the treasure. If the shrine is found, the research trip may become a rather uncivilized hunting expedition, with the Parkers as prey. With no podium or moderator in sight, Tripp faces the toughest competitive duo he’s ever encountered: Mother Nature and a herd of really, really bad guys.
I think the biggest problem with this blurb is organization. I think it would honestly be really interesting, but it is kind of all over the place. It's like it follows several different stories: Tripp leaving for scary Africa, the mystery of the notes given to Tripp, and the hippo legend thing. And I don't get how they all connect. It seems like there are a whole bunch of random... balloons, or something, instead of a string that follows the main idea of the story. (That made no sense. I think I may need to work on my organization skills, haha!!)
I also don't understand the random bits of younger language. It just didn't seem to fit, in my opinion. "suspicious meanie", "herd of really, really bad guys". I realize Tripp is twelve, but I still think those things could be worded better (with better organization).
I would focus more on Tripp as a character, because from the first paragraph he sounded kind of funny and interesting. I like characters that dramaticize everything in a funny way, like Tripp did with the African beastie. ;)
I think with a little fixing up and a switch in focus with this blurb, I probably would read the book. As it is right now? No, I wouldn't.
What do you think? Do you agree with me? Why/why not?
Blurbs should tell what the book is about in an organized, interesting and slightly suspenseful manner. Right now I'm trying to think of what I, specifically, look for in a blurb.
I guess one thing that I really want to know is about the character. The characters in a book are an essential part of the book; they're what (who?) we connect to as readers. I also want reasons why I should stick around: is anything interesting going to happen? What's going to go wrong?, etcetera. There should always be conflict. And continuing with reasons why I should stick around, the blurb shouldn't give away the ending. It should end with something that should say (not literally, though) read on to find out what happens!
But there's also the thing where usually I have to have some sort of connection to the book. For example, my sister has Down Syndrome, so I'm automatically drawn to books about people with disabilities. (It's like when I am automatically drawn to blogs by teens or Canadians, because I am a teen and a Canadian). But you can't really do anything about that.
ONTO THE CRITIQUE! :)
Working Title: TRIPP PARKER VS. THE WORLD: THE AFRICAN KIBOKO LEGEND
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Adventure
Blurb:
Eccentric debate club champ Tripplehorn Parker is certain he’ll be dead by next week, his body rolling around the stomach of an African beastie. He might be right. While his wildlife-researcher parents are thrilled to be entering the field again, Tripp can only mourn the inevitable loss of his limbs. Unfortunately, nobody will listen to reason from a friendless twelve-year-old, even one with a large vocabulary. The night before leaving home, Tripp receives a cryptic message ending with: Only you can stop them.
An eight-fingered woman and her eyepatched sidekick appear to follow the Parkers from America to the Ugandan bush. The guide is a suspicious meanie. The support workers are twitchy. Warnings and symbols continue to appear in Tripp’s backpack, finally prompting him to do a very scary thing. He teams up with a Ugandan girl to determine why hippo territory is so popular. Clues and village folklore point to a hidden hippo shrine containing power and gold galore. Unfortunately, ancient legend calls for a human sacrifice (or three) to access the treasure. If the shrine is found, the research trip may become a rather uncivilized hunting expedition, with the Parkers as prey. With no podium or moderator in sight, Tripp faces the toughest competitive duo he’s ever encountered: Mother Nature and a herd of really, really bad guys.
I think the biggest problem with this blurb is organization. I think it would honestly be really interesting, but it is kind of all over the place. It's like it follows several different stories: Tripp leaving for scary Africa, the mystery of the notes given to Tripp, and the hippo legend thing. And I don't get how they all connect. It seems like there are a whole bunch of random... balloons, or something, instead of a string that follows the main idea of the story. (That made no sense. I think I may need to work on my organization skills, haha!!)
I also don't understand the random bits of younger language. It just didn't seem to fit, in my opinion. "suspicious meanie", "herd of really, really bad guys". I realize Tripp is twelve, but I still think those things could be worded better (with better organization).
I would focus more on Tripp as a character, because from the first paragraph he sounded kind of funny and interesting. I like characters that dramaticize everything in a funny way, like Tripp did with the African beastie. ;)
I think with a little fixing up and a switch in focus with this blurb, I probably would read the book. As it is right now? No, I wouldn't.
What do you think? Do you agree with me? Why/why not?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: Interview with Cool Person Aleeza Rauf
HEY! Guess what I am SO EXCITED because this is the VERY FIRST EVER interview that I did for this blog. Yes, I know, it is very surprising that I actually had the courage to go out there and take the initiative to e-mail and ask for an interview from the lovely, cool blogger called Aleeza Rauf. Go over to her blog to check out more of her lovely coolness...
Here's a snippet from her profile "about me":
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I’m a Pakistani-American YA writer & avid reader. I love libraries, cricket, Pepsi & Gatorade, long drives, NEW ZEALAND!, among lots of other stuff. Oh, and I’m aiming to become an accountant in case my novels don’t bring in sufficient income. If they get published, that is. (Yeah, that was me trying to be funny. #epicfail.)
1. How old are you?
17 and a half.
2. Where are all the places you have lived in your life? What is it like living in Pakistan?
I've only lived in two places, actually! Houston, Texas, and Karachi, Pakistan. As to what it's like living in Pakistan...hmm, it's kind of conflicting. While I love my country, I don't exactly enjoy living here. It's just really violent, and don't even get me started on how much I despise the narrow-minded society!
3. When and how did you start writing?
I've always been into books, so writing one seemed like a neat idea. I always wrote short stories, essays, etc. But I got serious about it at thirteen, I think.
4. What is your favourite thing about writing?
For one thing, I love how writing is a craft and you can always improve at it. I used to suck so bad at it, I almost gave up! But after writing lots of more crap, I finally got to a point where I could read what I'd written and not want to trash it all away. Another thing I love is being able to get absorbed into a story, working out the kinks...and seeing how it all comes together in the end.
5. What is the best advice you've ever heard (or ever given) about blogging and/or writing?
About blogging, it would have to be 'blog because you love it.' That probably sounds very basic, but I'd hate to blog only because it's a social media requirement and not because I love doing it.
And for writing... Honestly, I think it's 'read as widely as you can.' I've read, like, eighty-five books already this year! And they have helped me SO much as a writer, in terms of writing, storytelling, plot... So yeah. READ! As much as you can.
Of course, WRITE as much as you can too. I don't think I'd have gotten where I am now had I not wrote all those crappy novels.
6. What is the best thing that's happened to you as far as writing and blogging goes?
Meeting so many amazing people, definitely! As for writing, I still have to finish my book, so as soon as I do that, that will definitely be the best thing I've accomplished.
7. What are your top five favourite writing sites/blogs?
Only 5! Wow, this is gonna be hard...
1) Stephanie Perkins' blog: Not only do I LOVE these authors books (like, a lotlotlotlot), but I also adore how charming the author is herself! She doesn't blog all that regularly, but that's fine with me, because her posts are totally worth it.
2) Kiersten White's blog: Kiersten White! 'Nuff said.
3) Nathan Bransford's blog: NB might not be an agent anymore, but he's still incredibly helpful.
4) Steph Bowe's blog: This Steph doesn't blog all that often, either. But I'm always looking forward to her posts as well.
5) YA Highway: YA Highway is SO helpful in terms of writing, and guiding you to other helpful posts for writing. I love this blog.
8. If you were asking someone questions and you had to ask a really random question about anything, what would you ask?
I...have no idea. 'What is your favorite hair color?' That's random, innit? Also, lame. I could ask them 'Where do you want to die?' but that's too morbid. Basically, I suck at random questions.
Thanks for interviewing me, Gracie! :)
It's no problem!! Now go check out Aleeza's blog if you haven't already, and also if you were asking someone random questions, what would you ask?
Here's a snippet from her profile "about me":
1. How old are you?
17 and a half.
2. Where are all the places you have lived in your life? What is it like living in Pakistan?
I've only lived in two places, actually! Houston, Texas, and Karachi, Pakistan. As to what it's like living in Pakistan...hmm, it's kind of conflicting. While I love my country, I don't exactly enjoy living here. It's just really violent, and don't even get me started on how much I despise the narrow-minded society!
3. When and how did you start writing?
I've always been into books, so writing one seemed like a neat idea. I always wrote short stories, essays, etc. But I got serious about it at thirteen, I think.
4. What is your favourite thing about writing?
For one thing, I love how writing is a craft and you can always improve at it. I used to suck so bad at it, I almost gave up! But after writing lots of more crap, I finally got to a point where I could read what I'd written and not want to trash it all away. Another thing I love is being able to get absorbed into a story, working out the kinks...and seeing how it all comes together in the end.
5. What is the best advice you've ever heard (or ever given) about blogging and/or writing?
About blogging, it would have to be 'blog because you love it.' That probably sounds very basic, but I'd hate to blog only because it's a social media requirement and not because I love doing it.
And for writing... Honestly, I think it's 'read as widely as you can.' I've read, like, eighty-five books already this year! And they have helped me SO much as a writer, in terms of writing, storytelling, plot... So yeah. READ! As much as you can.
Of course, WRITE as much as you can too. I don't think I'd have gotten where I am now had I not wrote all those crappy novels.
6. What is the best thing that's happened to you as far as writing and blogging goes?
Meeting so many amazing people, definitely! As for writing, I still have to finish my book, so as soon as I do that, that will definitely be the best thing I've accomplished.
7. What are your top five favourite writing sites/blogs?
Only 5! Wow, this is gonna be hard...
1) Stephanie Perkins' blog: Not only do I LOVE these authors books (like, a lotlotlotlot), but I also adore how charming the author is herself! She doesn't blog all that regularly, but that's fine with me, because her posts are totally worth it.
2) Kiersten White's blog: Kiersten White! 'Nuff said.
3) Nathan Bransford's blog: NB might not be an agent anymore, but he's still incredibly helpful.
4) Steph Bowe's blog: This Steph doesn't blog all that often, either. But I'm always looking forward to her posts as well.
5) YA Highway: YA Highway is SO helpful in terms of writing, and guiding you to other helpful posts for writing. I love this blog.
8. If you were asking someone questions and you had to ask a really random question about anything, what would you ask?
I...have no idea. 'What is your favorite hair color?' That's random, innit? Also, lame. I could ask them 'Where do you want to die?' but that's too morbid. Basically, I suck at random questions.
Thanks for interviewing me, Gracie! :)
It's no problem!! Now go check out Aleeza's blog if you haven't already, and also if you were asking someone random questions, what would you ask?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: My Writing: THE REAL THING
I originally wasn't going to participate for this day of the Teen Writers Blogfest (see all the other participants stuff here), mostly because I accidentally skimmed over that day on my list and just didn't see it but also because I didn't really feel like sharing any of my writing.
But I figured since I talk quite a bit about writing on this blog thing, and I also now have quite a few followers (yay new followers! Say hello!) I might as well. (Although I'm sure Linda and the Dragon was an excellent peek into my writing. HAHA.)
So I haven't really been working on anything for awhile, because I was stuck on the thing I was working on and I was taking a break. But the thing I was stuck on I am now becoming unstuck and I just in the past couple of days read over what I wrote and went, "There's hope in this." (Sometimes when I do this I go, "This is trash, why I am writing this??") And now I have some ideas, so I think I will continue working on that for awhile.
But you want an excerpt, don't you? Okay. Here goes.
After about twenty minutes I find I've been running my palms along the surface of the mountain and have turned my hands a deep red colour, as if I've dipped my hands in bleeding ash. I guess it helps to feel like I'm pushing the walls out from beside me, because it is extremely claustrophobic. Up is blackness. Left and right is red mountain walls. Forward and back is both black, one unknown and the other known. But there is no going back.
Yup, that's all you're getting. (Because if you didn't already know, I am a cliff-hanger expert.)
But I figured since I talk quite a bit about writing on this blog thing, and I also now have quite a few followers (yay new followers! Say hello!) I might as well. (Although I'm sure Linda and the Dragon was an excellent peek into my writing. HAHA.)
So I haven't really been working on anything for awhile, because I was stuck on the thing I was working on and I was taking a break. But the thing I was stuck on I am now becoming unstuck and I just in the past couple of days read over what I wrote and went, "There's hope in this." (Sometimes when I do this I go, "This is trash, why I am writing this??") And now I have some ideas, so I think I will continue working on that for awhile.
But you want an excerpt, don't you? Okay. Here goes.
After about twenty minutes I find I've been running my palms along the surface of the mountain and have turned my hands a deep red colour, as if I've dipped my hands in bleeding ash. I guess it helps to feel like I'm pushing the walls out from beside me, because it is extremely claustrophobic. Up is blackness. Left and right is red mountain walls. Forward and back is both black, one unknown and the other known. But there is no going back.
Yup, that's all you're getting. (Because if you didn't already know, I am a cliff-hanger expert.)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: BOOKS 'n' Stuff
I was reading something the other day where someone said that they did not read. That they much preferred writing over reading. Before I talk about books 'n' stuff that I like about reading, I will just say: YOU WRITE, YOU READ.
There.
Now, I'm not exactly sure why I love to read (and consequently, write) but it might have something to do with it's fun. It's fun to imagine crazy things, it's fun to live vicariously through characters, it's fun to learn things in a roundabout way through fictional people. It's fun to immerse yourself in a book and get lost and pretend you're living in a different world, and it's fun to analyze the real world by making something up.
This year I decided to start a reading list of all the books I've read and so far I've read about 56 books. Some were good, some were bad, some were absolutely amazing. The worst I didn't finish because they were either much too "tell" and not enough "show", or... actually, nevermind. That was the main problem.
But the BEST. Those were definitely... well, Harry Potter, the last book of which I only finished (FOR THE FIRST TIME) this January (yes. I was 16 years old and had never read Harry Potter). Then there would be The Hunger Games and its two sequels, which I actually reread this year just because they were so good (I read them for the first time last year).
Then, the book that made me cry (which, to me, are always the best books; the ones that make you cry) Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. It was a beautiful book, intertwining heartwrenching stories of past and present. I also have to say that Melina Marchetta definitely grew as a writer; after I read Jellicoe Road I read her first book, Looking for Alibrandi, and it was pretty awful. But this only proves that you write, you get better.
As for genres, I love YA, but there is something so refreshing and innocent and wonderful about reading middle grade. I do not know why or how this is, but if you are ever sick of stereotypical YA books, go and check out some middle grade from your library.
I have so many thoughts on reading, but they all appear as seperate thoughts like this one, this one and this one. So I guess what you should really do is keep coming back and checking for some more posts on reading. ;)
Oh and if you want to go check out all the other posts for the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest, go here!
There.
Now, I'm not exactly sure why I love to read (and consequently, write) but it might have something to do with it's fun. It's fun to imagine crazy things, it's fun to live vicariously through characters, it's fun to learn things in a roundabout way through fictional people. It's fun to immerse yourself in a book and get lost and pretend you're living in a different world, and it's fun to analyze the real world by making something up.
This year I decided to start a reading list of all the books I've read and so far I've read about 56 books. Some were good, some were bad, some were absolutely amazing. The worst I didn't finish because they were either much too "tell" and not enough "show", or... actually, nevermind. That was the main problem.
But the BEST. Those were definitely... well, Harry Potter, the last book of which I only finished (FOR THE FIRST TIME) this January (yes. I was 16 years old and had never read Harry Potter). Then there would be The Hunger Games and its two sequels, which I actually reread this year just because they were so good (I read them for the first time last year).
Then, the book that made me cry (which, to me, are always the best books; the ones that make you cry) Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. It was a beautiful book, intertwining heartwrenching stories of past and present. I also have to say that Melina Marchetta definitely grew as a writer; after I read Jellicoe Road I read her first book, Looking for Alibrandi, and it was pretty awful. But this only proves that you write, you get better.
As for genres, I love YA, but there is something so refreshing and innocent and wonderful about reading middle grade. I do not know why or how this is, but if you are ever sick of stereotypical YA books, go and check out some middle grade from your library.
I have so many thoughts on reading, but they all appear as seperate thoughts like this one, this one and this one. So I guess what you should really do is keep coming back and checking for some more posts on reading. ;)
Oh and if you want to go check out all the other posts for the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest, go here!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Teen Writers Summer Blogfest: MEMEMEME (and Canada)
HAPPY CANADA DAY!! It's been a 144 years since Canada first became a country on July 1, 1867. (Although my province didn't actually become part of the country until after Confederation... but anyway.) If you want to learn about Canada, go here. (HAHA that post is hilarious.) And some awesome Canadian bloggers: Yahong Chi and Clementine. (And they're both teenagers!! And writers! YES!)
So not only is it Canada's birthday, but it's also the first day of the awesome Teen Writers Summer Blogfest hosted by Brittany at Hills and Corkscrews. According to the schedule, I am supposed to introduce myself.
Well. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm Canadian. :) (So if you were wondering, that is why I always write "favourite" with a "u"). And if you've really honed your detective skills, you might've also figured out that I'm a teen. (A nice uneven 17 years of age.)
Now I am going to go ahead and interview myself, because that's what cool people do (okay, technically Brittany came up with all the questions, but still).
Top 3 favourite genres to read?
I was going to say something along the lines of romance, contemporary and dystopia or something but with anything (like carrots or cheese) too much is bad for you. I get sick of any genre if I read too much of it, which is why I think it's good to branch out and read different things all the time! (I think I am going to post on that sometime!)
Favourite movie?
My tastes differ but right now I really enjoy... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). It was excellently, excellently done. (Also I don't really watch that many movies).
Person you would most want to meet, alive or dead?
Mattie Stepanek.
Dogs or cats?
![]()
Dream job?
Um. Author, o'course.
Three of your hobbies besides writing?
Scrapbooking, singing, fluting (by which I mean playing flute), biking...
Last book you read?
I am preparing this post early so it may be different by the time I actually post it but, Pop by Gordon Korman (yes, I read an entire book about [American] football!!)
If you were a superhero, what would your powers be?
Um, probably supreme organization skills??
Weirdest thing about you?
So either that I always rinse my mouth out three times after I brush my teeth because I am hyperaware of the warning that you aren't supposed to swallow toothpaste, or that I have a slight fear of staircases.
If you won a million dollars how would you spend it?
On renovating our entire house for my parents, charity, and BOOKS o' course.
Your Hogwarts house? (or are you not a HP fan?)
As of recently, I am an HP fan, but I don't know which house I'd be in. Probably Ravenclaw (but doesn't everyone want to be in Gryffindor anyway??)
If you were a piece of clothing what would you be?
Sweatpants? I don't know, something comfy. So if you are wearing something comfy right now, you are wearing me!! Ahem. Okay then.
So! Hope you learned a little about me, your fellow blogger and I also hope you'll enjoy the rest of the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest! Check out the other particpants' blogs: Taryn, Rachael, Will, Nick, Laura and of course Brittany.
So... what's the most interesting thing about you???
 |
| Yes, I have a pool in my backyard. :D |
So not only is it Canada's birthday, but it's also the first day of the awesome Teen Writers Summer Blogfest hosted by Brittany at Hills and Corkscrews. According to the schedule, I am supposed to introduce myself.
Well. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm Canadian. :) (So if you were wondering, that is why I always write "favourite" with a "u"). And if you've really honed your detective skills, you might've also figured out that I'm a teen. (A nice uneven 17 years of age.)
Now I am going to go ahead and interview myself, because that's what cool people do (okay, technically Brittany came up with all the questions, but still).
Top 3 favourite genres to read?
I was going to say something along the lines of romance, contemporary and dystopia or something but with anything (like carrots or cheese) too much is bad for you. I get sick of any genre if I read too much of it, which is why I think it's good to branch out and read different things all the time! (I think I am going to post on that sometime!)
Favourite movie?
My tastes differ but right now I really enjoy... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). It was excellently, excellently done. (Also I don't really watch that many movies).
Person you would most want to meet, alive or dead?
Mattie Stepanek.
Dogs or cats?
Dream job?
Um. Author, o'course.
Three of your hobbies besides writing?
Scrapbooking, singing, fluting (by which I mean playing flute), biking...
Last book you read?
I am preparing this post early so it may be different by the time I actually post it but, Pop by Gordon Korman (yes, I read an entire book about [American] football!!)
If you were a superhero, what would your powers be?
Um, probably supreme organization skills??
Weirdest thing about you?
So either that I always rinse my mouth out three times after I brush my teeth because I am hyperaware of the warning that you aren't supposed to swallow toothpaste, or that I have a slight fear of staircases.
If you won a million dollars how would you spend it?
On renovating our entire house for my parents, charity, and BOOKS o' course.
Your Hogwarts house? (or are you not a HP fan?)
As of recently, I am an HP fan, but I don't know which house I'd be in. Probably Ravenclaw (but doesn't everyone want to be in Gryffindor anyway??)
If you were a piece of clothing what would you be?
Sweatpants? I don't know, something comfy. So if you are wearing something comfy right now, you are wearing me!! Ahem. Okay then.
So! Hope you learned a little about me, your fellow blogger and I also hope you'll enjoy the rest of the Teen Writers Summer Blogfest! Check out the other particpants' blogs: Taryn, Rachael, Will, Nick, Laura and of course Brittany.
So... what's the most interesting thing about you???
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sweeping Dust Bunnies
Hey! So if you're new here/passing through/visiting or whatever, then GO HERE instead. Because this post is going to be all news/updates and stuff. I hate doing whole seperate posts for this stuff because it's kind of boring, but I also don't like messing up my pointed posts with updates!!
SO I'll make it quick and painless:
-Teen Writers Summer Blogfest starts TOMORROW (which also happens to be Canada Day, aka my country's birthday).
-I have a surprise which will be a first for this blog. ;) Come check out the surprise on July 4.
-July 15 as probably everyone knows, is the release date of the VERY LAST Harry Potter movie. So to celebrate (/say goodbye??) I want to put together a blog post collage of stories of Harry Potter experiences. So if you have a great story (or you just want to share your story) about your experiences with Harry Potter (whether it be movies or books), then please e-mail me at kazuntai101[at]gmail[dot]com
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
SO I'll make it quick and painless:
-Teen Writers Summer Blogfest starts TOMORROW (which also happens to be Canada Day, aka my country's birthday).
-I have a surprise which will be a first for this blog. ;) Come check out the surprise on July 4.
-July 15 as probably everyone knows, is the release date of the VERY LAST Harry Potter movie. So to celebrate (/say goodbye??) I want to put together a blog post collage of stories of Harry Potter experiences. So if you have a great story (or you just want to share your story) about your experiences with Harry Potter (whether it be movies or books), then please e-mail me at kazuntai101[at]gmail[dot]com
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
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