Po(sey) Sessions

Author Note : Kelly Parra would like to make clear that no matter how many times she took the shot of her creative space, she could NOT get a shot in the evening without a glare. Also, that she is NOT a very organized writer. She did indeed clear the surface of her desk, but could not hide the abundance of papers and scraps throughout her cubbies. She is a distracted mom and writer, but NOT a miracle worker. This desk is where she scours the Internet for book research, critiques chapters, edits, chats with all her cool writer and reader friends, glues broken polly pockets, and works on her many websites. She would like to note that Mandy Hubbard's creative space puts her space to shame. A very sad, shame. Also, yes, it is so that Kelly does most of her writing in an old recliner that was passed down from her uncle when she was first married and could not afford her own recliner, and a small table her mother-in-law gave her to set her laptop on when it is not on...

C hess Rumble -A free-verse novella by G. Neri & illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson G. Neri is the author of the middle-grade novella Chess Rumble , the upcoming young adult novels Surf Mules (Putnam, June '09) and Caught (Putnam, Fall 2010) and the graphic novel Yummy (Lee & Low Books, Fall '09). He writes provocative, edgy stories for reluctant readers, especially urban boys, in hopes that these kinds of books-- immediate, compelling and told through the eyes of young males--will open minds to reading. Inspired by inner-city school chess enrichment programs, Chess Rumble explores the ways this strategic game empowers young people with the skills they need to anticipate their moves through the game of life. What do you like about this trailer? What is interesting and engaging about it?

I seriously wish my mailbox looked like this picture. With all the personal letters and international mail. But, no, it is mostly filled with boring white enveloped bills. The saddest thing about growing up is the resentment you have for the mail. Even when you have the money to pay them, bills tend to mock you, pointing out the fact that no one mailed you a letter today. Truthfully I don’t deserve any letters. I am horrible with the mail and have not sent any of the 10 or so letters I have written in the past year and a half. In my Sunday Salon post a week ago I talked about epistolary novels and the death of the mail posted letter. It sort of saddens me that I am part of that murder. But luckily this week, even though there is no way I deserve it, I did get a letter. It was tucked up in a package of books but it made me very happy to see a nice, handwritten letter. Since we are celebrating my birthday until the end of my contest , Chelsea’s presents aren’t actually lat...

The thing about audiobooks is, from the moment they start you know the character. When you a reading a book on paper, scanning your eyes over the words, it takes time. You don't find or hear the voice right away. You get to know them through the book. The words are being processed off the paper, into your brain, through your emotions. And after about 3 chapters you have some sense of who they are, who they sound like in your head. And as you go through the book you learn more and the voice deepens and becomes more expressive. With audiobooks the voice is a given. And the interesting part is that it is just one or two people's interpretation. The actor and the producer decide how the book will sound. All the variations your mind can make in shaping and creating the character....they are gone. Sometimes this is a benefit. Sometimes when I can't get into a book, can't hear it speaking to me I pop the audiobook in and listen for a few tracks. Just to get some idea of ho...

Catherine Ryan Hyde is February's featured young adult author. Unfortunately I didn't do as much as I wanted with my first author, though I did learn from my not doing. I promise to do a better job with Catherine. Over the next few days, even though the month is over, I will be wrapping up with a few more posts on DiCamillo and then expect more posts and reviews about Catherine and her books. For now watch this amazing excerpt video that Catherine made for Becoming Chloe and check out a profile I did on her previously . (With another amazing video you need to check out!!) Have you read any of Catherine's books? I would love to know what you think. Please leave links to previous reviews in the comments.

    The Eye of Night by Pauline J. Alama   "I'd seen nothing in the still pool they call the Mirror of St. Fiern, nothing : not even my own reflection, for rainstorms had drowned the pool in dull, blackish mud.  That featureless blackness, more than any evil vision I might have seen, seemed to pass a death sentence over me: my life was a void, a starless night.  For a moment, I felt I must cast myself into the depths and drown, as though the saint herself had urged it.  I'd never felt less inclined to return to the Order, but neither had I any glimmer of a new life outside it."