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The Teen Phenom, Kieryn Nicolas!

2010-07-15T13:02:05Z

Readers:

Meet Kieryn Nicolas, a teen writing prodigy (my opinion) that just hit the scene with her first novel, Rain. In just a few months, she's captured the attention of many with her upbeat attitude and commitment to the craft. This evening, I have the opportunity to host her in my Language Arts and Literacy graduate class. She'll speak to my students (pre-service teachers) about what teaching practices motivated, and continue to motivate her, as a writer.

Fortunately for you, she also agreed to an interview on my blogs. Check out her work. You won't be disappointed!

How long have you been writing, and what inspired you to begin seriously devoting yourself to the craft of writing?

I think I’ve been writing ever since I could write—and that does not necessarily mean I could spell. I have a journal from when I was four, and my first recorded story, from what I can decode, reads: "Laura wus pritty and nice it wus 12:00 at night Laura hred a strang naus. it wus bumping and sloshing and skraching. She did not know wut it wus. so she went out side and thar wus a Baer. She kickd the baer and pushed Him into the woods. the end"

Talk about climaxes.

I was in fifth grade, though, when I decided I wanted to be an author. I had an amazing teacher that year, and we actually did creative writing. That’s probably when I realized how much I loved writing long stories—aka, novels.

How do youlive your life like a writer? What day-to-day habits must you incorporateinto your routine?

Every day I have two emails and two Facebooks to check—my personal ones, and my author ones. I also have to remember to Tweet and do any other social media. Also, I always have something with me that I can record ideas on, whether that something is my phone or a notebook or the note app on my iPod. (I used that app a lot on the bus this year.) Pretty much I make sure that I stay in touch with my professional/author communications, and also the author in my head, who usually gets ideas at the least convenient times.

Who are someof the authors you lean on most for inspiration and craft when you get stuck inyour own writing?

That’s an interesting question. Reading books that I like usually does motivate me to write my own stories. For example, J.K. Rowling is the queen of characters. Everyone in the Harry Potter series is incredibly real, and her writing makes me want to write my characters to life. Suzanne Collins—author of The Hunger Games and the Underland Chronicles—writes incredible action scenes, so when I read her books I want to make my own stories more exciting. I recently read the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU series by Meg Cabot, and it had an incredible voice. Guess what I’ll be focusing on next time I write?

In youropinion, how important is the link between avid reading and strong writing?

I think the link is fairly important. I’m not saying someone who isn’t an avid reader can’t be an incredible writer, or vice-versa, but personally I attribute a lot of my strength in writing to the countless hours I’ve spent reading. Story ideas have always bounced around my head, and seeing how authors brought their stories to life helped me figure out how to put mine in words as well.

What’s thefunniest/craziest/strangest story you have so far from your writing escapades?

I’m not sure this is the funniest/craziest/strangest, but I got a friend request from someone from Indiana a few weeks ago. Thinking it might be someone I met at the Lit Fest, I clicked on his profile, and did a double-take when I saw I was in his profile picture. Yeah, it was the picture he’d taken of us when I signed a book for him! That was a pretty cool experience.

What can youtell us about your current projects?

I’m currently working on a dystopian story that I absolutely love—but I’m really bad at summaries, so I’ll just leave it there for now. Also, I’ll have a “short” (I use quotes because myversion of “short” always contrasts with other people’s version of “short,”like my English teachers who insist on page limits and nonsense like that) story coming as an eBook from Echelon in the near future. It’s called Poison Ivy, and I wrote it as a response to To Kill a Mockingbird last year in English. We had our choice of projects, so long as we incorporated a theme from the book. I asked my teacher if I could do a story, and she said sure, as long as it was “reasonably short.” Of course, I used my own interpretation of “reasonably.”

Where can wego to learn more about you?

My amazing and tech-savvy grandma designed my website, www.kierynnicolas.com. On there are links to buy my book, a page with links to media about RAIN and myself, the prologue/first chapter of my book, a short bio, reviews of RAIN, and links to my social media pages (like Facebook and Goodreads). Also, I (usually) update my blog, www.kierynnicolas.blogspot.com,at least once a week. Well, I try to.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

MDTLC on Hold

2010-07-12T20:09:00Z

Readers:

I have some sad and disappointing news to report. Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken, originally slated for release in August 2010, will not see release as planned. I’ll bite my tongue about the why and simply tell you that I now have the rights to the manuscript again and will begin shopping it around with agents. And, while Drew might go King Kong over something like this, I must pick up my head and commit myself. Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken deserves a home in the hands of readers, and I’m set on making that happen.

I appreciate all the support everyone has given Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken to this point. Please continue to follow the MDTLC blog for details on the new search.

~Scott

“Live, Learn, Teach”

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

In My Bath- An Interview with Beth Reinke

2010-06-29T14:13:12Z

Readers:

Before you get too energetic about the title of this blog, I assure you that my interview with Beth Reinke did not occur in my bath. Sorry to disappoint!

Rather, In My Bath is the title of Beth's brand new children's book. I had an opportunity to ask this IndieDebut 2010 member a few questions.

How long haveyou been writing, and what inspired you to begin seriously devoting yourself tothe craft of writing?

I remember writing my thesis ingrad school and desperately wanting to write something else, something FUN.That’s when I knew for sure I wanted to be a writer. When my sons were babiesand toddlers, I enrolled in courses from The Institute of Children’s Literatureand learned everything I could about the craft. I started writing andsubmitting seriously when my younger son started second grade.

How do youlive your life like a writer? What day-to-day habits must you incorporateinto your routine?

Writing is my job, so most mornings I head straight to my computer to getstarted. I use two strategies to keeping organized – making lists and keeping acalendar by my desk. I write lists of things I need to do, from writing thankyou notes to mailing book orders to researching article topics. Without thelists, I would forget things, that’s for sure! My calendar has big squares so Ican write multiple entries for each day. For instance, on today’s date I wrote,“interview on Scott’s blog.” J

As any work-from-home mom will tell you, multitasking is a necessaryhabit, too. I fit in other tasks while writing - putting dinner in the crockpot, grooming the dog, doing laundry. Luckily, the laundry room is close to mycomputer so I can hear the dryer buzzer – LOL.

Who are someof the authors you lean on most for inspiration and craft when you get stuck inyour own writing?

Forinspiration, I read anything by Kathi Macias http://www.kathimacias.com/ who writes powerful novels as well as women’s nonfiction books. Rightnow I’m reading No Greater Love, thefirst book in her Extreme Devotion series. For inspiration and craft, I likewriter Kristi Holl’s blog at http://writers-first-aid.blogspot.com/

In youropinion, how important is the link between avid reading and strong writing?

Just about every writer will tell you that reading and writing gohand-in-hand, especially for those of us who love to work with words. I writearticles for magazines and find it helpful to analyze nonfiction. But when Itry to study the writing in a novel, but I usually end up lost in the story andforget to analyze it! Peeking into someone else’s life in fiction is so muchfun. J

What can youtell us about your current projects?

I'm working on two children's book manuscripts right now. One is a follow up to In My Bath. The other is an ABC book, which is new territory for me. I'm busy keeping up with my new website and blogs, too.

Where can we go to learn more about you?

Readers can visit me at http://www.bethbencereinke.com. My website contains a bio, links to food andnutrition articles I’ve written and two blogs. My “Food & Faith” blogcontains nutrition tips and healthy recipes. To read children’s book reviews,check out “Beth’s Book Basket.”

To learn about my illustrator, Ginger Nelson, please visit http://www.gingernielson.com. She does the bestestwork!

CONTEST!

Any tub adventure needs rubber duckies! Beth has graciously offered a set of five, squirting rubber duckies to the contest winner. Just reply, in the Comments section of this blog, with the answer to the question to register. A winner will be selected at random on July 5.

Question: What is the title of Beth's next book (listed as "Coming Soon" on her website)?

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

Interview with Carla Mooney, author of Owen and the Dragon

2010-05-16T14:50:00Z

Readers:

Allow me to introduce you to fellow writer, Indie-Debut member, and author of Owen and the Dragon. Carla was kind enough to answer a few questions.

How long have you been writing, and what inspired you to begin seriously devoting yourself to the craft of writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a child, but as an adult had moved away from writing fiction and concentrated more on business writing. Then about 3 ½ years ago, my son developed leukemia and I quit my accounting consulting job to take care of him. It was during that time that I decided to turn back to something that I loved – writing, specifically writing for children.

How do you live your life like a writer? What day-to-day habits must you incorporate into your routine?

I am an early morning person, so I usually get the bulk of my writing done between 5 and 7 am, sometimes earlier if I have a deadline fast approaching. If I can sneak in another hour or two to write when my son is at preschool, that’s great. The rest of the day, I try to take care of emails, sending out proposals or packets. If I’m not falling asleep on my pillow, I try to read at night after the kids go to bed – either something that I’m researching or a new YA or MG book that I’ve heard about.

Who are some of the authors you lean on most for inspiration and craft when you get stuck in your own writing?

I usually have a few projects going at the same time. So if I get stuck on one, I tend to switch gears and take a break from it. Sometimes taking time away can help give me perspective on what isn’t working. Recently, I’ve been having a plot problem in one of my books. Reading the Hunger Games books by Suzanne Collins has been especially inspiring. As I read them, I was just amazed at how she built such a gripping plot with turns and twists throughout the books.

In your opinion, how important is the link between avid reading and strong writing?

I think it is extremely important. Even when I read a book that I don’t like or don’t connect with, I try to think about what specifically turned me off. Was the plot too slow? Was it too wordy? If it was a picture book, was it too clunky to read aloud? Looking at the book through the eyes of a reader helps me evaluate my own work in the same way.

What can you tell us about your current projects?

I’m working on a new book about the Explorers of the New World that should take me most of the summer to complete. I’ll be developing a bunch of projects for this book, so I’ve already warned my kids and their friends to get ready around the kitchen table!

I’m also very excited about my first picture book, Samson’s Story, coming out with Earth Day Publishing this fall. It’s the story of a boy with leukemia told through the eyes of his dog. He has feelings that anyone who has loved a person with a serious illness can relate to. Given my personal connection to this topic, I’m thrilled that a portion of the proceeds will be going to cancer related charities.

Where can we go to learn more about you?

There are lots of places! My website is www.carlamooney.com

You can also follow me on my blog at http://carlamooney.livejournal.com/ or on Twitter as Carlawrites.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

Young Reader's Rave Review

2010-05-08T00:18:22Z

Readers:

Here's a recent e-mail regarding O.Y.L. from one of my readers. While I'll keep her identity anonymous for now, I don't think it will be long before you see her name among the writing world. She's one talented young lady!

A few minutes ago I finished your novel (I would've finished it earlier, but when you're already more than halfway through a different book, you feel like you should finish that one first, you know?). I loved it; by the second page I was laughing out loud and reading sections to my family whether they wanted to hear them or not. (Notably from page 2, which had me in hysterics: '"I heard from Catey Arnold, who heard it from Stacey Martin, who lives next door to Evan; her sister said she thinks Evan thinks you're cute," said her brunette friend.')

Even though it wasn't in first person, I loved Jenna's voice that was maintained throughout the entire book. Being a writer and only child, much of her life--and the story--was inside her head. Her sarcasm had me grinning wryly and shaking my head, and her over-dramatic thoughts had me chuckling. I loved her character, so unsure and hurt and confused but wanting control, not unlike many other freshman like me.

However, I think my favorite character was Alan. Even though he knew his feelings weren't reciprocated, he held his geeky head high, confronted Jenna, and acknowledged their mess. He didn't seem fake (many "figures of interest" (even though, typing this, I doubt Alan really fits into that description) are), and even reminded me of one of my closest friends. Besides, he was a total sweetheart, so of course I fell in love with him instantly. I wish my boyfriend gave me his baseball cap ice cream bowls!

I loved the format, how everything gradually fell into place. I'm definitely going to reread it at some point because of this; I'm, almost positive I'll notice things I didn't before. Little by little I learned more about Jenna: her pain, her losses, her secrets. And when the full scene of her thirteenth birthday unfolded, I felt my eyes water. I could see that scene too clearly...it's still haunting, thinking about it now.

The use of the apple tree was ingenious. The way you transformed an already important object in her life into a metaphor which illustrates struggles we all encounter was incredible. And at the very end, when he hands her the apple back, my eyes widened and I loudly exhaled "Oh..." . I don't know if it was what you had intended, but it was him finally doing the same thing she had done all year, proving he understood, and somehow Jenna had her perfect apple, even though it had grown and ripened differently than she had expected.

Probably everyone who has read the book and talked to you about it has mentioned it, but WOW. The ending. Wow. Totally unexpected and clever... the kind of ending that leaves you feeling like one of the fooled on April Fool's Day, but when you can't help but smile as you flick the rubber fly out of your juice.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to participate in the workshop...I loved it and hope to have another opportunity like that sometime.

And thanks, of course, for writing this book! It was a great read which brought on nearly every emotion possible.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Highlights of Query Boot Camp w/ Janet Reid

2010-01-24T22:32:00Z

Readers:

Yesterday, I attended "Query Boot Camp" with Janet Reid, a successful agent from Fine Print Literary Agency in New York City. For those young writers and readers, queries are letters writers send to literary agents or editors at publishing houses to generate interest in their work. The word 'query' means 'to ask or inquire about', so the query letter essentially asks,"Would you like to publish my book?"

During the two hour boot camp, Ms. Reid shared a number of wonderful pointers for query creation. Her most important observation of the day--don't take advice from anyone else but literary agents about how to construct a query letter. After all, they ARE the ones who read them each day. They know what they want.

The most difficult part of the query letter is the first few lines. This is where you tell the agent what the book is about. This includes:

a. Who is the main character?

b. What happens to him/her?

c. What choice does s/he face?

d. What terrible thing will happen because of his/her choice?

Sounds simple, right? You know your work better than anyone else. Easy in theory, but difficult in practice. Query letters should run around 250 words or less. Within that time, you must also include things like title, word count, and publishing credits (if you have them). This leaves precious little space to waste words. You must condense a manuscript of tens of thousands of words into an introductory sentence of twenty or less. Once you've captured their attention, you have roughly 100 words to answer the question, "what is this book about?" without retelling the entire story.

"Expect to spend two months writing a good, solid query letter," says Ms. Reid. After all, an author only get one shot at an individual agent, so the work better be polished.

For more detailed information, visit Janet's blog at http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com You won't be disappointed.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

A Billion for a Billion Campaign

2009-12-17T15:47:00Z

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

Ho, Ho, Holy Cow!

2009-12-16T15:44:00Z

Readers:

I drafted this poem for a little contest sponsored by a local literary group. Thought it would be fun to share as the holidays approach. They say writers write from personal experience. Well, here's my contribution to that belief (with a bit of embellishment along the way). Enjoy!

Slip out of bed,

tipity-toe.

Clock signals three.

Door opens slow.

Rustles I hear,

wrapping paper perhaps?

Santa’s come I am certain,

while the family naps.

Slink down the stairs,

grip on the rail,

stub my big toe,

stifle a wail.

Peer in gap between wall

and thin wooden slat.

Sure enough someone’s there,

all jolly and fat.

My fists clench in joy,

at his round silhouette.

His hands arrange gifts.

How many’d I get?

He bends over once more,

takes one step back,

and that’s when I see it--

a Santa butt-crack.

His red underwear

is distinctively clear.

I think this confusing,

puzzling, and queer.

Then lifting his leg,

he let’s loose flatulence,

which he wafts with his hand.

The most putrid of scents.

Who is this imposter,

this phony, this fraud?

My mouth it hangs open,

rounded and broad.

Santa lays the last gift

beneath our fake tree.

He turns his whole body,

and now faces me.

To learn Santa’s fake

is traumatic enough

without partial nudity,

bodily functions, and stuff.

But to learn of no Claus

at age six is so sad

when the red-underweared, farter

‘neath the tree is your Dad.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

If You Give A Mouse Some Milk

2009-11-29T22:49:00Z

Happy December, Readers!

Two weeks ago, my fifth-graders finished their read aloud projects. The goal? To practice a favorite picture book out loud until they knew it forward, backward, and upside down. Then, present it to their classmates in their best reader voice with props and questions for the audience--all the things the teacher normally gets to do.

The books of Laura Numeroff, author of such favorites as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give a Moose a Muffin, of course received several instances of airtime. A student of mine became so inspired, he put together an homage of his own. I should note that this student works with this family on an active dairy farm each day, so you'll clearly see the tie in. With mice in mind as we approach the release of Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken, enjoy this cute tale (or tail?) from a fifth-grade author we'll call A.W.

If You Give A Mouse Some Milk

by A.W.

If you give a mouse some milk,

he will want to know how it was made.

When you tell him that it was made by cows,

he will want to go see some.

When you ask your mom to drive you,

he will want to grab his note pad to take notes.

When you get to the farm,

the farmer will take him to see the cows.

On the way to the cows he will see the chickens

and want to go feed them.

When he is done feeding the chickens,

he will see the barn and run in.

When he sees the cows,

he will want to make his own clay cow.

When he is done making the clay cow,

he will see a sink in the barn.

When he sees the sink,

he will want a drink of milk.

And chances are, when he asks for a drink of milk,

he will want to go to a different farm and see a different cow.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

www.scotthbooks.com

Interview with Laurie Zieber- Robin Falls Kids- 11-23-09

2009-11-24T12:32:00Z

On Monday, November 23, I had the opportunity to interview with Laurie Zieber on Blog Talk Radio. Below is the mp3 file. Laurie's show is part of Robin Falls Kids, a regular series of programs including authors and illustrators. More info is located at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/robinfalls

BlogTalkInterview09

Happy listening!

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Why Birds Sing- A 5th grade perspective

2009-11-15T01:54:00Z

This year I once again have a talented group of fifth grade writers. During a recent creative writing task, the students were asked to imagine an alternative explanation for why birds sing (rather than a scientific explanation). This one specifically caught my eye. I hope you enjoy it.

Why Birds Sing

I believe birds sing because they are like Martin Luther King, Jr. They have something to say that will change the world.

Seagulls sing to change the deep blue sea from pollution. The doves make a difference by making world peace. Owls sing to warn people on the street at night so people don't get hurt. Sparrows make people happy in the morning by singing a joyful song to wake them up. The eagle waits its whole life to prepare for defending our country from any group trying to take America's independence and inspire people about our country by singing "The Star Spangled Banner." The storks sing softly to babies to lull them to sleep. Penguins sing to protest against too much factory smoke and car fuel. Roadrunners sing enthusiastic songs to encourage running marathons to earn money for good causes.

Do you have a creative explanation for why birds sing? I'd love to hear it.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Rutgers One on One Review

2009-10-25T23:26:00Z

Readers,

On Saturday October 17 I had the unique opportunity to attend the 40th annual Rutgers University One-on-One Plus conference sponsored by the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature. I was one of approximately 70 writers/illustrators accepted for this day-long, intensive experience.

The day began with a writer "strategy" session in which we poured through the packets of information given to us to identify those editors, agents, and authors we planned to meet throughout the day. We also heard from a "success story"--an author who attended in past years and received publication for her picture book as a result.

After a brief speech by the conference founder, Vivian Grey, I met my mentor for the day, two-time Newbery Honor Award winning fiction and nonfiction author Jim Murphy. We spent the next 45 minutes discussing my current nonfiction manuscript, Gray Matters, and how to refine it for future publication. Mr. Murphy is a wealth of knowledge. From simple tips about voice to more refined tips about nonfiction citations, I absorbed everything he had to say.

Next, all attendees gathered for a literary agent panel discussion followed by lunch that allowed us to mingle with agents and editors. I enjoyed a wonderful conversation with Shauna Fay, editor from Penguin Young Readers.

Our third session involved a five-on-five meeting with five mentees and five mentors at one table. This table included Carolyn Yoder, editor of Calkins Creek, a U.S. History imprint of Boyds Mills Press, as well as Ammi-Joan Paquette, an associate agent with Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

To close the day, we gathered for an incredible presentation from Judy Freeman--librarian, author, and one heck of a performer. Judy shares her passion for children's literature through song, poetry, movement, and plain old fun.

Overall, I left Rutgers with a sense of writing purpose and an invigoration that this craft is what brings me joy--a joy I want to share with my readers.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Two Unforgettable Fans

2009-10-05T23:35:00Z

Readers:

This past weekend I had the opportunity to promote Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken at Scranton, Pennsylvania's 3rd annual "Pages and Places" festival. Located amid a beautiful courthouse square, this event featured workshops, promotional tents, and live author readings.

My reading began soon after lunch. Poor readers before me spoke to a slim crowd. Some even spoke to no one but the tents set up before them. As my time approached, I made it a point to gather listeners up and down the row. One group of boys that seemed to be the age of my reading audience happened to walk toward the square with their father. I said, "Hey guys, I'm doing a reading here in a minute from my book, Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken. I think you'll like it. The two boys laughed and agreed they'd come. One even called to me, "Will there be real mice there?"

The crowd grew and I shared my two excerpts, complete with a visual of a fake mouse dangled above my mouth. Afterward, the two boys (whose names I've learned are Gavin and Alec) approached me with excitement. "Can we have your autograph?" they asked. I told them to come down to my table and I'd do just that.

After I provided my autograph on a large bookmark, I stepped aside of them for a moment to hand another bookmark to some passing children. Alec, who wore a "I'd Rather Be Reading Bukowski" t-shirt, asked me, "Do you want me to help you pass these out?" I, of course, agreed and he rushed to the sidewalk to hand one to all passersby.

Both boys left with enormous smiles and an excitement about the book's release. I'll never forget these boys. Not because they wanted my autograph or anything self-absorbed like that. I'll remember them because they are the audience I seek to reach with Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken. The young boys who are often the reluctant readers. The ones who struggle to pick up a book and sustain enjoyment.

I once had an agent tell me that books to young, male reluctant readers is not of interest to the publishing industry. Maybe the numbers say so, but the look in the eyes of Gavin and Alec tell another story.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Mice Don't Levitate- Do They?

2009-09-20T20:33:00Z

Readers:

Mice are the brunt of human experiments every day. If I was a mouse, this story might be the last straw.

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discovered a way to levitate mice using a superconductive magnet. Their goal is to simulate an astronaut's weightlessness and to study possible bone loss in extended space missions. Our furry friends are placed over a magnet in a specially constructed cage. The magnet is so powerful it can levitate the water in their bodies and in turn levitate them. Researcher Yuanming Liu said this about the first levitated mouse, "It actually kicked around and started to spin. Without friction, it could spin faster and faster."

Fiction author Douglas Adams, in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, said these same mice are the most intelligent beings on Earth. In fact, he said, they created this giant supercomputer named the Earth to figure out the meaning of the life, the universe, and everything. Turns out we are the experiment. Next time you find yourself floating and spinning uncontrollably, don't be surprised It's just the mice exacting their revenge.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.micedonttastelikechicken.com

Retention Comes in a Plethora of Ways

2009-09-07T12:53:10Z

Readers,

While I plug away at the second round of edits for Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken, I'm also improving my vocabulary along the way as I study for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that I'll take on October 31. The pages and pages of suggested vocabulary words from my study booklet are overwhelming. I have to resort to any means possible to get these terms to stick.

A popular stop has been pop culture like TV and music. Here are some examples of the odd connections in my mind.

1. Nostrum- "quack medicine--no real medical value": I'm a huge Seinfeld fan. In a few episodes, Kramer acts as doctors named Dr. Van Nostrand and Dr. Van Nostrum. I think of Kramer as the 'quack' doctor, so this word is no problem.

2. Mellifluous- "sweet sounding": Also a Seinfeld reference. During an episode where Elaine sets up George with a woman, George comes into Jerry's apartment thrilled about a phone conversation with her. He tells Jerry that her voice is 'mellifluous."

3. Encomium- "a formal expression of high praise": In high school I listened almost exclusively to Led Zeppelin. In 1995 a Led Zeppelin tribute album released with cover songs by popular bands of the time. The title? 'Encomium'

4. Obsequious- "obedient": They Might be Giants is a strange band--a strange band whose CDs I own One of their songs called "Turn Around" has the lyrics "It was the same obsequious manner, that was the reason I'd had him killed." Random I know, but effective for memory.

5. Plethora- "overabundance, excess": Classic moment from the comedy The Three Amigos. I've attached the video for your viewing pleasure.

6. Effrontery- "arrogance": Sorry readers, but I'm not a fan of Zac Efron. Seems pretty arrogant to me.

7. Edacious- "voracious; devouring": Edward Cullen from the Twilight series is a voracious vampire devouring what he must hunt (besides Bella).

The point of this rambling? For all those who preach the dangers of TV, movies, and music on the literacy and language development of students, it's more important to know that learning comes from anywhere. You only need to keep your eyes and mind open.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

Three_Amigos_What_Is_A_Plethora

Rutgers One on One Plus Conference

2009-08-18T17:42:00Z

For immediate release:

Doylestown, PA (Press Release), August, 2009

Two Central Bucks Teachers Accepted to Elite AuthorConference

Tiffany Schmidt, a sixth-grade teacher at Cold Spring Elementary and Scott Heydt, a fifth-grade teacher at Groveland Elementary were selected to fill two of 70 spots at the elite Rutgers University One on OnePlus Conference, sponsored by the Rutgers University Council on Children’sLiterature.

One-on-One brings together the largest number of professionals of any conference of its kind. The unique one-on-one format gives writers and illustrators a rare opportunity to share their work with an assigned mentor. The conference also offers a chance to meet and exchange information and ideas with experienced editors, agents, art directors, authors, and illustrators, who have generously volunteered their time.

"I was away in Canada when I heard that the acceptance letters were mailed,”Schmidt says. “This made for along rest of our vacation. When we got home, I found the envelope with my acceptance letter and then did acelebration dance - while still standing at the end of my driveway.”

Schmidt will share her newest YA fiction manuscript, Lucky Mia, which tells the struggle of a high school girl who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Mia wants everything in her life to go back tonormal, but as her illness progress she comes to realize that her old definition of "normal" doesn't apply anymore. Heydt will share his newest YA non-fiction manuscript, Gray Matters. This handbook to the teenage brain provides teens with the latest research and practical strategies to build their brainpower through intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.

“It will be an opportunity like none other,” says Heydt. “You have less than two minutes with an agent or publisher through a query letter. The chance to pick the brain of an agent or publishing executive’s for hours is rare in this business. I won’t waste a moment.”

Lucky Mia is a contemporary young adult novel for which Schmidt is seeking publication. To read more about Schmidt and her work, please visit: www.tiffanyschmidt.net

Gray Matters is Heydt’s third completed work. His first novel, O.Y.L., was released in October 2008, and his second, Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken, is slated for release in summer 2010. To read more about Heydt and his works, please visit: www.scotthbooks.com, http://scotthbooks.blogspot.com, or www.micedonttastelikechicken.com.

Letter to the Real Mr. Cross

2009-08-17T01:10:00Z

Readers:

I placed a letter in the mail today. A letter for a very special man--the real life Mr. Cross and the inspiration for Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken. I've included the letter below but removed certain names for privacy sake. It felt right to me that my reading audience know just what this book, and more important, this teacher means to me.

August 16, 2009

Dear Mr. *******,

It’s been almost two decades since you’ve seen my face, but I hope you remember me. I was a member of your 6^th grade class during the 1991-1992 school year at ********* Elementary School. Maybe you recall “movie snacks”, your flying glasses, or Ted’s dead pets (and two shirts)? This letter has many purposes, but the main one is to communicate how you influenced my life seventeen years ago.

I’ve always enjoyed school but never to the level I did during my year in your classroom. Believe me, it wasn’t just the reptiles. Your passion for reading, your wealth of knowledge, and the range of experiences you offered us changed my perception of learning forever. You unknowingly modeled the teacher I would later strive to become.

I now teach fifth-grade in Central Bucks School District in Doylestown, PA. I also hold a Masters degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University. To this day, my class’ first read aloud book is Interstellar Pig by William Sleator and I, like you did, strive to offer unique experiences for my students that change their perception of learning forever.

On top of my teaching career, I’ve become a published author with the release of my first novel,O.Y.L., in the fall of 2008. Which brings me to my reason for writing. I attended a writing workshop as a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group in the winter of 2008. The presenter, Ann Russek, titled the workshop “Tator Tots and Technique.” She explored the many ways writers can bring their childhood school experiences to life. A seed for a story arose after multiple writing exercises. That seed, now titled Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken, will become a published reality in the summer of 2010 through P.M. Moon Publishers.

The story is about you. In fact, it’s about all the characters in our room that year, including our scaly friends. Fiction weaves the story, but the real experience you provided is responsible for the manuscript construction. It’s my dedication to a phenomenal teacher.

I could say so much more, but I’ll keep this letter brief. My hope is that you will permit me to dedicate the book to you and perhaps accept an invitation to Pennsylvania for the book release party when the time comes (FYI…I’m thinking of holding it at the Reptile House of the Philadelphia Zoo J). In the meantime, please feel free to contact me and be on the lookout for www.micedonttastelikechicken.com.

Deepest thanks,

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

Teens Rewrite Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken

2009-07-23T14:03:00Z

Yesterday, I conducted a workshop at Lower Macungie Library in Macungie, PA. With the assistance of ten talented young ladies (including Erin Stephens, Children's Librarian extraordinaire), we rewrote a portion of Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken. To prepare, I briefed the crew in CRAFT vs. CRAP. Writing is a craft. "An artful placement of word with intention"as author Lester Laminack says. We discussed CReating Artful Focused Technique (CRAFT) vs. Chaotic, Random Awful unPlanned (or their acronym for CRAP).

I reviewed the scene: Best friends Drew and Jackson are cleaning the mouse cages in Mr. Cross' classroom during the first week of school. Jackson is a smart alec while Drew fights to remain responsible. I facilitated, they created. Here is the product:

“This really sucks! Why exactly did Mr. Cross give us this job again?” Jackson said. He leaned against the table next to the mouse’s cage.

“Well, we’re doing this for extra credit. Why do you have to be such a smart aleck?”

“I didn’t want to do this stupid job. I’d rather be in gym class pumping basketballs for the rest of the day.” Jackson dashed to Mr. Cross’ chair and sat down. He swung his head back and swiveled around. “You’re such a teacher’s pet, Drew.”

Drew meandered over to the cage and removed the lid. He picked up a scooper and scooped up a wad of shavings.

Jackson scooted the chair beside Drew. “I can’t believe you’re actually touching that!”

“I’m not touching it!”

Jackson grasped Drew’s wrist and sprinkled the shavings over his head. “Haha! Doodoo head!”

Drew’s eyes squinted, his face reddened and he clenched his fists. Drew flung his arm across the table. Glass shattered. His eyes glistened with tears. The blood trickled down his hand.

Jackson shrieked and sprinted across the room. Mr. Cross appeared in the doorway. Jackson collided with him and fell to the floor.

Kudos to my fantastic crew of Danielle, Isabel, Hirra, Bethany, Veronica, Sarah, Madeleine, Fiona, and Maggie! Bethany, we accomplished your goal of Drew's anger issues Isabel...has your face regained its color yet?

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

Hunting Prometheus

2009-07-20T13:04:00Z

The Florida Everglades have been invaded. The invaders: an estimated 100,000 Burmese pythons native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. With no natural predators to speak of in Florida, these pythons consume rats, deer, and other native species. In a rare case, an escaped pet python strangled a 2-year old girl in Central Florida.

But how did the invasion occur? Enter, the pet owner. Burmese pythons are not your average snake. These massive creatures reach sizes exceeding 26-feet long and 200 lbs. Pet owners purchase Burmese pythons without full knowledge of the care necessary, then later release the snakes into the wild because they can no longer manage the size and care of the snake. Also, some Burmese pythons managed escape from pet stores after Hurricane Andrew ravaged the area in 1992.

In my new middle grade fiction novel, Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken, Drew's teacher, Mr. Cross, owns a 13-foot Burmese python named Prometheus. I experienced Prometheus firsthand as a sixth-grader in my own classroom. He's the real deal--13 feet of solid snake muscle. But my teacher purchased him knowing full well the care Prometheus required. Prometheus never injured a soul aside from the rats fed to him.

Florida officials began a hunt last week to eradicate Burmese pythons like Prometheus from the area to protect their native species. Captured snakes will be euthanized on the spot and not returned to the pet trade.

Click below for footage of a capture.

My question: Is this fair? Do you believe officials are justified in removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades? Or, are the native species, some of which are endangered, entitled to protection?Share your thoughts here.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

An Interview w/Whitney Childers- MDTLC Website Developer

2009-07-17T11:51:00Z

Readers:

Allow me to introduce Whitney Childers, the woman developing the Mice Don't Taste Like Chicken website and the one you'll all send fan mail to when you see how incredible the site is! I asked Whitney to share her experiences with web development and she obliged. Enjoy!

Tell us about Glee Media.

I started my own one-woman company this year after the demise of a magazine I worked for as an associate editor in Salt Lake City. I do everything from editing, writing, web design, photography, PR/communications work, writing coaching, etc. My goal is to specialize in working with nonprofits, artists, authors, small/local businesses and people like me who don’t have an infinite budget, but need to share their message.

How many years have you developed websites, and what inspired you to begin devoting yourself to the craft?

While working as an editor, part of my job over the years was to integrate the web with content generated by our newspaper. I started out updating web sites and then taught myself how to do them from the ground up — so doing this full time is relatively new. My strength is design and helping clients present a clear message in an accessible form. I wouldn’t ever term myself a “developer.” That stuff is for the real techno geniuses. I continue to learn new things every day and when I don’t know how to do something, I seek out the answer.

What is your process for developing a vision of what a website will look like?

Sitting down at the computer and staring! And, of course, the most important part of the vision is talking with the client, understanding what their vision is, and finding a way to meet those needs and make it look great. I constantly look at other sites, design, and art books to generate ideas. I tend to stay up late and the best ideas always come at about midnight.

What are some websites you admire and use as models? Why?

I admire different sites for different reasons. I love the NY Times because I don’t have to pay for stories, for example. I also regularly visit coolhomepages.com. It’s a great resource to see what other designers are coming up with – from edgy to sweet.

Tell us about your favorite project you designed.

Of course it’s always the one I’m currently working on! I love working on my site – which is ironic because it isn’t live yet because I’m so busy with other work.

What are some highlights of working on the Mice Don’t Taste Like Chicken project?

The fact that animals, particularly reptiles, are so integrated in the story and design is what’s most interesting to me. I’ve spent hours looking at snake, gecko, turtle, and toad photos to find the right fit. Toads do creep me out a bit, but I’m coming around… Plus, it’s way more fun and fulfilling to work on a project that promotes good writing and creativity — especially for kids.

When you’re not creating incredible websites, how do you spend your free time?

Incredible? I need to hire you as my publicist! Ok, well I have a spunky 2 year-old son, a great husband, and dedicated dog. We spend a lot of time in the mountains hiking, biking, camping, and skiing.

Any advice for readers interested in web development?

• Start simple.

• Prepare to always be learning — you never know everything.

• Listen to your clients.

• It always takes longer to do a project than you think it will.

If you have any questions, Whitney is happy to answer them. Feel free to e mail her at wchildersmedia@gmail.com Look for www.micedonttastelikechicken.com, going live in August/September 2009.

~Scott

"Live, Learn, Teach"