"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."

 ~Sylvia Plath

The Magic of Writing for Children

  I just signed up for my second writing class with the wonderful Peggy King Anderson, The Magic of Writing for Children (Intermediate/Advanced)!  Taking this class last spring was the single greatest step forward I took with my writing.  Before Peggy's class I hadn't let a single soul read my stories- it was such a solitary process and I was terrified to share something so personal and close to my heart.  The first time someone else reads your story aloud to a class full of critiquing students is beyond nerve-racking. Let's be honest, everytime is nerve-racking!  Even as my heart beats overtime and I find myself holding my breath listening as another voice recites the words I know by heart, when it is all over I experience such an amazing sense of liberation.  Writing is so much better when it is a shared, communal adventure embarked upon together with those who support, encourage and inspire you and your work.  Peggy's class truly is a joy and her warm, enthusiastic, nurturing demeanor makes writing for children absolutely magical!
Check out her blog http://soundfrommyheart.blogspot.com/and website www.peggyking.com
  We had such a fantastic group of students last time around, I hope to see you and all your stories again this fall!

  "You become.  It takes a long time.  That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily or have sharp edges or who have to be carefully kept.  Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby.  But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." 

~The Velveteen Rabbit

Beloved Books

  Thinking back on the books of my childhood, I remember this particular one, The Teddy Bears' Picnic, as my absolute favorite picture book.  I remember being completely spellbound by the idea of children dressing up in bear costumes and frolicking in the forest for a day.  I loved every detail of each illustration, I loved the text that was also a song, I loved the wonderfully whimsical, magical tone of the story.  

  I'm curious to know which picture books were favorites for others growing up, which ones evoke distinct memories, which ones still touch your heart...?

p.s. Anyone else remember Jenny Linsky?  She was another favorite of mine..   

  Me and my roommate, Kahly, who encouraged me to start blogging!  It is her dog Lexie, (well she adopted/dognapped sweet Lexie from her sister) who was the inspiration for my story Pixie: The Min Pin Pillow Princess.  More on that story coming soon... :)

"Happiness is

a climbing tree."

~Charles M. Schulz

Armchair Memories

  When my sister, cousins and I were very young, before bedtime at Grandma's house, my Grandpa, who we call Papa, would sit us on his lap in his big, cozy armchair and read stories to us from this old book.  The book was so loved by us and our parents before us that the pages were clearly worn and falling out from so many readings.  I have the fondest memories of those times in Papa's chair, and I can still hear his rich, deep voice bringing the stories to life. 
  Our favorite story was one called "Quack!" Said Jerusha which tells the tale of a little duck's charming adventures as she grows up and soon has ducklings of her own.  Seeing those illustrations again reminds me of how vividly the images captivated me as a child.  I am beginning to realize now that some of my most favorite memories from childhood are those in which the people I loved read to me.  It truly is the best way to instill a beautiful sense of wonder and imagination, spark creativity, open hearts and minds, and broaden horizons to the vast possibilities around us.  Thanks to all the storytellers!