QWERTY: Writer @ Work

A Children's Book Review: Mechanimals by Chris Tougas on MagicBlox Kid's Book Library

2013-06-09T17:11:00.003-07:00

If you are looking for a farm or animal book with a cute twist, then you'll want to read Mechanimals by Chris Tougas with your family. Most of us have seen children's books featuring farm animals, sometimes they feature the noises the animals make like “Baaa” for the sheep and “Moo” for the cow. But Mechanimals is different. You can find this story at MagicBlox. http://magicblox.com/books/mechanimals.

A tornado strikes the farm one day, taking all of the animals with it. The farmer is sad and lonely. He then has an idea: to create his own animals from the scrap metal and machine pieces he has. His optimism is very appealing, and a good role model for children. The farmer says, “I'll turn this mess into a masterpiece.” But his neighbors say, “When pigs fly.” So the farmer gets to work right away on his new animals. The story is narrated by a warm and friendly voice, a wonderful accompaniment to the story. This read-aloud feature is fun for kids and helpful for parents, grandparents and caregivers.

The farm animals are charming and fun. This book will especially appeal to children who love animals and also to those who like to use their imaginations and/or to make things. Reading about the first animal created, the Rooster Bot will certainly make kids giggle. The farmer is pleased with his new rooster, but there is a challenge: it is so loud that it can be heard in China!

Each animal bot has different and fun features. The animals in this free online book at MagicBlox.com's library are cute and very appealing. One of my favorites was the Cow Bot who not only fueled the other Bots, but also made delicious chocolate milk, something any child would think was great fun. It is clear these animals are working farm animals, each with a job to do.

The final animal the farmer makes is a Flying Pig Bot. At first, I wondered what job this animal would have on the farm, as each other animal was a working animal. Then the story explains that “When people say 'When pigs fly, they really mean it'”! We see the farmer and pig in flight, over the farm.

It is a charming story and a cute way to use the popular saying “When pigs fly.” The only thing I would have suggested would be to have given a reason for the pig to need to fly – to supervise the other animals, to watch the crops grow, etc. Otherwise this is an inspirational and fun tale you'll want to add to your at home children's library, and most children will easily recognize this popular saying, “When pigs fly!”

Feed Your Vocabulary & Feed Others at FreeRice.com

2013-03-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Writers have big appetites when it comes to their vocabulary. They gobble up books, magazines and other media like people dive into peanut M&M's. (More than likely, they will gobble a handful or two of those while on a deadline!) But writer or not - anyone who loves words will want to give FreeRice.com a try.

At this site, you'll be taken through different levels that test your vocabulary. You start with Level 1 and it goes all the way up to Level 60. So far I've reached Level 30.

What is great about playing FreeRice.com, is as you puzzle over these vocabulary words, you “earn” rice that feeds hungry people. The site says they have donated more than 98 billion grains of rice so far, which is wonderful. You can see the grains of rice you have helped to earn. They drop into the bowl as you keep answering questions correctly.

Give your vocabulary a good workout and help feed the hungry!

Friday Fun! The San Diego Zoo Panda Cam!

2012-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Its Friday, time for a short fun break. Try a visit to the San Diego Panda Cam. What could be more adorable than seeing pandas at play? We thought you’d agree!

Live pandas @ the San Diego Zoo here.

photo (c) Thad Zajdowicz

The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online Has Begun!

2012-03-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, the Catholic Writers’ Conference Online is a great place to be right now. Registration ended on March 1st, but don’t worry, there will be another CWCO conference next year!

If you are a writer, you won’t want to miss this great conference next spring. There are many workshops about different types of writing. From how to write fiction or nonfiction, to how to market yourself as a writer.

This conference is ideal for just about every type of writer, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an advanced writer. Learn more about it here and get ready for next year’s conference!

CWCO logo & banner (c) CWCO and Thanks to Karina Fabian for permission to include it in this post!

Need a Reminder? Try Cinnamon Software’s Talking Alarm Clock!

2012-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we all need a reminder to get things done. You couldn’t find a more fun way to get a reminder than with Cinnamon Software’s Talking Alarm Clock!

It is free to use and you’ll have your choice of characters to remind you. Set the reminders by day, time (by hour and minutes) and even year. You can easily set up regular daily, weekly or monthly reminders if you wish. Or you can set up reminders as you need them for different things.

The best thing about using the Talking Alarm Clock is that it “pops” up on your computer screen with a fun character, easily getting your attention. There is simply no way to ignore it! So if you need to finish a project, water the plants, take the dog to the vet – let the Talking Alarm Clock remind you. Now if only IT could finish the project, water the plants or take the dog to the vet for you….perhaps the next update will offer that feature!

photo (c) Serdar Burak

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Labor Day!

(c) photo Gen Bailey

The Lure of a Good Beach Book

2010-07-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

Okay I'll admit it. I love beach books. I read lots of "literary" things in college. Steinbeck. Shakespeare. Poe. Angelou. But there's something about this hot and humid weather that makes me long for something more...fun? Not to say that Shakespeare and the others can't be fun. I read plenty of non-fiction and serious fiction for pleasure, but beach books somehow for me are like the soap operas on television. Dramatic, bold and always full of suspense! I'll read a romance, mystery, thriller...any genre is fine as long as it is fun. There's nothing like sinking into a beach chair, hearing the waves lap on the beach and thumbing through a nice thick, entertaining book!

One of my favorite beach books last year was Adored by Tilly Bagshawe. It's a Hollywood drama that is multi-generational and lots of fun. The characters were unique and there was great conflict and intrigue. I simply couldn't turn those pages fast enough sometimes!

I'm on the lookout for a good beach book. What are you reading this summer? Any suggestions? Any favorites?

(c) photo mac pale

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy 4th of July!

(c) photo Gen Bailey

Friday's Freebie: 10 Moo Cards

2010-07-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Say "moo!" with your business card! Are you tempted to?

Moo Cards are smaller than typical business cards, a unique look. They come in a variety of custom papers such as recycled and laminated. But you can order them in small quantities like 50 or 200, ideal for the solopreneur or small business.

You can try out 10 Moo Cards for fr*e, even the shipping is fr*e (check restrictions). What a great deal...why it's enough to make anyone say "moo!"

(c) photo Marijn van Braak

2 Great Writer's Conferences Coming Up Soon

2010-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Are you a writer? Many people long to write a book or start a freelance writing career. There are 2 great, free online writing conferences coming up soon that you won't want to miss.

The Muse Online Writer's Conference is held in October but registration is now, until August 1st when a fee of $5 starts for the latecomers. Lots of writing topics covered at this conferences, from fiction to nonfiction and many genres.

KidLit is a writing conference especially for children's writers. Registration starts July 1st and the conference will be held during the summer.

Both look great so don't delay your registration!

(c) photo Benjamin Earwicker

Cool Sites and Tools: Malewarebytes

2010-06-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you're online (and today...who isn't?) you know that you need to protect your computer at all times. Just like colds and viruses can find you in everyday life, maleware and trojans can "find" your computer as you go about your day. And you can't just reach for a box of tissues and a glass of orange juice to solve the problem!

Protecting your computer is important. Malewarebytes can protect your computer from maleware and trojans - and it's free! It is easy to download and use (check to see if it works with your computer first).

(c) photo Evah Smit

Friday's Freebie: Send 2 Fr*e Faxes Daily

2010-06-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

In today's world of e-mail, faxes have become less common. But many still do fax - and some simply can't live without this great business tool. And if you don't have your own fax machine, faxing at your local office supply store can really start to add up!

Here is a website that lets you send 2 fr*e faxes a day. GotFreeFax.com. The page # is limited so read the site for details. How ideal you can fax that client, vendor or whoever you need to reach - knowing you don't have to reach deep into your pockets everytime you need to send that fax! Anyone who faxes knows these little expenses can really add up!

(c) photo Jakub Krechowicz

Stretching Yourself

2010-06-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's easy to do the same thing over and over again. Most of us know we are paid for our expertise. But stretching yourself and learning new things has a lot of benefits. Even if it doesn't relate to your job - stretching yourself to learn a skill can help you in many ways.

It exercises your brain. Giving your brain new ways to think and trying different things is like a new workout for your body. It's fun but challenging - and something we should all give our brains a chance at doing regularly.

It's a self-confidence boost. Sometimes we shoehorn ourselves as certain skill sets. Learning a new skill shows you that you can do other things, tackle new projects. It puts a new tool in your toolbox.

Failure sometimes can mean success. Not everything you try is going to be a slam dunk - and this is often why adults avoid learning new things: they figure they could fail and failing things feels bad. But it also teaches us. It reminds us what we love to do and what we don't. Sometimes it is a sign that you'd rather be doing something else. Other times it can point you in a new direction you never knew existed.

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." -- Gretsky

(c) photo Glenn Pebley

Cool Sites and Tools: Cinnamon Software Talking Alarm Clock

2010-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ever wished your alarm clock could talk? Or wondered what it would say if it could?

This is a really cool tool, easily downloaded to your desktop. A talking alarm clock that gives you reminders of every kind. Got a project due at 2 p.m.? Set an alarm to remind yourself! Have an appointment? Use an alarm to leave the office on time! Need to remember to water the plants? Your plants will be so happy you decided to set an alarm - reminding yourself to water them!

There are so many uses for the Cinnamon Software's Talking Alarm Clock. Warning: this alarm clock can get kind of addictive. It's easy to want to set many types of alarms - and it is fun to watch them come up on your desktop. This is a great tool for those of us stuck in front of our computers all day. Use this alarm clock to get it all done - and especially to get it all done on time. Remember: time is precious!

(c) photo Cema

How's Your TBR Pile?

2010-02-20T14:41:00.001-08:00

Looking at my own TBR pile I find myself wondering about other people's TBR stacks. What is in your To Be Read pile and how large is it? Do you have a limit of the number of books you'll "allow" yourself to keep in your TBR pile - or do you simply let them collect as books inspire you along the way? Any "rules" in general about your TBR pile? Do you keep your TBR pile in a special place?

I keep my TBR pile on my nightstand. It looks at me every morning as I wake up saying, "Read me!" and every night reminding me what still hasn't been read. A book is always easily within reach if I have trouble sleeping - sometimes that comforting thought is just enough to keep me from ever having a sleepless night!

My TBR pile has both fiction and nonfiction in it. I have some friends who insist on reading their TBR pile "in order" that is the books from the top of the stack first - but I read whatever pleases me from the stack and don't choose a book at the top simply because it is next on top.

What about your TBR pile? What's in yours? How does it stack up?

photo credits (c) Jess Bio

Counting the Days 'Till Spring...

2010-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

I heard someone on the radio say we were "just 31 days" from Spring. That was a few days ago - so today we must be about 29 days away from Spring. A very exciting thought as we still are bundling into our winter coats and stepping through piles of snow.

But Spring will soon be here! I love this time of year because it is full of possibilities. Some may find it a bit frustrating the way the weather changes from cold to warm so quickly - but I enjoy the way Spring pushes through Winter - edging it out of the way bit by bit. Then before we know it we are reaching for our lighter jackets and there's no need for a sweater. How wonderful is that?

So while the weather report is calling for "more snow" on Monday I still have hope. Hope that Spring is coming and it's coming sooner than we even realize. Let's just enjoy the change of seasons for the moment - it won't last forever!

photo credit (c) Sanja Gjenero

Happy Birthday to all February Birthdays!

2010-02-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of the February birthday folks a very Happy Birthday! May your birthday wishes come true - and you get a piece of birthday cake with an icing rose on it!

photo credit (c) Ariel da Silva Parreira

Christmas in Outer Space anthology available for the holidays

2009-12-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

My first sci-fi story is in the Christmas anthology, Christmas in Outer Space. Available through Whortleberry Press, this anthology has 30 Holly-day (pun intended) stories about outer space. Thank you Jean for a great anthology! It is a funny and unique anthology you simply won't find anywhere else!

Have You Been to the Pumpkin Patch?

2009-10-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...time to go to the pumpkin patch!

There are so many things to love about Fall. The air is crisp, leaves change to reds and golds, the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. But one of my favorites is a visit to the pumpkin patch to pick out the annual Halloween pumpkin.

It used to be there were few places you could get your Halloween pumpkin, they were special, just a bit elusive. Today you can find Halloween pumpkins in so many places - at your grocery stores and garden centers and even at those superstores.

The pumpkin patch is special. It makes you feel like you hunting out that perfect pumpkin in it's ideal spot: nature. While this may not be the exact place the pumpkin was picked - the pumpkin patch is likely full of pumpkins picked together. You can imagine them growing on the vine together.

Maybe that's the reason I always wind up going home with more than one. I don't like separating a family!

Were You a "Wild Thing" Too?

2009-10-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

I remember as a child one of my favorite books was Where The Wild Things Are. I always thought that Max was so very brave, to spend all of that time with monsters. I especially admired the fact he got to go outside in his footie pajamas!

Where The Wild Things Are fans will be pleased to know the movie opens today. Sure to please both adults (big kids) and kids alike. I think many people have been looking forward to this movie. Pass the popcorn!

(c) Photo Damien Searles

Harvest Moon Today

2009-10-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

There's a full moon today...can you feel it? Did I even have to tell you?

Today's a special full moon, it's called a Harvest Moon. Many people that love the moon enjoy this full moon because when it arrives it signals that we are nearing the Autumn Equinox.

The slight chill in the air, turning of the leaves and Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks all signal that fall is officially under way. Enjoy!

(c) Photo ew9

Put it in the Pig

2009-09-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Do you have one? A piggy bank that is?

Maybe you've outgrown the idea. I happen to collect piggy banks. There are some rather unique looking piggy banks that are special and fun. While everyone needs to make big savings goals - a piggy bank can remind you to make smaller savings goals too.

Perhaps you've seen that bank commercial that talks about adding the change to your savings account to help you save. It's a great idea. Saving change can be a terrific way to save money a little at a time so you don't even notice it. I know my piggy bank can hold quite a bit when it fills up.

Try a piggy bank - or an old coffee jar to save for a special treat. That espresso machine you've wanted for awhile. Or that appointment with the fancy schmancy salon down the street. Make it a piggy bank goal. You'll be amazed at just how fast your coins add up!

Photo (c) Carlos Zaragoza

The Perfect Time for Used Book Sales

2009-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have to admit one of my favorite things about the fall and winter seasons are used book sales. Have you ever been to one? There actually easier to find than you would think.

Many are run by your local library or college/university. These are a great way to add to your personal library for a fraction of the cost. I know I've bought a bag full of books for the price of one brand new hardcover many times.

You can easily find used book sales by visiting www.booksalefinder.com and pop in your zip code. They even have a service that will e-mail you when there are book sales in your area from a certain mile radius. This is both very convenient - and a service that may have you wishing for more bookshelves! Happy reading!

Photo (c) Jess Bio

It's Pumpkin Time!

2009-09-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's pumpkin time! It seems wherever I go, I see pumpkins ready for children to turn into Jack O'Lanterns. Halloween will soon be here. While we've had an Indian summer with warmer temperatures, it is finally starting to cool. Pumpkin time has arrived and fall has made it's entrance.

What are you going to carve on your pumpkin? I always carve a smile. Sometimes I've carved a different looking face - last year I did a cat's face and another year I did a vampire face. I prefer a silly or smiling looking pumpkin than one that is spooky in style.

So go out and grab your pumpkin - there's one that is waiting for your family to claim it! Enjoy the Halloween season.

Photo credit (c) naneki

I heart Etsy

2009-09-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Can I say how much I heart Etsy? I think I'm becoming addicted to this crafty, creative store.

If you haven't been to Etsy.com, be prepared to see many beautiful, yummy things you simply "must" have at once. Gemstone necklaces, vintage crafts, scrapbooking craft items, handknitted baby things, wedding gifts to really "wow" - there are so many things.

What I think is the most cool is the ways you can search Etsy.com. You can search by color, by type of material and by theme. You can also search by the Etsy.com storeowner you wish to shop at, as each seller has a store there, some even have several stores.

With the holiday shopping season just underway, now is the ideal time to check out Etsy.com for beautiful things. This is a great way to give memorable, lovely gifts!

(c) Photo J. Andersen