Richmond Children's Writers: Writers Are Readers Too!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Writers Are Readers Too!

Here's a sample of what we've been reading lately:

Hazel: The Spell Book of Listen Taylor by Jaclyn Moriarty, is a book brimming with quirky characters and difficult adult themes, treated with a lightness of tone that is absurd except in the world of the Zings. Their response to problems that are as old as mankind is twisted but inventive and novel. If you haven’t discovered the Zing family, take a look!

Lana: Horton Halfpott: Or, the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or the Loosenling of M'lady Luggertuck's Corset is the newest title by Tom Angleberger, who brought us The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. From the very first sentence, this book enchants the reader with pseudo-Victorian goofiness. Fans of Lemony Snicket will love this.

Brian: The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems

In addition to writing children's stories and writing for the blog, I have a full time job, so my reading time is severly limited EXCEPT for reading time with my daughter. This is one of our favorites. Mo Willems creates a comic, emotional tug of war between two birds of different feathers. The duel of wits is funny for both children and adults; and the simple text allows young readers to particpate in the silliness. I never grow tired of hearing my daughter read the Pigeon's "Can you believe this guy?" line with her impeccable Brooklyn accent (Don't blame me, after seeing the movie Bolt, all piegeons have Brooklyn accents!)

What are you reading now (besides our blog, that is)?

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Steven K. Smith

Steven K. Smith is the author of The Virginia Mysteries series, middle grade adventures with a twist of history. His books
include Summer of the Woods, Mystery on Church Hill, Ghosts of Belle Isle, and the standalone short story, Pitch Black Dark. Steven grew up in rural northwestern New Jersey, but has quickly come to love Richmond and its deep history since moving here in 2011. He lives with his wife and three young
sons and works in e-healthcare during his non-writing hours. You can learn more about Steven and his books at his website, VirginiaMysteries.com.

Brian Rock

Brian has been writing stories and poems since he was old enough to hold a #2 pencil. Although he was once kicked out of his fourth grade class for writing too many stories, he went on to earn a master’s degree in Children’s Writing from Hollins University. His short stories appeared regularly in the regional magazine, Kid’s World. His poems have appeared in Highlights and Poetry Train. He has three published picture books, Don't Play With Your Food!, Piggies, With All My Heart, with his third title, The Deductive Detective due out this month, March 2013. Click over to Brian's website to find out more.

Hazel Buys

Hazel grew up living the gypsy life, circling the globe as her family accompanied her father on his military assignments to Asia, Europe and the United States. During this time she absorbed the stories and fables from many different cultures. Her love of literature is rooted deeply in these early travels.

Hazel began writing in her early teens. She writes middle grade and young adult novels as well as picture books, which she also illustrates. Hazel regularly publishes reviews of children’s books with Children’s Literature. Her picture book, Olaf's Door, was published by the multi-media publisher, zuuka, Inc. You can see Hazel's art work at her website.

Dan Elasky

Dan has been writing since he was seven. Back then, it was mostly adventure stories with dinosaurs. Some of it still is, but without the dinosaurs. Mainly, he specializes in picture books and teen novels. Dan is fortunate to have as his critique partners the members of Richmond Children’s Writers, a perceptive, illuminating, and supportive group. He looks forward to reading to children at schools, libraries, and hospitals with the help of his puppet, Irene. Dan is now writing a middle grade novel whose narrator speaks in a voice that, he says, “is unlike any other in English literature.”

Lana Krumwiede

In third grade, Lana wrote in her autobiography that she wanted to be a mother, a writer, and the church organist. While the church organist thing didn't turn out so well, the other two dreams made up for it! Her dystopian science fiction series for middle-grade readers, The Psi Chronicles (Candlewick Press) includes FREAKLING and ARCHON (coming Oct 2013). Lana's short stories and poems have appeared in Highlights, High Five, Spider, Babybug, The Friend, and Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul. Learn more about Lana and her books at her website.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Writers Are Readers Too!

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