UP!–An Unforgettable, “HALLOWED” Conclusion

Posted on March 29, 2015 by writersideup

(NOTE: while this post is current, read it on its own page, then on the sidebar (opens in separate tab) scroll to click to listen to Hedwig’s Theme while reading 😀)

This being my 4th time reading this series, who would’ve thought I’d read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with pronounced hunger? I knew I’d enjoy it and read ahead of my reading schedule to be done before Sheila’s ReRead-along time frame (now complete), but I finished much more quickly. Even knowing how things turned out, I still found it to be a page turner! What cracked me up is that I still had that “I don’t want the ride to end!” feeling lol To me, this says a LOT about the talent and genius of J. K. Rowling and her gift to us in this way 🙂 Continue reading →

UP! — BANK STREET BOOK STORE Bonanza!

Posted on March 17, 2015 by writersideup

For a children’s book lover like me, attending a big KidLit event is akin to a giddy movie fan attending an after party for the Academy Awards. Granted—it’s been a long time since I’ve cared to watch an award show, but that’s not the point. In my opinion this far exceeds any of that brouhaha, and I can tell you—I’ll eat my bookmark if I didn’t see a red carpet on the sidewalk in front of the Bank Street Book Store for its Grand Re-Opening celebration on March 7th!

Never mind that this was in Manhattan, much like the Bronx Bombers’ “Murderers’ Row,” the line up of 31 guest authors and illustrators was filled with KidLit “home run” hitters. We’re talkin’ Newbery and Caldecott, people! No, I kid you not! Continue reading →

UP!–The Half-Blood Prince: A ROYAL READ

Posted on March 8, 2015 by writersideup

(NOTE: while this post is current, scroll on the sidebar —in a separate tab or window—to click to listen to Hedwig’s Theme while reading 😀)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was the book in this series I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on. In fact, though I’ve never been able to say I had a favorite of the 7 books because I love them ALL, this is the one that seems to come to mind first. Not only does its plot/character twists and reveals heat up the story to a white-hot blaze, it also holds a sentimental place in my heart in a way the others couldn’t.

At the time of its release in 2005, I was a user of Barnes & Noble University online (I really miss it!) and they offered a reading group for the book. Three actually, in August, September and October. As soon as I saw it, the magnetic pull was strong. I knew if I allowed myself to get involved with the group, I would become completely absorbed, and I really needed to be Continue reading →

UP!: Q&A with “Neighbor Girl” Felicia Maziarz

Posted on March 3, 2015 by writersideup

A “Lighter Side Up” Q & A:

Getting to Know

Felicia Maziarz

When I first became more active on social media by getting more involved on Twitter and following Kidlit-related blogs, an unknown and somewhat unexpected world opened up for me. What I totally did NOT expect was to find accomplished “kid” authors! Not only was I more than impressed, but witnessing this kind of creativity, passion and drive for something so worthwhile—which also takes perseverance to complete—filled me with a sense of hope.

For such a young author, Felicia Maziarz has a very distinct writing voice, and a sturdy grasp on her clearly fleshed-out characters. Writing “funny” is not an easy thing to accomplish, but Continue reading →