UP!–Randolph Caldecott: The Man Behind the Medal

Posted on October 24, 2014 by writersideup

Born in Chester, England on March 22, 1846, Randolph Caldecott, the British artist and illustrator, made an indelible mark in the world of children’s book publishing during his short life, having died just shy of his 40^th birthday on February 12, 1886. This is why, in 1937, at the suggestion of Frederic G. Melcher, the American Library Association established The Randolph Caldecott Medal.

I’m sure that if I had properly attended art school and focused on illustration, I would’ve long ago known more about Randolph Caldecott. During my research, I discovered his artistic skills and innovation to be remarkable, especially considering the time period in which his picture books were printed. The ideal pairing of Caldecott as an illustrator, and Edmund Evans as engraver and printer, resulted in high-quality books that were—and still are—more than impressive. Caldecott’s work was so outstanding at that time, it is said that Beatrix Potter’s father purchased Caldecott originals to inspire his daughter. Continue reading →

UP!—TWO Winners and One of Them is ME!

Posted on October 20, 2014 by writersideup

A “heads up” for anyone following both blogs: this is a double post, so the contents are the same.

Hello, everyone! I do hope this finds you all well on this Monday morning. Well, it’s morning here on the U.S. east coast, anyway 😉

With my last post I ran a little giveaway on my Creativity Cookbook blog for 3 bookmarks. (I have plenty to give away so I’ll be doing it again, along with the occasional mousepad and notebook.) Just a few minutes ago Rafflecopter did its “thing” and I’m more than happy to announce the winner is none other than drum roll, please:

PAUL a.k.a. alfredsalmanac!!! Ha-ha! And you didn’t expect to win! See? Ya just neva know! Now, I recall you saying you’re not much of a reader, but I’m hoping these bookmarks come to good use, maybe in a cookbook or, I don’t know—an almanac? 😉 Your bookmarks will be winging their way to you today 🙂

I also mentioned that I, too, am a winner. Well, “winner” is probably a misnomer for two reasons: I was nominated for an “award,” aaaaand…I’m not going to fully accept it Let me explain… Continue reading →

UP! — It’s all about FOCUS! Plus a Giveaway :)

Posted on October 13, 2014 by writersideup

Recently, on Leslie Zampetti’s blog, Rear in Gear, she posed a question about how to get kids to talk about what they’re reading. As I began typing my comment in response, it got me thinking about what’s at the core of the issue. My thoughts came full circle, ultimately encompassing what’s at the core of many “road blocks,” even for we adults. Whether it’s to do with getting kids to talk, writing a novel, or just about any task or issue with a similar obstacle, it comes down to focus and how we go about achieving that. Continue reading →

UP!–Young Author’s “Stanley & Katrina Book Blasty Tour”!

Posted on October 8, 2014 by writersideup

Stanley

Katrina’s

Book Blasty Tour 2014!

As we all know, there are times we simply cannot resist doing something, right? This is one of those times.*** When I see young people doing constructive, valuable, worthwhile things, it elates me—my heart overflows with joy 🙂 Since becoming active on Twitter and following Kidlit-related blogs, happily I discovered “kid” authors! I was immediately smitten—totally hooked! Felicia Maziarz is one such young author and it just so happens she recently released her SECOND book in a series! Pretty impressive, don’t you think? I can tell you I’m VERY impressed (in fact, here’s my review), but I’m certainly not the only one who recognizes the quality of these books.

Continue reading →

UP!–for You or Someone You Know–COLLEGE APPLICATIONS made EASIER!

Posted on October 2, 2014 by writersideup

OK, so “College Applications” is not exactly a “writerly” subject unless, of course, you’re going to major in Journalism or English Literature 😉

As you may recall, my Writer Side UP! blog has a “sister.” I still have a lot of set-up to do on both blogs and am far from posting in any systematic fashion, that is, IF I am ever truly systematic about it. That work is going to take some time, BUT meanwhile—there are subjects that are coming up and things I want to offer that are somewhat timely, so I’m putting up actual posts before my pages are filled in!

It will be a very rare occurrence when I will “double blog” the same information. That will only happen if the subject matter truly belongs on both: here for lit-related and there for creativity-related. At Creativity Cookbook, I’ve set up a “HANDY MISC.” page for just that—the handy miscellany.

For anyone who is applying for college or knows anyone who intends to apply for college, I have put up some very useful charts that may help with the process. Continue reading →