UP!–IMAGINATION is Powering a BIG “Quiet Ship” Book/Prize GIVEAWAY! :D

Posted on October 15, 2018 by writersideup

I’m going to make an assumption here and figure it’s not a stretch that most of you “Writer Side UP!” blog readers know I’m quite a fan of books. You know, those printed gateways to countless worlds, imaginary and otherwise? And while we’re at it — I’m a not-so-little fan of imagination, for that matter. Seriously, one should never underestimate the power of imagination. After all — it is a limitless entity 😎 And one of its best features is it’s always handy, on call 24/7, there whenever you need it. Continue reading →

UP!–Q&A with Peter H. Reynolds

Posted on September 10, 2018 by writersideup

A “Lighter Side Up”

Q & A with

Peter Reynolds

Confident that someone wouldn’t have to be unusually perceptive, it’s not a stretch to assume you’ve gotten just a bit of a hint that I am somewhat OVER-THE-MOON, JUMPING-OUT-OF-MY-SKIN EXCITED about the Reynolds brothers visiting my blogs for a “chat” in celebration of International Dot Day 😁😍👍👏😎❣💥!!!!!!!

No “Dynamic Duo” is complete when you have one of a pair. Last week I had the pleasure of one cape-donning superhero dropping by: the amazing Paul Reynolds. This week none other than the pencil-and-brush-wielding Peter Reynolds is here. Needless to say, very much in “Lois Lane” fashion, I’ve been swept off my feet to circle the stars by their gracious presence and certainly their incredibly thoughtful, moving and inspirational responses to my questions. I’m betting you enjoyed Paul’s and are about to enjoy Peter’s too 😀 😎 (also posted on “Creativity” Cookbook) Continue reading →

UP!–Robert McCloskey: KidLit Legend

Posted on April 22, 2015 by writersideup

It’s hard to believe it’s been 1 1/2 years since I first drafted this post. It was almost a year before I actually launched my blogs! Now that there’s a break between posts involving ReRead-alongs, events I’ve attended and KidLit-related occasions to acknowledge, I can finally share with you this little celebration of a truly great talent:

In wanting to know a bit more about illustrators whose work I admire, I discovered to what extent author/illustrator Robert McCloskey’s work touched the world.

As a renowned author and illustrator, Robert McCloskey has influenced many in the field of children’s literature. Born on September 14, 1914, Robert’s childhood was spent in post-World War I America, in Hamilton, Ohio, with his parents and two younger sisters. His interests were of a creative nature, developing at an early age. Along with art, he enjoyed music, having learned to play the harmonica. He also had a penchant for inventing mechanical devices, which led his parents to encourage him to pursue a career in auto mechanics, believing art was not a viable way to earn a living. However, art won out. 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 →

UP!–John Newbery: The Man Behind the Medal

Posted on December 11, 2014 by writersideup

Portrait by Stephen Marchesi

Born in England on July 9, 1713, at the age of 16, John Newbery left his home town and parents’ farm to work for a printer. So was his first step into the world of publishing. In 1737 he became co-owner of a publishing company. At that time, the books typically given to children were tedious and lesson-filled, or handed-down folktales written for adults. These were considered “tall” tales, so thought of more for children. Books such as Gulliver’s Travels and Robinson Crusoe were among them, though young children weren’t capable of reading at that level. Newbery eventually came up with the groundbreaking idea to publish books designed specifically for children by making the books fun to read. It was risky and he could’ve ultimately lost his business if the idea failed, but he was confident children would like them. He was right. Continue reading →