UP!–It’s Int’l #DotDay 2016, everyone! :D

Posted on September 15, 2016 by writersideup

Well, gang, it’s one of my favorite times of year again 😀 Yep, as you can plainly see — unless, of course, the post title and this little image of Peter and Paul Reynolds somehow escaped you 😉 — it’s International Dot Day!

Once I launched my blog, I was able to participate in this worthwhile event, so I made dots—most gleefully—in 2014 and 2015. Since I first learned about it, having interviewed Terry Shay, the creator of the celebration, I was compelled to make my mark, so here I am, my third year in, with another dot 😎 Continue reading →

UP! — TWO YEARS?! Wow, another BLOGVERSARY & Giveaway :)

Posted on September 8, 2016 by writersideup

It’s true that time really does fly when you’re having fun…or is that “when you get old”? 😉 Either way, I really can’t believe two years have gone by since I launched Writer Side UP! and Creativity Cookbook, and what’s the real fun of it is that you are travelling along with me 😀

I figured I’m not going to reiterate what I said last year, but the sentiments are pretty much the same. What I DO want to do is have a little giveaway to celebrate 🙂 Continue reading →

UP!–The “HARRY POTTER” Clock Strikes MIDNIGHT!

Posted on August 1, 2016 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 😀)

Back in July 2007, the anticipation was palpable for the release of the last installment in the one-and-only Harry Potter series. The day on which there would be midnight release parties throughout the world for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I made very definite plans to enjoy it. I’d never attended a midnight release and that being the last one (so I thought), I didn’t want to miss it. (You can read about how I spent that unforgettable day in a blog post I wrote when having done a “Harry Potter Re-Read“.)

The question of whether or not there would be additional books to the series was discussed by many and certainly posed to the author herself. J. K. Rowling said she’d “never say never.” The characters and world she built had become a part of her and her life in a very profound way, and the truth is—you can’t turn off the imagination of a writer—certainly not one of her caliber. Aren’t we LUCKY?! Continue reading →

UP!–Writers’ Conference Nerves–and NO-NOs!

Posted on June 11, 2016 by writersideup

This past weekend was our always anticipated, ever energetic, inevitably incomparable, annual NJ SCBWI Conference 😀 It is an event I look forward to and can’t bear to miss. During my many years of involvement with our New Jersey Chapter, I’ve been blessed to have gained many friends in the KidLit community, one of them being pal and KidLit guru, Tara Lazar. If you’re a KidLit-er and are not familiar with Tara and her blog—Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)—you should be! One of the many things she is noted for, besides her writing talent, is having founded PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) 😎 .

Now post-conference, many of us are inspired to write about it in one way or another. Since I barely snapped any photos (though Robin Newman did!), I figured I’d pass on blogging about it this year, but then Continue reading →

UP!–Poll RESULTS & Giveaway WINNERS!

Posted on May 22, 2016 by writersideup

I have to say I’m PRETTY EXCITED about the fact that you all pulled through for me in a BIG way with this little poll I did! 😀 😀 😀 I needed your help with my research—and you didn’t hesitate ❤ I got the 100+ participants I was hoping for, so I consider this a success 😎

Before I get into the results of the poll, I’m itching to announce the three winners of my “thank you” giveaway, and here they are!… Continue reading →