Children’s Book Week 2013

Don’t miss out on the 94th Children’s Book Week in the U.S., running from May 13 – 19. Organized by Every Child a Reader, Children's Book Week began in in the United States in 1919 and is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, events are held at schools, libraries, bookstores, homes … Continue reading Children’s Book Week 2013

A Tribute to E.L. Konigsburg

I was sad to learn about the recent loss of E.L. Konigsburg, a talented author of children’s books, and wanted to pass along my thoughts and gratitude for her literary gifts. I first found out about the author when I chose one of her books for a novel study for my grade 6 reading group, … Continue reading A Tribute to E.L. Konigsburg

The Liebster Award

...inspiration to and from cyber friends. Happily Writing has been nominated for the Liebster Award!  What a lovely idea to pass along blogging affection in the blogosphere with an award that means “dearest” in German (my heritage!). This kindness was done by a dear cyber-friend in my writing group, Violet Nesdoly, who I feel I … Continue reading The Liebster Award

Highlights for Children has a Blog!

When I enter Highlights for Children’s contests, I usually try to read the stories that won their previous contests.  That helps me zero in on what they are looking for. So, yesterday I browsed around the Calgary Public Library’s eLibrary, looking for the winning entries of Highlights’ previous contests.  The eLibrary includes MasterFILE Premiere, an … Continue reading Highlights for Children has a Blog!

Hope in the Midst of Sorrows – Nancy Sanders’ blog post

Some people don't have any words when tragedy strikes (people like me).  Other people have just the right words at the right time, people like Nancy Sanders, a children's writer that I have recently "met" through her book and blog. Her post at the hyperlink below is well worth reading, and I'm so grateful that … Continue reading Hope in the Midst of Sorrows – Nancy Sanders’ blog post

There is Much More to this Shakespeare than Culture

Ah, it's finally summertime! You're making plans to go camping on a lake, watch the sunset on the beach, hike to a mountain vista, or perhaps…stay in for a night in the city? Sure, why not? It’s Shakespeare-in-the-Park-Time, and I’m so excited! Aside from hiking, the summer treat that thrills me the most is Calgary’s … Continue reading There is Much More to this Shakespeare than Culture

Elizabeth Gilbert on the source of our inspiration

Writers (and Musicians and Artists of all kinds), this is good. Thanks to my critique group leader who sent out this link to us, I have just spent a delightful 20 minutes with Elizabeth Gilbert as she speaks on TED about where our inspiration comes from, what to do with it when it surprises us, … Continue reading Elizabeth Gilbert on the source of our inspiration