Dead Man Walking

My daughter - a freshman - is in the upcoming high school's fall play. They're doing DEAD MAN WALKING. I've never read the book, never seen the play -written by Tim Robbins - but I thought the movie was pretty great.

But what's exciting about this... on opening night... the author of the book, Sister Helen Prejean, is going to be in attendance, and afterwards will be doing a Q and A along with a book signing. I'm looking forward to it, definitely going to get a signed book to read.

How Did I Miss This?

I'm not sure where I've been these passed fifteen years (the land of YA I think), but somehow I missed out on an incredible book series. The first book came out in 1996... and I'm just reading it now. And it's INCREDIBLE!!! Back in high school (mumble, mumble years ago) I read nothing but fantasy and sci-fi... this books is already one of my favorites in the genre!

Reading Age Range Made Simple?

I see lots of writers asking agents and editors, "What's the age range for Middle Grade? Or Young Adult?" And here's me, being of superior intelligence (when compared with a worm), guffawing to the point of nearly passing gas. Come on! It's simple!!!

Picture Books - ages 1-5
Chapter Books - ages 5-8
Middle Grade - ages 8-12
Young Adult - ages 12 and up

But WAIT! Maybe it's not that simple. Maybe these are valid questions to ask... again, and again, and again.

I was just over at Publisher Weekly's website, reading the Children's Book Reviews for the month. It's a great way to see what's coming out and if the premis to your book has been stolen, er... is already on the shelves.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/reviews/childrens.html

Out of 34 book reviews... these are the age ranges called out

Ages 2–up 

Ages 3–5 

Ages 3–6 

Ages 3–7 

Ages 4–6 

Ages 4–7 

Ages 4–8 

Ages 4–9 

Ages 4–up 

Ages 5–7 

Ages 5–8 

Ages 10–up 

Ages 12–up 

Ages 14–up

Ages 15–up

15 different age ranges for 34 books! Holy Cow! No wonder there's so much confusion about age ranges. Now I'm confused. And, from this chart, it seems 9 year olds are mostly neglected.

Two Question Tuesday

While I sit and debate my next move in this Publishing Game, I was thinking about something. Two things, actually... Books and Pie.

Question 1.) If a new writer approached you and asked: "What one book would you suggest I read to really grasp what writing a great work of fiction is all about?"  -  Which book would you recommend?

Question 2.) What is your favorite kind of pie?


My answers:

Question 1.) Harry Potter and the Scorcerer's Stone (YA) or The Firm (Adult)

Question 2.) Peanut Butter

A Blast from the Past = A Pretty Cool Book

For those of you who have followed my live journal for more than a few years can probably remember  ... now known as  . He used to blog quite a bit and, I hate to say it, was actually funny. His real name is Bryan Reardon and I've read almost all of his fiction. He was writing dystopian books WAY before they hit so big. I swear, if he would have submitted his stuff a year or two later, he'd be all over the bestseller list. Dare I say... Roofjumpers!!!

I remember when Bryan and I were once known as The Hardly Boys. http://brian-ohio.livejournal.com/98113.html The adventures we had with the other LJ members were pretty crazy.

But Bryan hasn't stopped writing. As a matter of fact, he's writing more now than ever before. And doing quite well. A new book he co-wrote with ESPN's Mark Schlereth just hit the shelves. And the idea behind it is really, really cool.

Some all-star athlete's (Cal Ripken Jr., Lou Holtz, Jim Kelly, Laila Ali, Julie Foudy) share their best parenting tips to help families get back on the field, playground or court. If you ask me, this book would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for any dad or mom!!!



http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Play-Parents-Children/dp/1600783953/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

From Wiffle ball to HORSE to a backyard game of catch, sports have long been an important bonding agent between parents and their children. All moms and dads want to get up and play with their kids, but sometimes that s easier said than done. Often, the roadblock is simply that the daily grind saps our energy and best intentions.

Providing healthy and active lifestyle for our family is more difficult than it s ever been. Parents struggle to get their kids off the computers and away from video games and TV.

In Ready, Set, Play!, some of the biggest names in sports share their philosophies on the challenges and rewards of parenting. The book will motivate all of us to make the commitment to our families to be healthy and happy through sports.