So what's in your stack

I have a ton of books I want to read. A leaning tower of pisa to say the least. I have more than one stack - actually bookshelves full.

My latest acquisition is Beautiful Creatures and I'm anxious to get going on it. But I have lots of others that this will be bumping to make it to the top of my list.

How 'bout you? Do you have a TBR that is causing you anxiety...? If only I could figure out a way to do more in a day. If I could just give up that one luxury of life I've been unwilling to go without - you know the one - sleep.

Anyway, I'd better get to my stack and start reading 'cuz I'm still in the middle of about three books right now.

Movie Review Monday - ROBIN HOOD

This was a new angle on an old story: Robin Hood. And I enjoyed this fresh perspective. The story takes a while to get going - or so it seemed to me but once it was on its way, it was great.

I loved the costumes - very realistic. When I was growing up, Robin Hood was always squeaky clean and I wondered how he stayed so clean, living in the woods. This show seemed more realistic and I loved that. Plus the acting was great. Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett both did amazing jobs, but so did the entire cast.

All-in-all, I would recommend the movie. But, remember there are a lot of people who die - so no little kids. Still, there was no gratuitous violence. And, no horribly bloody scenes - even though there was a war going on between the French and the English.

SCBWI Oregon Spring Conference

What a day!

Filled with fantastic inspiration from editors, writers, and agents. It was a great way to spend a Saturday.

Christy Webster from Random House opened up the presentations with a talk about Ten Things You Need to Know about Writing and Publishing Beginning Readers. She said that the slots are limited and the requirements are stringent. But she still encouraged writers to perfect their craft.

Kate Sullivan - from Little Brown talked about the structure of a story. We all need to remember to have a Main Conflict, a catalyst and a conclusion to our story. That might sound simple but it's easy to get sidetracked into telling the story. So, like P.J. Peterson explained in his afternoon talk about plot, we need to keep amping up the tension.

Michael Stearns from Upstart Literary talked about plot mechanics in the morning and gave a 13 point Powerpoint presentation to help guide us on each step of the way. He said one of the powerful points to remember is pacing. Give the story a clock - or timeline. He says his Powerpoint presentation will be up on his website soon.

I learned a lot and enjoyed the day. So, if you get a chance to see any of these presenters, get going to your local SCBWI conference. You'll have a wonderful time.

Conference Day

It's finally here - conference day
I'm so excited - what can I say
I've got to go - get on my way

I'll share tomorrow - really - I swear
now I have to figure out what to wear

TOSSED AND FOUND

Love the name - TOSSED AND FOUND - love the concept even more.

So, if you're in Portland this weekend, May 15 and 16th check out what these two ladies have done with their stuffology, turning trash to treasures.

The Jane Austin Room

Or the Dr. Seuss Suite?

Wouldn't it be fun to stay in a room made for a writer - or a reader...?

And it couldn't be better than at the beach.

If you're going to be in Oregon, you might want to stay at the Sylvia Beach Hotel
and if you're up for a little mystery - why not try the Agatha Cristie Room?

This sounds like so much fun, me and my sister are planning a get-away.

How 'bout you? Any good reads in your area?

Answer to Word for Wedneday

The word Negotiosity means the state of being busy.

Check it out here.