NaNoWriMo Finished

Yes!!!!! It's November 30th and I finally finished my novel for National Novel Writing Month! I feel like the hugest weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and suddenly, it seems like I have so much free time!

All the past years I wrote novels (when my plots weren't outlined as well as they were this year) I knew my novel was over when I hit 50,000 words. This year, I had a specific outline that I followed and, unfortunately, my story ended at 47,000 words. But 47,000/50,000 words into NaNoWriMo is no time to quit! This is when it was time to implement "Operation Flashbacks and Dream Sequences."

This kind of felt like a copout at first, but as I was going through it, I realized that it was actually a nice sly way to develop characters! And, also, I realized that plenty of ACTUAL NOVELS are filled with flashbacks and dream sequences. They're a real thing! So, okay, it wasn't a cop out.

Not to toot my own horn too much or anything, but I think this was my best novel yet. However, it still (a) doesn't have a title and (b) seems too awful to actually show people. So I guess that's it. Another 50,000 words down. I'm just enjoying having free time!

Who is your favorite author's favorite author??

Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Tantalize and Eternal, has an endless list of favorite teen authors.  To name a few...Neal Shusterman, A.M. Jenkins, Maggie Stiefvater and Varian Johnson.

Cynthia's wonderfully informational website can be found at: http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/

Pete Hautman, author of How to Steal a Car and Rash, was inspired to write by Ernest Hemingway, Patricia Highsmith, P.G. Wodehouse, Mark Twain and Samuel R. Delaney.  You can find Pete's website at: http://www.petehautman.com/

One of the most addicting things you'll ever do...

Every so often we have to cancel a program due to low enrollment.  Unfortunately, tonight was one of those nights. (sniff... sniff...)  Our "Little-ature: Small Stories" program had to be canceled, but I figured I'd blog about it anyway since it was a cool concept for a program.  (If I do say so myself!)

The idea was based on an awesome book that I recommend everyone read called, "I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-word Memoirs" by Teens Famous and Obscure.  Here the description of the book:

"This is a book with over 600 authors (all aged thirteen to nineteen) and 600 characters (all real, as far as we know) and 600 stories (which can be read in any order). What every story has in common is that each was written about the author's own life, and that each is the exact same length: six words."

 It's such a neat exercise in writing... each "story" has to be 6 words- no more, no less- and convey a complete thought.   After reading just a few pages of this book, I was blown away with how much you can really say about yourself, your attitude, your mood, your past/present/future, etc. with just 6 words!  Some of the stories in this book are hysterical, and some will break your heart.  Some are pure fun, while others are deeper than you'd expect to ever get in such a short sentence.  Overall though, you will be in awe of the authors and I guarentee- you will be tempted to write your own!


Here are some highlights that I found interesting:

Eventually, I'll make my own breakfast. -Sam Z.

Call me "hippie." I. Dare. You. -Maggie R.

I will be that cat lady. -Rolynda T.

Finally learned "weird" is a compliment. -Teagan E.

Wish I could color outside lines. -Samantha S.

Defined by numbers: age, weight, SATs. -Jocelyn P.

7UP through the nose. I'm happy. -Ally H.

Because the chicken is a nonconformist. -Dillon W.

Smoke detectors taught me to cook. -Ivy W.

We are banned from Wal-Mart forever. -Kristen S.

I don't rock; Guitar Hero lies. -Lucy F.

And the best one to end with....

Now always thinking in six-word phrases. -Sarah R.

Dare you not to write one!- Catherine L.  (That was six words, by the way!)

Studying while asleep?

Got a test tomorrow?   

Well then, listen up! 

Scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago have found that "hearing specific sounds during sleep can improve memory and recall."  It has something to do with the way our brains work- even though we're asleep, our brains are still very active.  These scientists believe that we "consolidate memories as we sleep" and that during this time period "we can influence which ones we will later remember more strongly."   

Scientists asked a group of students to look at 50 objects, including a cat and a kettle, which were all paired to a specific location on a computer screen.  They then asked the volunteers to lie down, and as they slept, played them a series of sounds related to half of the objects, including a cat's meow and a tea kettle boiling.  Tested later, the students were better able to correctly place an object's location for those items whose sounds they had heard while sleeping. 

So the question remains, is this an effective study tool?  Obviously you have to learn the material first, but this may be a way to keep the stuff you just learned "up front" in your brain's file cabinet.   What do you think? 

Skateboarding Bulldog

Video game + cute dog = talent!  Can your dog do this? 

Random Site of the Moment: GoAnimate

This site called GoAnimate was just brought to my attention by our wonderful librarian Kassia.  Since she described it to me so well, I'll let her explain how cool this site is to you:

To get started, you need to create an account, but don't worry, it's free.  You can spice up boring slideshows or create animation.  The site offers a variety of characters (including well known cartoons) from which to choose.  You can also upload your own pictures, sounds and music.  A pretty cool way of adding interest to a school assignment, eh?  You should check it out, it's way awesome!

  
Thanks Kassia for the heads-up on such a cool site!

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

I just came across a really good blog post that has recommendations for teen reads in the genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.  Check out the lists by clicking on the links below.  There are some really good titles mentioned!
 
Science Fiction

Fantasy

The blog posts were found on Tor.com, a site for "science fiction, fantasy, and all the things that interest SF and fantasy readers, presents original short fiction, new sequential art, extensive art galleries, and commentary on science fiction and related subjects by a wide range of writers from all corners of the science fiction and fantasy field; both professionals working in the genres and fans. Its aim is to provoke, encourage, and enable interesting and rewarding conversations with and between its readers."

The book lists were created by Megan Crewe, a Canadian young adult novelist, who has a new book out entitled, Give up the Ghost.  Check out a book trailer for her new book here: