All Fall Down Author: Jennifer Weiner © 2014 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Genre: Literature & Fiction Subgenre: Women’s Literature, Domestic Life, Family Life, Contemporary Fiction Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at book fair Synopsis: Mother, domestic engineer and paid blogger Allison Weiss has the picture-perfect life. She left full-time work to stay…
Big Dude is back in school, and it’s time to get back to serious work. This inevitably means I’ll put Little Man down for a nap, race around doing laundry, picking up and prepping dinner. Then, with great relief, settle in front of the computer to write. And stare at the screen. C’mon, words! Flow…
Mockingjay Author: Suzanne Collins © 2010 Publisher: Scholastic Press Genre: YA literature & fiction Sub-genre: Self-esteem & reliance, self-respect; Action-adventure & sci-fi Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased by husband Synopsis: The revolution that President Snow eluded to in his threats to Katniss has come to life. District 13 is thriving and ready…
So! We’re into week two of winter break, and I’d love to check out to my office for a few hours to write. But there are little people in my house who demand things. Like food. And help building Legos. So writing will happen in the snippets of the day when Little Man naps and…
I would definitely ask Santa for some more hours in the day. Hours when my kids are sleeping or playing quietly. I love them dearly, but is winter break over yet? (She wonders on the very first morning.) Mama has editing to do! *** What’s happening in your writing life? Find a meme or make…
Call the Midwife Author: Jennifer Worth © 2002 Publisher: Penguin Books Genre: Memoir Subgenre: Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Belonged to family Synopsis: A young nurse in 1950s England embarks on a career move that moves her into a convent for her nurse-midwife training and early career. It takes her to some of…
Happy holidays and welcome back! I’m wrapping up 2016 and the monthly author spotlight “Coffee Break With…” by inviting authors who had a spotlight earlier this year to return for a little holiday cheer and share what’s on the horizon for 2017. I’m delighted to welcome back Margaret Locke, whose third book A Scandalous Matter, hit the…
The editing of the book continues! Quick recap: It came back from the editor several weeks back, right before I pitched it to an agent at a writing conference. The agent asked for chapters, knowing I had gotten it back from an editor and had work to do on it before it was submission ready. Then…
Precious (Fiction; 100 words) The boy bounced and strained against the belt. “Settle down, Precious. You mustn’t appear overactive.” His guardian, a middle-aged woman with deep wrinkles and a permanent odor of smoke, checked her watch again. “They could decide they don’t want you and then what? All that wasted time and effort.” He grimaced…
Snowmen at Night Author: Caralyn Buehner © 2002 Illustrator: Mark Buehner © 2002 Publisher: Dial Books Genre: Children’s Books Subgenre: Winter Sports, Nature, Beginning Readers Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Gift from family Synopsis: The often pondered questions of “what do snowmen do at night?” and “why don’t they look quite the same the…
VCE Chemistry teacher in Melbourne, Australia
a 100-word story every day
The Mom Who Runs: 