Writing For Children

Although I don't write for children myself, it's a subject I've been giving a lot of thought to recently.

Firstly, my friend Sue Bentley kindly gave me some copies of her new Magic Ponies books. Sue has already completed the successful Magic Kitten and Magic Puppy series of books and now is well into the Magic Ponies series.

As some of you will remember, my article about writing series for children - based on an interview with Sue - is due to be published by Writers' Forum magazine later this year.

I've also been writing up the notes of my interview with Linda Chapman. Linda gave me some fascinating insights into writing for children, so I'm looking forward to turning that into an article soon as well.

Fellow bloggers, do you write for children? Have you ever thought of writing for children? And if you could ask one question of a successful author of children's books like Sue or Linda,what would it be?

Being Normal

I've put a new review up on bookersatz this morning.

The review is by me! And it's of 'Being Normal' by Stephen Shieber which was very kindly sent to me by Tonto books.

Stephen blogs here.

Double Book Launch

On Monday night I was privileged to attend the double book launch of 'From Zaftig to Aspie' by DJ Kirkby and 'Motorcycles, Ducks and Crispy Sweet Apples' by Christopher I King.

DJ spoke most eloquently.













We had a performance of 'The Shrek Rap' which was written by clever Casdok.












We had fantastic music.












And I had a lovely time with fellow bloggers Leigh, Carol and Troy. And also the Crafty Gardener - who managed to escape my photos.












It was a wonderful evening. Huge congratulations to Denyse and Chris. I can't wait to read the books now.

Black Boxes ...

... a review ...

I've done a review of Black Boxes by Sweet Caroline, and lovely Cathy has put it on bookersatz, so please pop over and have a look.





SmudgeWatch I'm quite worried about him today as he had a short period of struggling to breathe earlier. He seems a bit happier now though and has had some milk and a sleep.

Everything You Ever Wanted ...

... By Rosalind Wyllie

'Everything You Ever Wanted' is published by Tonto Books and was written by Rosalind Wyllie, who was mentored by Caroline Smailes author of 'In Search Of Adam'.

You can find Tonto Books here, Rosalind here and Caroline here.

Rosalind writes exquisitely and has drawn two main characters who are very different, and who will both keep you guessing what they are going to do next until the very end. She has woven together strands of humour and pain that will keep you gripped as they run alongside each other throughout the story.

Tiggy is a beautifully drawn character, a heart rending mix of emotions and insecurities. The delicate prose comes into its own when describing her life. Roz describes with considered precision Tiggy's feelings about her married lover. ‘He filled in the hollows and empty spaces where my parents should have loved me.’ This sets the scene for one of the most important themes of the novel.

Scarlett explodes into the novel forcefully taking Tiggy, and the reader, by surprise. Post Scarlett, Tiggy says, ‘My days have a rhythm to them now and whenever Scarlett is in the room there is noise and laughter.’

On the surface of it Scarlett is confident, sassy and funny. ‘South London is God’s way of telling people not to build bridges’, she tells us. But inevitably and inexorably, her darker and more damaged side is shown and she takes the reader on a very scary journey indeed.

Set in the early 1990s, the historical detail is evocative but never intrusive. Allusions to the release of John McCarthy and the endless occupation of the number one spot in the charts by Bryan Adams bring the era to life.

Music is used throughout to tell us more about the characters, from Dan Dan The Piano Man, belting out cover versions in the club and despairing at Tiggy's Cliff Richard LPs to Tiggy's own pivotal moment listening to the 'Kids from Fame' soundtrack - 'the holy grail of heartbreak'. And any novel which has ‘It’s Gonna Be A Long Night’ and ‘Starmaker’ as an important part of the plot is all right by me.

The story is cleverly crafted, fast-paced and intriguing and is backed up by writing which is incisive, evocative and satisfying.

This is a refreshingly original novel and I can’t wait to see what Rosalind writes next.

The Maeve Binchy ...

... Writers' Club

After my previous post a couple of people asked if this book was any good. So, in the interests of providing a public service, I thought I'd do a proper review of it.

I'm a big fan of Maeve Binchy's novels, although I must confess to not having read the last couple. It has been said that reading one of her novels is like going out for a coffee with a friend, pulling your chair up to the table and settling down for a good chat and to catch up on all the gossip.

This book feels the same, although here Maeve isn't telling a story - she's imparting her years of knowledge about writing in the common sense down to earth way that you would expect.

Throughout the book, Maeve's own observations and advice are interspersed with contributions from carefully selected experts in the various subjects she discusses. The areas include: writing short stories; the role of the editor; writing for stage; murder, mystery and suspense, and many others.

As an added bonus, you also get a new short story by Maeve Binchy written especially for the book. It's worth reading just for that.

And let's face it, wouldn't it be fantastic if Maeve Binchy set up a real life writers' club and we could all be members?

Robert Goddard ...

... Out Of The Sun

Regular blog readers will know that I have a bit of a Robert Goddard obsession. So, the lovely Welshman got me a couple of his books for Christmas, and this is the first to be read.

'Out Of The Sun' features the character Harry Barnett who also appeared in 'Into The Blue', which I reviewed on the blog a while ago. Harry is older, but by no means wiser in this novel.

The read has all of the usual Robert Goddard trademarks. A pounding plot, a huge cast of increasingly eccentric characters and an international stage. It also has mind boggling detail on the subjects of mathematics, financial forecasting and higher dimensions. It will make your brain hurt.

The back cover lists a review from The Times saying that this is, ‘Undoubtedly Goddard’s most entertaining book to date’. I’m not sure about this. Yes, it’s gripping, yes it’s a great absorbing read, but at its heart is the story of a father and his tragic relationship with his son. To call it entertainment feels a bit too slight.

If you stick with it through the twists and turns, the emotions and explanations – the end will move you to tears.