IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: A New Chapter Youth Reviewers GoodReads 2022 January Appearances Zahra's Earth-Friendly Tip My Personal Gossip |
|
|
A NEW CHAPTER The new year marks the beginning of a new chapter in our personal stories. This year, it also marks a literal new chapter for SOCIETY OF THE SENTINELIA, my first middle grade novel scheduled for release in May. The new chapter, which may or may not be included in the final cut, is a new opening chapter drafted just days ago. I've tried writing a new first chapter for this book once before, but nothing about it clicked. I also liked the pace and hook of the original first chapter. My perspective changed, interest piqued, and muse awakened when I read the developmental edit notes from my editor. She didn't just suggest I add a new opening chapter. She highlighted the passages within the book that could serve as its foundation. 2022 is all about new chapters. Not only for this book, but also for my trajectory as a writer. 2022 will see the publication of the first of my five-book series. I will edit and submit my second book. I will edit the third. The fourth will be drafted. This year, I'll increase school author visits, plan and attend book release events, and network with more middle grade and YA writers. It's going to be an exciting year! As you begin writing your first chapter of 2022, be sure to include great new things and lots of adventure. There are sure to be plot twists, but you can use those to build a memorable story that leads to health, wealth, and happiness. |
|
|
SOCIETY OF THE SENTINELIA is a middle grade magical realism novel. And while it would be great to know what adults in literary world think of it, I'm more interested in receiving feedback from my target audience. Do you happen to know a 9-12-year-old that might be interested in reviewing my novel when the digital ARC (advanced review copy) is available? I'm looking for kids around the country willing to read, review, and be part of my marketing and social media campaign ahead of the book release in May. Read more about the book HERE. If you do know a tween who might be interested, I've included the two forms a parent needs to complete and return. Click on the buttons below to access the forms. Completed forms can be emailed to me at mickibare@gmail.com. |
|
|
I've had a GoodReads account for ages. Unfortunately, I never really used it. When your husband is a librarian, you can just say, "Hey, I heard [random book title] is great. Can you get it for me?" and it magically appears on the nightstand. Then I noticed several friends posting their GoodReads goals and recommendations last month. That was the motivation I needed to update my profile and start listing books I want to read as well as books I've read. My goal for 2022 is to read 12 books. I'm starting the year off with Alan Gratz' Ground Zero. I also downloaded the app, which prompted me to find friends. Who do you think I found? Yes, I found Hubby. Now he can just glance at my GoodReads page and know what to bring home! I'm looking forward to carving out more time to read in 2022. Connect with me on GoodReads and let's read! |
|
|
January 20 Boomers & Beyond at First Presbyterian Church of Asheboro Topics: New Book Release & Early Childhood in Randolph County |
|
|
Contact me at mickibare@gmail.com to schedule an author visit! |
|
|
ZAHRA'S EARTH-FRIENDLY TIP |
|
|
Kindness rocks are popping up everywhere. They gained popularity during the pandemic as a way to connect and inspire despite isolation caused by quarantines and social distancing. Over the past couple of weeks, I found a few. |
|
|
Hubby and I were hiking in Zahra's neighborhood when we spied a rock painted with a simple message. "Luck." I suppose the person who left it wanted others to find luck out on the trail. We went out again and found two more. "Laugh!!" and "Be You." It's important to laugh and be yourself. Despite the great reminders, Zahra has concerns. And since these rocks in particular were left where she lives, I take those concerns seriously. Her Earth-friendly tip for the new year? If you're going to leave painted rocks along your path, whether on a mountain hike or in town, please use paints and inks that are not toxic to the environment. Think about when the paints and inks break down. Can the chemicals harm the surrounding soil? What if animals ingest them? Will it make them sick? It's a good rule-of-thumb to never leave anything behind in the woods, forests, parks, or any natural environment. If you do decide to leave a dose of inspiration along your journey, consider using only organic, non-toxic, biodegradable materials that won't harm the Earth in years to come. |
|
|
A new year means a new journal. Writing accounts of my experiences, emotions, woes, achievements, celebrations, and all the things that give our lives depth has always been a hobby. It's cathartic. It helps me organize thoughts. It helps me find perspective. The volumes cumulatively chronicle my life—the one story I have no desire to publish. Although, I do sometimes fantasize about my children's reactions if they ever read them after I'm gone. |
|
|
Every year, I pick out a fresh new journal with clean, crisp, ruled pages. For the past several years, I've written my intentions and goals for the year in my first entry. For the last entry, I consider the past year, recount what I envisioned, and compare it to what really happened. |
|
|
More often than not, I find that I reached or realized each goal or intention. For those where I fell short, I noticed that I still made good, positive progress. It never fails to amaze me how powerful putting goals and intentions in writing can be. I now look forward to the ritual, from picking out a new journal, reflecting and closing out the old journal, and writing the first entry, my first chapter, for the new year. |
|
|
|
|
