I’m using this opportunity to continue my goal of streamlining my life with a focus on my writing goals. So today I’m proud to unveil a little of what I’ve been up to.
I have joined a group of writers of middle grade children’s books to create a unique blog and website focused on the golden age of readers. Elissa Cruz, our fearless leader and fellow writer of boy-friendly books posted the Welcome on our formal unveiling today. By luck-of-the-draw, my post, Tales of a Fourth Grade Reader will be the first offical topical post on this new blog! Yikes! Stop by at www.fromthemixedupfiles.com to check it out. Then stop by again on Wednesday to read my post. There are so many talented writers and illustrators who have combined efforts. I’m exicted to be part of such an innovative bunch.
Do you have a favorite book for ten-year olds? What was your favorite when you were ten? Check it out and join in the discussion. You can also enter to win a signed middle-grade book to add to your library.
In addition to my participation as a Mixed-up Author (which is also an extremely appropriate title for me personally!), I am taking the opportunity to connect my personal writing blog, Write, Right? to my Facebook account. For those of my FB friends who know me from school, work, church or my nomadic years, you might not know that in addition to my mixed-up life as an occupational therapist and soccer mom, I write children’s books. I am thrilled to be represented by Quinlan Lee of Adams Literary.
So part of my current goal is to connect my online connections, so to speak. If you are a FB friend and aren’t interested in this aspect of my life, my feelings won’t be hurt if you ignore my writing related posts or links. But if you are interested as a reader of children’s books, a parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, fellow writer or anyone else who loves books for middle-grade readers (8-12 year olds), please join in and read, comment and link. Feel free to tell others–especially about the Mixed-Up Files. As with the Mixed-Up Files, all comments need to be appropriate for all ages. Thanks!
Over recent years, there has been a huge emphasis on young adult books (think Twilight). In previous years, picture books were the focus. The writers From the Mixed-Up Files are interested in creating the kind of enthusiasm for middle grade books that we’ve witnessed with young adult and picture books. After all, middle-grade is the time where children transition from learning to read to loving to read. Strong readers impact every academic subject and become informed citizens. Help spread the word about From the Mixed-Up Files and our love of middle-grade books and the children who read them.
Write, Right?, my personal blog is focused on my writing with some slices of life and other miscellaneous observations thrown in. Currently my focus is on time management and organization in life and writing (and NOT because I’m an expert!). Feel free to check in, comment or shake some sense into me. Wednesday’s post is a much awaited interview with rockstar YA author, Maggie Stiefvater, author of SHIVER, LAMENT and the soon-to-be released LINGER. Maggie is stopping by to share her wisdom about the writing/real life juggling act which is no small feat given her aforementioned rock star status! But you’ll find her to be as down-to-earth as her faeries are homicidal. I’m excited for you to be as inspired as I have been by her advice. Check out my previous interview with Cyn Balog at http://joanneprushingjohnson.com/2010/04/02/257/ and check back for future interviews with authors balancing writing and life.
Thanks to my loyal friends and family, writer pals, critique partners and my agent who have kept me encouraged and moving forward with my writing in spite of the crazyness that has been my life recently. Writing is a great outlet and way less expensive than a psychotherapist!
