Showing posts with label listicles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label listicles. Show all posts

Monday, September 30, 2019

Book Review - Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James + Idea - Dinner Theme




Photo Credit - Amazon


Eleven-year-old Tilly Pages find comfort in book and stories since her mother disappeared. She lives at her grandparents' bookstore, Pages & Co and loves the company of books. However, her world is turned upside down when her favorite characters, Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Wonderland, start to appear in the bookstore. Tilly's adventures become very real when she finds out she can follow characters into their books and bookwander to any story she chooses. 

As Tilly tries to understand her ability, she discovers a few secrets about her family. Tilly realizes that it is up to her to solve the mystery behind her mother's disappearance. However, she might soon realize that danger is lurking beyond the next page. Will Tilly be able to find out what happened to her mother?


This book was an absolute joy to read. I love how it celebrated both readers and books/authors. My favorite part was when one of the characters said: "make sure your story is worth telling". I thought that was an inspirational and perfect quote for children who are still trying to decide how to make their mark in the world. However, the beginning portion of the novel was a bit slow. Overall,  the book was a cute and fun read.


Topic - Dinner Theme - Tea Time!

I think my favorite character to invite to tea time will have to be Tilly, Alice, and Anne because it will more fun to invite more than fewer people to a gathering.  I think the evening would be perfect with an array of sugary treats, scones,  and tea sandwiches served with Tilly's favorite hot chocolate!

 The stories and the memories that will unfold...

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**




Schedule

Week One
September 16 –Because.my.mother.read – Creative Instagram Picture
September 17 – Wishful Endings – Moodboard
September 18 – Dad Suggests – Reflection Piece
September 19 – Novel Novice – Top 5 Fictional Characters I’d Like to Meet/Hang out with

Week Two
September 23 – Vicariously & Voraciously – Dream Cast
September 24 – The Bumble Girl – Review + Creative Instagram Picture
September 25 – Brandi O Donnell – Top Five Favorite Quotes
September 26 – Imaginary Book Stack – Bookstagrammers Interview: What character they would most want to meet, where, etc + Creative Instagram Picture

Week Three
September 30 – Two Points of Interest – Review + Favorite Character + Dinner Theme
October 1 – AEB Book Reviews – Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION

An enchanting story about the magic of books and the power of imagination from debut author Anna James. Perfect for fans of InkheartThe Land of Stories, and Story Thieves. Soon to be a major television series!
     Since her mother's disappearance, eleven-year-old Tilly Pages has found comfort in the stories at Pages & Co., her grandparents' bookshop. But when her favorite characters, Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Wonderland, start showing up at the shop,Tilly's adventures become very real. Not only can she follow Anne and Alice into their books, she discovers she can bookwander into any story she chooses. Tilly's new ability leads her to fun and exciting adventures, but danger may be lurking on the very next page...

     When new secrets are uncovered, it's up to Tilly to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago. From debut author Anna James comes a charming and exciting adventure about a bookish young heroine, a mysterious librarian, and a magical bookshop that will delight book lovers everywhere.


AUTHOR BIO
Anna James is a writer and journalist. She was a school librarian before joining The Bookseller as their Book News Editor. She now writes for a variety of newspapers and magazines, and chairs events at bookshops and literary festivals across the UK. She lives in north London, in a flat full of books. Visit Anna online at anna-james.com. Follow her on Twitter @acaseforbooks.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Book Spotlight: Brave the Page: A Young Writer’s Guide to Telling Epic Stories by Rebecca Stern and Grant Faulkner + Ideas for Inspiration

Photo Credit - Amazon

Partly a how-to guide on the nitty-gritty of writing, partly a collection of inspiration to set (and meet) ambitious goals, Brave the Page is the go-to resource for middle-grade writers. Narrated in a fun, refreshingly kid-friendly voice, it champions NaNoWriMo's central mission that everyone's stories deserve to be told. The volume includes chapters on character, plot, setting, and the like; motivating essays from popular authors; advice on how to commit to your goals; a detailed plan for writing a novel or story in a month; and more!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes in the transformational power of creativity. They provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds--on and off the page. With its first event in 1999, the organization's programs now include National Novel Writing Month in November, Camp NaNoWriMo, the Young Writers Program, Come Write In, and the "Now What?" Months.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


Topic - Things you can do for motivation to help you with story ideas 

Spending time to write down one's thoughts and emotions are essential for mental health. A common misconception is that you need to be a "writer" or you only "need to write stories or poems". However, even take a few minutes to write whatever you are feeling can give you mental clarity. But, what happens when you are feeling the dreaded writer's block? I have a few ideas that can help you get into the writing mood!

1. Take a long relaxing bath or shower 
2. Go for a walk  in nature  
3. Take a walk utilizing a different route
4. Talk to a stranger
5. Read a book 
6. Do word associations
7. Take a look at photographs and try to picture the memory
8. Listen to music
9. Draw without limits
10. Visit a museum
11. Try eating/cooking a new dish
12. Ask a relative about their favorite memory
13. Research events that happened around a specific day
14. Take a nap
15. Meditate 
16. Try freewriting
17. Eating a favorite childhood dish
18. Playing 
19. Going for a run


What are your favorite things to do when you feel "stuck"? Which techniques helps you the most?