Happy Holidays!

To everyone near and far, however you celebrate the season, best wishes for you and yours.

I'm taking a blog vacation until after New Year's. See you in 2011.

Cheers!

Give a Kid a Book – For Free!

With wallets stretched thin these days, it’s harder to find money for charities. But there’s a way to help underprivileged children around the world get free books, and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Go to The Literacy Site (link below) and click on the button. How easy is that? ;-)

As long as you're there, go ahead and click the other tabs to assist agencies working on behalf of rescued animals, the rainforest, breast cancer, children's health, and hunger.

I’ve got the site embedded in my Bookmarks toolbar as a reminder to visit daily. It literally takes only a minute and you'll be helping some worthy causes.

Thanks, and please, spread the word! 

The Literacy Site

Books for Writers - Part II

Last week, we looked at a few good books for the general writer. Today, I'm sharing some titles that will enhance any fantasy writer's collection. 

In WRITING MAGIC, Gail Carson Levine, the best-selling author of “Ella Enchanted”, takes you through the process of writing a book and shares some of her secrets. Filled with writing prompts and examples. Easy and fun to read, though I’ll admit to skipping the exercises. ;-)

Jane Yolen has been likened to a modern Hans Christian Andersen. She’s prolific, witty, and credited with the infamous phrase, "Butt in Chair". TOUCH MAGIC is her collection of essays about fantasy, faerie, and folklore in children’s literature. A book as entertaining and provocative as the writer herself.

If you’re looking for mythic structure, Christopher Vogler's your man. He guides you step-by-step through the stages of a hero’s journey. Surprisingly, the journey crosses genres: Westerns, mysteries, sci-fi, thrillers, drama, romance, horror, even comedy. Buy THE WRITER’S JOURNEY and read it with a pack of Post-Its handy. You’ll need them.

For a scholarly look at fairy tales, pick up a copy of FROM THE BEAST TO THE BLONDE. Martina Warner offers intriguing new interpretations of old tales. She’s an academic, so her work isn’t for the faint of heart. But a good teacher expects her students to work hard, doesn’t she? I first learned about FTBTTB at the SurLaLune blogsite. Go visit!

Do you have any recommendations?