Three Cheers for Readers!

Pretty sure I blew some sort of blogging gasket during my week long BBT.

I needed a few days of rest to refuel my blogging mojo.

Currently, I'm outlining a series of posts aimed at writers.

Yes, I know the title of this post suggests it will be all about the readers. And it is. In a round about, circling my brain, and finally out to you - The Reader, sort of way. You know, my typical way of thinking.

My hope is that this "writing series" of blogs, will not only be helpful for developing writers, but it will give readers a glimpse into the writing process. To see how a story takes shape.

But today, in this very post, I wanted to shine all the attention on The Reader and say, 

"Thanks!"

Your support of kind words and emails have made my heart soar to places I only day-dreamed about.

My current ranking on Amazon, and the success of my digital launch, is a direct result of readers being interested in Connor and the story he has to tell. So, Merci, Danka, Graci!

Here is my most favourite "review" that I received from a parent of a child who has Asperger's Syndrome:.

"I am so happy to have a glimpse into how my son thinks and why he does some of the things he does. Simply put, reading this book helped me to know my son better. I can't wait to share this with his teachers and family members. Thank you Ms Carmichael, from the bottom of my heart." - DB, Virginia, United States

P.S. This is why I write for children. 

Fabulousness Welcomes Spaghetti - BBT Stop # 6

The Fabulous, Leslea Tash

Leslea Tash, is the host of my next blog stop. She's a writer, newlywed, mother, and dog-sitter. And according to her blog site, she's even a human being.

She's got a wicked sense of humor, so I expect we'll have a lovely time hanging out on her site.

You may also be wondering,  "Where do I know this woman from?”

Leslea has a long history in blogging and goes way, way back. (In addition to being a well known and highly regarded freelance reporter.) Here's the blogs she's been active in:

• Guerilla Mothering
• Allergy News, and
• Allergy Go-to Mom on CafeMom, with Meredith Viera

Come join us over at The Fabulousness site of Leslea Tash. 

It promises to be a hilariously fun time!

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

I know everything about Dogs, Dinosaurs,
and Math!

Zoe Ate my Blog

cooltoplists.com

It’s been too long since I last blogged. I'd like to say Zoe ate my blog notes, but note pads are the one thing she refuses to eat. Unless a Tim Hortons' double chocolate cookie once rested on one of my writing journals, which of course is impossible because of my strictly followed diet. Just sayin.'

But I do have a zillion excuses, all of them involving writing, just not for my blog.

Last weekend, I had my first art “pow wow” by teleconference, and I have to tell you how exhilarating it was to hear “my team” discussing something I created. OMG, I have a team. How crazy is that? Over the moon, past Pluto and into the great beyond, type crazy. And no, I am not exaggerating. It is that insane.

And to boot, they loved it. But the best part for me?

They really understood the main character, Connor. Even though Connor has an unusual view of the world and more than his fair share of idiosyncrasies, they still loved him.

revbriceatjourney.blogspot.com

I even received the first colour illustration of Connor from Sarah Ackerley who has been selected for the art work. The moment I saw her drawing I became verklempt. She captured the essence of Connor; his naivety, his curiosity, his extreme focus – all in one picture. It is truly a world changing feeling to "see" him through someone else's eyes. I am sure it will remain one of the most memorable moments in my writing journey.

My current work-in-progress is a paranormal young adult novel. It is the furthest I could be from writing humour and I hope its back-of-the-neck, baby-hair tingling enough. It’s taking me far longer than expected as I can’t write alone in the house after dark, and I keep needing breaks when I get too creeped out to continue.

Hmmm, perhaps I’ve hit the target. Mission accomplished.

Wait. Did you hear that? 

Hello? Is someone there?

Phew, it's just Zoe devouring a note pad.

Or was it? Da-da-da-daaaaaa.

dreadcentral.com

Why I Write Children's Books

I am frequently asked this question. You’ve got talent, people say. Why not write for adults? Why write for kids? 

The answer is utterly simple.

Because, I love exploring how kids think. What makes them do what they do and react they way they react? 

Just stop and imagine what the world would be like if everything you saw and did was new and every experience your first.

Think back to your childhood. Think back to when the training wheels came off your two wheeler. Think of the first time you rode that bike and didn't wipe out in your neighbour's rose bush. What about the first time you rode your bike to the library, or to school - by yourself?

And, I have the most inspiring discussions with my girls. This morning's conversation with my seven year filled me with joy. The following is a good example of the types of daily chats I have with my children. (Usually prior to 8 am and most often on only one cup of coffee.)

Youngest Child: “Mommy, when is Daddy going to kick me out?”

Me: “Pardon?”

Youngest: “When is he going to kick me out of the house?”

Me: “Oh, sweetie, he’s just joking. He won’t kick you out. But someday, probably after university, you’ll want to move out.”

Youngest: “Oh, no Mommy, I’m not going to university.”

Me: “Oh, what are you going to do instead?”

Youngest: “I’m going to live on the lam.”

Me: “Do you know what that means?”

Youngest: “Yup. I’m going to live in the wild and go to places that no one has found yet.”

Me: “Where did you get this idea?”

Youngest: “Bugs Bunny. He never went to college.”

Me: “You do understand you can’t grow up to be Bugs Bunny. He 's a cartoon…and a bunny.”

Youngest: “I know that mommy. I don’t want to be Bugs Bunny. I’m going to be Tweety Bird.”

Me: “Well, you’ve gotta’ have goals.”

With logic like that following me around every minute my children are in my presence, what choice did I have?

Law? Too serious. Medicine? Too icky. Writing children’s books? Just right.