As you're probably aware, I'm participating in Rachael Harrie's 3rd Platform Building Campaign. Cat Gerlach, a member of my MG/YA group (Yay Group 3!) came up with a clever idea for a blog hop based on what books we loved to read and which authors inspired us the most. Eleven of us are participating in the hop, which is actually more of a circle than a hop. A circle hop.
Cool prizes are up for grabs! Every commenter has a chance to win a book or a critique (including a 20-page crit by yours truly, critique partner of three published authors). And the more comments you leave (on different participating blogs, not on the same blog) the more you increase your chances of winning.
The hop starts today, September 15 and runs through Thursday, September 22.
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I have many favorite authors/books, and for different reasons, but I'm going to highlight one middle grade and one YA with two qualities in common--humor and heart. If an author can make me laugh through my tears throughout the book (not just at the end), that's genius, IMHO, and it's what I want to emulate as a writer. Sharon Creech's WALK TWO MOONS is one of my all-time favorites for this reason. I opened the book at random. Here's the beginning of Chapter 16, page 98:
Gram was released from the hospital the next morning mainly because she was so ornery. Gramps wanted her to stay another day, but Gram climbed out of bed and said, "Where's my underwear?"
"I guess this cantankerous woman is getting out of here," Gramps said.
I think fear had made us all a little cantankerous.
Funny, but tugs the heart. And in these few sentences you learn so much about the three main characters. Brilliant.
One of my favorite YA reads is DAIRY QUEEN by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. Again, opening the book at random (also the beginning of a chapter) page 101:
Monday morning I decided that if I was going to spend my life as a cow, at least I'd be in good company. Besides, I like cows. Every time I changed the milking machine I'd rest my ear against the cow I was working on, listening to all that gurgling, and think to myself, This isn't so bad. And every time I'd convince myself a little bit more that it wasn't.
The first sentence makes me smile. By the end of the paragraph I'm feeling D.J.'s disappointment and inner conflict. Wonderful, subtle writing.
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So leave a comment and get hopping! When you're done here you can hop "forward" in the circle to Cat Gerlach's blog, or "backward" to Michele Helene's Wandering in Paris. That person will link you to the next blog on the list.
17 comments:
hello there, Just thought I would say "Hi" I am in your YA group, I'm only just working my way around everybody slowly but surely.
Eve :)
I love Sharon Creech too. Maybe you can tell which book I really like?
I've been wanting to read Walk Two Moons for some time. You've just convinced me to get at it.
Cute idea for a blog hop!
Great recommendations. I haven't read either!
I've not read either of those books, though it sounds like I should.
I haven't read either of these books--great recommendations. And that blog hop icon certainly looks official. LOL Like a police badge. :)
Thanks for visiting and commenting, everyone!
Heather--Official but cool! I think the creator was going for a similar look to the Platform Building shield.
This is such a great idea! As a fellow campaigner, I love the concept of sharing your writing journey. Great recommendations too!
I haven't read either of those books, but now I want to! :)
I've read these books and enjoyed them both! But at the moment don't know how much bloghopping I'm going to be able to do.
Hi MG,
Wonderful choices and for good reason. Isn't this a fun chain?
See you soon. Enjoy your weekend.
I love the paragraphs in books that show so much about the characters. I find that they really stick.
I share your love of DAIRY QUEEN and the other books about DJ by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. So funny and warm and wise.
Hi Melissa, me again I’m just popping by to let you know that there are several awards for you at my blog.
I have to get Dairy Queen after reading that excerpt!
I've read Walk Two Moons with my book group--fantastic!
Omgosh!!!! Walk Two Moons started MY dream too! I read it as an adult and cried for a few hours. It was soooo healing.
I'm not surprised, given that we have some big thigns in common - I live in SoCal now and I also trained to be a therapist. :) So nice to meet you on the Campaign trail and I definitely am following you now!
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