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Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Saturday, May 31, 2014

An Adventure In Writing




Summer is here. The day is warm and beautiful outside. It reminds me of last summer and a project that my grandson and I had been working on for some time. Actually most of his little life he loved to work with me making his own little books. When he was so young he just colored pictures he would make up stories to go with them and I would staple them together. As he grew older he had a burning desire to make what he called 'a real book' of his own with his own story. He would look so serious and explain that it is not a real book until you have your picture on the back. I had to laugh and reminded him there was more to a book than the cover or picture on the outside. It is what is inside the cover that makes a book.

That was the beginning of a very big challenge. Zander was 8 years old when we began to seriously begin the task of helping a child that young to do something that was real and he could be proud of creating. There was so much more than just putting his story or idea into words on a page. I wanted him to not only do it but understand and work to make it the best it could be. That part about understanding is more of a challenge than you might think because of his age.

You might not think that legal issues would be one of the first challenges but with a child who loves cartoons and movies we had to have an understanding that he could not use characters belonging to someone else. They story and all involved in it had to be his own ideas and things he did not get from anywhere else.


I think one of the most important aspects of learning is the ability to learn to think. We can memorize many things. We can read and we can listen. We can learn. We also need to think about all of those things. To be able to use the things we learn, to do something we desire to do or accomplish that something special that has alluded us, is bringing learning into a new light of utilization of acquired skills and knowledge. We need to expand from accepting all we hear, to thinking about what we hear and learning from life.
Whenever I read the little book I wrote called The Pumpkin Field, we always end up talking about many things. We discuss thoughts, ideas and it goes on from there. Some tell of the their fears such as the fear of darkness and we see how the story helps us to understand those things. We almost always talk about writing. When they ask me about writing the book I see such excitement and enthusiasm. Zander has always had enthusiasm about writing and it was time to see what we could do.
We reviewed somethings we had already learned and discussed new ideas. We talked about what kind of stories we wanted to write. We talked about characters and also not using other people's ideas and characters. Our story will have to come entirely from our own imagination.
I told him anything worth doing is worth doing well and also worth working as hard as we can. He agreed we will spend this time not only doing a book but learning about books, words and many things we can use to write.
I am not going to go into every detail here but thought about keeping a journal of the study pages, discussions, topics and ideas as we worked became a reality . I wanted a book to help other children learn to write or just have a joy and being able to create with words. In writing this book it is not just theory or what might work or be of interest to learn and use in writing. This is what we did and how we did it together.
As I discussed all of this with him he frowned and mentioned it might be nice to have a book so that other kids could make their books too. “Can you teach them and help them with a book?”
“I guess I could, but it would take a lot of work.” He smiled at me as I smiled in return, thinking of how I might be able to do this project and help him make his book a reality at the same time.
I reviewed some of the vocabulary I wanted him to remember. I asked him if he remembered what a protagonist was. “Sure I do. That’s the one the story is about.”
I then mentioned that the main character would be the protagonist and asked if he remembered how to spell protagonist. He thought for a moment and I could see his little lips move as he silently sounded it out and spelled it perfectly. We did a few other words and definitions including talking about how he could use these things. He asked me why he could just not call them people instead of protagonists. I explained the story might have a main character that was an animal or maybe even an alien. By using the proper term we can more easily understand each other. We lean new things all the time and in school they are always learning new words. Think how limited life would be if we only learned a little and never learned any more. Words can open a whole world and echo through the ages of time. We never know what we can do until we try and then keep trying and learning.
I hope this journal type book and the study pages,discussions, topics and ideas as we go it might be something that could help others too. For all of those who have a love of writing or just enjoy creating something special this is a special time shared with our adventures in writing.

When I worked teaching him new words and the meanings it was a challenge. To memorize would be boring and he would not remember or remain interested. Using the words almost like a game made learning more fun.

I have told much about what we have been doing but I would like to tell a bit more about the author. I want to introduce my co-author Zander Figueroa. Zander is my grandson but he is also an amazing young man of exceptional gifts and character.

Zander was in third grade in school but finds life a learning experience. In books, in conversations, outside or just sharing special time with family and friends he learns, shares and is a delight to all who know him. I do not have to say I am a very proud grandmother but when you read his stories I hope you will enjoy them and share in my enthusiasm for what he and I are doing and plan to continue to do in many books to come. He makes me smile and lights up my life.

Zander loves to write and think up stories but he loves so many other things. Swimming and playing outside will always be one of the things he loves.

We live in a rural area so when he is here visiting we have fun inside and out. With large trees in the yard and limbs that fall a bonfire in not only fun but clears and cleans the yard. A few hotdogs and it is fun for all. There is also wooded area around us with wild life. He has been told he can never go into the woods alone. He has gone with his Papaw and seen many animals and they even take some pictures of them. We often get ideas to write from things that we know. His story is about two young children who were not allowed to go into the woods alone but did not listen. They did not think it would hurt just that one time. He can describe the woods and what it looks like from memory of the times he and Papaw explored learning about many things found in nature at the same time.

Zander loves to fish with his grandfather. He is even learning how to cook deep fried catfish and when they are done to perfection.

He calls him his Papaw and I am his Mamaw. My parents, his great grandparents were the ones he called grandma and grandpa. That has made a challenge online. People know who the grandparents are but Mamaw and Papaw are something he has always used between him and us. He is learning many things about more than the writing. He has his own fan page now and twitter account. When he talked about writing with me, his grandmother he frowned. Not long ago he decided he could no longer do that because I was his Mamaw and that is what he will start calling me online too. I told him it might be confusing to others who did not know us but he wants to be real and he said eventually they will understand or not … but I am Mamaw and he is Papaw and that is the way it is.

I like that he is real. We had a lot of concerns about his age and being online but have worked it out pretty well. He is never online without one of us with him. He got excited as he saw more followers and the people would talk to him through messages and tweets. One day he leaned back and told me he did not think he wanted to do it anymore. I told him that was fine but wondered why the change in his attitude.

He rolled his eyes and told me it was because “They are not real. They are not real people. They are just on the computer.” He loves his games. The games can look so real but they are just games. In some odd way I think he related those things and had decided that the people leaving messages and tweets were not real. It was like a game.
I do not want to frighten him but explained that they were real people. We have been so lucky and almost everyone has been so wonderful, supportive and encouraging.....almost. I always go online first and look to see who followed or is following and read the messages before he gets online. There was one individual I promptly reported. The man sent a message saying if he wanted to learn and see some really cool things all he had to do was click on the link and he could even help him get condoms. I did not click on the link but pretended to be Zander and told him I did not know what a condom was. The man quickly responded that he could teach all kind of new and fun things. I asked if he knew that I was only 8 years old and he said he did but we can never be too young to learn new things and have a little fun. I not only reported but also took screen shots of him and the urls.

I never told Zander about that warped individual but did explain that when we talk online we are talking to real people. Some of his followers are those in my writers group and he knows them. Donna Watkins always makes cakes, pies or something special when we visit. He thinks the world of Carol Dabney and so many others. There are also those I may have never met in person but think of as my friends from online and he knows about them too.

A terrified look came on his young face when he said, “Well there is no way I can do this. When I am on twitter or my fan page those are real people?”

I assured him that they were and wasn't it nice to hear from them and get to know them?

“Oh Mamaw..... I am not allowed to talk to strangers. My mom says to never talk to strangers.”

Now that was a problem I don't think too many authors have to deal with especially when we think of ways to promote our books. I could not tell him that it was alright now to talk to strangers. I thought about the one that I had reported and that as a child they do not differentiate with the books and life. You can or can not talk to strangers........

His mom, Papaw and I talked together and came up with a solution. We explained that he will not be talking to strangers since we are always with him. He will be talking with us to others.

We did a local author fair and he was priceless. I was so proud as he sat beside me and did his best to look professional with all of the other authors. When a time came that we each introduced ourselves and told somethings about our books or things that we write he looked horrified. I felt sorry for him but quickly stood and introduced us both. A look of pure relief came across his small face.

Lat year I was invited to the local school to speak about writing and the books to the 4th and 5th grade classes. Zander was invited to go with me and tell about his book we were working on. As the time neared he became more and more nervous. When we walked in I swear he looked like he might actually faint. He had explained that they were the older kids. He was only in third grade.

His Papaw was with us and has been very supportive in all of this and Zander leaned a little closer to him as I began to talk to the children. I just love their interest and enthusiasm. When I explained about the project Zander was doing and that I was going to write a book telling about it all to help others with what they might decide to do, the interest and excitement became so intense the teacher had to quiet them down. Their questions flooded out to Zander asking all about his story, book and how he was doing it. Many told that they too wanted to write books.

When you talk about our books or writing, all of the fear of speaking to the group evaporated. A smile came across his face and he was right out in the middle of them telling and showing the books and all about it.

Those were times I cherish and am so proud of him. Those times and so many more make me smile. We share many things in life. We share the love of writing, family, friends and every day as something special. I hope that This book will be something others not only enjoy but might be helpful in their own special projects of learning and creating.

When we finished writing the book we had to find a cover for it.The day that I was invited to read and talk to his own class at school he stood proudly beside me.  He had told them all that he was going to write his own books too and books with me.  When he put his little arm around me it was a special moment and his teacher took the picture for us.  I knew that would be the cover.

The day the proof arrived I think we both almost had tears in our eyes. For a moment he was totally silent and then the smile and excitement kicked in. Papaw had the camera ready and it was another of those special moments,

This is a unique book written as a journal, workbook, guide in writing, and preview of work as it progresses from the two authors, Linda Nance and Zander Figueroa. We are attempting to create books that the readers may find interesting to read and excited to share in the creative process during the actual writing and collaborative efforts between both of us.
This book will share insights to the writers and the stories. Learning and working together we have only just begun.

I know I have been slow at getting the things done I have in mind to do and share. I caught a summer cold and that may not sound severe but it can sure slow a person down. Some days are better than others but I still think that every day is special. I had planned to share not only about the books I have been writing but also about life as I do. I have tried to share honestly and am happy to say it has been an adventure. I have met so many wonderful people along the way and want to wish you all.....all the very best. I will be back soon.


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Saturday, July 6, 2013

I Can Do It Continues Part 2






I Can Do It Continues Part 2

It has been quite a challenge to not only work to create a book that truly is written by both my grandson and myself but also the process of teaching writing to a child of this age. I know of others who listen to the ideas and then write the story. That would be the process of writing with a coauthor but I wanted it to be more.

I feel if I hurry to write the story I might miss the opportunity to be a part of an experience in learning that could carry on later in life. I have no idea what Zander wants to do when he grows up, but firmly believe that learning all that we can is never a waste. A friend of mine marvels at his enthusiasm saying it is because he is his grandma's boy and grew up watching me writing, typing, discussing, and shares my passion, feeling a part of it. That is probably true but I believe it is also in his own heart and his own desires no matter where it originates. Helping a child to enjoy learning is like an adventure for me. We have fun.

I think having fun in learning is especially important to the young. As we grow older we know there are assignments or things we need to do and learn and may do it because that is what we need to do. A young child might not feel the need or understand the advantage and their attention might wander to other things they find more fun and appealing. It is exciting to see them want to do and learn because they can not wait to do and learn more. Seeing them filled with pride and confidence in the new things they understand and now can use is only a start. Seeing them with a desire to continue and learn more is more than I can resist.


That is the reason I am working to write a book that will take others through the processes we are doing to learn and write our book. I plan to share things here too but am actually doing this second book in the same manner I use when I teach Zander or speak with school children or any others wanting to learn. It will not be a work book although it will have spelling words, learning definitions, concepts and hopefully a new way to think and see things as we work creating something special.

Zander has a pretty good understanding of many things relating to writing but I am going to try to relate some of them here and in the book. When I have tried to teach him some things especially if they are things he might not run across in everyday conversations with his friends I try to make it either fun or challenging. Often it is like a puzzle if he can figure out how it works.


One of the first things we discussed is what it takes to make a story. I asked him if he knew. He frowned not knowing what answer I was looking for. I explained that it takes a beginning, middle and end. If we tell all about someone and where they are, maybe even what they are doing but that is all, there is no end. “Sam was a big boy with brown hair ran swiftly. He ran in the race and was one of the fastest runners of all in the race.”

He waited for me to continue explaining. “We know that Sam is a big boy and has brown hair. We know he was fast when he ran and that he was running in a race. Did he win? Did something happen? Who else was in the race? What things do we need to know to make it a story instead of just telling me about Sam?”

A big smile came across his face. “Sam was only one of the kids in the race. There were a bunch of kids and one of them was mean and tripped him. When he fell he lost the race.” He laughed and asked it that was the end or did I want to know more?

That was the beginning of understanding for what we were about to begin. I want him to understand how important words are. We use words to write our stories. We use words to communicate with each other. We use words in many ways. We need to understand the words we use and the meanings.

I asked if he knew what a protagonist is and he gave me one of his special looks. He did not know and was not sure he cared but it was a challenge between us. I waited for him to ask what it was and was not disappointed. My momentary silence was soon filled with him wanting me to tell.

We have made such good progress since my last blog but I will try to bring us up to date and get ready for next week.

Spelling Words and definitions

Protagonist : the principal character in a literary work (as a drama or story) The chief character in a play, novel, or story
a leading actor, character, or participant in a literary work or real event

“I guess we could say that the protagonist is who or what the story is about.”

Zander smiled with understanding, “I know now. It is the person the whole story is really about.”
I love to create a bit of a challenge to think a little deeper. “It could be a person, but what if the story is about a talking dog, or a pumpkin that comes to life or even a ghost or an alien? Those are not just people. One reason we have words to have better understanding of what we are trying to say. If I just said the person the story is about that might not be good enough depending on our story. The words protagonist tells us all of that with one word and we know who or what in the story we are talking about.

Antagonist one that opposes another. “Who or what is causing the problem? If we know who the protagonist is and we know what is going on then what is the problem or thing that is happening in the story? What is keeping the protagonist from doing what he is trying to do? He smiled and said, “In the little story, it is the mean boy that tripped Sam.”

I was thrilled. At that moment he had learned two words I have never heard an 8 year old use before, but as we continued to talk and discuss ideas for stories and examples of things involving the protagonist and antagonist I could see him growing more accustomed to hearing and using his new words. I did not want to give him words so that he could learn the definitions and memorize them, but own them by knowing and understanding them in his own discussions and use. We continued to talk of many things but I found ways to use the new words as we did enjoying his responses when he too used the words. At first he seemed hesitant but soon seemed proud.

I mentioned since he knew what a protagonist was then he understood it was about the main character of the story. When we say character it could mean more than one thing. Some words have different meanings depending on how you use them.

We know that just as the protagonist is the main person or character of our story...the character is what? The character is a person or something that is one of the actors or participants in the story. You may have many characters.

The boy who was a fast runner is the protagonist that is the main character. They boy that tripped him is also a character but not the protagonist, or one the story is about. You could have other characters in the story such as “When Sam fell, two other runners stopped to try to help him up and see if he was hurt. All of the other runners ran right by and did not seem to care.” There may be many characters.

He had to think on that one for a bit. A smile came across his face and he was ready for more.

I told him what about this? “Look at that little dog chase his own tail. He runs in circles. He is such a cute little character.”

He looked confused. So I tried a different example. “The little old man could tell such funny stories and made us all laugh. He is such a funny character.”

What was it about the old man that made him such a character? Was it because he did something different or odd compared to others? Was the little dog doing something odd, different or funny? Was the old man doing something different that caught their attention with his stories?

Character an odd or peculiar person
a person in a story, novel, or play

We could also talk about what kind of character a person might have that made them trustworthy and honest. Are they of good character? Would the word character then describe something about a person?
Character can be moral excellence


We went on discussing different ideas for stories using the new words and he seemed to delight in one idea after another using his new words.

Ever so often as we used the words protagonist and antagonist I would spell it. Casually as we talked he was learning new words and how to spell them.



PLOT is another word that can mean more than one thing depending on what we are saying and how we use the word.
Plot and mean the main story (as of a book or movie) I like to use the word and give an example as we talk. You notice I did not say teach, because I am teaching by including him in the conversations or allowing him to crave an understanding, knowing he can figure out the puzzle or answer with it in the end.

“As I read the story it was so interesting I could hardly wait to see how it ends.” You could think of the plot of the story like a guide of how the story goes from beginning to end.

What about other ways to use the same word? If we are talking about a ghost story it would be a paranormal story. That is something that is not normal or out of the ordinary and normal. We could say “I was afraid to go near the plot of the old man who is supposed to haunt the cemetery.” We know the plot is a small piece of ground where the old man is buried.
a small area of ground : <a cemetery plot>

If I told you to be careful because I think some of the characters in the story will plot mean things for the protagonist, what do you think?

Zander laughed and said “That is easy. The main character had better look out because there is some bad stuff ahead.”


“That is right. We might say they have an evil or unlawful scheme of plan that is what they are plotting to do.


We continued talking and using the new words we had learned. I mentioned the original children's story The Pumpkin Field. He had heard it so many times he almost knows it by heart. Through the years he never seems to tired of it as he looks for other meanings for the same phrases. I wrote it hoping it would be something to stimulate thought as well as tell a story. I mentioned if we wanted to write the rest of the story as he had thought we could actually use the words from the first story in the second and develop it into a new story with the other story included.



US

UK       
Canada
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Pumpkin-Field-ebook/dp/B00DIQUBIE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1373169091&sr=8-4&keywords=linda+nance
Germany
Spain
France
http://www.amazon.fr/The-Pumpkin-Field-ebook/dp/B00DIQUBIE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373169239&sr=8-1&keywords=linda+nance
I got out a copy of the book and he smiled as he read and looked at each page. “You will have to do some pictures for our book too. I know we have mostly words and the story but I still like the pumpkins.....and the witch....and the cat.... Well I like them all.” He remembered watching me as I did each of the original pictures. The pages are full size art works with the words included in the art.  I was amazed when I saw the first book at how exact the print quality was. I could see it just like the ones I have in a folder.


It would be a challenge, but so was creating a story that did not have characters he so loves such as Iron Man or Spider Man. We had to learn to create our own characters from our own imaginations and not use what other people had created. That was a bit of a discussion before he understood and accepted that he could not use any character or story from the television.

It was exciting as day by day we learned new words and worked to develop what the new story would be. He wants it to be for older children. He loves the pictures of the story book I wrote and illustrated but he said there is so much more to this story he wants to tell. He wants it to be one that he and his friends could read.

We began to actually put a story together. He chose the characters and names. We had to work to find solutions to problems early in the story. I loved watching the expressions on his face as he thought and would propose one idea after another until we could find on that might work. Sentence by sentence we made a small beginning. I know it will be written and rewritten many times before we are satisfied but that is part of learning to write a book. I want him to understand and question even his own writing. “Is what I have written easy to understand? Did I describe the characters well enough the reader knows what the look like and what they are like as people? How do they work out their problems? What are their problems? What are they wanting to do? Why?” These were only some of the many things we talked about and tried different things.

After we came up with the first part I typed out what he thought the story should be. We have his ideas, his characters, his story and me putting it together. I asked many questions leading him to analyze the story and develop it as we went along. When I asked a question challenging something the would do or wanted to do he would think and come up with what he thought it should be . This is the first bit we did.........

Beyond The Pumpkin Field


Several years ago, I decided to see if the rumors I had heard about a haunted pumpkin field were true. It was almost Halloween and many whispered about the spooky field down the old gravel road, not too far from my house. It was a night I will never forget. I was afraid to tell others about it, fearing they would never believe what I had seen and heard.
It was the dark of night but the moon shone bright, casting shadows on things below. I was younger then and those shadows looked spooky. I was afraid but did not want the others to know how afraid I really was. I should never have gone without telling my parents, but knew they would say no or think it was silly. We did not think it was silly and I really wanted to know the truth. I had heard many times that there was nothing in the dark that was not there in the daylight, but it sure looked like there might be anything hiding there in the dark.
As the years passed I began to wonder if even in time, we might never know what was the cause and the reason for it all. I just know what I saw, or thought I saw. I know it was true but then again, could it have been a dream? Those were things that I thought about from time to time.
When I think back to that night it was as if some kind of eerie spell had crept in and strange things were all around. The only way for a person to know for sure what was really going on, would be for them to go and see.
In the day it was a field that looked so peaceful with all of the plants the farmer had planted. When I went there before that night in the daylight the field was full of pumpkins the farmer had grown and corn stalks bundled here and there. The scarecrow hung limply on his perch looking old and worn with hay peeking out here and there. His blue shirt was faded with age and his hat hung down low on the head full of hay.
The moon had a silvery light and almost blue in the shadows. I felt a chill in the air and I began to shiver. I remembered the stories I had heard and the rumors of how haunted the place was.
I had also heard about the spell the old witch they told tales about was said to have cast on the land. There were many stories about her too. They say she used to own that land, but the farmer took it away from her. She was so angry she moved far back in the woods, casting spells and haunting anyone she ran across. The other children said a single look from her could turn you to stone or some other equally bad spell she might cast. There were other stories about her too. Each time they were told, the stories became more fearsome.
I have to admit that I was afraid. I was so afraid that night that I could hardly walk. I am still afraid. I have only told a few people about that night but none of them think it was real. Some people think that I just fell asleep because it was late and I had a bad dream. Some told me they thought I was telling lies. Some just laugh and think I am making it all up to scare them. When I think about it, I see no way it could be real. I wonder myself how it could have happened like I remembered. To this day I remember it all.
I walked up to the pumpkin field down a long road lined with big trees and bushes. I expected for one of my friends to jump out and try to scare me any time but it seemed like I was all alone. I could hear the frogs singing their night song not far away in a pond near the field. There were lightening bug or fireflies that flickered in the dark. I had a flashlight but was afraid if I used it, someone might come to see who was there and tell my mom and dad I had been sneaking around in the dark of night. I did not want to get into trouble.
I did not realize that if I got hurt, no one would know I was there. Any bad thing could have happened. It was really not a smart thing to do but here I was thinking about doing it again. Since no one believed my story I began to wonder about it myself. It all seemed so real but I could see no way that it could be real.
Now that I am a teenager you would think I would have figured it out, but I just have more questions. I decided I would have to go back. I might have to go back more than once. No matter what it took, I would have to figure out if it was real or only a dream. I had a plan to take a friend or two this time. I was going to have a witness if there was anything special to see.
This time it would be more than just me that saw things in the dark of night that sent a shiver down your spine. The next day at school we were eating lunch with everyone laughing and talking. I decided to confide in my two closest friends about my plan and hoped they might decide to join in too.
Matt could come and stay with me on the weekend. We would be able to sneak out together and be back home before daylight. I did not like to sneak but that night haunted my memory for all they years after it had happened.
Mary was friends with my older sister. Her name is Amie and she is only a year older than I, but thinks she has the right to always boss me around and treat me like I am only a little kid. The only way I could think of for Mary to be able to come with us, would be for her to stay overnight with my sister. My sister might tell on us and then none of us could go. She also might think it would be a lot of fun or another chance to show how stupid I am. It was a risk I would have to take and hope that Mary could convince her that it would be fun.
When I first began to explain what I had in mind, they both laughed and asked me if I was serious.
“I remember when you first told me all of that and can not believe you are serious. Are you telling me after all this time you still think you saw all those things and that place is haunted with an old wicked witch waiting to catch people?” Matt laughed and I worried others might start to wonder what we were talking about.
“Keep it quiet. You two are the only ones I trust with this. The last thing I need, is for everyone to find out and start telling the whole world. I would be in a lot of trouble if my mom and dad found out. I don't want to listen to some of those bullies teasing me or making fun of me either. I know it sounds crazy but maybe you are just too afraid to come and investigate with me. There are all kinds of groups that investigate things like this that are haunted. They call them paranormal investigators. We would be like them, doing an investigation.” I waited for them to think it over and hoped they would not think it was silly too.
A big smile came across Matt's face. “Have you got a plan on how we can all get there in the middle of the night? The more I think about this the more I think it would be fun. We could be the official Pumpkin Field Ghost Chaser Team.” He broke out in peals of laughter.
“I don't think this is funny. I am serious and hope you will be too. You could come and stay the night with me this weekend and Mary could stay with my sister. They are both in the choir together and I think still friends. Sometimes I wonder how anybody could be friends with my sister as bossy as she is.” I waited to see if I would have company or have to make the investigation on my own.
Matt and Mary both started to smile but it was Mary that spoke first. “You can count me in. I would not miss this for the world. I think we will have to change the name a little. I will go for the Pumpkin Field Ghost Hunters but have to leave the chasing to you guys. If I find a ghost I will be busy runny away.” They all three laughed at her new name for their little expedition.




We have a long way to go and I am considering changing it to third person point of view. For right now we have had fun with him acting as if he was the protagonist and telling his own story. We will wait and see what develops. We have had such a good time and the hours flew by as we talked back and forth about, what if this or what if that? They could have done this but what if that? Questions and answers and before long it is as if we know them.

When I finished typing it he read it allowed and said, “I think we got it Mamaw. This is really going to be cool. I think we have enough ideas we will have to write at least 20 or 30 books. I know we can do it.” I had to laugh. He has told me that several times and his mother and grandpa too. We can do it. We are doing it. What a summer adventure.



We began making a list of things about our story........




STORY DETAILS

CHARACTERS

Jimmy main character Protagonist

Matt his best friend Character

Mary another friend Character

Amie Sister... 1 year older Character
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I Can Do It A Summer Adventure In Writing









It has been an amazing day. My grandson and I plan to write a book together. He has some fantastic ideas and actually complex story lines and characters. I want it to be more. I want this to be our little adventure with writing and learning. I think one of the most important aspects of learning is the ability to learn to think. We can memorize many things. We can read and we can listen. We can learn. We also need to think about all of those things. To be able to use the things we learn, to do something we desire to do or accomplish that something special that has alluded us, is bringing learning into a new light of utilization of acquired skills and knowledge. We need to expand from accepting all we hear, to thinking about what we hear and learning from life.
Much of this day has been discussing. He agrees with me and wants to learn as much as possible and make the book we do together, something special. We can only do that by work. We will have to work to learn many things. We will have to work with ideas and learn to develop them.We will have to think and create.
We discussed his school, teachers, and classes. Whenever I read the little book I wrote called The Pumpkin Field, we always end up talking about many things. We discuss their thoughts, ideas and it goes on from there. Some tell of the their fears such as the fear of darkness and we see how the story helps us to understand those things. We almost always talk about writing. When they ask me about writing the book I see such excitement and enthusiasm. We talked about writing and the last class did a whole class project with them writing their own stories.
As we talk there and at home, one point I ask is about when they learn their spelling words, their definitions of words and what words really are? “You may think that you study your spelling words to get a good grade and that is correct but there is another reason you may not know yet.... you will one day.”
They always ask what it is that they do not know about their own spelling words and at times the teacher looks curious about what I might be getting to in the discussion. “What you learn here in school is wonderful and we all need good grades but there is more. What you learn here is a gift that will last a life time. Your teachers are doing more than teaching you the words, they are helping you how to learn. Teachers give you the gift that lasts all of your lives. The things you learn now will be with you forever.”
We discuss many other things and always have such a good time. Today with my grandson, we reviewed somethings we had already learned and discussed new ideas. We talked about what kind of stories we want to write. We talked about characters and also not using other people's ideas and characters. He does love Iron Man. I even explained copyright about what we write and create including what you see on television. Our story will have to come entirely from our own imagination.
I told him anything worth doing is worth doing well and also worth working as hard as we can. He agreed we will spend this time not only doing a book but learning about books, words and many things we can use to write.
I am not going to go into every detail here but thought about keeping a journal of the study pages, discussions, topics and ideas as we go. I think I will see if I can work it into book form to help other children learn to write or just have a joy and being able to create with words.
I still plan to have a small group of children who are interested in writing with a group of their own. We can have our writers group and the junior group too at different times. I thought about doing a workshop with them if there ever was such an interest. Right now I am excited about what we are doing together, grandson and grandma. He calls me MaMaw.
As I discussed all of this with him he frowned and mentioned it might be nice to have a book so that other kids could make their books too. “Can you teach them and help them with a book?”
“I guess I could, but it would take a lot of work.” He smiled at me as I smiled in return, thinking of how I might be able to do this and him at the same time.
With that big grin on his face he told me we needed a cover for our notebook. It could be the cover for the book to learn to write and then we will have to do our book.
I reviewed some of the vocabulary I wanted him to remember. I asked him if he remembered what a protagonist was. “Sure I do. That’s the one the story is about.”
I then mentioned that the main character would be the protagonist and asked if he remembered how to spell protagonist. He thought for a moment and I could see his little lips move as he silently sounded it out and spelled it perfectly. We did a few other words and definitions including talking about how he could use these things. He asked me why he could just not call them people instead of protagonists. I explained the story might have a main character that was an animal or maybe even an alien. By using the proper term we can more easily understand each other. We lean new things all the time and in school they are always learning new words. Think how limited life would be if we only learned a little and never learned any more. Words can open a whole world and echo through the ages of time.
As I write this blog I am sure now that I will make a book/workbook about writing for young people. Zander is 8 years old and he constantly amazes me. We never know what we can do until we try and then keep trying and learning. As we work to learn and write our story I can also share that experience. It is an exciting time for me and Zander. He has always said that one day he was going to write his own story in his own book with his MaMaw, and the time is right.  We can do it.

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

S.H.E. Anthology... Something Special Filled With Heart





We can think of many book by many authors on many subjects, but what I have to share with you today, is something I think is special and filled with heart. Things are told that are born of pain and blossom into hope and healing in the S.H.E. Anthology. This is a book of many authors each telling their many stories. This is a book involving a subject of grief and healing, hope and survival, children and their hearts filled with fear and pain who go beyond that and grow sharing it with others offering empowerment and hope.

A majority the proceeds from the sale of this anthology will go to mental health institutions that address grief factors especially in children- our next generations of hope! Written by those who know first hand the pain of grief reaching out to others with their words. My blog is titled More Than Just A Story In A Book but this collection truly is more than just the stories in the book. This book is a story from the heart.





 
SPECIAL NOTE to the reader:
Each blog about the S.H.E. Anthology has a unique excerpt to keep things fresh.



A book without a reader is like a day without sunshine.

Newton, Connecticut? Where is that? A massacre? Please, tell me you’re joking! At school? You have got to be kidding! Dumbfounded! I listened to the news about Sandy Hook Elementary! Who didn’t feel disheartened by that story?

Due to my experiences with many deaths in our small community within a short period of time, I felt that the kids and folks in that area might feel less alienated and alone if they were shown the light at the end of their tunnels. I wanted to help find a way to be empower the children and their community while revealing to them a HOPE that things can and do get better. I thought that town might enjoy rhetoric from kindred spirits. PLUS, I felt others including health care professionals might enjoy the same types of stories.

After pondering a bit, God illuminated my next step. Thinking of three books that I had partial copyrights to, I began compiling a book. Plus, I immediately had the title of an anthology in my mind- the S.H.E. Anthology. It’s NOT a romance anthology but it was written by females. In this book, the girls recollected traumas, mostly related to death, that they faced while in elementary school. Their stories reveal their path out of mourning along with many minor miracles that they encountered. Their tales of hope and inspiration are true accounts from those children turned authors. This book is meant to empower Newton as well as others that read it. The authors hope that this anthology sheds some new light on grief recovery in the minds of teachers, mental health professionals, and adults handling major life changes.

The abbreviation ‘S.H.E’ also refers to Sandy Hook Elementary. Isn’t God the best at setting up coincidences?


In one part of this anthology, there is some great insight into being the victim of death and childhood loss. Stacey’s Song is an intimate look at a ten year old girl’s personal story about the results of her mother’s cancer death. She, also, deals with the aftermath that includes her dad going crazy and committing suicide. Obviously, tragedies, such as the Sandy Hook Massacre, touch home with her. Stacey talks candidly about overcoming her PTSD. Her honesty in her writing is only surpassed by the miracles and guidance from God.

In the excerpt that follows, God taps into the young girl’s anger and pent-up grief. In the book, near the end of her teen years, an unexpected person brings closure to Stacey’s mourning. She meets the man that tried to save her father from his suicide mission, which turns out to be another blessing from GOD.


…while at work, I met a man, a police officer. His name is John. As we discussed orphans and life’s ups and downs, I discovered he raised and orphan, too. That is not what caught my attention. We actually shared a different bond.
“How long have you been a cop?” I chimed into the ongoing conversation at work.
“About twelve years!”
“Oh, then you would not know!” I spoke thoughts.
“Know what?” He prodded.
“About my dad!” I added.
“What happened to your dad?”
“He committed suicide in 1991.”
“Oh?” My coworkers and he questioned rhetorically.
“Yeah, put the car on fire and died!” I finally spoke it aloud.
“Where?” The policeman showed interest.
“In this town!” I answered.
“When?” He pursued. “I used to be a fireman!”
“In 1991?” I questioned.
After a strange pause, he calmly stated, “I pulled his body from the car that night, then.”
My mind wandered around my first playground. The rope swing rested motionless because my soul decided to ignore its pleas to escape my current life, this time. My dungeons and their caretakers evaded my sight as well, which revealed my level of maturity and growth. Then, somewhere in the distance, fire engine sounds rang out. As a child, I’d run to grab the candy thrown from this Christmas decorated truck. That vehicle arrived, once a year; and I loved its sound. After dad died in the fire, his suicide method, I avoided all firemen, trucks, toys, and thoughts. Nothing convinced me that there existed any goodness in anything associated with fire. Today, life revolved full circle once again because this policeman witnessed it all. It never jaded him. At that moment, I thought about my mother’s last smile as Santa approached her window. The present is definitely the gift.
I called Cindy immediately with my news. She wasn’t as surprised as me. Nothing sent from God surprised her anymore not even my chance to share my feeling about Dad’s death with another participant from 1991. It’s cathartic!

Is Stacey’s Son a mournful tune or an upbeat journey out of mourning? Read her full story in Stacey’s Song or in the S.H.E. Anthology.



Also, in that anthology, The Evans Terrace Girls give their account of what happened when 7 or more parents died within a year or 2 of each other in a small subdivision of about 110 homes. People started saying their land was CURSED. The children heard those rumors about their subdivision and were scared to death. Some of the children formed a group that became a club and led their neighborhood out of grief. An excerpt from their story follows.
This next excerpt from The Evans Terrace Girls shows how good intentions encourage most people to noble acts that spawn random acts of kindness.

     As the first members arrived at my house to be car pooled to the
  
 shopping plaza, my mother pulled out the flyers as well as a poster.

 Secretly, she made us a poster with huge black and blue letters stating,

 “FREE POOL.” In smaller letters she wrote “safety flyers.” Her

 homemade concoction was hilarious but potentially embarrassing. At

 first, we expressed reservations about her artwork.
 
      “This will get their attention!” She explained. “Who will pass up a 

free pool?” My mother was serious about it being a useful tool to

 attract people away from the video store long enough to offer them

 the rest of the message or safety pamphlet.

    “Don’t laugh,” Joy defended. “She is right! I’d stop for a free pool!”
 
The morning proved to be slow. Mia, Ann, and I sat on the sidewalk

 discouraged. Suddenly, Mia began to sing her boredom away. “Drown

 do be do drown drown,” She sang to the melody of a real song.

      “Come on. Come on. Drown do be do drown drown.” Ann and I

 hummed along at first, “Come on. Come on. Drown do be do drown

 drown. Waking up will be hard to do....” 
  
      After that song, we made up other lyrics to popular melodies, “Um
 
 bop, don’t drop, into your pool, stop...in an um drop their gone...” and

 so on. Making up the best new words became a competition as

 crowds from church finally started arriving for their brunch. 
 
At that point, we begged people to take our flyers. Some people

 humored us but then left the flyers of their tables as part of the

 waitress’s tip. Others avoided eye contact as we presented out

 pamphlets. One man got down right mean. After a conversation

 begging him to take the paper, he said, “I work for a charity and can

 get anything I need. So, I don’t need your flyer. No, thank-you.”
     As he left, my mother muttered, “You may head a charity but you

 have no kindness in your heart.” We heard her but he was too busy

 wearing his lopsided halo to turn back.
   Cars started arriving in the parking lot, which also serviced a grocery

 chain. We held our poster high and tempted cars to come to

 screeching stops as people read the words free pool. This prank did

 attract attention. Some crowds did gather until they read the rest of 

the poster. In the end, we handed out fifty flyers on our shift. Then, Joy

 and Nicole arrived to relieve us.
     Joy tempted fate by standing as close to the video store as legal. She

 harassed people until they came closer to hear what her poster was

 offering. Nicole asked how we did; she decided her group’s goal was

 to meet or match our number. It was about that time that two people

came by to offer us money towards our cause. Since our flyers were

 free, we declined the money.
    As we stood hassling people, a manager from the grocery walked

 right up to mom. We thought this meant that she was being scolded.

 Watching for a minute, we noticed my mother was laughing. As he

 left, we found out why this man went out of his way to leave his post

 and greet our adult leader
.
    “The store offered us free cookies. All we have to do is tell them

 that manager sent us,” My mother explained. 

 
“Go get them now,” I yelped.

“We are hungry,” Joy added.



What other minor miracles happened (free cookies) when these girls join forces with others to make good things happen in this world? Read The Evans Terrace Girls or their section in the S.H.E. Anthology.
The eBook copy of the S.H.E Anthology is available

as a KINDLE @

in other eBook formats @ SMASHWORDS.com @ http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/278511
The paperback version comes in BLACK & WHITE on AMAZON @
Plus, the S.H.E Anthology is in color paperback format @
So, come on buy to be inspired and help grieving children. It’s a WIN-WIN.
By the Way, a copy of this anthology went to Newton’s public library as well.
Other contact information follows.
E-MAIL @ mchanson714@yahoo.com
My generic Blog is @ http://mchanson714.blogspot.com
My SMASHWORDS generic link to all my eBooks is (they distribute to Sony, IBooks, etc.)
This is the AMAZON generic link to all my Kindles and paperbacks




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