Not All Who Wander Are Lost

You know, I love books with twists. I remember back in college buying Bring Me the Head of Prince Charming --a humorous fantasy wherein the forces of evil are trying to win the centennial contest for control of the world's souls. I also remember feeling strange as I rooted for Satan while reading For Love of Evi l, a more serious treatment of the fallen one. James Hatch's The Substitute has me feeling that way all over again. In The Substitute the devil has met his match with hilarious results. Having grown up in the shadow of the wonderful city of Chicago, I particularly loved the beginning of the book. Ms. Havana's early life tangled with political corruption, a woman scorned, a hit man and the trials and tribulations of being a high school substitute teacher had me in stitches. The twists and turns that wind all those involved in Ms. Havana's untimely demise in their own personal hells were cringe-inducing, though eminently appropriate. Ms. Havana herself win...

I had one interview and have talked to quite a few people since the book came out and one thing they all mention is that they don't know where I find the time. My friend Jenny always jokes that I carry about three extra hours around in my pockets. I don't, I really don't. I suppose you find the time wherever you can. There are always a couple of extra minutes and hours lying around. If you want to find the time to do something--write, read, go to the park and hang out on the swings with the three year old--you'll find it. I do a lot of things during my plan periods and early in the morning. I write a lot during the down time at parent teacher conferences. I read while watching TV, plot in the car on the way to and from work, and plan lessons as I cook dinner. For those of you who haven't read it yet, here's the link to the review from the Oak Park Wednesday Journal Book Blog. I'm really rather proud of it, though I think that I'm going to have to wri...

You know, since getting a book published, I think it's funny how many people tell me that writing a book is something they've always wanted to do. It's a shared dream, I think. Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone takes the time to write it down. It's a worthwhile experience, in my opinion. However, if you're going to become a writer, you will write. It doesn't matter the time, the job, the kids--you'll find the time. Even if it's fifteen minutes after lunch, you'll find the time to scribble down a couple lines on the outline, jot down a line of dialogue or type up that scene that's been bothering you since you tried to sleep last night. The characters you're currently working with and characters whose names you don't even know, will start to bother you in those moments before sleeping, or the time just after waking. Plot twists will thread their way through dinner time conversations and car rides. You'll find your commute...

Next Monday should prove to be an interesting experience. I'm being interviewed the books blogger for the Oak Park Wednesday Journal. It's a wonderful opportunity! I can't say thank enough to Jan for passing on my name. She also asked me to be a guest blogger for her blog. Since, they're interested in me more because I'm a local teacher AND a writer, I decided to write more from the teacher POV. I wrote a little article on "YA Books are More than Sparkly Vampires." I'll post a link as soon as it's up and running. Though, I suppose I should also send her the jpeg of my book cover too.