May | 2011 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Holy download, Batman! I may just have to spend a few of my hard-earned bucks for this program called WriteItNow that I found today.

After spending the last thirty minutes or so, fiddling with the free demo download, I’m beginning to see a definite value in this story-writing program. On the other hand, the demo story has to do with Native Americans and shamans and a mystery. I mean, I totally got sucked in with the story. But then there’s the super-impressive software sucking me in, too…

I’d love to hear if any of my writing buds have tried it. What was your experience? Or if you try the download and decide to buy WriteItNow, let me know all about it. Because it has just occurred to me that Mother’s Day is this weekend.

I’m pretty sure that Mother’s Day had something to do with the Writer Mama Every-Day-in-May-Book Giveaway. I don’t think it matters whether you are a mom or not; as long as you enjoy a good read, and enjoy winning a good book, then you’re eligible. Still, it’s a good idea to read “Da Rules.”

So zip over to Christina Katz’ site to find today’s giveaway. Meanwhile, I have some writing to do. Something along the lines of…

Dear Junior Halls,

I know you’ve been racking your brains, trying to figure out what to give your dear, sweet mother. It just so happens, I’ve got a couple brilliant ideas…

Holy cow! We’re already half-way through National Children’s Book Week! But not to worry–the keepers I’ve found for you will be around till the end of the week. And the blogs and websites, books and activities, will be around long after. So off we go!

First, you should know that National Children’s Book Week is the national celebration of books and reading for youth. Honestly, I celebrate reading every day. My nose is always stuck in a book, or a blog, or a newspaper. I blame it on my chock-full-of-books-youth. I just have to read. Without books, I’d be…well, that’s just too scary to think about.

Fortunately, there are A LOT of folks who are as hooked on books as I am, who understand how books can change a life. And they celebrate each year with special events, story-telling, book giveaways…the list goes on and on. It’s probably about time I shared the list with you!

1. Donna over at Donna’s Book Pub is giving away a couple of ARC’s (that’s Advanced Reader Copy) for middle grade readers. Scoot over there for a chance to win!

2. Margo at Read These Books and Use Them is sponsoring a book giveaway, too. I’m not sure what the book will be, but I know it’s ghost stories. Sign me up for that one!

3. Do you think you’re a great cartoonist? The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Comics Contest is going on right now! You have some time for this contest, but sorry. You have to be 6-16 years old to enter. (Phooey. I had a BRILLIANT idea.)

4. You’ll want to check out the sponsors over at the CBW. I had a great time over at Read it Loud! Lots of wonderful resources there, but I really got carried away with the Storybook Adventure.

I’ll bet your community is celebrating National Children’s Book Week, too. Take a look around and see what you can find close to home. Or better yet, grab a book and start reading to the children in your life. Trust me, they’ll grow up to thank you. (P.S. Thanks, Mom and Dad–and awesome kindergarten teacher whose name I can never remember!)