Inspiration | Cathy C. Hall Writes

This weekend, I wish to find the time to read the whole week’s worth of posts by all the wonderful folks who put together the Share a Story, Shape a Future blog tour for literacy.

Elizabeth Dulemba, who drew that cute-as-button bear button for the tour, hosted today (check out her blog here). She explores (with all kinds of fab links) the techno-side of reading, which I have to admit, pulls out a mixed-bag of feelings for me.

I’m intrigued by all the technical applications for reading books, and I think these apps appeal to young readers. In fact, my gut tells me that techno-reading is the reading wave of the future. But I love books-the feel, the smell, the intimate experience of being curled up with pages, and I want future generations to enjoy that experience. I guess the technical applications are a little like heaven-I’m all for it, just not ready to get there yet.

And here’s a few other wishes I have, while I’m at it. I wish that every kid finds somebody wonderful to encourage reading, techno or old school. And I wish all kinds of wonderful things for all those who took the time to make the Share a Story, Shape a Future literacy blog tour such a wonderful place to visit!

The February issue at WOW!Women-on-writing is all about Children’s writing! This month, WOW! talks to a bunch of children’s writers (wonder if there’s a name for a bunch of writers? I mean, witches,whales, and warships have group names. Shouldn’t writers?) who happily share their writing wisdom.

I love hearing tales from the writing trenches, and how-to tips, too. And I love asking writers questions and sharing their answers. So, I was thrilled that WOW! used my interview with Eve Heidi Bine-Stock! You can find out what Eve had to say in “Twenty Questions with Eve Heidi Bine-Stock.”

Eve has written three books on how to write children’s picture books, and I read and enjoyed each book. She uses lots of diagrams (very visual!) and examples from children’s books (very literary!) to explain all those techniques that look so easy (but are so, so hard!).

Check out my article for some great how-to tips, courtesy of Eve. But don’t stop there! Read the entire issue and soak up all that writerly wisdom from the wrabble (I’m coining that term for a group of writers. What d’you think?).