Summer Kids Writing Club

So it's official. I'm running the following kids club out of the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, Massachusetts this summer. It's for kids entering 4th grade through 7th grade.

Any writers in the area, I'd love special guests if you're interested!

Love adventure? Mystery? Wizards? Do you love to write your own stories? Whatever you love to write, Dream Big! Join Kris Asselin, local author, to talk about reading, writing, critiquing, writing prompts,  rhetorical devices, and more. This is aimed at kids in grades 4 through 7 with a limit of 12 kids per session. It will run from 6:30-7:30 on Wednesdays in July and August, beginning on July 11. Sign up for the sessions you will attend. 

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Writing Outside Your Comfort Zone

Sometimes all it takes to get the creative juices flowing is to write something new. Not just new, but something you've never tried before. Write fiction? Try a short non-fiction piece. Too different? Okay, write paranormal? Try historical fiction.

I'm typically very comfortable writing contemporary. You know, write what you know? But recently, I tried co-writing a historical fiction piece with my friend Ansha Kotyk. Writing with a friend rocked!! Let me tell you, it was invigorating to have someone to bounce ideas off of, help balance the research, and just get excited about the story.

I've never written historical fiction, but it was awesome! We wrote a little over 7000 words in less than a week. I would never have thought that possible!

Write outside your comfort zone. Think outside the box (unless,  you're a cat ). Give it a try!

http://moxie.misslitter.com/2009/03/never-ever-think-outside-box.html

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Kissing in the Rain: Happy Valentine's Day

I didn't participate in the That's YAmore blogfest, so my blurb is 313 words, not 250. But I really wanted to post a kissing scene from my work-in-revision novel THE SWEET SPOT on Valentine's Day. Especially since this particular kissing scene might get cut. Not sure yet, but it's a possibility.

Anyway, Kate's just been left in a parking lot a few miles from home by another boy. Scott's been following her in his car after telling her hours before he just wants to be friends. And then it starts to rain.

***

A little rain never hurt anyone.

But the next step squelched and she sank up to her ankle in mud. She stretched out both arms to catch her balance. Cringing, she pulled her foot out with effort. Pink Chuck Taylors covered in thick mud.

Everything from the last three days crashed down. Covering her eyes, Kate screamed. Screamed in guilt for blaming Giles. Screamed in despair for losing the golf course. Screamed in heartbreak for losing Scott.

He splashed through the puddle behind her, and the next thing she knew, his arms were around her and he pulled her close. “Sshh,” he crooned. “It's okay.”

His shirt was soaked, but she leaned into him. She wasn’t sure if it was him or the lilacs, but the world suddenly felt safer.

He pushed a strand of wet hair away from her face. Trying to catch her breath, a sob caught in her throat and she shuddered. She covered her mouth with her hand.

Gently, Scott pulled her hand away and cupped her face in both hands. His eyes were bright, his lips parted. He stared at her. It looked like he was weighing the risks.

Her heart in her throat, she met his gaze. His turquoise eyes flickered as though he wasn’t sure of his next move.

This is the last chance. There won’t be another one.

She laced her fingers behind his head and pulled him down just enough for their lips to touch. His were smooth and soft.

The sweet spot.

He pushed back with just a little pressure. Tentative at first, like he was afraid she’d break if he kissed her too hard. And then his arms were around her waist and he crushed her tightly, like he was afraid she’d vanish if he ever let go.  

A lifetime passed. Or a couple of minutes. She never wanted it to end.

picture credit: http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/78934/kiss-in-the-rain-3.html

 Don't you just love this picture? It's totally Kate and Scott.

***

Happy Valentine's Day!

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YA Stands

I'm excited to report that I'll be blogging with the gals over at YA Stands on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month! I want to thank Nicole, Nikki, Julie, Heather, and Jo for welcoming me into the fold!

I'll be blogging about YA and the publishing industry, so stay tuned! Go over there and follow the gang! And if anyone has any suggestions about topics, please feel free to share.

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