It doesn't matter who we are, we all have a voice to say. This is where we can say who we are. We are artists with a purpose and that purpose is to share our talents with the rest of the world. This is my story and I would like to share it with you as along with other authors.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Portable Food-In-A-Pill Helps Soldiers and Civilians in Emergencies, Will Metabolize Your Own Fat
I did a bit of research for a manuscript when I came across this and thought it was cool. If only we could have it sooner. Then again, perhaps it is already in place, and I do not know it yet. Portable Food-In-A-Pill Helps Soldiers and Civilians in Emergencies, Will Metabolize Your Own Fat
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wonderful World of Grammar
I found this article interesting that perhaps future teachers or writers would like cause we all have a voice.
Sams, Lynn, How to Teach Grammar, Analytical Thinking, and Writing: A Method That Works, The English Journal, Vol. 92, No. 3, Revitalizing Grammar (Jan., 2003), pp. 57-65, National Council of Teachers of English, http://www.jstor.org/stable/822261
Summary
Lynn Sams begins How to Teach Grammar, Analytical Thinking, and Writing . . . by coming to a conclusion herself. She stated that grammar goes in hand and hand with writing. While the desire to study one topic is there, both have to be studied together. While teaching in classroom, she explores what struggles her students had with regards to what prevented them from placing thoughts on paper. She finds they had problems with organization, coherence, and revision. Sams decided to take a step further to get into developing what she calls, “The root causes” of why her students struggled. What she sees is as she develops strategies to combat current problems is that she was teaching Grammar. It was more towards what the structure and meaning were than the usage. She talks about what happens as she continues to explore. As she and her students go further in the year, Sams comes to the same answer what twentieth researchers have already concluded. Researchers claimed that “Direct instruction in grammar had no impact on writing.” That idea, alone, of studying grammar has nothing to deal with how writing works. Grammar, in Sams’ words, “taught prescription (usage and rules)” and also “description (nouns, verbs, prepositional phrases).” She goes on to add that grammar included “the naming of parts.” But that is not all stated in the article. Another point Sams brings to the reader’s attention is the theology of what is called the “In-Context” method. This system is a more socially accepted perspective and is sponsored as a way of approaching grammar. The method means using a little bit more than an application which some teachers will pull from the hat. Unfortunately, this is also a fail. The reason this approach to grammar fails is it treats the subject as something separated from writing. That grammar is a separate force outside the written aspect. Sams claims the two are not apart, but they are as one. And with grammar and writing connected, it “becomes abundantly clear the more closely we align our methods of teaching writing with the nature of the composing process.” In simpler terms it means, writing is an art that we need to understand. As we come to this understanding of how writing works, then we can incorporate what we want to get across to the students. Our methods will fall naturally like they are supposed to.
Sams, Lynn, How to Teach Grammar, Analytical Thinking, and Writing: A Method That Works, The English Journal, Vol. 92, No. 3, Revitalizing Grammar (Jan., 2003), pp. 57-65, National Council of Teachers of English, http://www.jstor.org/stable/822261
Summary
Lynn Sams begins How to Teach Grammar, Analytical Thinking, and Writing . . . by coming to a conclusion herself. She stated that grammar goes in hand and hand with writing. While the desire to study one topic is there, both have to be studied together. While teaching in classroom, she explores what struggles her students had with regards to what prevented them from placing thoughts on paper. She finds they had problems with organization, coherence, and revision. Sams decided to take a step further to get into developing what she calls, “The root causes” of why her students struggled. What she sees is as she develops strategies to combat current problems is that she was teaching Grammar. It was more towards what the structure and meaning were than the usage. She talks about what happens as she continues to explore. As she and her students go further in the year, Sams comes to the same answer what twentieth researchers have already concluded. Researchers claimed that “Direct instruction in grammar had no impact on writing.” That idea, alone, of studying grammar has nothing to deal with how writing works. Grammar, in Sams’ words, “taught prescription (usage and rules)” and also “description (nouns, verbs, prepositional phrases).” She goes on to add that grammar included “the naming of parts.” But that is not all stated in the article. Another point Sams brings to the reader’s attention is the theology of what is called the “In-Context” method. This system is a more socially accepted perspective and is sponsored as a way of approaching grammar. The method means using a little bit more than an application which some teachers will pull from the hat. Unfortunately, this is also a fail. The reason this approach to grammar fails is it treats the subject as something separated from writing. That grammar is a separate force outside the written aspect. Sams claims the two are not apart, but they are as one. And with grammar and writing connected, it “becomes abundantly clear the more closely we align our methods of teaching writing with the nature of the composing process.” In simpler terms it means, writing is an art that we need to understand. As we come to this understanding of how writing works, then we can incorporate what we want to get across to the students. Our methods will fall naturally like they are supposed to.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day with an Author---Rob Andrews, Author of WiSpy
I have a very special guest today. Meet Rob Andrews, the author of the YA novel WiSpy. Rob, thanks for coming and giving your thoughs on your experience as an Author.
Rob:
Thanks, Millicent,
Becoming an author has been a wonderful and eye-opening experience for me!
I have always liked writing and "wrote" books (illustrated pirate/monster stories) before I could actually write, so it seems to be hard-wired into my D.N.A., so actually becoming published was a real highpoint for me.
I have been learning a great deal about writing and the publishing (especially electronic publishing) world since I started into the process and I have to say that there is always more to learn!
There are many good tools and websites out there and if you stay true to keeping your participation there about the writing, they are incredibly helpful. WiSpY, my young adult paranormal romance was actually spotted by a publisher on a writer's site, which was a completely unexpected bonus.
I actually gave credit in the acknowledgements for WiSpY to the other writers on that site who gave me very helpful suggestions and a good deal of positive feedback that affirmed that I had something people liked. Had the book not been picked up, the feedback from those readers would have helped me query the book to other publishers.
The book has been out for a few months now and is working its way onto many sites and beginning to get reviews. If anyone has read Stephen King's book "On Writing", I would suggest that his 'Carrie' phone call experience will not typify the experience of most first time writers :)
It was a real rush the first time I got a positive review from someone I didn't know in virtual or plain old reality and the same was true of the first sale I couldn't trace to a friend, fellow writer or family member!
All that aside, I still have my love of writing and wordplay. In the book, the main character, Adam (who, like you, is a blogger - and who is very tall and rather uncoordinated) is thinking about his high school years when he says "I discovered the school newspaper and the annual. It was better for everyone that I was mainly sitting down for these activities, and the girls forgot how short I made them feel. I discovered that I loved words and the interplay that happened as they danced with the ideas in my head. This was my first real love. " I was speaking through Adam there (although I firmly believe that characters will sometimes speak for themselves, so no eye rolling!) because that's how I feel about it (even though I wrote neither for the school paper or yearbook!)
So as the process unfolds, I keep my optimism high, my expectations grounded and my eyes wide open to learn everything I can to improve my next effort!
Rob:
Thanks, Millicent,
Becoming an author has been a wonderful and eye-opening experience for me!
I have always liked writing and "wrote" books (illustrated pirate/monster stories) before I could actually write, so it seems to be hard-wired into my D.N.A., so actually becoming published was a real highpoint for me.
I have been learning a great deal about writing and the publishing (especially electronic publishing) world since I started into the process and I have to say that there is always more to learn!
There are many good tools and websites out there and if you stay true to keeping your participation there about the writing, they are incredibly helpful. WiSpY, my young adult paranormal romance was actually spotted by a publisher on a writer's site, which was a completely unexpected bonus.
I actually gave credit in the acknowledgements for WiSpY to the other writers on that site who gave me very helpful suggestions and a good deal of positive feedback that affirmed that I had something people liked. Had the book not been picked up, the feedback from those readers would have helped me query the book to other publishers.
The book has been out for a few months now and is working its way onto many sites and beginning to get reviews. If anyone has read Stephen King's book "On Writing", I would suggest that his 'Carrie' phone call experience will not typify the experience of most first time writers :)
It was a real rush the first time I got a positive review from someone I didn't know in virtual or plain old reality and the same was true of the first sale I couldn't trace to a friend, fellow writer or family member!
All that aside, I still have my love of writing and wordplay. In the book, the main character, Adam (who, like you, is a blogger - and who is very tall and rather uncoordinated) is thinking about his high school years when he says "I discovered the school newspaper and the annual. It was better for everyone that I was mainly sitting down for these activities, and the girls forgot how short I made them feel. I discovered that I loved words and the interplay that happened as they danced with the ideas in my head. This was my first real love. " I was speaking through Adam there (although I firmly believe that characters will sometimes speak for themselves, so no eye rolling!) because that's how I feel about it (even though I wrote neither for the school paper or yearbook!)
So as the process unfolds, I keep my optimism high, my expectations grounded and my eyes wide open to learn everything I can to improve my next effort!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
New Semester-History Class
So, school has started again, and I finally finished one of the books I had planned on finishing. Now, as usual, more books come. However, not all are bad. Seriously, for history we have this book all about the banana. Yes, the banana. More so of where it originated, and how it became one of the main fruits for the global market. Should be interesting, yet I question the professor. She said she taught this particular course four times in the 20+ years of teaching. She seemes very relaxed about it, but maybe it is because she has an aid. Another thing she mentioned was her aids always received higher marks than she. But then again, she admitted to us she also was the aid whom the students gave higher marks than the professor. So she added the famous, "what comes around, goes around" at the end of that discussion. Forgot to mention at the beginning of the class she wanted to have music, so she added this. I thought it was done well. Have a listen.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
And the Journey Moves Onward! Scene from TGS
What, it's already the second week in January, and not one post? Oy, have to get on that. Now to think what has been going on the past few weeks. Well, have a look!
I hung up the phone and reflected on Derek’s words. What did he mean ‘pull you from hot water’? I shook my head, and pulled the covers over my head. Five more minutes please? The image of me on hooks flashed through my mind. I threw the covers off. Might as well get up now. It was going to be an interesting day if the Colonel wanted me. I grabbed hold of random CD and threw it into player. The first song that came on was ACDC’s “Highway to Hell.” I raised an eyebrow at the irony, and shrugged my shoulders. Slipping on my fuzzy slippers, I walked by the main computer, and knocked on its surface. “Good morning Heng-O.”
Heng-O appeared stretching as if she’d been asleep. She was unique because she was also a demon, but trapped in the computer by Saain. Through her, Saain was able to control everyone trapped in that awful place. “Good morning Mistress,” she said. “Anything I could do while you are away?”
“Just the usual,” I said, and shrugged, going into the bathroom, and started the shower. “Nothing else.” I pulled opened the medicine cabinet. A small half-full bottle of medicine poked back, questioning if I would use it today or not. Shrugged my shoulders again, and closed it.
I don’t need them, I thought as I undressed, and got in. I can get by without them. I shifted the knob to make it hotter than what a mortal was able to take. Due to a chemical in my body, I was able to control the elements of fire and ice. Thus, they had proven as immunity. I closed my eyes, and concentrated on my inner fire to rise higher than the water’s. However, I was careful not to allow it to melt my skin. The hot water messaged the aching muscles left over from the day before. Someday I’ll learn to stop taking hard falls, so my muscles would be nice to me.
I hung up the phone and reflected on Derek’s words. What did he mean ‘pull you from hot water’? I shook my head, and pulled the covers over my head. Five more minutes please? The image of me on hooks flashed through my mind. I threw the covers off. Might as well get up now. It was going to be an interesting day if the Colonel wanted me. I grabbed hold of random CD and threw it into player. The first song that came on was ACDC’s “Highway to Hell.” I raised an eyebrow at the irony, and shrugged my shoulders. Slipping on my fuzzy slippers, I walked by the main computer, and knocked on its surface. “Good morning Heng-O.”
Heng-O appeared stretching as if she’d been asleep. She was unique because she was also a demon, but trapped in the computer by Saain. Through her, Saain was able to control everyone trapped in that awful place. “Good morning Mistress,” she said. “Anything I could do while you are away?”
“Just the usual,” I said, and shrugged, going into the bathroom, and started the shower. “Nothing else.” I pulled opened the medicine cabinet. A small half-full bottle of medicine poked back, questioning if I would use it today or not. Shrugged my shoulders again, and closed it.
I don’t need them, I thought as I undressed, and got in. I can get by without them. I shifted the knob to make it hotter than what a mortal was able to take. Due to a chemical in my body, I was able to control the elements of fire and ice. Thus, they had proven as immunity. I closed my eyes, and concentrated on my inner fire to rise higher than the water’s. However, I was careful not to allow it to melt my skin. The hot water messaged the aching muscles left over from the day before. Someday I’ll learn to stop taking hard falls, so my muscles would be nice to me.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve at DPA
This is fabulous, having the day where people have excuse to drink. Of course, granted, police will be out making sure the streets are safe. Hm, time to drive the back roads when heading to a dance tonight. Nothing like spending time at home, and write what comes to mind. Hopefully no demons will be out, so we do not have to call out the Slayers. Would rather give them the day off than half a day. Hm, bummer, looks like I would have to do it. Oh, nope, will be at dance. Shoot, will have to get another to cover me.
Work is coming along, and progress is made. The third story is flowing although it has a few bugs in it as expected. Lots of new discoveries to be made and even some old villains with new tricks. Adventure which the main character suffers herself to endure. Pain, sorrow, and love will be tested as Raylene and Luccas comes closer. Some surprises while some expected. The two characters will move together as one body. Each with their own personal troubles, fighting to overcome the same darkness which plagues them. How will they? That answer will be revealed.
Work is coming along, and progress is made. The third story is flowing although it has a few bugs in it as expected. Lots of new discoveries to be made and even some old villains with new tricks. Adventure which the main character suffers herself to endure. Pain, sorrow, and love will be tested as Raylene and Luccas comes closer. Some surprises while some expected. The two characters will move together as one body. Each with their own personal troubles, fighting to overcome the same darkness which plagues them. How will they? That answer will be revealed.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
End of Semester
Wow, now that I have completed a first semester at an university, my mind can be at ease. Well, at least until there has to be more editing to do. Been working on the third manuscript to a current series, yet have no idea if there will be a fourth or not. All depends on what happens in this one. At least some books will be read during this break. Okay, maybe not all the one I would love to finish, but half would be good. And to remember not to buy anymore books until then will be hard. Yet for the sake of not burying myself in a pile of unread ones, these will have to be read. Perferably before the next semester where a ton of books will have to be read, and will not be ones that I choose.
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