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It started with a letter. A letter that had been lost a long time, waiting out half a century in a forgotten postal bag in the dim attic of a nondescript house in Bermondsey ... Edie Burchill and her mother have never been close, but when a long-lost letter arrives one Sunday afternoon with the return address of Milderhurst Castle, Kent, printed on its envelope, Edie begins to suspect that her mother?s emotional distance masks an old secret. Evacuated from London as a thirteen-year-old girl, Edie?s mother is chosen by the mysterious Juniper Blythe, and taken to live at Milderhurst Castle with the Blythe family: Juniper, her twin sisters and their father, Raymond, author of the 1918 children?s classic The True History of the Mud Man. In the grand and glorious Milderhurst Castle, a new world opens up for Edie?s mother. She discovers the joys of books and fantasy and writing, but also, ultimately, the dangers. Fifty years later, as Edie chases the answers to her mother?s riddle, she, too, is drawn to Milderhurst Castle and the eccentric Sisters Blythe. Old ladies now, the three still live together, the twins nursing Juniper, whose abandonment by her fianc? in 1941 plunged her into madness. Inside the decaying castle, Edie begins to unravel her mother?s past. But there are other secrets hidden in the stones of Milderhurst Castle, and Edie is about to learn more than she expected. The truth of what happened in the distant hours has been waiting a long time for someone to find it.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Books That Boost Your Child's Growth
Books are necessary in a child's life. Books are introduced in the life of a child early in life to encourage the child to develop a good reading culture since there are different levels of learning that takes place through reading books. Children literature is very simple and easy to understand basing on the level of brain development and concentration they have.
There are different types of books suitable for the different ages of children. The books written for children use languages and animations like cartoons and pictures to help the content of the articles memorable as they read. The books are always accompanied with colorful drawings and art work that interest children. Children between the ages of four and eight have books that have fewer words and more pictures. As they grow this is reduced and the words are increased. The titles are also interesting and their covers given good colors to encourage the kids to want to read.
When shopping for books for your children, it is advisable to shop with them and allow them to choose the books they want unless they have been requested by the teachers. This will encourage them to read the books they chose. You can look at the best books on the Internet and check whether they are available in your stores. There are books that can be found online to ensure your child gets the books that are necessary for their growth. Read along with the young kids and guide the ones who can read on their own. The story books are the children's best books followed by fiction and magic, games and activity books, and the schools books. Develop the child's reading culture early and be an example to them by reading your own books or their books together. Create a friendly environment for reading by reducing noise, having enough books for the children to read and encouraging them to read.
Monday, December 20, 2010
How to Choose Good Books
Good books show their standing through high sales figures and high search figures on the internet. The 5 most popular categories based on these criteria (in descending order of importance) are Children's books, Management books, Fiction books, Books on Business and, Sales books.
Children's books are a popular choice as gifts. They are valuable as they help develop the child's reasoning and imaginative abilities and expand his/her vocabulary. They also aid in instilling sound moral values.
But choosing the right book for a specific child can be a challenge and the following guidelines should help.
Children can be grouped into categories according to their approximate age and a useful grouping is that of preschool, junior school, high school and young adults. This broad grouping should allow the preliminary elimination of certain books.
Next, any book with sensitive content can be eliminated. This would include all books which would not be in line with the family's values e.g. those which promote a specific religious point of view and those which require maturity to handle such as gratuitous violence and sexuality.
The gender of the child will further eliminate additional types of books.
Management books relate to the effective and efficient activities involved in the operation of a business. They cover the common activities of Business Intelligence Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Information Technology Management, Marketing Management, Production Management, Service Management and, Strategic Management,
It should be noted that most of the books are either heavily skewed towards theory, which makes it difficult to put their content directly into practice, or are based on case studies of organisations which were successful in the past.
Case-study based books are also normally those which make the bestseller lists but suffer from two basic defects. Firstly, their content reflects the author's definition of success and success factors. Secondly, they use the past to suggest future "success" managerial actions. These two defects are reflected in the fact that the majority of these so-called successful companies used as examples are usually no longer so successful when looked at today. Further, that the application of these identified "success" factors in similar organisations rarely result in the required improvement.
Management books are nevertheless important and serve a valuable function as long as the reader realises that their content has to be adapted to his/her unique situation and uses their content as broad guidelines.
Fiction books are those which feature invented stories and consist of the following sub-categories:
Horror fiction whose aim is to frighten the reader by exploiting his/her conscious and/or unconscious fears. The best known authors are Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Clive Barker.
Mystery fiction which are usually based on a main character trying to solve a crime. It has three sub-categories which are crime, detective and spy. Successful authors in this category are John Sandford, Michael Connolly, Robert B Parker, Sue Grafton, Kathy Reichs and James Lee Burke.
Romance fiction which usually feature a lover having to overcome great hurdles to be with the love of his life. Authors in this category are Danielle Steele, Barbara Cartland and Daphne Du Maurier.
Science fiction/Fantasy books which have stories set in imaginary worlds using advanced technologies. This category has increased in popularity due to films such as Star Wars, Star Trek and, more recently, The Matrix and successful authors include J.K. Rowling, Arthur C. Clark, Ray Bradbury and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Suspense/Thriller fiction which commonly features a character exposed to constant threat whilst up against a villain. The best known authors in this category are Clive Cussler, Lawrence Sanders, Frederick Forsythe, Richard North Patterson and Tom Clancy.
Western fiction about life on the American frontier. Louis Lamour is the best known author of western fiction.
Woman's fiction which tends to focus on relationships. They usually feature a strong woman character that triumphs in extremely difficult circumstances. Authors in this category are Judith Krantz, Rebecca Wells and Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Books on Business are distinguished from Management books in that they are slightly more of an academic nature and cover subjects which are universal Common recent examples of these are ethics, organisational structuring, the state of the world markets and international financing.
A predicted future factor whose implications will have to be catered for by all organisations is the growing counter-reaction to "Human rights" in the form of "Human responsibilities" for which a Universal Declaration has already been formulated by the InterAction Council of Political and Religious Leaders.
On a local level they also include all the books related to the legalities of running a business which are published by all relevant authorities.
Sales books cover the spectrum from organizing and managing a sales team to sales skills and are especially popular during economic downturns.
An important distinction must be made between the sales activities required when selling an object and when selling a service as it is apparent that there are two totally distinctive skill sets and procedures involved. Would you trust your friendly local car salesperson to obtain and administer your personal financial investments?
Despite this obvious difference many authors tend to adopt a "one size fits all" approach to sales and then e.g. advocate the use of their developed "closing techniques" for all sales types.
Interesting enough when you go back in history you will find that the common sales approach underlying most of the sales models today was developed for pharmaceutical representatives in the past whose job it was to deduct stock level quantities on a pharmacy shelf from their recommended levels and then to replace the sold numbers of items.
A single approach to both types of sales is doomed to failure and this must be kept in mind when buying sales books.
Used books or second-hand books vs new books: In the past buying used or second-hand books tended to have a stigma attached to it and it was not the "done thing". However, if you consider that the only difference between a good quality used book and a new book is the price then it is obvious why these types of stores have mushroomed.
Besides the cost savings, which allow you to buy even more books, an avid reader could use the opportunity to browse the store, whether it is a physical or virtual store, and thereby identify other books by his/her favourite authors. It is also a chance to become acquainted with new authors or new characters by current favourite authors.
It also allows you to buy those books which have been out of print.
Books on sale. If you still choose to buy new books then it is wise to continuously keep an eye out for sales held by the larger bookstores during which they sell new stock at a lower price. This is usually when their sales projections have not been realised and they are left with excess stock. You can either physically visit their stores, or visit their websites, on a regular basis to find out when they are having sales.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Book Buying Guide for Babies and Toddlers
Deciding on which book to buy for your toddler or baby can feel tremendous when standing in the children's area of your local book store. If you find yourself looking and just not knowing which books to buy or where to begin the helpful children's book buying tips below will make short work of your shopping.
Where to Find Books for Babies and Toddlers
Your local library and garage sales are great places to find used books for children. Most libraries hold a used book sale each year where you can buy great children's books at rock bottom prices. Libraries also have books available to borrow for babies and toddlers. This can be a great way to introduce new books to your children.
Book of the month clubs offer an opportunity to build up your own personal library in your home. There are a wide selection of children's book of the month clubs available where you can select books from a catalog and order them from home. Your child will get excited about selecting a new book each month and then have great anticipation waiting for his or her new book to arrive in the mail.
Choosing Storage for Children's Books
Books should always be accessible to young children. By storing books on low book shelves or in low drawers children will be encouraged to pick up books and read.
You may find that children feel a connection to books if they help make a storage container for their books. Try getting an old cardboard box or storage container and having your child decorate the box. When the decorating is finished your child can load the box with his or her favorite books and keep it down low where they can reach in and get a book any time.
Which Book is Best for Babies and Toddlers?
Young babies like to look at colorful board books that are easy to hold and easy to handle. Thick cardboard like books or books with soft sides and vinyl covers allow babies to chew without getting hurt.
Toddlers like to read books with easy to follow story lines and simple rhyming books. Toddlers also like books that relate to their life. Such as stories about potty training or going to school, something the toddler is doing in his life.
Picture books are great for both babies and toddlers. Babies like to look at the colorful pictures and toddlers like to make up story lines to go with the pictures.
Selecting a Time to Read to Children
Babies and toddlers just love to be read to. Any time of day will work for most children when it comes to reading. A nice routine of reading at bed time or after bath time is recommended by many child development specialists.
Just remember that children love to read and if your toddler brings you a book and asks you to read, you should take the time to do so. Reading will build a love of books and foster great memories of quiet time spent together.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Elements of a Good Picture Book
A picture book is an illustrated story book for 0-6 year olds. As the number of words is about 500, many writers consider it an easy option. They are very wrong to do so. Picture book writing is one of the hardest and most competitive fields of all. So what are the elements of a good picture book?
Format: Picture books have a specified number of pages between 24 and 40, which is always divisible by eight. These include the front and back covers. It is essential to decide how your text will be divided out across these pages in relation to the pictures.
Empathy: Picture book writers need to have an empathy with young children and be able to retain and reproduce childhood feelings and experiences of what it is like to be small.
Illustrations: Writers do not need to be able to illustrate their own books, although many popular picture writers do - Jane Hissey, Nick Sharratt and Jez Alborough, for example. Unless you are a professional illustrator it is better just to send an editor text. He or she will provide an illustrator if they decide to publish. Stories for picture books need to provide the opportunity for imaginative illustration and the text should suggest strongly where and what these pictures should be.
Simple plot: There should be only one plot line which is easy to follow. Young children learn from repetition and like to join in with the story, so skilled use of repetition and refrain is an advantage. Rhyme, alliteration and onomatopoeia are also popular. Sudden actions and unexpected mishaps go down well.
Memorable characters: Animals are well-liked, especially bears. These animals usually act as humans with the story being told through them. (Elmer, Spot, Paddington Bear) Publishers usually want to market the book abroad. Animals are more easily transferred than people with varying dress and customs. This also applies to live toys (Jane Hissey's Jolly Tall) or monsters (Maurice Sendack's Where the Wild Things Are or Nick Butterfield's Q Pootle 5)
Adult appeal: Picture books must appeal to adults as it is they who buy the book then read it to the child, often repeatedly. Parents and teachers want educational value so if a book includes learning concepts such as colour, shape and number it has extra appeal.
Themes: Real-life situations such as starting school, potty training or moving house are popular as are family relationships, domestic activities, pets and machines. Modern or updated versions of traditional stories sell well, especially if they approach the story from a new angle.
Think you can meet the requirements? Read as wide a variety of picture books as you can. Then follow the advice and rules above and write a dummy picture book. Send it to the right publishing house and who knows, it might be the beginning of a fun new career.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
How to Write a Great Introduction to Your Book
The introduction is one of the most often perused sections of a book. Prospective readers scan the introduction before making a buying decision. Serious readers are sure to devour it. And with the introduction situated at the beginning, it's a sure bet that almost everyone who picks it up starts reading there.
So having an effective introductory chapter or section is important. A good introduction sets the stage and it makes your book that much more appealing. The introduction of your nonfiction book reveals what it is all about.
Think of your introduction as a preview of the coming attraction. Here's where you paint a picture of all the benefits readers will get from your work. Use it as a selling tool to highlight all the advantages they'll gain from the insights, observations and experiences shared.
State your promise in the introduction and then deliver on it throughout your book. Make every potential reader want to dig and read it right away because of the quality and value of your information.
As you prepare your introduction, summarize the system or process revealed in the text. It's there are a number of steps involved to complete the training covered in your book, list these in the introduction.
Tell the reader what he or she can expect by reading your book. Suggest the payoff that is theirs by the accumulation and integration of the knowledge you share within the covers of your book. Entice them to not only pick up your book but to read it through to get the maximum benefit.
Start with a bang. Your introduction is the place to hook your reader. Deliver the ultimate benefit of your book. Make a startling statement. Do whatever it takes to generate intense interest and intrigue.
Your introduction is a crucial first step for your readers. It prepares them for what's to come while fuelling their interest.
For the writer, an introduction can serve as a guide. You know exactly what material you need to cover to deliver on your promises. So a strong introduction keeps you focused, making it easier to deliver the kind of book your readers will love.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Creative Writing Techniques
Creative writing techniques are what are required when writing a children's book. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write a children's book. If you look through a few pages of some children's books you may laugh and think, "I can do that." then maybe you can get inspired with ideas to start your own project.
There are generally only three age groups for children's books, the 3-7 year olds listener/readers the intermediate readers 8-12, and the teenage readers 13-18. Spend time looking at children's books and looking at their titles and book covers at your local library to give you ideas.
A really simple story can keep young readers quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next. Provide your readers with plenty of action to keep them enthralled. Try to learn different writing styles for children it can be a real eye-opener. Experiment with this until you find your comfort level.
It is important to use different creative writing techniques in all your formats. There are many different kinds of writing from newspaper and magazine articles right through the spectrum to writing novels and books on a multitude of different subjects. It's imperative that you study to keep improving your writing.
You must make yourself comfortable and be where you will not be disturbed so you can focus properly on improving your writing skills. I would recommend to you that you should set aside at least 30 minutes a day for your writing. You should allow nothing to get in the way and prevent you from writing every single day, by practising every day you will improve your writing skills.
The realism is that the only way to really improve your skills is to write. Reading will help to improve your vocabulary and also the understanding of the written word. Within the written language there are phrases and structures that don't appear anywhere else and understanding these will improve the body of your writing.
Structuring your creative writing techniques is a must at all times. When you begin to write start to share what you've written. It's possible that you may receive some criticism, but some of it may well be constructive or maybe not but that's life.
Write down bullet points to give you a thought for the next few lines or paragraph basically you are setting up topics for the next few hundred words. You need to select a structure this is the order that you will get your points across to create compelling stories.
You always need a good headline or subject line that is relevant to what your subject project is to make it interesting for your readers to carry on reading. Now that you have got their attention you can deliver the bones and meat of the message you are trying to get across.
As you get the inspiration to get your writing done you will then feel more creatively satisfied as a result. Try to identify the really important issues to you about your writing and prioritise your writing time. Try to split the information throughout your document to make it easier for the reader to mentally absorb. Writing a book involves an important balancing act between the vision that you have and want and the words that you put onto the pages that you write.
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