Madeleine L 'Engle

What have I been doing? Reading my large stack of books and magazines (the writing variety), and working on CLAIRELEE A.D. (AFTER DISASTER). I sense the passage of time slipping, while I'm able to take advantage of these winter months of little outdoor work.

CLAD is coming along, as I read Madeleine L 'Engle {Herself}. She is teaching me to get out of my own way in my writing ClaireLee's story. To have faith in my creation. I do, but then I don't. So, the I don't needs to flee from me, so the story can grow.

I've changed the ending, given it more layers, as my friend, Siri, suggested. Will I never be done with this novel? How soon will I dislike it, once again? When that happens, I write through that disliking time and then work on something else to let my distastes simmer.

Ms. 'Engle also says, "To be creative is to die to self." Is that why sometimes I walk around feeling out of touch with all around me, yet more connected than before?

I understand that I will always write, even if I never get a book published.

Amen.

Until next time . . .

The Chosen One: A review

Rarely, do I read a book like The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams and then begin it over, again. A few days after the first reading.

I would like to see this book win the Newbery Medal Award in 2010.

James S. Jacobs, wrote this on the back jacket, "No one can get inside the head and heart of a thirteen-year-old girl better than Carol Lynch Williams, and I mean no one."

Mr. Jacobs was spot on correct.

I read The Chosen One through for the story. Now I'm reading it again to see just how Ms. Williams was able to ". . . get inside the head and heart of a thirteen-year-old . . ." I want to learn from her.

The book is intense, to be sure. It is also beautifully written. It made me grit my teeth in some scenes. It made me sad, but when Kyra found her courage to act, I rooted for her with a smile and a nod.

The one thing that caught me off guard, even on the second reading, is that Kyra is only thirteen. She seems so much more mature for her age, but then, children who are eldest of many children usually are.

The only disappointment was the ending, but it may not be an actual disappointment if Ms. Williams writes a sequel.

Great job, Ms. Williams, for a fine and wonderful story. And thank you for the message. I'm crossing my fingers The Chosen One is nominated and wins the 2010 Newbery Medal.

You can read more about the facts and history of the Newbery Medal.

Until next time . . . I'll be working through my winter reading pile. How about you?