A book review from a reader!

Thank you, Nancy Halder!   I spotted this in Canada’s wonderful What If? Magazine. Check it out at at www.whatifmagazine.com. It’s “Canada’s Creative Teen Magazine.”

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Title: Molly’s Cue

Publisher: Coteau Books

Reviewed by: Nancy Halder

Molly Gumley has always wanted to be an actor.

Molly’s grandmother (simply called her Grand) had told her wonderful stories about what it’s like to be on stage performing, and the excitement of living it.  Now, with her Grand having passed away, her influence and the feeling of having Grand on stage with her is what gives Molly the courage to act on stage.

However, just before her audition for her high school play, her world crashes down as Uncle Early reveals the truth about her grandmother.  Molly doesn’t feel Grand’s presence anymore and she can’t bring herself to act.  She finds her passion and dream of being on stage turns into her worst fear.  Molly’s Cue is the journey of Molly finding herself again in the world she wants to live in.

The plot progresses quickly and keeps the readers wondering how Molly will figure out a different way to deal with her stage frights.  Also, readers can relate to her situation, because overcoming the obstacles to reach our dreams are something we all face in life.  The characters are very realistic and the author has added humour throughout the story which made the novel more enjoyable.

Although the subject matter of the story is very captivating and realistic, I wouldn’t recommend it to older teens.  However, I would definitely recommend Molly’s Cue to preteens and younger teens as a great book that shows them how to overcome obstacles in their later teen years.

Book Launch

Last night. At Ardea Books, West 4th Ave. For Michael Christie’s first published: The Beggar’s Garden. First line, first story: They sent the wrong paramedic, one I’d never met before.

Most fun: getting those emails from folks I’ve worked with…the “Hey, guess what!?”

Second most fun: the book launches. Just to see their faces. Nothing like having your first book in hand. And this one’s a winner… check out www.michaelchristie.net

The Beggar's Garden

Papier Mache – a recipe that works

Just had to post this. It’s an old favourite…

Papier Mache Paste

½  cup flour

3 ¼ cups water

large jar with cover

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon lime juice

Put 1 cup cold water in jar and add ½ cup flour. Cover and shake until well-blended. Pour into saucepan and add remaining 2 ¼ c. water, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly, and heat, stirring often. Let mixture come to gentle boil and boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and cool before using. Cover. It will store for a few days, but stir before each use.

November newsletter for WritersWebworkshop…

This newsletter features JOAN DEMPSEY and LITERARY LIVING…you’ll want to check it out!

Joan and I studied creative writing instruction together at Antioch University in Los Angeles and, as of this coming January, she is offering an amazing online program, Literary Living. This interview is a terrific intro to what Joan and LL is about. So enjoy the newsletter, then checkout Literary Living. (And do click on the “links” below–they look like nothing, but they’ll take you where you want to go!)

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