I received a complimentary ARC copy of Under Lock & Skeleton Key (Secret Staircase Mystery #1) by Gigi Pandian from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.
…As a cozy this really has it all, a complex, interesting mystery with thrill, chills and intrigue along the way….…
Being a fan of Gigi Pandian’s Jaya Jones series, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to read and review Under Lock & Skeleton Key, the first book of her locked room Secret Staircase Mystery Series.Those of you familiar with the Jaya Jones series will find some homage paid to it in this newest series however it works well as a standalone.
As the book opens, we meet Tempest Raj who has recently fallen from grace as a magician in Las Vegas After a trick goes horribly wrong Tempest barely escapes with her life but loses her reputation and is publicly disgraced. After losing everything Tempest returns to her family’s home in California. Tempest’s childhood home was far from normal, she grew up in a home any kid would love, filled with secret staircases and enchanted gardens. Her family owned the Secret Staircase Construction company which specializes in hidden and unique home designs inspired by magic. Her mother, the company’s creative vision, long gone, her father struggles to keep the company afloat. When Tempest was doing well with her Las Vegas act she had been sending money home to help her family but now she is doing all she can to find a way to help them.
When the body of her stage double is found inside a long-sealed wall in her father’s current project, she feels compelled to get to the bottom of it. When strange things begin to happen to Tempest along with her look-alike’s murder it is becoming clear that Tempest is at the heart of the murder, and she must solve it before she becomes the killer’s next victim.
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian is a unique and extremely fun cozy mystery. I love the fact her books feature diverse, multi-faceted characters who all feel well-formed and really add to the story. As a cozy this really has it all, a complex, interesting mystery with thrill, chills and intrigue along the way….featuring some great Indian food (with recipes at the back), everything a reader could ask for. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the further adventures of Tempest Raj.
Professor Owl’s Book Corner wanted to wish everyone who celebrates…a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wishing you and yours all the love and joy the season has to offer.❄ Taking a break but we will be back in January. We have some exciting new projects coming up in 2022 …please stay tuned!❄
Welcome to the March 29th, 2021 Weekly Issue of Professor Owl’s Book Corner Newsletter where in addition to supporting those with special needs and learning challenges, we are also committed to being more focused on YA/New Adult reading and literacy. We will be featuring tips from a certified literacy tutor to help make your reading experience the best it can be.
We will also be encouraging young writers with tips, writing exercises and we will still be updating our Community News Boards with the latest news from Variety Village and The March of Dimes.
Please feel free to give us your feedback on our new issue, also send us any ideas you may have to help Professor Owl’s Book Corner be all that it can be. We look forward to hearing from you and bringing you a new, and more interesting newsletter.
Professor Owl’s Book Corner’s main goal has always held true since we started this newsletter ten years ago. That goal was to help promote books, literacy, and activities for children with special needs. We hope to assist children and young adults with learning and health challenges, believe that anything possible. We hope to show examples of how some young people have achieved their dreams. We also want to share resources of where to get the tools by showcasing organizations that are available to you.
See our community boards ~ where we try to find organizations and hospitals that are there to help you with virtual events while we wait for things to get back to normal after Covid 19.
We also share tips for those of you with dyslexia, the video below illustrates how you can get help from your teachers, libraries and other organizations. If reading is where you need help, you will see they suggest audiobooks and other tools to help you with your reading challenges.
If you are older, you can perhaps go to your teachers yourself, if you are younger watch the video with your parents and they can perhaps talk with your teachers. From now on we will share books we review and give links to stores and libraries.
We are here for you! ~ if you have any questions just drop us a line at professorowl@outlook.com and we will try our best to get the answers for you.
Check next month’s newsletter for another four books in this group. we will also try to bring you more of these great books and video’s
This month’s book is a new book release, the previous two in this series were published a few years ago. I really enjoyed reading these books so much, that I just had to share it with our readers in the Book Corner.
BRIDGE OF SOULS
by Victoria Schwab (Author)
Victoria (“V. E.”) Schwab, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, invites readers to haunted New Orleans in this third instalment of her thrillingly spooky City of Ghosts series!
Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows . . .
Unless it’s the other way around?
Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while travelling for her parents’ TV show.
But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colourful, grisly local legends. And the city’s biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.
Another atmospheric setting, this time New Orleans, adds an even creepier edge to the story than even Edinburgh or Paris. I found the way the cities are described, makes one feel that you are right there in the story. I know Edinburgh very well, and recognised the street mentioned, and felt that I was actually walking down the streets of the City.
I have also read the previous two books in this series and really enjoyed everything about them. This book did not disappoint me either in fact, it is my favourite of the three. They all make one want to keep reading until the books are finished. I highly recommend them for middle-grade readers or for older people like me. I really do hope this is not the end of the series
This book and others by this author can be purchase from www.amazon.com, www.amazon.ca, www.Kobo.com and other fine book stores and of course your Local Libraries. Amazon also has this book as an audible, which would be great for the reader with Dyslexia, see the above video.
About the Author
Victoria “V.E.” Schwab is the #1 NYT, USA, and Indie bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including Vicious, the Shades of Magic series, and This Savage Song. Her work has received critical acclaim, been featured by EW and The New York Times, been translated into more than a dozen languages, and been optioned for TV and Film. The Independent calls her the “natural successor to Diana Wynne Jones” and touts her “enviable, almost Gaimanesque ability to switch between styles, genres, and tones.”
She is represented by Holly Root at Root Literary and Jon Cassir at CAA.
All appearance and publicity inquiries should be directed to her PR rep, Kristin Dwyer, at: kdwyer@leoprny.com
Writing prompts are a wonderful way to kick-start your creativity and generate ideas. There isn’t a right or wrong way to respond, just be honest, be creative and use your imagination!
“So as long as a person is capable of self-renewal, they are a living being.”
~Henri Frederic Amiel
Spring usually signifies new beginnings and renewal. In what area of your life would you like to “start over”?
Reflect and write!
Get creative, write but most importantly…have fun!!
Writing Prompt~A picture is worth a thousand words…
A picture is worth a thousand words…
Spring is a time when nature comes back to life. Your mission should you choose to accept it is to write about something coming back to life, it can be pretty or terrifying, your choice. Whatever you do get creative and have fun!
Attention all aspiring authors:
CAMP NANOWRIMO STARTS ON APRIL 1st, 2021
Are you 13 years old or older? Have you heard of NaNoWriMo.org? Every November thousands participate in an online writing event to complete 50,000 words in just 30 days. Now they’ve made it even better…
CampNaNoWriMo.org is a virtual writer’s camp, designed to inspire you and keep you motivated while you work on your masterpiece. Camp NaNoWriMo.org runs twice a year in April and July and unlike NaNoWriMo welcomes word-count goals of 30,000 and up.
Writers can tackle any project they’d like, including new novel drafts, revisions, poetry, scripts, and short stories.
So sign up today! See you at camp!
“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” ~William Faulkner
Variety Village is a family-friendly fitness, sports and life skills facility in Toronto.
There are programs for all ages and skill levels, join today!
Variety Village is pleased to host exciting special events throughout the year. Our goal is to connect with our community and raise funds to support Variety Village by creating mutually beneficial events that support healthy, active lifestyles in an inclusive environment.
Variety Village. Variety programming empowers children with disabilities to be seen, participate, and feel included. We bring accessible facilities to life with sports, fitness, activities, summer camps, skills training and coaching for competitive and Paralympic athletes. Through local partnerships, we extend our reach through accessibility training and education
Discover ability-enhancing products and services, play adaptive sports and attend informative workshops. Register for free today! This inaugural year will showcase programs and services promoting: accessibility, inclusion, healthcare, sport, fitness, and healthy living at a premier accessible facility – Variety Village in Scarborough, Ontario.
Home | Variety Ontario
How we help. Variety programming empowers children with disabilities to be seen, participate, and feel included. We bring accessible facilities to life with sports, fitness, activities, summer camps, skills training, and coaching for competitive and Paralympic athletes.
Stand Up for CE – March of Dimes Canada‘s Stand Up for CE is an event to raise funds for people participating in Conductive Education® classes in conjunction with …
Berat Barzanjee Fund Development Assistant
March of Dimes Canada
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4H 1A4
Phone:(416) 425-3463 ext. 7305 bbarzanjee@marchofdimes.ca
Quintos Academy: Self-Education for Real Life Success This Lesson builds on Part I and then Proceeds to the sounds of N: NA, NE, NI, NO, NU M: MA, ME, MI, MO, MU R: RA, RE, RI, RO, RU L: LA, LE, LI, LO
A Young Writer’s Guide to Covid Fatigue
As some of us are heading into our second and third lockdowns due to COVID-19 we can feel tired and overwhelmed not knowing when we will see an end in sight. If we don’t have a way to channel our frustrations, they can make us and those around us feel miserable. Writing can often offer a great outlet for these feelings. Here are some ideas for writing projects that might help:
Keep a Journal! I am a big fan of journaling; it can help to just purge on the page. It can help find solutions to problems, establish ideas or just be a safe place to get your feelings out. Journals can also be a great way to see how far you’ve come down the road helping you find things to be grateful for or even track your progress in a certain endeavor. Gratitude journals are also great ways to boost your mood when Covid-fatigue sets in. Did you know, the simple act of expressing gratitude can help us feel happier? It’s true! Research shows that when we choose to focus on the positive things in our lives, we can experience an increase in our overall well-being.
Get Creative! Creative writing is great for helping us lose ourselves when we can’t go anywhere. Take the opportunity to write your own stories. Set up a writing journal and try to set a regular time to sit down and write, make it a part of every day. Play a game of “what if”. Start making a list of scenarios that make you wonder. What if a girl finds out she has been chatting online with her future self? What if a man playing on Google Earth finds the lost civilization of Atlantis? Write down as many ideas, no matter how bizarre, and see if you can find a story in them.
Write Reviews! Face it to pass the time and offer a distraction we’ve all been trying to occupy our time by reading, gaming or binge-watching series or movies, listening to music, cooking, the list goes on. Why not take a moment to share your opinions? By writing a review for others who are stuck at home you are helping them discover something new. You might suggest TV shows, novels, video games, products, podcasts, recipes or anything else that you think others might enjoy.
Writing Prompts! There are so many websites out there with writing prompts for everyone. Some write fan fiction about their favorite tv characters or expanded on snippets of dialogue overheard. I have used quotes to inspire me such as the ones below.
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” ~ C. S. Lewis Write about what happens when your characters’ anger catches up with them. How does their anger manifest itself? Does it cause them to lash out? Has it been channeled into something positive and productive? Do they manage to resolve their feelings? How does their anger serve them in the long run?
“Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.” – Laura Miller You receive an anonymous package addressed to you inside is an old journal a little worse for wear. Inside there is a name that you don’t recognize so you decide to go on the internet and do a little research on the author. What you discover frightens yet intrigues you at the same time. The writer of your masterpiece is known to have dabbled in the occult until they went missing over a decade ago. It is rumored that by reading the journal you can open a portal to another dimension. Write about your adventure with this journal. Are you brave enough to read it? What do you find inside? Does this portal exist and if it does where does it lead? Is it a dream come true or your worst nightmare?
“I am intrigued by inanimate objects. They’re a piece of history, someone’s statement and ideas of life.” ~Mike Mills You have been given the intriguing power of being able to bring inanimate objects to life. What happens when your favorite objects awaken? What is their personality like? What stories do they tell you? Are they indifferent, amicable, or difficult? Do you have a germophobic toothbrush? Does your favorite pen write you a “Dear John” letter? Does your well-loved old sweater thank you for your loyalty? Does your journal start questioning you about what you have been writing? Does your treadmill reminisce about “the good old days”? Has this power become a blessing or a curse?
Follow this page every month in Professor Owl’s Book corner to get the most up to date events at Variety Village.
As soon as in-classroom schooling opens, Variety will resume limited children’s programs. Contact Alyssa Forrester directly at aforrester@varietyontario.ca
Welcome to the October 2019 ~Autumn Issue of Professor Owl’s Book Corner Newsletter where in addition to supporting those with special needs and learning challenges, we are also committed to being more focused on YA/New Adult reading and literacy. We will be featuring tips from a certified literacy tutor to help make your reading experience the best it can be.
We will also be encouraging young writers and artists with tips, writing exercises and will still be updating our Community News Boards with the latest news from Variety Village and The March of Dimes.
Professor Owl’s Book Corner hopes you enjoy this month’s edition! Please feel free to give us your feedback on our new issue, also send us any ideas you may have to help Professor Owl’s Book Corner be all that it can be. We look forward to hearing from you and to bring you a new, more interesting newsletter.
AUTUMN 2019
Autumn is always a magical time, the weather is slightly cooler, the leaves are changing and there is so many magical moments to be found.
Gathering Leaves
by Robert Frost
Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.
I make a great noise
Of rustling all-day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.
But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.
I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?
Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.
Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who’s to say where
The harvest shall stop?
Fall (Autumn) Facts for Kids
Autumn is one of four seasons that occurs from roughly September 21 through December 21. It is more commonly known as “fall” because the leaves fall off of deciduous trees during the season. Here are some more autumn facts for kids. Leaf Facts
Think you know everything there is to know about leaves? You may be surprised to learn the following facts:
Leaves require sunlight, water, chlorophyll and carbon dioxide to make food for themselves.
As winter approaches, leaves make a coating for themselves which blocks their water source; in the absence of water, the leaves no longer produce chlorophyll (chlorophyll is what makes leaves green).
When the leaves turn colours in the fall, they are returning to their normal colours. During the summer months, the chlorophyll present in the leaves causes the leaves to turn green, blocking the leaves’ actual colours.
Along with chlorophyll, leaves contain two other chemicals that cause colouring. The first is called xanthophyll, which is yellow in colour. The other is carotene, which is orange in colour.
Red and purple leaves are actually caused by the presence of sugars from sap that is trapped inside of the leaves.
Once the leaves have turned brown they are dead and no longer receive any nutrient
Halloween is a big part of autumn.
Although last month we had our Halloween issue, here are some more fun facts about this celebration: Halloween Facts
The traditional Halloween colours of orange and black come from two different sources. First, orange is the colour of autumn leaves and pumpkins, which have come to symbolize Halloween. Black is the colour of darkness and mystery, which matches the theme of ghosts and other spooky creatures at Halloween.
There is no scientific proof that ghosts exist; however, there is a field of study called parapsychology that is dedicated to studying spooky phenomena like ghosts and psychic powers. Parapsychologists use the scientific method to explore strange phenomena and learn more about things like ghosts.
Halloween was originally a pagan holiday to honour the dead, and the holiday was known as All Hallows Eve. The date, October 31, is the last day of the Celtic calendar.
Wearing masks on Halloween is an ancient Celtic tradition. Ancient Celts believed that ghosts roamed on Halloween, and they wore masks to hide from the spirits.
Vampire folklore comes from Romania. Romanians in the 18th century believed that the dead could rise after death by suicide or other suspicious circumstances and feed on the blood of the living.
Another holiday associated with autumn is Thanksgiving.
In Canada, it is celebrated on the second Monday in October although it is celebrated in November in the United States.
The first pilgrims arrived in North America in December of 1620.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth in the fall of 1621.
The Native American tribe invited to the first Thanksgiving dinner were the Wampanoag Indians.
The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three full days.
Thanksgiving was not recognized as an official holiday until 1941, when Congress decided that the holiday should be observed officially on the fourth Thursday in November every single year. The date was chosen by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to make the Christmas shopping season longer to aid in the country’s financial recovery from the Great Depression. Prior to the date being set in 1941, it was up to the president to set the date for Thanksgiving each year.
With Halloween coming up at the end of this month, Professor Owl’s Book Corner would love to share with you some great costumes ideas for those who are confined to a wheelchair.
The Magic Wheelchair
Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that makes epic costumes for children in wheelchairs. Kids, with their parents’ permission, submit a 1-3-minute video telling us what they want to be for Halloween, a parade, or another big day and why.
Ryan and Lana Weimer, the founders of Magic Wheelchair, have five children, three of whom were born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which requires the use of wheelchairs for the entirety of their lives. Each Halloween, Ryan made the biggest, “baddest” costumes he could for his sons, Keaton and Bryce.
Quintos Academy: Self-Education for Real Life Success This Lesson builds on Part I and then Proceeds to the sounds of N: NA, NE, NI, NO, NU M: MA, ME, MI, MO, MU R: RA, RE, RI, RO, RU L: LA, LE, LI, LO
Coral
by
Sara Ella (Goodreads Author)
3.77 · Rating details · 151 ratings · 129 reviews
In a world where humanity often seems lost, what does it mean to be human? A new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”
There’s more than one way to drown.
Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?
Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?
Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?
When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin?
This was a wonderful story that was part fantasy and part reality which had me hooked right from the start. Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put the book down until it was finished.
Sara Ella gives readers an honest, candid portrayal of depression that’s sure to resonate with readers.
About Sara Ella.
Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a Disney castle. Today, she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings. Oh, and her husband is definitely more swoon-worthy than any Prince Charming.
Sara’s UNBLEMISHED trilogy has received high praise and multiple awards, but none as rewarding as the love and support she receives from her readers every day. Her new story CORAL, a reimagining of THE LITTLE MERMAID, releases in the fall of 2019.
When she’s not on deadline, Sara Ella can most often be found fangirling on Facebook, Instagram, or her YouTube channel. She may or may not be obsessed with #Bookstagram, which feeds her current addiction to bookish tea and candles. A lover of fairy tales, she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”
Coral
bySara Ella (Goodreads Author)
In a world where humanity often seems lost, what does it mean to be human? A new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”
There’s more than one way to drown.
Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?
Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?
Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?
When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin?
This was a wonderful story that was part fantasy and part reality which had me hooked right from the start. Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put the book down until it was finished.
Sara Ella gives readers an honest, candid portrayal of depression that’s sure to resonate with readers.
About Author
Sara Ella
Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a Disney castle. Today, she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings. Oh, and her husband is definitely more swoon-worthy than any Prince Charming.
Sara’s unblemished trilogy has received high praise and multiple awards, but none as rewarding as the love and support she receives from her readers every day. Her new story CORAL, a reimagining of THE LITTLE MERMAID, releases in the fall of 2019.
When she’s not on deadline, Sara Ella can most often be found fangirling on Facebook, Instagram, or her YouTube channel. She may or may not be obsessed with #Bookstagram, which feeds her current addiction to bookish tea and candles. A lover of fairy tales, she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”
We would love to hear about your favourite books and your views on the ones we recommend here… send them To: professorowl@outlook.com
Writing prompts are a wonderful way to kick-start your creativity and generate ideas. There isn’t a right or wrong way respond, just be honest, be creative and use your imagination!
“It’s said that All Hallows’ Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin – and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright.” ~Erin Morgenstern
With Halloween around the corner, many of us partake in reading ghost and horror stories. Imagine one dark and stormy night you are reading the creepiest book ever only to find its creepy creatures, ghouls and goblins have come to life. Write about your ghoulish adventures.
Get creative, write and have fun!
Writing Prompt…A picture is worth a thousand words…
“Spiders’ webs only have to be large enough to catch flies. ~ Neil Gaiman”
What happens when an evil genius weaves a horrific web of lies and deceit to trap an innocent victim? Write about what happens when their plan backfires on them.
It’s that time again!!!!
ATTENTION ALL YOUNG WRITERS!
Are you a young writer 17 years of age or under who has always wanted to participate in NaNoWriMo? Well, you can!!! Did you know that NaNoWriMo has a Young Writers Programme just for you?
What is NaNoWriMo?
NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month happens every November! It’s a fun-filled, writing-fueled, seat-of-your-pants writing event where the challenge is to write an entire novel in just 30 days. Participants begin writing November 1 and must finish by midnight, November 30. The word-count goal for the adult program is 50,000 words, but the Young Writers Program (YWP) allows young writers to set reasonable individual word-count goals.
Every year approximately 100,000 young writers participate check out their website and sign up to participate…..http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
PREPARING FOR NANOWRIMO
We are a mere month away to the start of this year’s NANOWRIMO and if you are like me you are looking forward to it.
Find the Time! Figure out what your word count will be and divide this by 30 to get your daily word count goal. Once you know how many words you need to write to finish on by the end of the month you’ll need to organize your time. This might be tricky for some but if you create a schedule it might be easier to commit to writing every day. Try to figure out when you are going to be able to work on NaNoWriMo. Do you have time after school? Could you get up a bit earlier in the morning? Do you have extracurricular activities that might get in the way, how can you work around these? Can you right on your lunch break at school? Create a calendar and try to find where you think you’ll have free time each day and try to commit to writing during that set time. DVR your favourite TV shows, perhaps save movie nights for when NaNoWriMo is over, remember it’s only 30 days.
Start working on a story idea! Keep a notepad and spend time just brainstorming and jotting down story ideas. What works for me is asking “What if?” “What if my favourite mythological character decides to live among us mere mortals?” Do they hide their abilities or powers? Do they fit in or are they ostracized by society for being different? What if Ares gets a job as a clown? What if Hades becomes the lead singer in a boy band? These are a bit goofy but sometimes you’ve got to write down both the good and bad ideas, don’t censor yourself. Sometimes something will spark another idea that’s worth keeping!
Get to know your characters! Spending a little time with your characters will make it easier for you to write about them. You’ll need to know more than how old they are or what they look like. Create a character bible on Pinterest. Go through images and create a board that shows you what your characters look like, who are they? Where do they live? How do they dress? What are there hobbies? Also, know that through most stories the characters grow and change. Does your character go from weak to strong, or from poor to rich? You’ll need to know who they will become throughout the story. I’ve created a Storyboard divided into sections on Pinterest for my upcoming Urban Fantasy Trilogy Moon of Morrigan. My character board is here: Moon of Morrigan Character Board
Take some time to organize your thoughts. Whether you outline or not having a rough idea of where you are going will save you time when it comes to writing. The same goes for research, if you need specific information to help with your story, now is the time to make notes and prepare all the information you need beforehand. If you want to write an outline now would be the perfect time to do that. There are so many ways to outline from J.K. Rowling’s scribbled handwritten outline to using index cards to outline scenes but if you prefer using your computer you can also create spreadsheets or if you’re lucky enough use a software such as Scrivener. If you scour Pinterest you will also find so many resources to help you find a way to outline that works for you.
Brush up on your skills. There is no set way on how to write a novel, everyone has their own way. You may have heard the phrase “Plotter or Pantser” which describes whether a person outlines their novel before writing it or whether they fly by the seat of their pants and go without making too many plans. There are benefits of doing it both ways and it really is all about what works for you. I, myself, am an outliner, I like having a rough map of where I’m going before I set out. I plan out my chapters and create my characters in advance of sitting down to write. While some feel this is way too stifling and can’t be quite as creative it helps give me a framework to keep the story moving forward and avoid getting stuck for ideas halfway through. If I’m struck by some paths or ideas that aren’t on my outline, I still draft out the scenes and see if they’ll fit in down the road. I recommend you follow the path that feels right for you. If you are not sure where to start there are some great books out there. Two I recommend are No Plot, No Problem by Chris Baty, the founder of NANOWRIMO and Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland. Both are incredibly good books that each offer a unique perspective on whether to plot or not.
Why not give it a try, you are not alone. So many of us love writing and NaNoWriMo is a perfect way to dedicate yourself for 30 days of edge of your seat writing. It’s the one place you can get support through online or area write-ins, interact with other writers and even make friends not to mention perhaps spawning your own novel! In fact, many NaNoWriMo novels became rough drafts which eventually became published novels. Books such as Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern, Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell, Wool, by Hugh Howey, The Darwin Elevator, by Jason M. Hough and Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress by Marissa Meyer were all born out of NaNoWriMo.
I hope you join in the fun! Drop Professor Owl a note by commenting below if you have any tips to help with NaNoWriMo! Good luck and happy writing! 🙂
Variety Village
Follow this page every month in Professor Owl’s Book corner to get the most up to date events at Variety Village.
Variety the Children’s Charity and Variety Village promotes appreciation, interaction, empowerment and inclusion. We facilitate the achievement of life goals for people with disabilities through sports, fitness, wellness; awareness; education for more than 60 years, Variety Ontario has worked with young people with disabilities and those who face developmental barriers to achieve their life potential. We are a world-recognized authority providing integrated sports and life skills programs, applied research and learning programs that change children’s lives and strengthen communities.
We’ve achieved this reputation because of our ongoing work to better the lives of children and young people with disabilities. We are active in the greater Toronto area and across Ontario promoting the inclusion of young people through our three areas of expertise:
Integrated sports and life skills programs:
Children’s programming is delivered at Variety Village and throughout Ontario.
Applied research:
Reflecting our philosophy, our practical and theoretical work develops equipment, games and curricula promoting access, awareness and adapted activities.
Learning programs:
Our academic and professional certifications programs draw students and teachers from around the world to learn and study our best practices and approaches, to participate in their applications and to learn how to adapt their own programs and initiatives.
Our hope is to foster a more integrated society, where everyone feels welcome, inspired and hopeful about his or her future.
Various positions are available from working with children in programs to administrative work and special events.
Join us Saturday, October 5 here at Variety for our Jeep Raffle Draw and Community BBQ celebration. MUSIC | OPEN-HOUSE | KID’S ACTIVITIES, & GAMES & MORE!
Come and join our community of members, neighbours, local businesses and Jeepers to celebrate the ticket draw of our first ever Jeep Raffle! Enjoy Barbequed burgers and dogs and play games and activities for the whole family. Free tours of the facility for non-members.
Stay tuned for more news!
DID YOU GET YOUR JEEP RAFFLE TICKETS YET? Click here to buy now or learn more!
WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2019
WHERE: 3701 Danforth Avenue. Scarborough ON
TIME: 12:00 noon – 5:00pm
To Plan an event or find out information on future ones
For more information on these Variety Village Events and Programs, please contact/ www.varietyvillage.ca
March of Dimes is a community-based rehabilitation and advocacy charity for people with physical disabilities http://www.marchofdimes.Welcome:
End-of-summer blues? Not to worry. The reds and oranges of Fall will be here soon to cheer you up. In the meantime, how about some amazing news? March of Dimes Canada has raised almost $2 million for Canadians living with disabilities!
We’d like to extend a huge thank you (and congratulations) to all the bands, judges, sponsors, volunteers and donors who have helped make this a milestone year. Your help, support and care is what keeps us going.
Thank you again and see you all at the next Rock for Dimes event. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our new website at http://www.rockfordimes.ca… it rocks!
Top 3 reasons we love Rock for Dimes
• Each event helps raise funds for March of Dimes Canada’s programs like After Stroke, the one-stop destination for stroke survivors on their journey to Realizing the Possible after a stroke.
• There’s some serious talent out there! From covers to originals, the live music is quite simply sensational.
• The band names alone are reason enough to come to the events. Oui B. Jamon, FreshWater Sharks, The Fission Katz? Brilliant.
Focus on: FreshWater Sharks
Beware of FreshWater Sharks… Yes, they exist and they’re definitely a menace. Just ask anyone who attended Rock for Dimes in Vancouver and Toronto earlier this year. They’ll tell you that although competition was fierce, FreshWater Sharks blew everyone out of the water.
The four-piece band (with the great name!) took top prize at both events, which is no small feat. But what’s even more astonishing is that before their first victory in Vancouver, they had only rehearsed a half-dozen times.
“It was quite exhilarating for us as the band had never performed together,” says Burke Ehmig, guitarist.
So what’s their secret? Burke explains, “We’re a simple band. Guitar, drums, bass, lead vocals, background vocals. Every note counts and everyone brings their best game. It’s a rare group of people we have right now so we’re embracing that.”
Mark Grindlay, on bass, adds that the music they create is “pure, authentic and true”, and that they only play “stuff that feels right. Things that move people, and move us. I know that’s hopelessly drawn out but just stuff that gels and works.”
Needless to say, it’s that kind of on-stage chemistry that makes Rock for Dimes worth experiencing. Live music for a great cause, with a frenzy of bands battling it out for the lion’s share of applause and adoration.
Supporting March of Dimes Canada has meant a lot to the FreshWater Sharks. Mark, who is also a member of the Vancouver committee for MODC, says that it’s all about “raising awareness and putting the March of Dimes Canada name out there for anybody who might not know about it.”
Currently in rehearsals, this exciting new band (whose two other members are Kat Knite, lead vocals, and Steve Wong, drums) is writing and recording to produce an upcoming EP by 2019. Follow them on Instagram at @fwsharksband and Twitter @fwsharksband
Life after stroke!
Every journey to recovery is unique. But one thing that many stroke survivors have in common is their desire and willingness to get better. We are proud that Rock for Dimes, that supports March of Dimes Canada’s After Stroke programs, plays a big role in their recovery.
Take Chris Munn. Chris was living a healthy, active life when a stroke turned everything upside down, and presented him with the enormous challenge of
re-learning the most basic daily tasks.
Chris recalls his first night in the hospital, “I needed to go to the washroom. I wasn’t used to my leg and arm not working. I tried to get up and slid to the floor.”
Thankfully, March of Dimes Canada’s After Stroke program was there to help Chris get back on his feet. He can now complete small tasks around the house, have conversations and read books again. He’s even taken up new hobbies, including art and dance, and is optimistic that with continued support through After Stroke, he’ll one day be able to bike again.
From rehab and physio services, to speech therapy programs and support groups, After Stroke is helping stroke survivors throughout their journey to recovery, and facilitating their transition from hospital to home and from home to community.
Events Review: And the Beat Goes On…
RFD Toronto
Upcoming Events for October, 2019
More Rock For Dimes Events!
But Wait, it’s Not Over: Up Next…
information on Rock for Dimes in October and November 2019
Rock For Dimes Toronto 2019 – Facebook
https://www.facebook.com › events › mod-club-theatre › rock-for-dimes-t…
Causes event in Toronto, ON, Canada by March Of Dimes Canada on Thursday, … for the evening, and our Rock For Dimes Toronto 2019 judges: David Barrett, The Dave … http://www.marchofdimes.ca. Events with March Of Dimes Canada. OCT17 …
If you live in any of these areas, mark your calendar now to save the date for an evening of fun you won’t soon forget. Keep an eye out for further information on electrifying events across Canada in upcoming Rock for Dimes e-newsletters.
Over 65 years of helping to maximize independence,
personal empowerment and community participation of
people with disabilities.
http://www.marchofdimes.ca Toll-Free:1-800-263-3463
Charitable Registration No. 10788 3928 RR0001
________________________________________
March of Dimes Canada received prestigious accreditation under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program for excellence in nonprofit accountability, transparency and good governance. The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under licence by March of Dimes Canada.
________________________________________
You are receiving this email because you have opted into one or more newsletters or have been involved with March of Dimes Canada activities.
amti@marchofdimes.ca
Tel (toll-free): 1-855-660-6632
Fax: 519-432-4923
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Past Winners
March of Dimes Canada was there for residents in Nova Scotia, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, presenting customized tablets with specialized software/apps to improve community access and participation!
March of Dimes Canada have already helped residents with physical disabilities in the Nova Scotia, Montreal,
March of Dimes Canada
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario M4H1A4
CA
For more information on the March of Dimes and their events please visit >www.marchofdimes.ca
www.alphca aplus .ca ~ In these pages you will find resources and information to enrich your learning experience. www.homeworkcentral.com ~ Register with this site and you get information on Online tutoring, words and vocabulary, homework help and much more. www.funbrain.com ~ Lots of fun and challenging activities for you and your family
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay from NetGalley and Red Rogue Press
…a wonderfully whimsical and fun story inspired by Alice and Wonderland …
The author has created a brilliant and unique take on Lewis Carroll’s, Alice in Wonderland. A unique plotline, quirky characters and an interesting interpretation of the characters Carroll is famous for. Ramsay creates a humourous story about 15-year-old Alice whose parents are concerned with her rantings about her friend “the white rabbit”. Her parents fear that after a near-drowning, the trauma has caused her to lose her mind and as a result commit her to an insane asylum for treatment. Alice endures the asylum and after a while, when just on the verge of being released home, a nasty nurse exposes Alice by sharing her journal filled with rants about the white rabbit and a place called Wonderland. At a loss, the asylum staff decide to take her to see a doctor famous for curing individuals with a surgical procedure. After seeing other patients Alice realizes this procedure isn’t going to be as easy as she is told, luckily at the direst moment, her friend the “white rabbit” appears and whisks her away to Wonderland where her adventure begins.
Filled with humour, this is a wonderfully whimsical and fun story inspired by Alice in Wonderland and although a YA novel I would recommend to young and old alike.
…a wonderfully unique plotline, compelling characters and an interesting and terrifying (reading and books are outlawed *shudders*) world! …
I absolutely loved this book! The author has created a brilliant and unique take on Arthurian legend. Filled with a wonderfully unique plotline, compelling characters and an interesting and terrifying world (where reading & books are outlawed *shudders*😲)!
The story begins with Arti, our protagonist, on the run after her parents are arrested for being readers and having a hidden library brimming with books in their home. A neighbour has reported them and their home is raided. Hiding behind a shelf Arti barely escapes the destruction of her home and is on the run for her freedom. Morgan Fay, the head of “The Corporation” is an acting government of sorts and has banned reading and books throughout the land. Arti is being hunted by The Flames (Fay’s enforcement officers) who will stop at nothing until they bring readers to justice. Scared, lost and on the run Arti meets a young street smart girl named Gal who helps her navigate her new life on the run. Gal unable to read is moved and they bond when Arti introduces her to the beauty of reading.
With her world in danger and at risk of having any readers annihilated, Arti teams up with some interesting characters along the way. She meets Merl at an abandoned Garage called “Camel-Lot” when they stumble upon his motor home hidden in one of the Bays. Peeking in the window they notice him reading an ancient looking tome. Arti knowing he is one of “them” decides to talk to him and their lives change forever. Merl who has been looking for the “chosen one” who can read the hidden text in the tome and is elated when he realizes there is hope for the world. One by one her knights are drawn to her. Along with Merl, Gal and Arti, Lance and Gwen join them on a crusade to restore reading to their world.
A fun fast-paced and interesting take on a classic story that I would highly recommend for young and old alike.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Romanov
by Nadine Brandes from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson–FICTION in order to read and give an honest review.
“…Well crafted, emotional, heartbreaking and at times comical, Brandes shapes a touching story with magical fantasy and young romance…”
New to author Nadine Brandes’s work, I have to say I really enjoyed it. Taking the historical story of the Romanovs, the tale about their demise at the hands of the Bolsheviks and the rumours that initially the bodies of the youngest two were never found. Brandes tells an alternate history of their lives and pulls an author’s favourite trick…asking “what if” Brandes posits that the two managed to survive and tells the story of the events that followed.
The story follows the exile of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Tsarina Alexandra and their five children Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei. In this story, they are not painted as the family of tyrants but as a loving, patriotic family who believes in the power of forgiveness and showing kindness to all, even your enemies. Romanticized the story is told from the POV of the spirited and mischievous daughter, Anastasia Romanov who struggles to be brave and find forgiveness.
Well crafted, emotional, heartbreaking and at times comical, Brandes shapes a touching story with magical fantasy and young romance weaved in. Although not as accurate as some may like, to me this was definitely fiction, a story inspired by the facts. I think it takes talent and creativity to take a story down a different path away from what is and into what may have been. I loved it and would definitely recommend it to anyone who craves something a bit different.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Sound of Suffering by Darin C. Brown from NetGalley and Doc Squared Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ in order to read and give an honest review.
Hunter is on a quest to find out what the aura’s, scents and sounds he experiences around people mean. This is the second book in the Masters of Perceptions series, the first I have not read but feel it didn’t hamper my ability to enjoy the story. Young Hunter is autistic and suffers from overwhelming stimuli when he comes in contact with others. At this point, he is learning a little bit about himself and his abilities. While excelling at school and working his way through earning his Karate belts he still struggles with learning how to handle his gift and how to interact with those around him. He has people to help him though, a few friends, one of which has a dubious reputation, his desk mate and his Sensei all help him but he finds his biggest confidant to be his grandfather who lives across the country. When he gets strange sensations indicating one of his teachers is in trouble he can’t ignore the feeling and becomes determined to help her. His friends by his side he sets out on a dangerous adventure that is much bigger than just helping his teacher. I won’t give any more away the plot takes an interesting turn you need to read!
The characters are well-written and as mentioned the story takes an unexpected and interesting path. I would give this story 4.5 stars only because I found that some things seemed a bit unnecessary and they detracted from the story. Although I appreciate that the author is trying to teach the reader through the process of reading, sometimes the “info dumps” distracted me from the flow of the story, it felt hard to stay connected. It’s really is an ingenious story with interesting characters but many of the lessons seem repetitive. All in all, though I think it’s worth reading and would definitely recommend it!
Professor Owl's Book Corner 