The Storyteller's Scroll

The Winners of the First Sentence Flash Contest Announced

2012-02-08T07:38:00.000-05:00

Finally, the day has arrived to announce the winners of THE FIRST SENTENCE FLASH CONTEST. I’d like to thank Roxanne Werner, editor at Stories for Children, for donating her time and expertise and all of you who entered to make this a wildly successful contest. The first place winner is: Rogan had never eaten a knight before, but there was a first time for everything.

Last Chance for First Sentence Flash!

2012-02-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

Hi folks: Just posting how thrilled I am that this contest is such a success. Over 29 entries so far with 123 comments and tomorrow at noon the posting window closes. I also wanted to remind those of you that have entered to reread the rules. You must be a follower to win the free critiques. If you don't see your picture there, you didn't follow the 1st rule of the contest. So be sure. You

"First Sentence Contest" at The Storyteller's Scroll

2012-02-01T07:49:00.000-05:00

FIRST SENTENCES IN A FLASH! First sentences must be dynamic from the very first glance. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” — 1984 – George Orwell See what I mean… As writer’s we often struggle with our opening lines. The story might be fantastic, but if we don’t get the reader hooked in the beginning they’ll never get to our

How to Write A Synopsis for Your Novel

2012-01-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I’ve finished my YA novel. My critique group is reading my newest revisions and I’m ready to tackle the ever-daunting SYNOPSIS! I actually submitted the first 15 pages of this novel to an editor for a paid critique at a recent SCBWI conference and she said based on the passages she would have asked for more. YAY! But after reading the synopsis, she changed her mind

Get That Contract!

2012-01-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

The New Year is here. No time for excuses. Get out that computer, and talk to your muses. Write unique characters. Weave intricate plots. Describe awesome settings, and revise the weak spots. Send your manuscript out for an agent's review. Make 2012 a Happy New Year for you! Here's wishing all of my writer friends and followers much success in the New Year! Get writing!!!!!!!

And the Winner is...

2011-12-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Caszia. Rock Star Santa and his rowdy reindeer band will be performing a concert in your home on Christmas Eve, courtesy of Jingle Bell Jams. Please email me your physical address so I can send you Santa's sparkly silk scarf and a signed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA. Thanks for participating! MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Only 10 Days Left to win a signed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA

2011-12-05T10:24:00.000-05:00

ROCK STAR SANTA'S Reindeer are waiting for your rhyming interpretation of their characters. Only 10 days left in SANTA'S ROCKIN' REINDEER RHYMIN' CONTEST. Win a signed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA and Santa's red scarf. Santa and his rowdy band will soon be performing in your living room. Merry Christmas!

SANTA’S ROCKIN’ REINDEER RHYMING CONTEST

2011-11-10T09:32:00.001-05:00

SANTA’S ROCKIN’ REINDEER RHYMING CONTEST Santa’s been performing his Christmas concert for years. He’s a rock star! But he’d only be singing Jingle Bells without his rockin’ reindeer band. This is your chance to tell us about those crazy reindeer. Tell us what pop icons are so humorously illustrated by the fabulous Will Terry. (You’ll need a copy of ROCK STAR SANTA to do this

FINAL CURTAIN CALL FOR ROCK STAR SANTA

2011-11-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

ROCK STAR SANTA'S FAREWELL TOUR Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2011 COMIN’ TO A TOWN NEAR YOU! With a Ho! Ho! Ho! I’m here to say,“Get your ROCK STAR SANTA today.It’s going fast. They may not last‘til Christmas day. It’s such a blast! My rockin’ reindeer band is cool.Invite them to your home or school.Reach me at the address aboveand you’ll hold my book in your mitten

WINNERS OF THE THIRD ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR RHYMING CONTEST!

2011-10-25T21:03:00.000-04:00

Good news scrollers! HALLOWEEN is fast approaching, but “The Magnificent Monster” contest winners are already here. The scoring has been completed. See criteria below for each category. POEMS-Criteria included: 1. Subject Matter must have been related to DARK FANTASY.DARK FANTASY.2. Meter -- the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that creates a reading rhythm.3. Originality – the

Only Three Days Left for the Magnificent Monster Contest!!

2011-10-09T18:53:00.000-04:00

Last call for entries for "The Magnificent Monster Contest" at the Storytellers Scroll. Winners will be announced on October 26th. Best poem wins - a signed copy of An Eyeball in My Garden. Best prose wins - a copy of Shiver. Good luck everyone. Get those Mysterious Magnificent Monsters Moaning! Good Luck everyone.

The Eyeball Has Left the Crypt!

2011-09-11T10:04:00.001-04:00

Yes, folks the mighty Eyeball has left the crypt and is once again wandering through the garden. Check out his latest bloggings at: www.eyeballinmygarden.com He has linked to our Magnificent Monster Contest and he's looking to send some dark monsters our way. Hope you join him and us in our dark fantasy contest. Bwaaa-haa-haa!

ONLY 5 MORE DAYS BEFORE THE MAGNIFICENT MONSTERS APPEAR

2011-09-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

Hope you are all busy scaring up some great "Monster" Poems and Stories. Entries will start appearing in (5) days. Werewolves and Werecats Vampires Trolls Evil Fairies Spider Queens Witches Can you write about a monster no one has heard of? Try it! Your prizes await!

Third Annual Spooktacular Halloween Contest at the Storyteller's Scroll

2011-09-04T22:45:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe I’ll be hosting the Third Annual Spooktacular Halloween Contest at the Storyteller’s Blog this year. Where does the time go? For the last two years The Spooktacular Contest was limited to rhyme, as I am an avid rhymer. My published picture book is rhyming and I’m currently working on a poetry collection. Last year, I added a glossary of Halloween Creatures titled “Monster

Tips to Create Suspense/Tension

2011-08-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

I’ve just spent the whole summer writing and revising my newest novel. Through my efforts to create a great story I’ve used the following advice, which I garnered from editor’s critiques, agent’s blogs and my own writing partners. These ten easy steps helped me. I hope they will help you too. Tips to create suspense/tension to keep your readers turning those pages! 1.

Go With the Flow

2011-08-11T20:55:00.000-04:00

First drafts percolate in my head for weeks, beckoning to be released. When I finally sit at the computer, they gush out like a broken water main, flooding the pages. Voice automatically surfaces through the words. --Gayle C. Krause

PATCHWORK WORDS: STRONGER STORY

2011-08-01T22:24:00.000-04:00

Pretty Pirate! We’ve all heard about how we should polish our manuscripts until they shine. Are they made of silver? And it has been said that editors are seeking the precious gem, so we should revise our manuscripts until they sparkle. I’d like to propose an analogy of my own, “patchwork words.”Since I’m also a quilter, as well as an author, this makes sense to me.

A Dozen Simple Tips for Writing Strong Novels

2011-07-19T23:23:00.000-04:00

Writing Novels 1. Make a plot outline.2. Kick off your novel with a bang to hook your readers right away. (First page)3. Stay focused to move your story forward.4. Keep flashbacks to a minimum. 5. Quickly accelerate story to a level of action6. Don’t underestimate your reader. No need to explain everything. Let your story tell itself. Show, Don’t tell. 7.

Eastern PA SCBWI Festival of Books

2011-07-03T19:36:00.001-04:00

CORRECTION! CHANGE OF VENUE!!! The Book Festival will take place on the same day, at the same time, but will be held at: Doylestown Bookshop 16 S Main St. Doylestown, PA 18901 See you there! The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators presents A Festival of Children’s Books on Thursday, July 28, 2011 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Winner of the Fractured Mother Goose Poetry Contest is Announced

2011-06-14T10:17:00.000-04:00

Mother Goose has been giving her spectacles a real work out reading and rereading these “old rhymes in new skins.” She even let Goosey read some. Goosey was not a fan of The Wise Lamb and I could understand why. I would like to personally thank everyone who participated in the “New Mother Goose Rhyming Competition.” From a scrambled “Humpty” to a lying “Bo-Peep” to

NJSCBWI - A New Take on Silver and Gold

2011-06-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

Making New Writer Friends and Reconnecting with Old Ones Last week I had the best time at the NJSCBWI Conference despite a few family setbacks. (An emergency room visit in the middle of the night) But that's another story. I was thrilled to meet and chat with some of my POET'S GARAGE members. I had met Stella and Diana before, but this was my first time meeting Laura. I also ran into my old

NEW POETRY CONTEST AT THE STORYTELLER’S SCROLL

2011-06-01T09:21:00.000-04:00

Don't forget, you rhymers out there. Mother Goose is expecting some "new" takes on her "old" rhymes. Contest starts today!Good Luck!

Non-Traditional Mother Goose Poetry Contest at the Storyteller's Scroll

2011-05-27T20:38:00.000-04:00

NEW POETRY CONTEST AT THE STORYTELLER’S SCROLL In winter, The Storyteller’s Scroll ran the second annual Fractured Fairy Tale Rhyming Contest” It was a great success. But in both the last contest and the previous one, some participants used beloved Mother Goose characters instead of fairy tale characters. So in honor of their favorite Nursery Rhymes we’re running a rhyming

Color Critiques for Conferences

2011-05-06T00:07:00.000-04:00

Hi folks! Spring is Conference time. In April I participated in a peer critique group at a PA SCBWI conference and in June I will be meeting the authors of the novels I am currently critiquing. All together, I have critiqued 165 pages. That’s the size of a whole novel. So what did I observe when critiquing these awesome samples of writing? Creating tension is essential

Interview with Picture Book Author - Lynne Marie

2011-04-17T17:45:00.001-04:00

Today, I’d like to introduce my blog readers to Lynne Marie. She’s a new Scholastic author, and we share the same editor. Her debut picture book is featured in this interview. Enjoy! 1.Can you tell us your latest news? I am very pleased to announce that my first children’s picture book, “Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten,” is being featured in May issue of Scholastic Firefly book club

A Fun Poem for Poetry Month

2011-04-14T17:31:00.000-04:00

April is designated "Poetry Month" and before it gets away on me I wanted to post a fun poem. Hope you like it. Happy rhyming! Hugs,Gayle Colleen, the Color Queen By Gayle C. Krause Colleen, the Color Queen I come from a big family with brothers wide and tall.And I’m the youngest child. I’m smaller than them all. Each brother has a talent in music, math, or sport.But when

What is a Paraquel?

2011-03-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

I’ve learned something new this week and I’d like to share it with you. Have you ever heard of a paraquel? I hadn’t until I read The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins. It seems it’s a story that takes place at the same time as another story with the same or similar characters. In this case, The Bone Magician and The Black Book of Secrets by the same author are considered

How to Write a Good Critique

2011-03-18T15:15:00.000-04:00

Attending an SCBWI Conference is special. First, you find out which ones sound interesting and valuable to you. Then, must register months in advance. Sometimes that involves sending five pages of a manuscript you want seen by an editor or agent. You must polish it to perfection before it goes out. Then there is the peer critique group, fifteen pages of a WIP for your colleagues to evaluate

The Lovely Blog Award

2011-03-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank Allyn Stotz for the Lovely Blog Award. or those of you I nominate, please accept the award, post iot to your blog and nominate 15 other blogs that you enjoy or have just found. In paying it forward I have nominated the following blogs: http://claragillowclark.blogspot.com http://funnypoetrygirl.blogspot.com http://mywordplayground.blogspot.com http://

Announcing the winners of THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST

2011-03-01T00:31:00.000-05:00

Announcing the winners of THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, Part 2 “THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, PART 2” was a wonderful success. We had ten excellent entries, each a winner in its own right. For those of you who did not win, if you care to email me I’d be happy to send you a critiqued copy of your poem.

POETRY CONTEST AT THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL

2011-02-18T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hello out there you rhymers. THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL is sponsoring "THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, PART 2. Eighteen months ago I held the first FRACTURED FAIRY TALE CONTEST. We had multiple entries and a lot of fun. SO... I'd like to repeat the contest this year. Here are the simple rules: Write a rhyming poem suitable for children to read of no more than 12 lines about two Fairy

Interview with Debut Picture Book Author, Jodi Moore

2011-02-04T09:08:00.000-05:00

Today I have an extra special treat for you, the first interview of debut picture book author, Jodi Moore. J I met Jodi two years ago at the SCBWI Eastern PA Pocono Retreat (coming up again April 8-10, 2011 at the Shawnee Golf Resort), a great conference to make new friendships and foster old ones. Scholastic had just published my first picture book, ROCK STAR SANTA and Jodi was such an

Learning to Draw with Will Terry

2011-01-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today, I have the pleasure of spreading the word about a wonderful children’s illustrator, Will Terry. I’m not too prejudiced……….he illustrated my picture book, ROCK STAR SANTA, and I love his illustrations. They pop right off the page. Will has taken a major step. He has written his own picture e-book, which is available as a Nookbook at Barnes and Noble. Look for Monkey and Croc.

IT’S IN THE BAG-- FINDING ORIGINAL CHARACTER TRAITS

2011-01-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

How is writing a children’s book like taking one of my final exams? The answer………..”It’s in the Bag!” In my career as a teacher educator, training prospective Elementary and Pre-K teachers, I always dreamt up creative ways to test their knowledge. Students wrote children’s plays and then acted in them. They had to make the costumes and scenery as well as teach the

Picture Books from Christmas Cards - Recycled Inspiration!

2011-01-11T19:11:00.000-05:00

The last of Christmas went today, not to the garbage can, but to my desk. Oh, I’m not talking about tinsel or falling needles from dried out tree branches, I’m talking about the pile of Christmas cards I received this year. As I was getting ready to throw them away the one on top was of two children peeking into Santa’s toyshop, and a picture book was born…….. I titled it

An Author’s New Year Message

2010-12-31T22:09:00.000-05:00

An Author’s New Year MessageBy Gayle C. Krause A new year is upon us.May our hopes and dreams come true.Be that contracts or agent repsor a new book or two. May the novels that we wrote this year,the picture books and poems,impress a famous editorso that they each find homes. May your work be recognizedwith honors and awards.And may discussions of your stories fill the

Do Your Characters Dictate Your Story?

2010-12-26T09:44:00.000-05:00

Some writers outline every detail of their story and follow it religiously. Others write whatever comes into their heads as their fingers hit the keys. I’ve done it both ways, though I must say I prefer the latter. But my question remains the same. Have you ever experienced a character who insinuates themselves into your story or takes the story in another direction than

Interview with Karen Orloff - author of "I Wanna New Room"

2010-12-17T08:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome Karen. I’m so happy you’ve stopped by to give my readers the scoop about your new book. 1. Can you tell us your latest news?  My third picture book, “I Wanna New Room,” illustrated by David Catrow, (G.P. Putnam) came out on Dec. 2. This is the companion book to “I Wanna Iguana” and I’m thrilled it’s finally out. Great. It should be as big as the “Iguana” book 2. If

WINNER of ROCK STAR SANTA Giveaway!

2010-12-15T13:27:00.001-05:00

Well the day has come when an autographed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA will be flying through the sky to the winner. I’d like to thank all of you who participated with sharing your special Christmas moments. I so wanted everyone to win. Luckily, random.org chose the winner. I counted up the number of entries and plugged them into the randomizer and it selected #11 as the winner. Congratulations ***

Vote for The Dreamweaver at Storybird

2010-12-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

Hi folks: Just found a cool website that allows you to write your own picture books by using an illustrator's artwork as the prompts. Storybird Weekly competitions and prizes. This week my picture book, The Dreamweaver, is a semi finalist. I'd appreciate your votes. Thanks, Gayle

ROCK STAR SANTA "Give Away" Just in Time for Christmas!

2010-12-01T01:17:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is December 1st already and my 100th post has arrived with a special treat. Christmas is right around the corner and I’m giving away a signed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA on The Storyteller’s Scroll. Many fans have contacted me about how to get a copy and this “GIVE AWAY” is one sure way to get it for your favorite child or for yourself..... I love to teach kids. For over thirty years I taught Early Childhood Education at a Career and Technical School to students who wished to become dynamic teachers. Then, I wrote about what I taught. Now, as a children’s author, I teach about what I write. Just this week, I had the pleasure of working with a great group of sixth graders at JT Lambert Middle School in

Big Boys Don't Spy

2010-11-19T08:36:00.001-05:00

Today, I have a special treat for you. The author of "Big Boys Don't Spy" has stopped by to answer a few questions about her work. I first met Karen at an SCBWI conference eight years ago when we were both placed in a peer critique group. We clicked and shared manuscripts for over two years. During that time I was privileged to read the first versions of "Big Boys Don't Spy." I loved the main

Falling Leaves Writers' Retreat

2010-11-15T14:40:00.000-05:00

I just spent a fabulous weekend at the Eastern NYSCBWI’s Falling Leaves Writer’s Retreat at Lake George, NY. Five outstanding editors in children’s publishing offered wonderful insight to the industry. All members of our peer critique groups were well suited to each other. My particular group had four published authors in various genres. The

COMMON MISUSES OF WORDS

2010-11-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

Today, I thought I’d share some words and/or phrases that writers tend to mix up when writing. Sometimes the story they have in their head is so compelling they write away and don't pay attention to word choice. Now I'm not talking about strong or weak verbs here, or even a more descriptive word. I'm talking about words that some of us get mixed up. Hope these examples

EXPOSITION: Hints for Weaving in Back Story

2010-11-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I served as part of the faculty for EPA SCBWI in Lancaster, Pa. I learned a lot about my own writing by reading and critiquing that of total strangers, Immediately, I was placed in an editor or agent’s seat, seeing the most polished manuscripts the writers had to offer. And while I sat in that seat I also recognized some of the basic flaws in writing.

Eastern PA SCBWI Critique-a-thon

2010-11-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

5 authors 5 agents 5 editors 60 participants 1 happy co-ordinator The First Annual Critique-a-thon took place in Lancaster, Pa. yesterday. I participated as one of the five published authors. We each critiqued 15 manuscripts. So did the agents and editors. Sixty hopeful children's writers received wonderful feedback, inspiration and hope. A triumphant success, so much so, it is planned again

2010-10-31T16:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween! Tonight, I'm happy to announce the winner of the “An Eyeball in My Garden” Halloween poetry contest. Criteria was to be or become a follower and to create a poem that mentioned an "Eyeball." And the winner is: A Zombie’s Dilemmaby Russ Moyer Eyeball, eyeball.Stoppin’ to say hi all.Rollin’ down the highwaylooking for my mate. Sigh ball. Hi ball.I found

Preparing for NaNo Mo

2010-10-27T15:39:00.001-04:00

Character Shopping With NaNoMo fast approaching, those of us who are planning to take the challenge have characters knocking on our brains asking to be included in our stories. While some writers have meticulously outlined their stories anxiously awaiting November first to start, others, known as pansters, go with whatever enters their head when they sit down to type. Whichever type of writer

Halloween Poetry Contest

2010-10-16T14:37:00.002-04:00

Announcing the "2nd Annual Halloween Poetry Contest" at The Storyteller's Scroll Vie for a chance to win a complete rhyming picture book critique from “First Peek Critique” You will get a chance to create an EYEBALL poem of your own to celebrate“An Eyeball in My Garden.” Winner will be announced on Halloween. So get that icky eyeball rollin’…..See the putrid possibilities of persnickety

Interview with Christy Critchfield - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-10-15T08:04:00.001-04:00

Read at Your Own Risk is Christy Critchfield's poem. It's the last poem in the book, and so too, she is the last of our "Eyeball" poets to visit The Storyteller's Scroll. Yeah Gayle! Thanks for this opportunity! #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? I have always been drawn to the humorous; therefore I am a big fan of William Shakesperry’s poems. I love Rise and

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

Monstermania - Day 9 vampire - a corpse with large incisors, who rises from slumber at sunset to seek blood. Once bitten, the victim also becomes a vampire. Most noted vampires, Dracula, Lestat, Edward. sorceress - a woman who studies black magic and casts spells. She communicates with demons and evil spirits to provide desirable outcomes. She uses natural items for her spells. She may or may

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-13T17:08:00.001-04:00

Halloween Monstermania - Day 8 shapeshifter - one who can change shaoe or identity at will; may assume an animal form. The change can be voluntary, caused by magic or being bitten by the animal form of another shapeshifter (werewolf, werecat etc...) werewolf/werecat - half human, half wolf or cat. Shapeshifts on full moon nights. Once bitten, the victim also becomes a werewolf. Most noted

Interview with WIlliam Shakespeery - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-10-12T09:39:00.002-04:00

Stopping by to visit us today is William "Bill" Shakespeery, the genius behind the Poets' Garage. Without him there would be no "Eyeball in my Garden," literally! #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? I have a number of favs, but if I must be nailed down to one, tonight it would be The Goblin Parade, written by Jennifer Cole Judd. The image of goblins marching down

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-11T15:06:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIA - DAY - DAY 7 genie - a giant magic spirit believed to take human form and serve the person who calls it. In certain cultures a genie is believed to control the weather. Their food preferences are fingers, noses and ears. Some are cruel. Some are good. wraith – the ghost of a dead person. Sometimes is believed to be a vision of a person still alive as a premonition of that person’

Interview with Susie Sawyer - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-10-08T07:21:00.001-04:00

Today, it's Susie Sawyer's turn to stop by. Always cheery, she makes a "sunny" cowgirl. #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? Oh, don't make me pick!! There is such a wide variety of amazing work in this collection, it really would be difficult to choose one favorite. Some I love for their creepiness, some for their giggle factor, and some are wonderfully complete

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-07T17:01:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIA Day 6 of Halloween Monsters Boogeyman - an imaginary creature who loves to hide under beds, in closets and under stairs. He's known most for blubbering frightening noises on a dark winter night, scaring children in their beds. Boogilty - Boogilty Boo!Bwaa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Skeleton - the bones of a human or animal that make clickity-clack noises as they move through graveyards on

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-06T20:03:00.001-04:00

MONSTERMANIA Day 5 of Halloween Monsters Manticore – a man-eater monster with a face, which resembles a human, the body of a lion, the tail of a dragon or scorpion, which has poisonous spines that shoot poisonous spines to either paralyze or kill its victims. It may be horned, winged, or both. Its melodious call mesmerizes its victims. Gargoyles – Extremely agile nocturnal creatures that can

Interview with Edna Cabcabin Moran - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-10-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

Today, I welcome Edna Cabcabin Moran. As both poet and illustrator, Edna is the "purr-fect" choice for today's interview. #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection?Tough to say because I have a lot of favorites. Just off the top of my head~"Igor Picks A Pet" is done in a great voice and "The Hixon House" is good ol' eerie!#2. Where did your inspiration

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-04T19:54:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIA Day 4 of Halloween Monsters Witch - a woman who can control the forces of nature for good or evil. Good witches are called "white witches." Halloween or "black witches" are considered evil. Witches possess a strong intuition, possibly bordering on psychic abilities. Warlock - a male witch or wizard with magical powers. In some mythologies warlocks are wise men with a power to

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-03T19:54:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIA Day 3 of Halloween Monsters Phookas – Mischievous and roguish furry tricksters who shape shift to trick humans. Will-o-the Wisps – luminous phantom lights from deep in the forest or black swamps which cause humans to seek their light and become lost.

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-10-02T19:57:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIA - DAY 2 Today, we add two more monsters to the Halloween Monster Glossary. Troll – a monster with an unending appetite, their favorite food is sheep, but they will eat whatever they catch. They are nocturnal creatures. Sun turns them to stone. Skilled at word games, they might beat you in Scrabble. Ogres – intelligent creatures of epic strength, who thrive

Interview with Jennifer Cole Judd - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet and Editor

2010-10-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

Today, straight from the Halloween Pumpkin Patch, we welcome Jennifer Cole Judd and one of her little pumpkin pickers. Being born on Halloween, Jennifer has an innate sense of which will make the best “Jack O’ Lantern.” #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? SOO hard to pick a favorite! I was recently asked this question and hadn’t had a chance to really give it

Halloween Monstermania - A Glossary of Monsters

2010-09-30T17:22:00.000-04:00

MONSTERMANIAHi folks: In honor of the month of October I am planning to post a glossary of monsters that can be used in children's Halloween picture books and poems. Every day I will post two monsters and their definition/description. Accompanying each post will be a photo of moi, in Halloween poses. Come back each day, just to see who I will be. Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!! Ghoul - a monster of

Interview with Craig "Spiderman" Steele - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-09-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

Glad you "dropped" by, Craig. #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? You mean, other than my own, of course (LOL). It’s a difficult choice because there are so many poems in the book that I really enjoy. But, to be fair and answer your question, I have to say my favorite poem in the collection is “Haunted” by William Shakespeery. From a story viewpoint, I always get

Interview with Stella Michel - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-09-24T07:54:00.000-04:00

Today we welcome the "bewitching" Stella Michel. BEWARE! Her "charming" smile may put a spell on you! #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection?My favorite poem from the collection is Laura’s Highland Train, followed by Mike Sullivan’s Spooky and Angela McMullan’s poem, The Scarecrow. Really, there are too many to list. I also like the way Mummy’s Menu

Interview with Kevin McNamee - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet

2010-09-21T09:06:00.000-04:00

Today we welcome poet, Kevin McNamee. Kevin's got a great sense of humor, as you can tell from his photo. Who else would represent the "skeleton" crowd? :) #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? Well, if we’re not talking about any of my own poems, I would have to say that I’m partial to the Winking Wot. It’s a fun poem and Johann Olander really

The Bookshelf Muse: 1000 Followers Contest & Mentorship Opportunity!

2010-09-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to share this awesome opportunity with my readers. Check it out! You won't be sorry. The Bookshelf Muse: 1000 Followers Contest & Mentorship Opportunity!

Interview with Laura Wynkoop - "An Eyeball in My Garden" Poet & Editor

2010-09-17T08:03:00.000-04:00

#1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection?Wow, this is a tough one. I have so many favorites in the book. If I had to narrow it down, I'd say it's a tie between Susie Sawyer's "Hixon House" and Jennifer Cole Judd's "Love Song of a Werewolf."#2. Where did your inspiration come from for your particular poems?My poems span a wide variety of spooky subjects

Interview with Mike Sullivan - "An Eyeball in My Garden" poet

2010-09-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

At last, the time has come. We join in the Halloween spirit by celebrating the release of “An Eyeball in My Garden” with the first of a series of interviews with the SPOOKTACULAR poet authors from The Poets’ Garage. First up is Mike Sullivan. #1. What is your “favorite” spooky poem from the collection? “Haunted” is currently at the top of my list. The writing and the

2010-09-10T17:17:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON— The creative creatures behind the “Eyeball” and a chance for you to get all “Eyeball” crazy. Yes. Starting next week I will have exclusive interviews with the poets who created “An Eyeball in My Garden.” Learn what inspired them to be so spookalicious. Discover each poets “favorite” spooky poem. and vie for a chance

The Big Picture........Writing Picture Books

2010-09-08T21:45:00.000-04:00

I recently wrote this article for a friend's blog. But it's worth posting it again. Gayle :) ARE YOU A PICTURE BOOK WRITER? What qualifies me to write a picture book? What qualifies you? If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it a million times. “I can write a picture book. It’s easy.” People hear about my success with “Rock Star Santa” and say I can do that too. I say, “Try it. It’s not as easy as

Photo Fridays- Cliff House Writers

2010-09-03T20:19:00.000-04:00

Cliff House Writer's Retreat Cliff House Writers Celebrate a ContractFellow Children's Authors A Hat Contest to Match our Current WIPS FUN!!!!

A Writer's Voyage

2010-09-02T22:26:00.000-04:00

A Writer’s Voyage by Gayle C. Krause I float upon a sea of words in my manuscript,docking at book islands with pages torn and rippedfrom overuse by authors seeking references or guidesin writing “the great novel” through thick thesaurus tides. But on the sea’s horizon beneath the setting sunis my inspiration. My work will soon be done.A publisher will

To Rhyme or not to Rhyme!

2010-08-26T09:49:00.000-04:00

As they say, “That is the question.” I’m a natural rhymer. Picture book ideas come to me in rhyming couplets or quatrains. Sometimes I have to stop myself from creating a new rhyming text. Why? Because so many editors and agents won’t even look at it. Does it help that I already have a rhyming picture book published? Not really. I can’t submit a rhyming manuscript if

PROSE POLYGONS

2010-08-06T11:27:00.000-04:00

Shapes are everywhere, flashing circle alarms in your car, triangle signs on road construction, and you wouldn't ski down a diamond slope if you were a beginner. Shapes have meaning in real life, so too, do they give meaning to your writing. Shapes add a subliminal layer to your story. Here is a list you might consider either purposely or unconsciously when you are developing a story. Check

The Color of Words - A Writer's Palette

2010-07-30T07:33:00.000-04:00

Color Your Words You’ve heard of “The Colors of the Wind.” What Disney aficionado hasn’t? But what about “The Colors of Your Words?” Like music, color affects the readers mood. When I remodeled my nursery school, and this happened several times over the course of my teaching career, I always asked for “cool” colors for my rugs and walls. One year we had yellow walls and red

The Persnickety Problems of Prose Picture Book Writing

2010-07-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

The Persnickety Problems of Prose Picture Book Writing—Told from the Perspective of a Picture Book Ryhmer. I’ve been writing picture books for over seven years. I even have one that has sold over 113,000 copies, and it’s a rhymer. The problem, well, my problem, is that rhyme comes easier to me than picture book prose. Probably because I have a naturally older voice. I have

Write On Conference for Children's Writers

2010-06-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('f9af06a2-083b-45d1-9f5d-18ecb05010c8'); Get the Countdown Creator Pro widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info) Great news. These awesome writers and bloggers have put their brains together to come up with a great resource for children's writers; a FREE online conference, featuring a fantastic lineup of

Poetry From an Expert Poet

2010-06-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

Attended NJ SCBWI conference this past weekend. Conference opened with David L. Harrison, poet laureate of Drury University. He has something like 93 poem books published since the sixties. He was one of the first poets to be published by Wordsong and is on a personal friend basis with Kent Brown. Currently, he is working on a Cowboy collection for Wordsong, funny thing is once you get to be in

Springtime Crazies

2010-05-24T16:14:00.000-04:00

I don't know what to do first. Have you ever had days like this? I'm busy critiquing fifteen pages of six YA novels for a the upcoming SCBWINJ conference, revising my own historical fiction novel, creating poems for my poet's group anthology, critiquing everyone else's, submitting picture book manuscripts, entering a poetry contest, and reading novels. Now, that does not count getting ready for

Creative Inspiration

2010-05-02T16:19:00.000-04:00

Just got back from an Open House at Peter's Valley Art Fair and I've decided to take a drawing/watercolor class. If I have any talent at all (and I should since Art was my minor in college) I'm going to try illustrating one of my rhyming picture books. If that goes well, I might just do them all. Then I jump over a column to writer/illustrator. Looking forward to it. It should be fun. Another

Rhyme Time Tuesday

2010-03-31T08:43:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted rhyme at the Storyteller's Scroll. Here is cumulative ditty with a twist. Enjoy! Sly Mr. Crocby Gayle C. Krause Mr. Croc spread a smile,as he lounged along the Nile,eyes narrowed, as he prowled near a tidy little pile… Of geese! The geese were unsuspecting,and simply not expectingthat a croc with crooked smilecould lounge along the Nile,eyes

The Fairy's Call

2010-03-24T17:03:00.000-04:00

Putting my YA novels aside to cook, I've been working on two "Fairy" short stories, one for children and one for young adults. These two short stories have rekindled the "Fairy Call." The first thing I ever wrote was a fairy picture book, and then another, which led to two MG "fairy" novels. I think this summer, seven years later, I will return to them. Seven sounds like a magic number.

Tropical Inspiration

2010-02-18T12:07:00.000-05:00

Well, folks I'm rounding out my fifth week in the Caribbean. Lush greenery, crashing waves, beautiful inspiration and an exploding volcano! But that too has spurred the creative juices. Since I've been here I've cranked out 3 picture books and finished a YA novel. The first picture book was inspired by a Caribbean folktale. It's a retelling of sorts. The second is a board book for the very

Starting the New Year with a Bang!

2010-01-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

This year I am determined to get another book published, but this time it will be one of my novels. I've just spent that last six months revising my YA dystopian. It's done and it's ready to find a home. So what better way to start looking for one than by seeking representation? That is my goal for 2010. Earnestly looking for an agent. Will keep you posted on how my search goes. If you're

Kid Lit Contest

2010-01-03T10:32:00.001-05:00

Hi folks: here is a contest sponsored by kid lit for all you novel writers out there. Thought you might be interested. Your entry has to be for a children’s novel (YA or MG, sorry, no picture books this time around), it has to be for a manuscript that is FINISHED and could be sent out to an agent, and it must be under 500 words. To be clear, you have to email your entry to me with the subject

Rhyme Time Tuesday - New Children's Magazine

2009-12-29T10:10:00.000-05:00

Spreading the news about a new poetry magazine for children.Gisele Le Blanc, the former publisher of Dragonfly Spirit Magazine, has launched a new magazine devoted to haiku.Berry Blue Haiku, a new online publication for kids, is now open to submissions. Her first issue is slated for June 2010.For details, check her blog:http://cobaltcrowproductions.blogspot.com/

Writer Wednesdays - Braided Stories

2009-12-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

You’ve all heard of braided breads and French braided hair, but did you know stories need to be braided, too? Braided stories should have three storylines, as each section of tresses in a plait. Writers who plod along on one story throughout the entire manuscript run the risk of writing a boring story. Readers need some unexpected happenings and this can be done a little

Interview with Realm Lovejoy

2009-11-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

Today, on Writer Wednesday, I am happy to announce that I have been interviewed on fellow author Realm Lovejoy's blog. Realm is a fantastic artist/illustrator. Her book CLAN will be coming out shortly.She so graciously took the time to draw my picture to accompany the interview. I have the great honor of being the 1st picture book writer to appear on her blog.You can read my interview about ROCK

Rock Star Santa's Elizabethville Library Visit

2009-11-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

It's Photo Friday!Last Sunday Rock Star Santa and I participated in a special "Arts" series for children at the Elizabethville Library. Everyone had a rockin' time. The pictures say it all.Thank you for a very extraordinary performance. My own children couldn't stop talking about it. We received positive feedback from everyone who attended the program. --Bobbie Jo Trowbridge, Program Event

Interview with Gisele LeBlanc

2009-11-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

Good morning Gisele. I'd like to thank you for stopping by for an interview.Hi Gayle! I'd like to start by saying thank you for inviting me to your blog, and I'm honored that you wanted to share my poem with your readers!1. What got you started in writing for children?As far as how I got started in writing for children, it all started with the fact that as a child I

Query Contest at Kidlit

2009-10-31T23:26:00.000-04:00

Only a few hours left to enter Mary Kole's Query contest. I've entered with a YA query.Good luck everyone.Here is the link -Kidlit Contest

Spooktacular Rhyme Time Winner Announced

2009-10-31T10:03:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!Today's the day when goblins prowl vampires bite, and werewolves howl.We've waited for this special time to declare the winner of Spooktacular rhyme."I vould like to announce zat after much deliberation on such vonderful Halloween rhymes ze vinner is--"Gisele Le BlancHer winning entry is titled - BEWARE!Creeping mist swirls through air.Night transforms into its lair.Creatures howl

RHYME TIME TUESDAY'S SPOOKTACULAR RHYMING CONTEST

2009-10-13T08:49:00.000-04:00

Tis the ghostly season...A spooktacular reasonfor a contest of rhymeabout Halloween time!Come join the rhyming contest about Halloween. Take a look a the spooky prompt and create a Halloween poem suitable for children. Winner gets a free "Red Eye" critique from "First Peek Critique" services for a rhyming picture book on any topic.Contest runs from October 13 - October 27.Winner will be

ROCK STAR SANTA is back!

2009-10-05T08:01:00.000-04:00

ROCK STAR SANTA is available again. I received the Scholastic "Winter Gift Books" Catalog last Thursday. It's on the bottom right hand corner of the first page as part of a Holiday Picture Book Pack. This year it will also be sold in the December "See Saw" (Pre-K to 1st grade) flyer and the "Lucky" (2nd -3rd grade) flyer and teachers and librarians can order it directly from the Education &

Photo Fridays

2009-09-25T08:49:00.000-04:00

Coming soon to s school or library near you!!!ROCK STAR SANTA and his "Rowdy Reindeer Band"

Internal Rhyme

2009-09-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Internal rhyme is a rhyme that happens in a single line of verse. It is also called middle rhyme. Here is an example from two of my poems which exemplify internal rhyme. The road was windy and cluttered with stones, and the bright moonlight made the stones look like bones. With broken shutters and a creaky floor the house moaned “hello” when I entered the door.and <

Writing Children's Poems - End Rhyme

2009-09-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

What is rhyme? So many people think they can write a rhyme, especially for children. They read Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose and think it’s easy. Trust me. It’s not. Rhyme is the agreement in sound between words or syllables. But each of those words must count in describing the story arc you are trying to convey. None can be added as filler to make the meter sound right

Monday Musings - Color Coded Critiques

2009-09-11T09:08:00.000-04:00

Color-Coded Critiques Revision is a daunting task. Some writers love it. Others hate it. I’d like to share with you how I revise my manuscripts. Maybe some of you do this, already, but when I met with my editor and editorial director, they were fascinated by what I described as my revision process. The editorial director asked if she could use it in her writing class to