Thursday, February 28, 2008

Congrats to Jen!! And the Kindertransport

"People on the outside think there's something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn't like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that's all there is to it." - Harlan Ellison

First off, I'm at Mandy Roth's "Behind the Story" today -- only it's not up yet... of course. Clearly, I arise earlier than anyone else in the known world! LOL... In any case, when it IS usp, come by, visit, say howdy and see how Liv was created.

Edited to add: It's after 1:00 EST and it's still not up. I emailed Mandy to find out what's the haps, and will let you know. Dang it.

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A belated congratulations to Jen for finishing the first draft of her mystery!! Woot! She and I had challenged each other to finish our mysteries this month since we were both close to the same number of words completed at that time. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how busy the virtual tour for "One Love For Liv" would keep me, and I only managed to add a few thousand words.

Jen, OTOH, hunkered down and DID IT!!

I'm so thrilled for her. Now, I need to finish so we can swap and crit.

Good news is that I did work on it yesterday and managed to write about 1500 words! I still need to get about 20,000 written, but at least it was something.

I'm working, Jen. Promise!

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I took some time to feed my need for information surrounding WWII and got the video and book "Into the Arms of Strangers" about the Kindertransport. As the video was rated PG, I watched it with my DD who finally understood at least a little of the horror of Hitler's reign. She is a fan of The Sound of Music, but didn't understand much of the politics behind the story, even though I attempted to explain.

It's a very interesting and touching video, and the book is more of the same--statements from the children and others who were touched by the Kindertransport. Why were we never told of this in our history classes?

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Speaking of vintage stuff, I got a Google Alert in my inbox regarding a new review for an older story, "Miles From You" which takes place immediately following WWII. From Sensual Reads and Reviews it says, in part:

"Miles From You" is a very believable and touching story. Marianne Arkins has created an extraordinary story for all ages to read. Millie has the sweetest personally and Paul is the perfect gentleman. I wish everyone was still like this today.

That was a very pleasant surprise, since this story was out quite some time ago.

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You Are a Colon



You are very orderly and fact driven.

You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue.

You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched.

You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions.

Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice.

(But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!)

You excel in: Leadership positions

You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

8 comments:

Judy said...

I am a ?

You seek knowledge and insight in every form possible. You love learning.
And while you know a lot, you don't act like a know it all. You're open to learning you're wrong.

You ask a lot of questions, collect a lot of data, and always dig deep to find out more.
You're naturally curious and inquisitive. You jump to ask a question when the opportunity arises.

Your friends see you as interesting, insightful, and thought provoking.
(But they're not always up for the intense inquisitions that you love!)

You excel in: Higher education

You get along best with: The Comma

Jen said...

Thanks so much for the congrats, Marianne!

My boyfriend throughout much of high school was the son of one of the kindertransport children. It had long-ranging effects.

There's a wonderful book written for middle grade readers called "Upon the Head of a Goat" and it's about a Jewish family in Budapest (I believe) and how they slowly have right after right after right removed from them. (ie. the right to congregate, to work, etc.). In the last scene the family is going off to what the rest of us know will be a concentration camp. It's beautifully written, and doesn't contain death - it shows the heartbreak of the holocaust in other ways.

Dru said...

I didn't know about the Kindertransport. Now I'm truly interested.

As for the quiz, I'm a colon.

Your "stop" at Behind The Story is not up yet.

Melissa Blue said...

oh, I love today's quote.

Melissa McClone said...

You Are a Dash

Your life is fast paced and varied. You are realistic, down to earth, and very honest.
You're often busy doing something interesting, and what you do changes quickly.

You have many facets to your personality, and you connect them together well.
You have a ton of interests. While some of them are a bit offbeat, they all tie together well.

You friends rely on you to bring novelty and excitement to their lives.
(And while you're the most interesting person they know, they can't help feeling like they don't know you well.)

You excel in: Anything to do with money

You get along best with: the Exclamation Point

Anonymous said...

Today's stop is up! And I smiled when I read red ink flew. :) I really can relate to that.

-Sarita, who's too lazy to sign back in. :)

Brandy said...

I like banner you have about "reading is like breathing chocolate air". *g*

And you're doing well, writing with all you have going on.

Thank you for the info on the Kindertransport.

I am a ?. I like it and it fits. *g*

Have a good day!

Anonymous said...

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic. You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.

You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.

Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (But with so many competing interests, your friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)

You excel in: Inspiring people

You get along best with: The Question Mark


That doesn't sound at all like me, IMO. *g*