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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

An Amazing Author ~By Suzy Leopold

Today I want to share a book recommendation for all writers. This book is categorized fiction-technique-juvenile literature. Written with children in mind, I found this book to be an excellent read for adult writers. 

Are you ready for a little fun? Here are five clues about the author of today's book recommendation. Here we go!


The author of this book:

  • Was a Reading teacher for 20 years.
  • At the age of 40 she began a writing career. She is now 81 years young.
  • She is an author of many highly acclaimed books for children. She has written more than 90 children's books that include two Newbery Honor award books.
  • "Don't fool with me, or you're going to appear in a book," she told her husband Jim. And sure enough he is.
  • Together with her children, Ali, Jim and Bill, the family opened a bookstore called Dinosaur's Paw in 1990.
Do you need some more clues? Let's see . . . 
  • This amazing author has written across genres that include picture books, novels, nonfiction and several series. 
  • She claims, "I have no special talent. I never took a writing course before I began to write.
  • And here's the final clue . . . Her initials are PRG.
Did you guess Patricia Reilly Giff?

Well, you are correct! Hip, hip, hooray for you!

And here is the recently published chapter book on the craft of writing:

 WRITING WITH ROSIE
YOU CAN WRITE A STORY TOO
By Patricia Reilly Giff
A Holiday House Book
2016
Ages 8-12 [Don't let this stop you!]
73 pages
34 chapters

Patricia Reilly Giff and her rambunctious golden retriever, Rosie share the process of writing fiction that includes tips and step by step specific examples from many of her previously written books.


Mrs. Giff talks about a little of this and a little of that to make the page of a book right. The just right story blends action, dialogue and description.

Chapter 21
And she goes on to say:
"First you take a person.
Put him in a place.
Give him a problem.
Make him move [That's the action.]
Make him talk. [That's the dialogue.]
Make him worry about the problem.
Let the problem get worse and worse.
And in the end . . . 
You know what to do!
Go for it!"

Time for you to check out the book. Happy reading and writing.


For more about Patricia Reilly Giff check out this link on Book Browse or this biography on Scholastic.
About the Author

12 comments:

  1. This book was just added to our school library and I love it! The advice is pertinent for adult writers, yet also accessible to students. Thanks for featuring it, Suzy!

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    1. Excellent to know that you are familiar with the title, Patty.

      May we all learn and grow as writers with the many tips that Patricia Reilly Giff shares with readers and writers in her many published books.

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  2. I am always on the lookout for books like this, Suzy! Thanks for the review and I'll be sharing w/my teacher and library friends!

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    1. Kathy: I was pleasantly surprised with this book about the craft of writing. Even though Patricia Reilly Giff wrote this book with kids in mind, she shares excellent tips for ALL writers--both young and old [like me! ;)] Wouldn't expect anything less from an author who has written 90+ books.

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  3. PRG is my hero, Suzy. Appreciations so much for this.
    And in such a clever, guessing game way!
    I didn't know about her writing tips book & it's on my purchase list.

    I am enamored of 2015 UNTIL I FIND JULIAN, about children crossing the Mex-U.S. border to survive in this world. plus her earlier titles.
    She is a gem.
    And so are you.

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    1. You always share such kind words and show much appreciations, Jan.

      Hope the clues led you to the correct guess of the author PRG!

      I just made a library request for UNTIL I FIND JULIAN. We'll have to compare notes after we both read the novel.
      ~Suzy

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  4. Writing books for kids are fun to read - I always pick up a few ideas. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Many adult writers shy away from a book on the craft of writing written for kids. I am pleased to know that you find a few ideas for your own writing within writing books for children, Sue.

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  5. I always pick up writing-craft books for kids and nearly always get some good ideas. I love Patricia Reilly Giff's writing so I will definitely check this out. Thanks for the post.

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    1. Excellent, Rosi. It is my pleasure to share this book recommendation.

      You are sure to find some ideas in this book by Patricia Reilly Giff and/or be affirmed in your writing of creating action, dialogue and description.
      ~Suzy

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  6. Merry Christmas, Sue. I just ordered Patricia's book on your recommendation. Thanks for the heads up.

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    1. Happy New Year to you, Dori. Enjoy the book, WRITING WITH ROSIE.

      ~Sue

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