Terry Lynn Johnson's Blog, page 9
August 2, 2011
top ten childhood reads
I got the idea for this post fromÌýa great blog I've just discovered
There's a weekly Top Ten Tuesday feature and I loved this topic.
Top Ten Childhood Reads:
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl. I've lost track how many times I read this when I was young. Then I read it to my step daughters. Twice.
2. Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I've read every book in this series. Also the Pellucidar series. But this one is the classic. This is the cover I had too.
3. Red Sonja the Ring of Ikribu by David Smith and Richard Tierney. I found my original cover! Loved this!
4. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. Who doesn't have this on their list?
5. Man from Atlantis by Richard Woodley. This I read in grade nine and itÌýinstantly grabbed my imagination. I didn't see the TV series though. I'm feeling a little old with some of these covers! Sheesh!
6. Hawkmistress by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Best. Book. Ever.
7. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. This isn't the origninal cover I have, but I couldn't find that image on line.
8. The Gandalara CycleÌýby Randall Garrett - a 6 book series. Anyone else read these? SOOOO good!
9. Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal - okay. Just when you were thinking I'm one strange cat right? Yes, I did indeed read these as a tween.
10. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. This was later highschool, but it began many years of a pre-history reading frenzy. Too bad it took so long for the rest of this amazing series.
So. Lay it on me. What are some of your top childhood reads?
There's a weekly Top Ten Tuesday feature and I loved this topic.
Top Ten Childhood Reads:
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl. I've lost track how many times I read this when I was young. Then I read it to my step daughters. Twice.
2. Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I've read every book in this series. Also the Pellucidar series. But this one is the classic. This is the cover I had too.
3. Red Sonja the Ring of Ikribu by David Smith and Richard Tierney. I found my original cover! Loved this!
4. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. Who doesn't have this on their list?
5. Man from Atlantis by Richard Woodley. This I read in grade nine and itÌýinstantly grabbed my imagination. I didn't see the TV series though. I'm feeling a little old with some of these covers! Sheesh!
6. Hawkmistress by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Best. Book. Ever.
7. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. This isn't the origninal cover I have, but I couldn't find that image on line.
8. The Gandalara CycleÌýby Randall Garrett - a 6 book series. Anyone else read these? SOOOO good!
9. Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal - okay. Just when you were thinking I'm one strange cat right? Yes, I did indeed read these as a tween.
10. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. This was later highschool, but it began many years of a pre-history reading frenzy. Too bad it took so long for the rest of this amazing series.
So. Lay it on me. What are some of your top childhood reads?
July 23, 2011
Great recent reads
As you can see by the photos I've been posting, I've had a busy summer. But now that I'm home, I'm back to reading every spare moment. Here's a quick review of some great books:
DEAD RULES by Randy Russell
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!Complex characters where no one is as they first seem. And loved the crazy humour - real left-field things that had me laughing out loud. Kept me surprised, entertained and frustrated throughout.Ìý
Possession by Elana Johnson
Very creative!ÌýA whole new world for the reader to enjoy. Action junkies take note. And a hard-core female mc.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
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Ìý
Ìý
A wild, wild ride!ÌýBrilliant. Every page had tension. AMAZING READ!
BLOOD MAGIC by Tessa Gratton
Ìý
Loved the romance bits of this story. Such great characters! Mystery, romance, magic and suspense all wrapped together. Creepy and addictive.
Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. by Medeia Sherif
Great characters here. Especially Grampa! I love to read books where I learn something new. I must confess to not really knowing what Ramadan was. Funny and touching.
Merle's Door: lessons from a free-thinking dogÌýby Ted Kerasote (non-fiction)
Okay, as far as dog books go - this is a MUST READ! I feel changed.
Black Star Bright Dawn. by Scott O'Dell
Scott O'Dell. Need I say more? Great stuff here, of course. I bow down.
Watch for my next giveaway this fall where some of these books and more will be up for grabs.
DEAD RULES by Randy Russell
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!Complex characters where no one is as they first seem. And loved the crazy humour - real left-field things that had me laughing out loud. Kept me surprised, entertained and frustrated throughout.Ìý
Possession by Elana Johnson
Very creative!ÌýA whole new world for the reader to enjoy. Action junkies take note. And a hard-core female mc.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
A wild, wild ride!ÌýBrilliant. Every page had tension. AMAZING READ!
BLOOD MAGIC by Tessa Gratton
Ìý
Loved the romance bits of this story. Such great characters! Mystery, romance, magic and suspense all wrapped together. Creepy and addictive.
Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. by Medeia Sherif
Great characters here. Especially Grampa! I love to read books where I learn something new. I must confess to not really knowing what Ramadan was. Funny and touching.
Merle's Door: lessons from a free-thinking dogÌýby Ted Kerasote (non-fiction)
Okay, as far as dog books go - this is a MUST READ! I feel changed.
Black Star Bright Dawn. by Scott O'Dell
Scott O'Dell. Need I say more? Great stuff here, of course. I bow down.
Watch for my next giveaway this fall where some of these books and more will be up for grabs.
July 17, 2011
Georgian Bay Adventure
The second part of our vacation included an epic 315 km paddle around Georgian Bay that took 8 days.
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yes, that's my thumb. Hubby atÌýFlowerpot Island.
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When we crossed Lake Huron to South Bay Mouth, I wasÌýextremely nervous. For two hours until I calmed down, I gripped my paddle so hard that IÌýinjured myself. My fingers would hardly work for a day and half afterwards! But it felt great to have done it!
Excerpt of famous moment on trip. Bruce Penninsula. 8pm.
Hubby - Does that sound like a boat coming our way?Me - Nope. We're all clear.
*strips downÌýto batheÌýin the lake after 12 hours of paddling in the hot sun. Stands naked balancing on rocks and bouldersÌýin ankle-deep water.
Me - AAUUGH!! It's a boat. RIGHT THERE!!!
*sneaky boat moving very slowly appears around theÌýcorner 30 meters away.
Hubby - It's a TOUR boat! Full of tourists!!Me - My shirt! For the love of all that is holy, throw me my shirt!!
*crouches awkwardly as the boat loaded with at least 50 people on the fly bridge, chugs along the shoreline for unobstructed, glorious view of the rock cliffs which we are camped on. And naked.
Hubby - They have camerasMe - yes. I see that.Hubby - they're waving.
*hubby waves back. The boat finally passes. We giggle for the rest of the evening. "Does that sound like a boat", becomes the phrase of the week.
Anyhoo,Ìý here are a few more photos - but don't worry, all fully clothed. As usual, click on any photo to view larger.
5:45 am
flat calm day! My kayak just flying
look at the roots in the water!
checking out the charts during a snack break
Cove Island Lighthouse
surprised a family of otters. mom and two young.
Does anyone else have a vacation story to share?
�
yes, that's my thumb. Hubby atÌýFlowerpot Island.
�
When we crossed Lake Huron to South Bay Mouth, I wasÌýextremely nervous. For two hours until I calmed down, I gripped my paddle so hard that IÌýinjured myself. My fingers would hardly work for a day and half afterwards! But it felt great to have done it!
Excerpt of famous moment on trip. Bruce Penninsula. 8pm.
Hubby - Does that sound like a boat coming our way?Me - Nope. We're all clear.
*strips downÌýto batheÌýin the lake after 12 hours of paddling in the hot sun. Stands naked balancing on rocks and bouldersÌýin ankle-deep water.
Me - AAUUGH!! It's a boat. RIGHT THERE!!!
*sneaky boat moving very slowly appears around theÌýcorner 30 meters away.
Hubby - It's a TOUR boat! Full of tourists!!Me - My shirt! For the love of all that is holy, throw me my shirt!!
*crouches awkwardly as the boat loaded with at least 50 people on the fly bridge, chugs along the shoreline for unobstructed, glorious view of the rock cliffs which we are camped on. And naked.
Hubby - They have camerasMe - yes. I see that.Hubby - they're waving.
*hubby waves back. The boat finally passes. We giggle for the rest of the evening. "Does that sound like a boat", becomes the phrase of the week.
Anyhoo,Ìý here are a few more photos - but don't worry, all fully clothed. As usual, click on any photo to view larger.
5:45 am
flat calm day! My kayak just flying
look at the roots in the water!
checking out the charts during a snack break
Cove Island Lighthouse
surprised a family of otters. mom and two young.
Does anyone else have a vacation story to share?
July 13, 2011
Newfoundland Adventure
Back from vacation! � Hubby on Gros Morne Mountain
�
Highlights:Ìý saw 28 moosehiked over 60 kmheard a calf moose being eaten by a bearone day of sun in Newfoundland! Fog - wind - freezing cold nights in tent!trees on northern penninsula don't even have leaves yet!STUNNING, amazing place. Can't wait to go backpaddled 315 km around Georgian BayLOTS of sungot caught naked by a boat full of tourists I hope to get back to blogging soon. In the mean time, here's a few photos of Newfoundland. Kayak photos to come next post. 
Me and hubby having FUN
�
Highlights:Ìý saw 28 moosehiked over 60 kmheard a calf moose being eaten by a bearone day of sun in Newfoundland! Fog - wind - freezing cold nights in tent!trees on northern penninsula don't even have leaves yet!STUNNING, amazing place. Can't wait to go backpaddled 315 km around Georgian BayLOTS of sungot caught naked by a boat full of tourists I hope to get back to blogging soon. In the mean time, here's a few photos of Newfoundland. Kayak photos to come next post. 
Me and hubby having FUN
June 15, 2011
Book research - adventure awaits
I've been absent the last few weeks. Thanks for your patience. (here's a sampling of last year's never-before-seen reasons for said absences.)
We're about to head out on another epic adventure (aka book research) of hiking and kayaking. I'll be back next month with photos and tales of wonder. �
In the meanwhile, you want to head over to giveaway celebratingÌýthe release of her debut LUMINOUS.
June 1, 2011
Giveaway Winners
It's time to announce the winners of the epic DEBUT BOOK GIVEAWAY!! This has been my most popular contest with over 100 entries!!!
And WOW! Hello to all my new followers! Thank you for helping me break 300!Ìý How awesome of you to join us. Hope you don't mind blackflies because we are in the thick of them here at the moment. But relief is found out in the kayaks, so expect more expedition photos soon.
On to the winners.
Winner of OyMG by Amy Fellner DominyÌýis
Amanda of
Winner of Clarity by Kim Harrington is
Krystal of
Winner of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby is
Brittany Gale
Winner of Memento Nora by Angie Smibert is
Christie H.
Winner of The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder is
Joli of
Winner of The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless by Allan Woodrow is
Tiffany Fallick
Congrats to all the winners. If you didn't win, stick around because we'll do this again with another batch of ELEVENSIE DEBUT's next season.
And WOW! Hello to all my new followers! Thank you for helping me break 300!Ìý How awesome of you to join us. Hope you don't mind blackflies because we are in the thick of them here at the moment. But relief is found out in the kayaks, so expect more expedition photos soon.
On to the winners.
Winner of OyMG by Amy Fellner DominyÌýis
Amanda of
Winner of Clarity by Kim Harrington is
Krystal of
Winner of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby is
Brittany Gale
Winner of Memento Nora by Angie Smibert is
Christie H.
Winner of The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder is
Joli of
Winner of The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless by Allan Woodrow is
Tiffany Fallick
Congrats to all the winners. If you didn't win, stick around because we'll do this again with another batch of ELEVENSIE DEBUT's next season.
May 24, 2011
Another round of Elevensies book giveaway
I'm joining a blog hop for the . Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer. There are almost 300 blogs participating, so click on some linkage.
This contest will be posted for one week. SIX Winners announced on June 1, 2011
Now, onto the BOOKS!! All books by my fabulous debut author group ÌýGo check us out. Great reads for everyone.
My Mini Reviews:
OyMG by Amy Dominy
One of my favourite reads of the year. LOVED these characters, especially Ellie. What a fantastic role model. Amy Fellner Dominy is a master of naturally flowing dialogue. Made me want to stand up and fist pump. Now I have a sudden urge to make matzo ball soup. Oy.
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
GORGEOUS! Not only is the cover stunningly beautiful, but the writing is as well. Almost every page I found myself saying, "isn't that true!" I had to keep reading to see what Anna would do next. Smart and quiet in all the right places.
Clarity by Kim Harrington
Loved the setting! Loved the main character's witty thoughts. Loved the mystery, suspense, romance, ALL of it!
Memento Nora by Angie Smibert
A fascinating and scary look at the future. Slick and fast paced dystopian. Confession: I have a slight crush on Micah.
Zachary Ruthless by Allan Woodrow
hilariously creative ways to be evil - Zachary Ruthless and his henchman are super fun.
The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
A light and fun read. The voice of the protagonist grabbed me right away. HILARIOUS!
Rules:
1. . And tell me which book you most desire.
2.ÌýI would love it if youÌýclicked my follow button, but not required.
3. I would love it if you checked out my own book ,Ìýbut not required.
May 18, 2011
Best of the SCBWI conference Canada East
I'm still in mourning that the conference is OVER. What a weekend! With only 45 seats available, there was a casual, intimate vibe that I just loved! The whole thing ran smoothly thanks to the super-human efforts of the organizer . This woman is vivacious, hilarity and you should go check out her blog right now!
Only thing I regret - why, WHY do I always forget to take PHOTOS at these events? Sorry, I got nothing. But I feel strongly blog posts must have photos so here is a random shot of my man on our expedition last year.
So, here's the Cole's notes version of some of the brillance thatÌýresonated with meÌýat the conference:
- author of the Stallion series
on why we write
"we can help kids feel lke they have a part in the world""families aren't perfect. Books show kids that's normal"Mine your own childhood for horror - "crawl back into the skin of the child that you were - there are plenty of lessons there"our job as story tellers is to "hold back the darkness for kids." - author of the upcoming series the Never Sky
on high concept
write the back flap of the book first. This keeps you focused on what the heart of the story is.make a list of ten things that could happen to your character. Avoid the first three. The last two ideas are probably the besthigh concept = a short log linetemplate for log line
After (inciting incident) a (character description) must (primary action) or risk (stakes) in order to (end goal)
Ìý- author of My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters
on writing believable characters
"take time to let the characters reflect after a dramatic event before going to the next plot point. It will add weight to the story. A pause alerts the reader that they've changed." "Let the character return to a place where something important happened and reflect how they see things differently now."ÌýÌýÌýÌý LOVE THISTIPS - read Teen magazines: answer the quiz as your character to get to know her. Study the body language in the sections "is he into you?". Read the excerpts of most embarrasing moments - can make interesting back story for your secondary characters.
Only thing I regret - why, WHY do I always forget to take PHOTOS at these events? Sorry, I got nothing. But I feel strongly blog posts must have photos so here is a random shot of my man on our expedition last year.
So, here's the Cole's notes version of some of the brillance thatÌýresonated with meÌýat the conference:
- author of the Stallion series
on why we write
"we can help kids feel lke they have a part in the world""families aren't perfect. Books show kids that's normal"Mine your own childhood for horror - "crawl back into the skin of the child that you were - there are plenty of lessons there"our job as story tellers is to "hold back the darkness for kids." - author of the upcoming series the Never Sky
on high concept
write the back flap of the book first. This keeps you focused on what the heart of the story is.make a list of ten things that could happen to your character. Avoid the first three. The last two ideas are probably the besthigh concept = a short log linetemplate for log line
After (inciting incident) a (character description) must (primary action) or risk (stakes) in order to (end goal)
Ìý- author of My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters
on writing believable characters
"take time to let the characters reflect after a dramatic event before going to the next plot point. It will add weight to the story. A pause alerts the reader that they've changed." "Let the character return to a place where something important happened and reflect how they see things differently now."ÌýÌýÌýÌý LOVE THISTIPS - read Teen magazines: answer the quiz as your character to get to know her. Study the body language in the sections "is he into you?". Read the excerpts of most embarrasing moments - can make interesting back story for your secondary characters.
May 11, 2011
Off to the conference!
I'll be back next week with the goods on the writing conference in Niagra Falls. I'm SOOO excited to be meeting and talking to real live writers!
A whole weekend surrounded by people who understand:
Ìýthe amount of browniesÌýrequired when one goes out on submission Ìýthe obsessive compulsion to check emails 59 times per day Ìýthe need to write down that brilliant epiphany at 2:30 am for the scene you've been struggling with Ìýthe surreptitious use of a notebook while driving your teenager andÌýher friends to a partyYay for writing conferences!
Okay, and I simply must post this hilarious bit of talking dog.
A whole weekend surrounded by people who understand:
Ìýthe amount of browniesÌýrequired when one goes out on submission Ìýthe obsessive compulsion to check emails 59 times per day Ìýthe need to write down that brilliant epiphany at 2:30 am for the scene you've been struggling with Ìýthe surreptitious use of a notebook while driving your teenager andÌýher friends to a partyYay for writing conferences!
Okay, and I simply must post this hilarious bit of talking dog.
April 28, 2011
Confession
I feel the need to confess something a little decadent. Today, I had the WHOLE day to write. And I wrote a total of ONE paragraph. I then spent the rest of the day shopping for books on line.
Shameful. Shameful. Shameful!
In my defense - it was raining outside and I'm about to go canoe camping for three days. I just didn't feel like getting wet. Oh, wait, that's not much of a defense for not writing.
Anyway.
now a little grin creeps across my face as I show what I bought....
I also bought several more on my KOBO reader!
Lots of love here. I LOVE my fantastic group of debut authors!!!Ìý I've also just finished reading a few more fabulous Elevensies which will all be featured in my next installment ofÌý ELEVENSIES GIVEAWAYS. Stay tuned.
The Windup Girl was a must after reading SHIP BREAKER. Words cannot describe how much I loved that book!
And I know, it's about time I read Black Star, Bright Dawn. Especially considering Scot O'Dell is one of my favourite authors. To be honest, I've been a little shy to read it, but I was feeling brave today.
Okay, so anyone else have an uncontrollable book purchasing problem? Help me out here.
Shameful. Shameful. Shameful!
In my defense - it was raining outside and I'm about to go canoe camping for three days. I just didn't feel like getting wet. Oh, wait, that's not much of a defense for not writing.
Anyway.
now a little grin creeps across my face as I show what I bought....
I also bought several more on my KOBO reader!
Lots of love here. I LOVE my fantastic group of debut authors!!!Ìý I've also just finished reading a few more fabulous Elevensies which will all be featured in my next installment ofÌý ELEVENSIES GIVEAWAYS. Stay tuned.
The Windup Girl was a must after reading SHIP BREAKER. Words cannot describe how much I loved that book!
And I know, it's about time I read Black Star, Bright Dawn. Especially considering Scot O'Dell is one of my favourite authors. To be honest, I've been a little shy to read it, but I was feeling brave today.
Okay, so anyone else have an uncontrollable book purchasing problem? Help me out here.
