Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Writing Prompt/Road Blocks by Brenda Reeves Sturgis

If you're thinking a road block is a bad thing, perhaps this could be a lesson in positivity to take the things life throws in your path and turn them upside down and all which ways. In  her picture book "Ten Turkeys in the Road,"  my dear friend, Brenda Reeves Sturgis has taken a road block and turned it into lots of fooling around and fun for all.

Road Blocks by Brenda Reeves Sturgis

In my story 10 Turkeys in the Road, the silly turkeys are blocking a road by performing a circus. The farmer that is delayed becomes increasingly angry and agitated. What might be something in your demographic that might block a road? What could your characters be doing in the road that could help you create a story? How might you write a suspenseful ending with a twist, or perhaps a sad ending, or a happy ending?

How would you write this in rhyme? What different word choices could you use if you chose to write in prose?

10 Turkeys in the Road is a counting book, being released by Marshall Cavendish in 2011. When 10 Turkeys block a road by performing a circus, a farmer becomes angry and agitated, until the clever circus turkeys get what they were really after all along.


Watch the Book Trailer on Brenda's Website
ABOUT BRENDA:

Brenda weighed 3 1/2 pounds when she was born. That's like 3 1/2 packages of hot dogs. She loves hot dogs, but can only eat the kind without gluten, and definitely without a bun, so she settles for turkey hotdogs, but shhh...don't tell the circus turkeys in her book because they might clown around and turn their tricks on her.



EXCITING INFORMATION for Children's Authors!

Brenda is hosting a workshop with Author Toni Buzzeo (http://www.tonibuzzeo.com/) this NOVEMBER. The workshop will be held in Shapleigh, Maine, on November 13th, 2010. The fee is $100.00 per person, and an additional $75.00 if you'd like a critique, for a picture book manuscript. The fees are due one month prior to the workshop. There will also be a registration fee due to hold your spot that will be non-refundable.

Here is an overview of the workshop:  For many authors, speaking is a bread-and-butter aspect of the writing career. From school visits to state, regional, and national teacher and library conferences, we are called on to speak to audiences of our readers. This daylong workshop will examine the specific skills needed to be a good presenter at schools, whether you’re presenting to a whole-school assembly or to a single classroom. Using role-playing, demonstration, discussion, and practical examples, we’ll examine tips and tricks that will enable you to successfully pursue school visits. We’ll also discuss proposing sessions to teaching and library conferences in order to expand the audience for your books. Join Toni Buzzeo, the author of Terrific Connections with Authors, Illustrators, and Storytellers for a day of learning and speaking!

Toni will attend a Schmooze after the Workshop. Dinner and dessert will be provided at Brenda's home.
Please let Brenda know if you are interested, by e-mailing BSturgis@metrocast.net.


L to R, Author Brenda Reeves Sturgis, Kayla Michelle (Age 1) and
Author Lynne Marie at the NESCBWI Conference at Nashua, New Hampshire in 2005

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