Create a Memorable Minor Character

In Miss Gazillions by Richard Weber (St. Martin's Press, 2005), the author offers the following description of a minor character:

"...a slight, elderly Alpine pirate in Saville Row worsted."

"His voice--as he welcomed us into his office salon, with its grand view over the Musee des Beaux Arts--was, at first, teacup-timid with deference and age, but his mahogany eyes had the 20/20 iciness of a Gestapo interrogator."

"Teacup-timid" is one of the most evocative descriptions I've read in awhile, and coupled with the rest of the description, it left a vivid image in my mind's eye.

A vivid character snapshot can keep minor characters from blurring together, and make a story more memorable. I'm filing this one in my Inspiration file!

Re-Vamp Time

It's time this long-neglected blog was used for something. Something that isn't business-related.

So, let's talk about books-- reading them, writing them, fondling them. There's just not enough time in the world for all of that, so maybe this is a place to start.

I'm reading Stephen King's On Writing this week. It's laugh-out-loud funny in spots, a little too profane for my taste (but too good to miss, even so), and practical, so far.

I am unpacking King's writer's toolbox now, and it's interesting to see what's in it. My personal writing rule is 'BIC' (backside in chair); the autobiographical section in On Writing provides a snapshot of exactly what this looks like in real life.

I'm also in the middle of several other books-- no point in reading one at a time, is there?

Visit the Carnival of Homeschooling!

I'm honored this week to host my very first blog carnival! It's the 115th Carnival of Homeschooling, and for it, I've gathered 45 posts that I think you'll enjoy. You'll find a brief introduction and a link to each post at http://www.janice-campbell.com/2008/03/18/115th-carnival-of-homeschooling-oh-the-things-that-youll-do/

Blog carnivals were created as a way to introduce readers to new blogs they may enjoy. If you like reading my blog, perhaps you'll enjoy some of the blogs I like, as well. As I've received posts from participants, I've had the chance to meet new bloggers I'll definitely add to my feed reader.

The carnival theme is adapted from Dr. Seuss’s beloved Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Homeschoolers do a lot of interesting things. Since one of the things we do particularly well is read, so you'll also find posts that develop the theme that “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” (I Can Read With My Eyes Shut, Dr. Seuss).

So please stop by to visit, and enjoy the carnival!

Janice Campbell

http://www.Janice-Campbell.com - Taking Time for Things that Matter

http://www.Everyday-Education.com - Homeschooling Through High School and Teaching Language Arts audio packages are on sale at $9.95!

You Can Win Free Copies of My Books!

If you've been waiting to order copies of my books, this week, you have a chance to win them, absolutely free!

The company blog of The Old Schoolhouse magazine is holding a contest, and the prizes they are offering are three sets of my two books-

Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler’s Guide to High School Paperwork and

Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens

It’s easy to enter– all you have to do is leave a comment on on the contest page. Of course, if you already have my books, you may share the link with others!

If you've been struggling with teaching writing to teens, my most recent blog post offers the best hint I have for gaining writing expertise, as well as an easy Charlotte Mason way to get started. You can read it today, along with articles on high school requirements, homeschool transcripts, and more at my primary blog.

Enjoy!