Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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!
"...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!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
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!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Remember- I'm posting at my permanant blog!
"Where are you?" inquired a recent e-mail. One of my feed subscribers had missed the note about my blog move, and was wondering where all my posts had gone.
So this is a reminder that I'm posting regularly at my permanent blog, www.Janice-Campbell.com-- Taking Time For Things That Matter. You'll find plenty of posts and comments to read on literature, homeschooling, and 'taking time for things that matter.'
One of my recent posts, "Socialization... Again" was included the 82nd Carnival of Homeschooling, where you'll also find many other terrific articles and resources. Tami, the host, chose a very pretty state flower theme for the carnival. Thanks, Tami, for hosting!
I'll see you at the new blog!
So this is a reminder that I'm posting regularly at my permanent blog, www.Janice-Campbell.com-- Taking Time For Things That Matter. You'll find plenty of posts and comments to read on literature, homeschooling, and 'taking time for things that matter.'
One of my recent posts, "Socialization... Again" was included the 82nd Carnival of Homeschooling, where you'll also find many other terrific articles and resources. Tami, the host, chose a very pretty state flower theme for the carnival. Thanks, Tami, for hosting!
I'll see you at the new blog!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
New Blog Address
I finally have a spot of my own for a blog, so I will most likely be writing more of my literary posts at www.Janice-Campbell.com. I will keep this blog for news, special events, sales, and other good stuff.
Don't forget the Spring Cleaning Sale from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-- you'll be so inspired as you leaf through each issue, and all the free gifts are so much fun!
Don't forget the Spring Cleaning Sale from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-- you'll be so inspired as you leaf through each issue, and all the free gifts are so much fun!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Eclipse Tonight!
Sky watchers from many nations will be able to see a partial to full eclipse of the moon tonight. It will occur near moonrise, so be sure to be looking heavenward!
You can read all about it at the Classical Astonomy blog, and if you visit the Classical Astronomy website (very nicely designed, btw) and sign up for their free update, you'll be ready for all sorts of astronomical learning.
You can read all about it at the Classical Astonomy blog, and if you visit the Classical Astronomy website (very nicely designed, btw) and sign up for their free update, you'll be ready for all sorts of astronomical learning.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
German Homeschooler Update & Old Schoolhouse Sale
Two things today-
First, a brief update on Melissa Busekros, the German teen who was forcibly removed from her family's home and incarcerated in a psyciatric institution. According to HSLDA, the situation has worsened, and Melissa has been removed to foster care. The government has suggested that if the Busekros family gives up custody of their other five children, the situation might be resolved. Needless to say, that is not an option.
For now, HSLDA suggests writing to the German Embassy and the Minister of Bavaria to protest this violation of the family. You may read more about this, and find their addresses in the HSLDA e-lert archive at: http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2007/02/20070222140156.asp
This particular e-lert also provides an address to which you could send encouraging cards and letters to the Busekros family. Most German people speak at least a little English, so please don't let the language barrier stop you from being a blessing.
In connection with this, the current edition of Homeschool Enrichment magazine has a very well researched article on homeschool conditions in Germany. It's well worth reading as a cautionary tale. It could happen anywhere!
Finally, one of my very favorite magzines, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, is having a major subscription sale with a bunch of freebies added to an already discounted subscription. I always find good things to read in TOS-- it's a great resource that I recommend often.
First, a brief update on Melissa Busekros, the German teen who was forcibly removed from her family's home and incarcerated in a psyciatric institution. According to HSLDA, the situation has worsened, and Melissa has been removed to foster care. The government has suggested that if the Busekros family gives up custody of their other five children, the situation might be resolved. Needless to say, that is not an option.
For now, HSLDA suggests writing to the German Embassy and the Minister of Bavaria to protest this violation of the family. You may read more about this, and find their addresses in the HSLDA e-lert archive at: http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2007/02/20070222140156.asp
This particular e-lert also provides an address to which you could send encouraging cards and letters to the Busekros family. Most German people speak at least a little English, so please don't let the language barrier stop you from being a blessing.
In connection with this, the current edition of Homeschool Enrichment magazine has a very well researched article on homeschool conditions in Germany. It's well worth reading as a cautionary tale. It could happen anywhere!
Finally, one of my very favorite magzines, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, is having a major subscription sale with a bunch of freebies added to an already discounted subscription. I always find good things to read in TOS-- it's a great resource that I recommend often.
Friday, February 09, 2007
German Homeschooler Taken From Family
Have you been following the news of the German girl, Melissa Busekros who was removed from her family and placed in a psychiatric institution for "school phobia"? The HSLDA e-newsletter reports that calls, e-mails, and letters to the German embassy and the Bavarian Minister of Justice may help to free the young lady.
If they know the world is watching, the government of Germany may be moved to amend this great wrong. As they learned in WWII, little wrongs done to a few can grow to great wrongs done to many. Surely they don't want history to repeat itself!
You may read the whole story here: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3731
If you wish to register a strong protest with the German ambassador or the Minister of Justice, here is the contact information, courtesy of HSLDA:
Dr. Klaus Scharioth
Ambassador
German Embassy
4645 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC, 20007-1998
(202) 298-4000
The embassy can be emailed from its website:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3732
Minister of Justice in Bavaria:
Beate Merk
Prielmayerstr. 7
80335 Munchen
Tel. +49 89 5597 1799
Fax +49 89 5597 3580
Email: beate.merk@stmj.bayern.de
Germany has a history of hostility toward homeschoolers, but if many voices around the world are raised in protest of this dreadful event, they may be willing to reconsider.
And finally, can there be anything more effective than prayer? Just think if she were your own dear daughter...
If they know the world is watching, the government of Germany may be moved to amend this great wrong. As they learned in WWII, little wrongs done to a few can grow to great wrongs done to many. Surely they don't want history to repeat itself!
You may read the whole story here: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3731
If you wish to register a strong protest with the German ambassador or the Minister of Justice, here is the contact information, courtesy of HSLDA:
Dr. Klaus Scharioth
Ambassador
German Embassy
4645 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC, 20007-1998
(202) 298-4000
The embassy can be emailed from its website:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3732
Minister of Justice in Bavaria:
Beate Merk
Prielmayerstr. 7
80335 Munchen
Tel. +49 89 5597 1799
Fax +49 89 5597 3580
Email: beate.merk@stmj.bayern.de
Germany has a history of hostility toward homeschoolers, but if many voices around the world are raised in protest of this dreadful event, they may be willing to reconsider.
And finally, can there be anything more effective than prayer? Just think if she were your own dear daughter...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Technical Programs- A College Alternative
I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere over the last several decades, there has been a shift away from the technical programs that used to be ubiquitous at most high schools. Now, many students are unaware of the many jobs available for skilled workers in what has been traditionally known as "the trades."
A recent article in our local paper reported that employers in many of the skilled trades are finding it difficult to replace older workers when they retire. This seems odd, as wages for a skilled tradesman are comparable to wages for college graduates, and the time and cost investment neede to learn a skilled trade is significantly less than the cost of college.
I may be a bit biased in favor of the trades, as my father was a machinist, and my husband is also. It seems that I've spent my life trying to explain that machinists don't work on cars, they create the machines that do everything in the industrial world! They transform engineer's drawings into three-dimensional parts, and often, into complete machines. My father built machines that screen-printed bottles; my husband has built machines that make hamburger buns and many other things.
Tradesmen usually work in clean, well-lighted shops, with good pay and benefits. According to the newspaper, average hourly wages for a tool-and-die maker in 2005 were $23.48; for a machinist, $19.44; an electrician, $22.42; and a chemical technician, $24.07. Many companies offer on-the-job training, which is a time-tested option that works well for many people.
A final advantage of the skilled trades is that most are a 'leave it at the door' profession. Unlike people-focused careers that can weight you emotionally after a long day at work, you can shut the door on a trade and focus on home and family--the things that really matter in life. Skilled trades are an excellent choice for high school students who don't really want to go to college.
You can read about hundreds of career posibilities, including many skilled trades, in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I highly recommend checking it out!
A recent article in our local paper reported that employers in many of the skilled trades are finding it difficult to replace older workers when they retire. This seems odd, as wages for a skilled tradesman are comparable to wages for college graduates, and the time and cost investment neede to learn a skilled trade is significantly less than the cost of college.
I may be a bit biased in favor of the trades, as my father was a machinist, and my husband is also. It seems that I've spent my life trying to explain that machinists don't work on cars, they create the machines that do everything in the industrial world! They transform engineer's drawings into three-dimensional parts, and often, into complete machines. My father built machines that screen-printed bottles; my husband has built machines that make hamburger buns and many other things.
Tradesmen usually work in clean, well-lighted shops, with good pay and benefits. According to the newspaper, average hourly wages for a tool-and-die maker in 2005 were $23.48; for a machinist, $19.44; an electrician, $22.42; and a chemical technician, $24.07. Many companies offer on-the-job training, which is a time-tested option that works well for many people.
A final advantage of the skilled trades is that most are a 'leave it at the door' profession. Unlike people-focused careers that can weight you emotionally after a long day at work, you can shut the door on a trade and focus on home and family--the things that really matter in life. Skilled trades are an excellent choice for high school students who don't really want to go to college.
You can read about hundreds of career posibilities, including many skilled trades, in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I highly recommend checking it out!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Say What You Mean Convention
The annual online Say What You Mean Convention starts tomorrow!
This three-day, free, interactive event is designed to teach homeschool families to communicate with grace. There are audio seminars, chats, games, contests, prizes and more.
Enjoy!
This three-day, free, interactive event is designed to teach homeschool families to communicate with grace. There are audio seminars, chats, games, contests, prizes and more.
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Playtime with SketchUp
You can sometimes have an incredible amount of fun for free! Have you tried Google SketchUp? Like most of Google's other products, this is incredibly powerful, intuitive, and yes, fun.
SketchUp is a 3-D modeling program that's very easy to learn-- my 17-year-old discovered it, and was very shortly creating elaborate 3-D buildings, then cities, and all sorts of interesting things. Almost everything is done by clicking and dragging, and there are video tutorials to get you started.
What I like about SketchUp is that it's far more than just a fun drawing exercise. You can create scale models of projects, including houses, kitchens, famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, anyone?) and most anything else you can visualize in 3-D.
Imagine being able to create a model of your house and try out different ways of adding new space. What would it look like with a second story? Just drag your model to make it taller! How about wings off each end? Simple! A higher roof pitch? Click and drag...
I haven't even scratched the surface of this terrific program, but it's well worth the free download. It'll let your imagination soar!
SketchUp is a 3-D modeling program that's very easy to learn-- my 17-year-old discovered it, and was very shortly creating elaborate 3-D buildings, then cities, and all sorts of interesting things. Almost everything is done by clicking and dragging, and there are video tutorials to get you started.
What I like about SketchUp is that it's far more than just a fun drawing exercise. You can create scale models of projects, including houses, kitchens, famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, anyone?) and most anything else you can visualize in 3-D.
Imagine being able to create a model of your house and try out different ways of adding new space. What would it look like with a second story? Just drag your model to make it taller! How about wings off each end? Simple! A higher roof pitch? Click and drag...
I haven't even scratched the surface of this terrific program, but it's well worth the free download. It'll let your imagination soar!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Editing- Books and Landscapes
I'm back at my desk after a fairly long break in my weekly routine. Everyone is back to school and to work, so the house is a little quieter than it has been. It's nice to have everyone gathered around for dinner, though. It's the highlight of my day.
During our break, Donald and I both did a bit of editing. He edited a few trees from our landscape, and I finished the print version of Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens.
It's always hard for me to see a tree cut down, and the loss of five trees seems especially sad. But like unnecessary words in a book, they needed to come out. We hope that increasing the amount of sunlight that can reach our yard will help to dry it out, and encourage more flowers. And having fewer trees close enough to fall on the house in a hurricane seems a prudent idea.
Taking out what isn't working is what editing is all about. It can be a bit painful to cut out words that you've sweated over, but if removing them increases the clarity of the composition, they need to come out. If too many trees are keeping you in the dark, they may be better used as firewood.
Overall, I'm happy with the results of our editing projects. The front of our house seems much brighter than it did before the trees were cut, and I just received my proof galleys from the printer, and they look good. Be sure to watch for the new book on the website!
During our break, Donald and I both did a bit of editing. He edited a few trees from our landscape, and I finished the print version of Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens.
It's always hard for me to see a tree cut down, and the loss of five trees seems especially sad. But like unnecessary words in a book, they needed to come out. We hope that increasing the amount of sunlight that can reach our yard will help to dry it out, and encourage more flowers. And having fewer trees close enough to fall on the house in a hurricane seems a prudent idea.
Taking out what isn't working is what editing is all about. It can be a bit painful to cut out words that you've sweated over, but if removing them increases the clarity of the composition, they need to come out. If too many trees are keeping you in the dark, they may be better used as firewood.
Overall, I'm happy with the results of our editing projects. The front of our house seems much brighter than it did before the trees were cut, and I just received my proof galleys from the printer, and they look good. Be sure to watch for the new book on the website!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
K12 Virtual School Comes to Virginia
K12, a distance learning school with strong academic credentials, has partnered with the Nelson County School District (and others across the country) to offer online education to homeschoolers.
According to an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (12/10/06), the virtual school is available to students throughout Virginia (contact the Nelson County School system for more information).
As always, there are concerns about getting entangled in the government's web, and about sitting a child in front of the computer for extensive periods of time, but for some families, this may be a solution that works.
Many people are enthusiastic about K12's curriculum, which is based on the Core Knowledge series written by E.D. Hirsch. This means a greater-than-usual emphasis on solid, traditional learning, including the use of good classic literature.
I'll be looking forward to getting some feedback from parents who have participated in the program!
According to an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (12/10/06), the virtual school is available to students throughout Virginia (contact the Nelson County School system for more information).
As always, there are concerns about getting entangled in the government's web, and about sitting a child in front of the computer for extensive periods of time, but for some families, this may be a solution that works.
Many people are enthusiastic about K12's curriculum, which is based on the Core Knowledge series written by E.D. Hirsch. This means a greater-than-usual emphasis on solid, traditional learning, including the use of good classic literature.
I'll be looking forward to getting some feedback from parents who have participated in the program!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Virginia Homeschool Law Updates
There were two articles in the December 5, 2006 Richmond Times-Dispatch that effectively summarized recent changes in the homeschool law and discussed their impact on homeschoolers.
The first article, Helping Homeschoolers (they used the archaic spelling, home-schoolers), appeared on the front page of the Metro Section, and included positive comments from several homeschool parents.
The second article appeared on page 3 of the same section. Titled "Religious Exemptions Rise," the article included statistics on home instruction in each of the Virginia counties, as well as statistics on how many students choose to homeschool under the religious exemption law.
Thanks to staff writer, Holly Prestidge, both articles seem to be well-researched, and present homeschooling in a balanced way. The boxes and sidebars that were included provide extra information in an interesting and usable format.
It would have been nice if links to the websites of Virginia's primary homeschool organization, Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV), as well as the other organizations mentioned, could have been included, but as they can be easily found online or through directory assistance, that is a minor quibble. Overall, this was a positive and informative presentation, and worthy of sharing!
The first article, Helping Homeschoolers (they used the archaic spelling, home-schoolers), appeared on the front page of the Metro Section, and included positive comments from several homeschool parents.
The second article appeared on page 3 of the same section. Titled "Religious Exemptions Rise," the article included statistics on home instruction in each of the Virginia counties, as well as statistics on how many students choose to homeschool under the religious exemption law.
Thanks to staff writer, Holly Prestidge, both articles seem to be well-researched, and present homeschooling in a balanced way. The boxes and sidebars that were included provide extra information in an interesting and usable format.
It would have been nice if links to the websites of Virginia's primary homeschool organization, Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV), as well as the other organizations mentioned, could have been included, but as they can be easily found online or through directory assistance, that is a minor quibble. Overall, this was a positive and informative presentation, and worthy of sharing!
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