Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
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...
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