Value of Reading Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Piper Pan and Her Merry Band

Animal Magic

Here’s an author who takes the reality of animal magic and weaves it into unforgettable tales.

I admire the stories of award-winning outdoor adventure author Gary Paulsen. He’s a highly honored writer of contemporary literature for young readers—and always a go-to author when looking for titles to get boys to enjoy reading.

Creepy and Scary

I’ve been sharing ways authors effectively create suspense—ways to keep you turning the pages of their stories. Today I bring you creepy and scary.

I’m usually not at all a fan of scary stories. I mean it. I refuse to watch scary movies, not just near bedtime, but anytime. My imagination takes scary images and […]

Fanciful and Fantastic

Fanciful and Fantastic!

Coming February 26, 2016

Yet another set of descriptors for ways authors engage and hold readers’ attention: fanciful and fantastic.

I’d like to think those words can be applied to my books, at least now and again. You will likely find the Joy Jumbles in […]

Weirdos Unite

In saying weirdos unite, I’m pointing out that when we become friends with another outsider, those parts of ourselves that are ostracized, can become a source of bonding.

One of the strong themes in my books is friendship and its transformational power. Friendship adds to an individual’s life in at least two […]

Connection and Conflict

I’ve been exploring the different ways authors create suspense; ways they grab a reader’s attention and hold it throughout the telling of their tale. So far I’ve brought you examples of action and adventure, mystique and intrigue—today I’ve got a beautiful example of connection and conflict.

In this case, connection and conflict […]

A Tribute to Readers

Thanksgiving…

is nearly upon us—I love this holiday promoting mindful gratitude. One of the things I’m most grateful for this year is YOU. Today’s newsletter is a tribute to readers.

Of course you know that writers could not fully be writers without readers, but I want you to really soak that in. As […]

Piper Pan and Her Merry Band