Category: Uncategorized
Middle Grade Ninja: Introducing The NINJA BOOK CLUB!!!
It’s time for yet another new feature, Esteemed Reader! For years, we’ve been looking at a book a week and I plan to keep right on doing it. I love reviewing so many diverse middle grade novels and having their authors here to face the 7 Questions whenever possible. But the problem with one post […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA BOOK CLUB: Chapter 16 THE GOBLET OF FIRE
First Paragraph(s): I don’t believe it!” Ron said, in a stunned voice, as the Hogwarts students filed back up the steps behind the party from Durmstrang. “Krum, Harry! Viktor Krum!” “For heaven’s sake, Ron, he’s only a Quidditch player,” said Hermione. “Only a Quidditch player?” Ron said, looking at her as though he couldn’t believe his […]
Middle Grade Ninja: Ninja Emergency
Hello there, Esteemed Reader! So good to see you, especially just now. As you know, today was to be my glorious return to regular posting, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to put that off at least another week. It’s too bad. I’ve got a whole host of great interviews lined up for you […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Does Anybody Really Care About the Oscars?
Hello there, Esteemed Reader. Are you worn out from watching the Oscars broadcast last night? Not me. I haven’t watched the Academy Awards since they snubbed The Dark Knight. That was the year I decided it didn’t really matter what movie won Best Picture. I still haven’t seen The Artist and I’m getting by just […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: My Review of Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice
We’re going to talk movies today, Esteemed Reader, specifically superhero movies. It’s going to get really nerdy here and I’ll understand if you’d rather opt out until I have a new interview with a writer or literary agent. But this is my blog and those of you who are regular Esteemed Readers know how I […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Too Many Movies
Do you love movies, Esteemed Reader? I know it’s long been fashionable for literary types (and you’re here, so I’m assuming you at least like books) to hold television and movies in disdain. And this is natural. They are direct competitors to novels, as are video games and any number of other entertainments that eat […]
Middle Grade Ninja: A Special Video for Middle Grade Writers Everywhere
Hey there, Esteemed Reader. If you’ve ever written for children, this video may speak to you. It’s one of my favorite sketches from the Kids in the Hall and I hope you like it too. Warning, it includes the “d-word.” If you’re not okay with that, don’t watch. For everybody else, here ya go:
Middle Grade Ninja: 7 Questions For: Author Alison Hart
Alison Hart is an adjunct college instructor teaching reading and writing as well as the author of over sixty mysteries and historical suspense novels for young readers. In her own words, “I honed my craft writing Nancy Drew mysteries and quickly developed a love of strong characters who are thrown into suspenseful situations; in other words, […]
Middle Grade Ninja: 7 Questions For: Author Darby Karchut
All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a […]
Middle Grade Ninja: 7 Questions For: Author Katherine Applegate
Katherine Applegate was born in Michigan, a fact which allows her to pretend she is a hearty Midwesterner, even though she hates the cold. Katherine’s parents, a tolerant sort, allowed her to have many pets growing up, and she worked for a veterinarian in high school. She lived in Michigan, Illinois and Texas before graduating […]