Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Why We Write (Part One)
Esteemed Reader, I could tell you no small number of horror stories relayed to me by my many writer friends over the years. Stories of unsold, unread books, unfair shakes, and of writers toiling in obscurity to an early pauper’s grave after a life during which the sun never shone and babies never laughed:) Not […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: The True Ninja Paces Himself
Esteemed Reader, I have needed a breather. I’ve taken it and I’m trying to calm down. It is un-ninja like to run around frantically waving one’s arms attempting to accomplish everything and therefore accomplishing nothing. I’ve become increasingly manic and must slap myself and tell myself to breathe, just breathe. If you’re a regular Esteemed […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: The True Ninja Paces Himself
Esteemed Reader, I have needed a breather. I’ve taken it and I’m trying to calm down. It is un-ninja like to run around frantically waving one’s arms attempting to accomplish everything and therefore accomplishing nothing. I’ve become increasingly manic and must slap myself and tell myself to breathe, just breathe. If you’re a regular Esteemed […]
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: NINJA STUFF: Thoughts On Blogging
THIS WEEK IN NINJA-ING: Tuesday’s Book of the Week is The Shadows: Books of Elsewhere Volume 1, Wednesday we’re discussing Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Thursday author Jacqueline West will face the 7 Questions. Saturday, as ever, we’ll be joined by a surprise literary agent. A few posts back, […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Swimming with Sharks (Part Two)
Last Time on Ninja Stuff: I talked about how writers need to exercise caution and make an informed decision when signing with a literary agent, even if that agent has appeared here. I gave an example of a lousy contract and cautioned writers to be wary of publishing professionals. And now the thrilling conclusion… In […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Swimming with Sharks (Part One)
Click here to read the second part of this post. I’m feeling a little nervous today, Esteemed Reader, but I hope you’re doing well. Why am I nervous, you ask. I want to talk about literary agents and publishers today, subjects I’ve typically avoided unless I had something positive to say. I usually bite my […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Story Compromise
I’ve had a good weekend, Esteemed Reader, and I hope you have to. As I write this it’s Writing Day at my place. I’m on my back porch overlooking a river and the woods with sweet, sweet Yanni playing in my ears (screw you for judging me!). The YA Cannibals are inside writing away. Mike […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: A School Shooting Happened Here, In My Town
Fair warning, Esteemed Reader, I’m going to use just a bit of adult language in this post. I’m emotional today because I’ve just picked up Little Ninja after his school went on lock down following a shooting. I don’t want to be writing this. I want that amazing interview with my hero Louis Sachar, author […]
Middle Grade Ninja: NINJA STUFF: Rob or Robert (What’s in a Name)?
Esteemed Reader, If you like the look of the snazzy new cover of Banneker Bones and the Giant Robot Bees, you can download the newly re-mastered ebook right now FOR FREE. It doesn’t matter when you’re reading this as the ebook will be permanently free to download on multiple platforms. I’ve been running this blog […]