Things Lost Are Not Often What They Seem, Or, How I Found Dr. Johnson's Dictionary, Not Where I Thought It Was Hid.

I have found it--and we shall see if the finding augments, or rather detracts, from this Blog. A series on musings (for sometimes I find that finding an antiquated or strange word, and musing upon it, helps to inspire a story) is forthcoming, of which this is the first.

But I must explain.

Not, under the bed was it--not in the eternal abyss of darkness and despair, where souls of library books in torment await their accumulating fine--not in that black hole betwixt my bed's four feet, and the dusty floor--but in a pile of books by my door. Yesterday, searching for something else (and isn't that always the way) I found it, by chance, spilled to the ground as my hand knocked it out of place.

So here it is.

I will start with By-coffeehouse, a happy thought today.



By-coffeehouse. n.s. A coffeehouse in an obscure place.

Phyllis reached out her hand, searching through her laboured breath for an alleyway to dart into, a cubbyhole in which to evade her pursuers. She heard them, hot upon her heels--faster, she turned, not caring where she went, her frenzied lips forming the anguished words: 'O, if only there had been a by-coffeehouse!'

By-the-by, I must give heartfelt thanks to Liam's Pictures from Old Books for the images found here. http://www.fromoldbooks.org

Book Review No. 1: Joan Aiken, 'The Way to Write For Children'

Hello, Julian here--

On The Website, we have a linked page on books to read for aspiring authors--here is the first in a review series.

All in all, a fine book containing the essential questions and basic information that every author--not restricted to those hoping to write for children--must consider. Aiken's cohesive, thoughtful book, The Way to Write For Children, is a masterwork of resources, pulling extensively from the wisdom of past authors, and drawing on the canon of children's literature to present a full and clear portrait of the craft.

She presents the very practical considerations of age range, length, and genre, in a knowledgeable and often tongue-in-cheek style, creating a guidance book that is overall entertaining, if not indeed thrilling to read.

Above all, her focus is on motive. This is not a quick-fix book for a best-seller; no, it is an instructive book on the essence of writing. 'Ideally, writing for children should be a vocation,' she says, and continues with the many variations on responsibility with which the passionate writer must wholly agree.

Altogether, a more-than-satisfactory read, and well worth one's time to find.
Of course, the sensible writer must weigh Aiken's recommendations carefully; that is, after all, part of the carving-away at a raw block to shape the self, the author in his or her own unique definition.

For further information, or to purchase the book through ABE, please visit http://www.creative-works-intl-media.com/new-books-recommended-reading.html