THIS SITE HAS MOVED. Inkygirl posts are now part of DebbieOhi.com.
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Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads, writes and illustrates for young people. Every once in a while she shares new art, writing and reading resources; subscribe below. Browse the archives here.
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*NEW!* Also see my Broken Crayon resource
Writer comics by Debbie Ridpath Ohi are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
More details: Comic Use Policy
Welcome to Inkygirl: Reading, Writing and Illustrating Children's Books (archive list here) which includes my Creating Picture Books series, Advice For Young Writers and Illustrators, Writer's and Illustrator's Guide To Twitter, Interviews With Authors And Illustrators, #BookADay archives, writing/publishing industry surveys, and 250, 500, 1000 Words/Day Writing Challenge. Also see my Inkygirl archives, and comics for writers. Also check out my Print-Ready Archives for Teachers, Librarians, Booksellers and Young Readers.
I tweet about the craft and business of writing and illustrating at @inkyelbows. If you're interested in my art or other projects, please do visit DebbieOhi.com. Thanks for visiting! -- Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Finished/loved YA story RATS SAW GOD by Veronica Mars creator @robthomas. Laugh-out-loud funny, smart, honest, irreverent.
— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) May 28, 2013
Click on my "microbooktweet" tag to browse some of my other micro-length book reviews and tweets.
Written by Holly Black
Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books / Simon & Schuster Children's (May/2013)
Finished/savored DOLL BONES. Could eat @hollyblack's prose with a spoon. Also love @wheelerstudio's creepylicious pics.
— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) May 17, 2013
Also see my other MicroBookTweets and my interview with Eliza Wheeler.
Fun pics/story in MAYA WAS GRUMPY by @pippinmathur ( @flashlightpress) chases scowls away. Congrats, Courtney! twitter.com/inkyelbows/sta…
— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) April 24, 2013
More info:
Courtney Pippin-Mathur website
Above and below: samples of the book-friendly cartoons by Tom Gault, whose YOU'RE ALL JUST JEALOUS OF MY JETPACK is being published later this year by Drawn & Quarterly. I have to buy this book!
See more samples of his comics in BookPatrol as well as Tom's Tumblr blog.
Love this. It's the kind of book I want to read slowly, to immerse myself in the atmosphere. Gorgeous prose. It gave me nightmares...but in a good way.
I just bought the sequel, Mistle Child, and can't wait to read it!
Author: Ari Berk.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.
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Click on my "microbooktweet" tag to browse some of my other micro-length book reviews and tweets. Please note that I am not seeking new books to review; I usually only review books already in my To Read pile.
THE DARKEST CORNER OF THE WORLD
Author: Urve Tamberg
Publisher: Dancing Cat Books, an imprint of Cormorant Books
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Had a fantastic time in NYC. More on this soon. But one of the books I read during the trip was Urve's The Darkest Corner Of The World, which is about a teen girl's struggle in Estonia during the World War II Soviet occupation.
I was never a huge history fan back in school. I got great marks, but that was only because I was very good at memorizing. As soon as the school year over, all the dates and facts I had spent hours committing to memory melted away like the last bits of dingy snow left after a long winter.
It was only years later that I began to become more interested in certain periods of history because of historical fiction I was enjoying. Caring about the characters made me care more about their world. After finishing a novel, I'd research using the library and (later) online resources to find out more.
I'm currently reading The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich by William Shirer and enjoying it MUCH more than I expected. As a result, I'm also starting to seek out historical fiction tied in with related events. Code Name Verity was one, and The Darkest Corner Of The World was the latest.
Lots of fascinating details about Estonian culture and life back then, all skilfully woven into a fast-paced story about 15-year-old Madli and the difficult choices she must make in order to survive.
Click on my "microbooktweet" tag to browse some of my other micro-length book reviews and tweets.
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Working on sketches for NAKED! today. Each time I finish a sketch, I reward myself with a chapter of CODE NAME VERITY.
— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) January 18, 2013
Click on my "microbooktweet" tag to browse some of my other micro-length book reviews and tweets.
I've been starting to post micro book reviews & comments about kidlit/YA books on Twitter from time to time, and will include them here on Inkygirl when I like a book. I'll tag these with "microbooktweet" to make it easier for people to find similar posts.
Wonderful world-building details enhance @cindypon's YA fantasy FURY OF THE PHOENIX, rewarding sequel to SILVER PHOENIX.
— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) January 20, 2013
LovedLOVED this book. I had expected an entertaining kid-focused superhero story, but it was so much more than that. Mike Jung has added a wonderful twist on the typical superhero theme. His writing is fresh and truly funny, with sweet/touching moments as well. An entertaining and thoroughly satisfying read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Age level: 8 and up - Hardcover: 320 pages - ISBN-10: 0545335485 - ISBN-13: 978-0545335485
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You can see my other Micro and Graphic Book Reviews on Inkygirl. Please note that I review books on whim and for the pure fun of it, so please do not ask me to review your book. Thanks. :-)
THE YO-YO PROPHET
Author: Karen Krossing
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
For ages 12+
After reading THE YO-YO PROPHET by Karen Krossing (Orca Books), I was inspired to do my Daily Doodle with a book theme (see above).
I also got curious about yo-yos and looked up yo-yo competitions online. Wow, really impressive performances out there. Check out this mesmerizing performance at a German Yo-Yo Masters competition:
So many reasons to love THE YO-YO PROPHET: the way the main characters change throughout the book (especially the main character, Calvin, who so desperately wants to be noticed and feel special), the tension and excitement of Calvin's yo-yo performances and competitions, how Calvin reacts to and eventually finds a way to cope with bullying, how he deals with his missing father and the declining health of his grandmother. Uplifting and hopeful ending without being clichéd.
I was also intrigued by the description of the yo-yo feats! This book might even lure young people away from their computer games to give a non-digital hobby a try.
You can find out more about Karen Krossing's THE YO-YO PROPHET on her website.
You can read a more extensive review of the book on CM Magazine's website.
Martha Alderson has worked with hundreds of writers in sold-out plot workshops, retreats, and plot consultations for more than fifteen years. Her clients include bestselling authors, New York editors, and Hollywood movie directors.
Martha's new book, THE PLOT WHISPERER: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Adams Media, 2011) is an excellent resource for writers of all levels of experience. Beginning writers will find her templates and clear explanations of basic structure a solid starting point for their work. More experienced writers will find ways to improve their craft even further PLUS (and I hadn't expected this!) apply some of her basic principles to their own writing/creative lives.
This book isn't just a list of "do this, don't do that" writing tips; it encourages you to examine HOW you view yourself as a writer and how you pursue your own career goals.
Martha offers TONS of excellent advice for writers in a variety of interviews and guest posts in her Mega Book Blog Tour.
It's worth visiting these blogs not just for the great info but also to see how effectively Martha uses this Book Blog Tour to promote her nonfiction book by interacting with blog readers as well as offering real and useful content. So many times I see blog tours in which the author just gives teasers but spends most of the time saying WHY people need to buy her book. Martha's generous with sharing her knowledge, and I believe this is a far better way to show readers what her book can offer them.
Anyway, here's a round-up of tidbits I found at the blogs in her tour...
Janet Fox at Through the Wardrobe:
You may find the first draft is wobbly and scenes ramble. The complete vision of your story was a bit hazy the first time through. The action was tangled. The protagonist comes off as bewildering. You have glossed over an energetic marker or two. Don’t panic—this is good. As a matter of fact, the worse the first draft, the better. Trying for perfection before you know what you are trying to convey commonly leads to procrastination.
Teresa LeYung Ryan at Love Made of Heart:
On figuring out which subplots in a story have merit and which should be dumped...
Three comments:
1) follow the energy — at least with the first draft. When a writer is energetically engaged in developing one plot line over another, they’re more apt to write all the way to the end, which then makes it much easier to assess what the story is all about.
2) character and action are the yin and yang of stories. Every story benefits from the development of both!
3) create a master plot planner and line up the multiple plots one above the other — usually the primary plot shines through…
Becky Levine at Moving Forward on the Writing Path:
Martha believes in plot. She recognizes that there are many writers who worry that, by plotting, they’ll make their story stiff or formulaic. She recognizes and respects that fear, but she also reassures us–rightly, I think–that the plot is the container, the structure, that holds all the magic we could ever want to write. And she coaches us through all the steps of creating that plot.
Mary Baader Kaley at Not an Editor:
On how Martha critiques someone's work (her general process):
I never critique writers' work. I have found as a plot consultant to writers that I cannot see the forest (plot and structure) for the trees (words). Plot consultations focus exclusively on the master plot, which is made up of the action, character and thematic plot lines or, in other words, the form and structure. Writers are asked to have on hand a list of scenes from their projects and an idea of the message they are hoping their story will convey.
By pushing aside the words, I am better able to see the deeper structure of the story and assess what is working and what needs work.
Kelly Klepfer of Novel Rocket:
On why Martha advises writers NOT to show their first drafts to anyone:
Allow others to read your writing now and you may lose energy for your story and become overwhelmed by the task ahead of you.
On the Universal Story:
The part of the book I am most excited about is the story beneath the story – the Universal Story and the message that writing is transformative. I hope writers come away from this book with practical techniques to integrate the energy of the Universal Story into their stories. After using these ideas, I believe writers will begin to understand themselves better. They’ll see their writing in a different light. The ways they interact with their writing and with the world around them will shift.
Shreve Stockton at Honey Rock Dawn:
Now, with The Plot Whisperer, Martha takes this essential information even further. Further and deeper. Martha has been doing one-on-one writer’s consultations for years and this is what reading The Plot Whisperer feels like ~ it’s like sitting with her and being coached, psychoanalyzed, pushed, encouraged, and, via all of that, INSPIRED to get down and write.
Martha offers time management tips for those participating in NaNoWriMo:
While keeping that word count in mind, at the same time, writers who understand how to use the time most effectively based on the Universal Story, find themselves at the end of November with more than just 50,000 words (though that is an admirable accomplishment in itself).
Writers who are savvy about the parameters of the Universal Story finish out the month with a definable beginning, middle and end.
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now:
On why it doesn't really make a difference if you use an outline or not for your first draft:
I don’t care how you write the first draft. Just get it written all the way from the beginning to the end anyway you can – pre-plotting, plotting as you write, or writing purely by the seat of your pants. With a completed draft, no matter how wretched you may believe it is, you can then get down to the real work of plot and structure.
Charissa Weaks at A Day in the Life of An Author:
On how to determine which parts of the backstory to include in your story:
I recommend writing the first draft all the way from the beginning to the end one time with absolutely no back story other than how that back story influences the protagonist’s reactions in scene in real story time.
Two common mistakes I see writers make is giving up before writing to the end of the story and rushing through writing the end of the story as if with eyes squeezed shut on a wing and a prayer that all of the words will add up to something meaningful and make sense in the end.
Uma Krishnaswami (Writing With A Broken Tusk):
I suggest using what I call a Scene Tracker. It’s a template or worksheet that allows you to plot out the seven essential elements in every scene you write. To analyze scenes at a thematic level before you have written a draft or two is usually premature. Far better is to wait until you better understand the deeper meaning of your piece. Then, stand back and analyze each scene for thematic elements which allows you to see where they show up now and where they could be inserted to create the most pleasing patterns for the reader and for the greatest good of the story.
Linda Joy Myers (President, National Association of Memoir Writers) at Memories and Memoirs:
For each scene, ask yourself the seven essential questions of plot:
1. Does the scene establish the date and setting?
2. How does it develop the character’s emotional makeup?
3. Is the scene driven by a specific character goal?
4. What dramatic action is shown?
5. How much conflict, tension, suspense, or curiosity is shown?
6. Does the character show emotional changes and reactions within the scene?
7. Does the scene reveal thematic significance to the overall story?
For More About Martha:
Her blog: http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/
She's on Twitter (@plotwhisperer ) and on Facebook.
On YouTube: Martha's Plot Series -- This is how I discovered Martha -- excellent videos! Here's the first in her video series...
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p.s. I've had a growing number of people approach me about reviewing their books or inviting me to be part of their blog tours. Please note that in most cases I have to decline. Apologies, but I simply lack the time. In Martha's case, I had already been a big fan of her video series, plus I wanted a free copy of her book. :-)
Above: A great interview with Michelle Hodkin, author of THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER (Simon & Schuster) - a book I just finished and LOVED. Interview also includes Michelle's insights re: writing process & social networking.
I was a bit wary at first when I started reading this book, given all the hype it's received recently. But then I ended up having to read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Tough to go into details without giving major plot spoilers.
Can't wait until the sequel.
Here's the book trailer:
Looking for the perfect gift for a writer friend? Check out The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life, by Nava Atlas.
A bunch of my old Inkygirl posts got trashed when my Wordpress blogs were hacked last year, so I'm going to be uploading some of my personal favorites so that they stay accessible in Inkygirl. Here's my bookcomic review of Sharon Creech's UNFINISHED ANGEL:
You can find out more about Sharon Creech at:
I used to hate poetry. I blame scholarly literary dissection and school. My memory (which, I admit, may be tainted by early years of accumulated hatred) is one of many hours of tortuous analysis, taking a few simple lines of text that I kind of thought were cool at first but then learned to dread as we hacked and slashed at every syllable, every nuance, every possible interpretation, until there was nothing left except a dry husk that made me want to run from the room screaming "ENOUGH WITH THE RED WHEELBARROW!"
Years later, a poet/librarian friend of mine introduced me to some poems that I actually enjoyed. That I LOVED.
Some poems, I discovered, could be understood and appreciated by the average person. I also learned to love the language of poetry, and became more aware of writing style and the importance of word choice in my own writing. Every word counts, after all, and not just in poetry.
Recently, I purchased Robert Lee Brewer's most recent poetry chapbook: Escape. I bought his first collection, ENTER, because I wanted to support Robert. He's been a wonderful editor at Writersmarket.com and great to work with, plus I've enjoyed his Poetic Asides blog. But the bonus: I loved Robert's poetry.
So when I found out that he had a new collection of poems, I ordered one right away. I have no formal poetry scholarly training and have never reviewed poetry before. All I can say, though, is that I LOVED THESE POEMS. They're full of emotion and music, and a joy to read.
If you're interested in owning a copy of Escape, send Robert Brewer an e-mail at robertleebrewer[at]gmail[dot]com, with "I Need an Escape" in the subject line. Price: $10 (which includes shipping to anywhere in the world). Do it before they sell out!
p.s. I actually do like The Red Wheelbarrow now.
Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 7:13 AM