A character is more important than plot, locale, conflict, or any other part of a story.This is because a character is the only thing that a reader can truly relate to in a strong and meaningful way.We may have visited a location where a story takes place and even love the region.If a character visiting that area is not strong and real to us, however, the location will have less meaning.The deeds of a character might be amazing.But if the character is not well rounded and strong, their deeds are fairly insignificant.The best way to describe that is to say this. Characters need to be individuals we can relate to, or individuals that we recognize.The strength of a character is in their consistency.Their words match their actions and their actions match their personal traits.Emotionally connecting with a character requires that a character possess consistency of presence.Developing a character may be a bit of a misnomer.A character is not so much created as they are experienced.One of the reasons that many novice writers produce flat or "cardboard" characters is because they believe they have to create a character from scratch.Without knowledge on how to do this, however, the end result is often a character who acts, rather than one who IS.Their personality doesn't really show at all.The story is told, the characters perform their parts, but they are not alive in our minds.They have little substance and no real depth.To avoid this problem a savvy author relies on the simple but powerful method of observation.When building a character ask some questions.1.What are they seeking?2.How will they get it?3.What traits make it feasible for them to attain their goal.4.What traits will work against them?5.What do they love?6.What do they dislike?7.Who is in their circle of influence?8.Where do they spend their free time?9.What do they do?10.Why do they do it?Then, observe individuals who are in a similar circumstance.They are everywhere.Characters with powerful personality traits can be based on the leaders you know personally.Weak-willed or indecisive characters can be found in much the same way.Ethically or morally challenged people can be found in prisons, or politics for that matter.Well-balanced and ethically upstanding individuals are often found in positions of social responsibility.Angry or socially challenged characters can be based on bullies.The main thrust here is that we build characters based on observation of the people around us.These are real characters in real situations.By doing this we avoid the necessity of inventing a character (an almost impossible task for all but a psychologist or psychiatrist) and speed up the process significantly.A character needs five basic aspects.1.Emotions, both held and expressed.2.Actions that are consistent with who they are.3.People around them who either support them, suffer by them, or interact with them.4.Personal preferences and likes and dislikes.5.Physical surroundings that are also consistent with who they are, and also belong to the story.Any character can be anywhere, doing anything, as along as it is feasible, is likely to be what they would really be doing were they real, and is true to form.Observing the people around us and in the news will give us all of the characters we need.We simply need to observe, take notes, be consistent, and avoid clichs and stereotypes.Don't invent characters.Observe them into existence.It is the easiest and best way to begin.
High school counselors spend an average of 23 minutes working with their college-bound students on the college search and planning process.Most high school counselors work with more than 350 students.Few high school counselors are able to visit colleges or attend conferences because their schools do not have the budget for them to do so.Many parents do not feel they have the ability to serve as a guide to college for their teenager.This is a real concern for families.What's a student to do? Many are turning to educational consultants who are helping to fill this gap.They have the expertise to assist college-bound students with the college search and application process.They also have the passion and the time.Here are nine reasons why an educational consultant could benefit your college-bound student..1.They are experts in the college admission process and visit colleges and universities extensively every year to determine the unique qualities in each school.2.They help students with the college search and are not just interested in brand name schools, but want to find colleges that fit your student's academic and personal needs.3.They do not have an emotional attachment to your child and this allows them to provide unbiased, professional advice.4.They get to know students on a personal basis which enables them to help students become stronger college applicants.5.They help provide direction for students on their applications and essays.This assures students that they are adhering to deadlines set by their high school and colleges.6.They assist students and families in finding schools that are affordable.They also provide information on financial aid and scholarships.7.They are not limited in the number of hours they can work with students.This allows them to be available when students need them, with the answers they need.8.They want to help students find colleges that are committed to seeing their students graduate in four years, rather than the usual five, six or more.This can save parents a considerable amount of money.9.They are members of professional organizations like the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and attend state and national conferences to continue their professional development.A college education is one of the most expensive investments a family will make.It should be obvious that more time and thought needs to go into the college search and admission process.Most educational consultants charge affordable fees and are very generous with their time.Many families believe that hiring an educational consultant is the best investment they have made.
What books can we give our boys to teach them to love reading at a young age? What holds their interest and sparks a love of reading and knowledge? As a parent, you wonder what you can do to entice your boy to read, and not to fight them just to pick up a book.After months of trial and error with different genres, writing styles, and subjects, I found seven books that will spark a boy's interest and keep it.1.The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey.George and Harold are two elementary school boys who love to draw and make up stories, so they decide to make comics for themselves.They are about a character they make up called Captain Underpants, who later becomes their principal! The series promotes creativity and encourages kids to draw or write their own comics.The unique and easy to follow writing style of the author insures that your boy will not become bored or frustrated by trying to figure out big words.The pictures throughout the book are fun and ensure that your boy will spend hours laughing over this book and will want to read it again and again.And luckily, there are more novels in this series!2.Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey.Since we enjoyed this author's writing style so much, we decided to try this series to see if the author's writing had the same endearing qualities, and we were not disappointed.With monsters from space, robots, and silly words and phrases, your boy will enjoy every minute in the pages of this book.There are no complicated or large words, and there are pictures on every page.As is consistent with the author's style, the book encourages art by providing instructions on how to draw the characters at the end of every book in the series!3.The Stink Adventures by Megan McDonald.This series has differing themes throughout, such as space travel, gigantic jawbreakers, stinky shoes, and treasure hunts.This author also writes the Judy Moody series, and the main character, Stink, is Judy's younger brother.The books are easy to read and follow, with great jokes and silly situations that will keep your boy highly entertained, and excited for the next book.The pictures are detailed and just as entertaining as the story, and some books even have color pictures.This is a fun entertaining series that your boy will want more of.4.Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger by Kevin Bolger.This book is a hilarious read.The book is full of silly and gross names that have boys hooting with delight, such as. the story takes place in the Kingdom of Armpit, a knight is named Sir Bedwetter, and Sir Fartsalot is hard of hearing, so he always hears what someone says incorrectly and creates great jokes.The book is filled with colorful characters and an entertaining style of writing, so your boy always wants to read more.This book is also fun to read together, as you will enjoy the jokes as much as your child.5.Goosebumps by R.L.Stine.I enjoyed these books when I was in elementary school so I thought I would try reading them with my boy.He loves them so much that we have worn out copies and had to buy new ones.With scary but unique ideas such as invisibility gone wrong, haunted houses, scary monsters, and aliens, there is a novel in this series for every boy.If you want an easier read for your boy, the Goosebumps Horrorland series uses less large words than the Goosebumps series, and follows along, but has some interesting maps and stories to catch a boy attention and keep it, even before they can read the larger, harder-to-read series!6.Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.This series is easy to read and set up much like a comic book and diary.There are tons of pictures filled with as many jokes and descriptions as the actual story.This series addresses situations boys find themselves placed in with a witty outlook and realistic resolutions, by engaging boys with a character just like they are.As the character deals with everyday situations with sarcasm and humor, boys are sucked into the books and can't put them down!7.My Weird School Days Series by Dan Gutman.Who didn't wish that their teacher really was an alien or crazy? This series takes those thoughts to the maximum with crazy teachers that do silly things, to super-smart teachers that are computers posing as people, to lunch ladies writing secret messages in mashed potatoes.The amusing situations and play-on-words keep boys anxious to read more, and laughing out loud.The books are filled with real facts that are delivered in a stimulating and easy to read way that helps kids remember them, but not realize that they are learning too!
In his latest book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, Jeff Kinney nearly put me into the hospital. That man is going to have serious medical bills to pay if this keeps up. I almost busted a gut laughing out loud and almost aspirated my Diet Dr Pepper on a few occasions. And, yes, I hold him completely responsible.
If not for Kinney's dry wit, keen insight into the lives of elementary school boys (especially their rationalization for EVERYTHING), and fantastic line drawing on nearly every page, I wouldn't have had so many close brushes with death in his latest book. But he put me there time and time again. Even when I thought I had things figured out (because I was once an elementary school boy with a wild imagination without a governor), Jeff would throw a wrinkle at me that I didn't see coming. He ambushed me with regularity throughout the pages.
But it's not just me that Jeff has his merciless sights on. He's taking out EVERYBODY. My wife teaches... Read more
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I think Jeff Kinney hit the BullsEye with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I first read some of it at the internet. However it did not take me long to figure out that I had to have a hard copy of this book. Once I got it, I read it from start to finish and was unable to put it down until the end. It is THAT hilarious! The writing by itself is good and the cartoons make all that even better! And I am not the only one to love it. Since the time I got it, my book is being borrowed again and again by all my friends. In fact, I haven't seen it myself for long. It is just being passed from one friend to another. And we are all waiting for the next book in the Wimpy Kid series. I don't have an older brother. But although Greg seems to be complaining a lot about his brother Roderick, I wish I could get all this kind of troubles that Greg gets with Roderick. Life would be that much more interesting!!!!
Another series that we all cannot get enough of is... Read more
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
He did it again. Jeff Kinney has taken the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, parents and brothers and turned them into a wonderful diary-novel complete with pictures. It's a nonstop read. I laughed so hard and the characters stay with you long after you put the book down. This is a great book for reluctant readers. The best news, there is a third diary on the way!!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
That's it.You've finished creating your children's book.It has a moral, it has a good story, it uses no polysyllabic words yet still comes across as readable.It is time to get your children's book published.To do so, unfortunately, can be a long and grueling process.But the result is well worth the wait.Before you Begin. Myths about Publishing Children's Books.Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have your book illustrated in order to submit it for publication.In fact, most publishing companies do not want the books illustrated because they have artists they contract to help create the finished product.This can save you a great deal of time, but it is disappointing for some people who have a particular artistic vision for their manuscripts.If you want to illustrate the children's book yourself, you should look for either a publishing company that encourages illustration or consider self-publishing.Another myth is that publishing companies look to publish any good book that comes their way.This is not true in the slightest.Most children's book publishing companies have very specific categories, morals or guidelines that must be followed if they are even to look at your manuscript, let alone publish it.Steps for Publishing.1)The first step is to research every publishing company you can find - sending dozens of manuscripts to every company is a poor idea, and most companies will not even read your manuscript unless they feel it relevant to their products.Go online to the "Children's Book Council" and find out which publishers are relevant to your topic and how they accept their submissions.2)Send a letter.This letter should include..OA cover letter (with your background, why you wrote the book, its purpose, etc.).OA query letter indicating what the book is about and why it should be published, asking the publisher whether or not they wish to read it.OA small portion of your manuscript.OA Self Addressed Stamped Envelope - This is vital.No publisher should ever have to pay to send you a yes or no, no matter how good your children's book is.Add an extra stamp in case they have documents to send you.3)Now wait.You may receive a response within a few weeks or a few months, or you may not receive a response at all.Still, it is best to wait and give the publisher some time before reviewing alternative options.4)If you receive a yes, send your manuscript immediately.Again, wait a while for a response as you may not get a response even to a book that the publisher is willing to publish for several months.Your manuscript should be readable and follow the guidelines given to you by the publisher.5)If you receive a no, try another publisher and look to see if there is a reason that the publisher refused.6)Remember. Rejection is part of the game.Few manuscripts get accepted the first round.Continue to try other publishers and consider getting feedback from friends and family about how your children's book can have more appeal.7)If you do not hear from the publisher after two or three months, consider sending the manuscript elsewhere and notify the publisher that has not written you back that you are doing so.There is no need to tell the publisher that they cannot still consider your book (they may simply not have gotten to it yet) but it is a good practice to at least notify them that you are sending it elsewhere, so that if they are interested they will write you back.Only notify them that you are withdrawing your book from consideration if you expect it to be published with a different company.By following these simple instructions, you have a chance of achieving your goal of becoming a children's book writer.Once you have a single book published, it opens the door for several more.
In his latest book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, Jeff Kinney nearly put me into the hospital. That man is going to have serious medical bills to pay if this keeps up. I almost busted a gut laughing out loud and almost aspirated my Diet Dr Pepper on a few occasions. And, yes, I hold him completely responsible.
If not for Kinney's dry wit, keen insight into the lives of elementary school boys (especially their rationalization for EVERYTHING), and fantastic line drawing on nearly every page, I wouldn't have had so many close brushes with death in his latest book. But he put me there time and time again. Even when I thought I had things figured out (because I was once an elementary school boy with a wild imagination without a governor), Jeff would throw a wrinkle at me that I didn't see coming. He ambushed me with regularity throughout the pages.
But it's not just me that Jeff has his merciless sights on. He's taking out EVERYBODY. My wife teaches... Read more
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I think Jeff Kinney hit the BullsEye with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I first read some of it at the internet. However it did not take me long to figure out that I had to have a hard copy of this book. Once I got it, I read it from start to finish and was unable to put it down until the end. It is THAT hilarious! The writing by itself is good and the cartoons make all that even better! And I am not the only one to love it. Since the time I got it, my book is being borrowed again and again by all my friends. In fact, I haven't seen it myself for long. It is just being passed from one friend to another. And we are all waiting for the next book in the Wimpy Kid series. I don't have an older brother. But although Greg seems to be complaining a lot about his brother Roderick, I wish I could get all this kind of troubles that Greg gets with Roderick. Life would be that much more interesting!!!!
Another series that we all cannot get enough of is... Read more
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
He did it again. Jeff Kinney has taken the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, parents and brothers and turned them into a wonderful diary-novel complete with pictures. It's a nonstop read. I laughed so hard and the characters stay with you long after you put the book down. This is a great book for reluctant readers. The best news, there is a third diary on the way!!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
![[DIARY OF A WIMPY KID BOX OF BOOKS BY Kinney, Jeff(Author)]Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box of Books[Hardcover]2010](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vqMWSOViSxMyuruJc5-uVrwmFKpb6dniecYvqezpcZ64jxYCd9YHjB3zildCor39ffzuWGKPlY42u1G8R87LnFbTVVNErXq-yMAyZ64otO9ZOOyzvoAaJcKUIcGTQPW-rKT6U9Ow=s0-d)
![[DIARY OF A WIMPY KID BOX OF BOOKS BY Kinney, Jeff(Author)]Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box of Books[Hardcover]2010](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_voYghHW47aDZCUlViS-7QGFXtDT3Lx01rNC9XjEgTLSaOWm-xSw-Z6mTmrz5UAvm8Sna2JG5-Gpx9RIVd4VIbgJT42ZBj5blTH8ZIFsNoKKz_AA4pU2A01fhyTec78Ks9zy5wtFodp56dQZaR0kME=s0-d)
