Creations by Carole

2008-02-12T07:55:00.001-08:00

As I address other issues in my life, I want to briefly post some good news.

I'm pleased and blessed to say that one of my picture books has been chosen in the top 20 choices for further consideration by Blooming Tree Press.
Two of my other books made it to the 30-40ish round of Blooming Tree Press' November call. I believe the total number of pictures books submitted was around 1500. I receive that as validation of my writing.

Also, I have a story in this month's issue of Stories for Children. In additon, I received a contributor's copy yesterday of Once Upon a Time Magazine with my first article written for the adult children's writers market. As well, I await word from Donna German on my picture book that she is "thinking" about, knowing full well that word will probably not come in the near future. Here's to the future, folks!

Carole

Announcement of a writer's break

2008-01-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am taking a hiatus for a few short months as I eagerly await the outcome of my many submissions.
I wish all my friends continued success in their endeavors and look forward to returning to my own after this break.

Best,

Carole

2008-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to my journal--received a revision request from one of my favorite publishers, Sylvan Dell, today! YAH HOO!--OFF TO REVISE, FOLKS!

Thank you, Donna German, Editor.

This gives me something to focus on while I wait word from Blooming Tree Press. They currently have 3 of my stories on hold. Here's to hope that 2008 will be a great year!
Update: Revision sent to SD. Received today, (Jan 10th) an email that stated she wants to think about it and it may take a while. YAY!

Edited to add: I'm listed in the new Good News section of January's Stories for Children. Thank you, SFC!
And today, January 10th received acceptance for my poem, Independence Day for July's issue. Thank you, Virginia Grenier, editor and Gayle Jacobson-Huset, assistant editor!
http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/

Wishing you a blessed holiday season

2007-12-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

No matter who you are and what you celebrate I pray for you and yours to have peace and love.
I celebrate Christmas and revere the birth of Christ, my Lord and Saviour, the One who claims to be "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and One with the Father, who created the earth. May the Holy Spirit bless you and keep you safe and fill you with His love for you are created in His image.
Rejoice!

In His Love,

Carole

2007-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been invited to play a game and am supposed to post 5 things about myself, so here goes.
1. I once fell off a pony. The pony was standing still.
2. I buried a treasure in my backyard when I was young. I wonder if anyone ever found it.
3. My fourth grade teacher's name was Mrs. Durfee. We called her Mrs. Dirty Feet.
4. I worked as a media assistant for an elementary school library. The kids called me Mrs. Books.
(my last name is Brooks)
5. I sing like a sick moose.

visit these friends : http://rachelwrites4kids.blogspot.com/

And that makes eighteen for the year.

2007-12-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

Just heard word from Virginia regarding my Campground Ghost submission. It was accepted for the March 08 issue of Stories for Children Magazine.

Thank you, Virginia Grenier, Editor!

2007-11-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce an acceptance from Once Upon a Time Magazine. My article Passion's Pen will be published in a future issue. (date TBD)

Thank you, Audrey B. Baird, Editor of OUAT! You made my day.

Fall Color Tour Up Michigan's Coastline

2007-11-21T04:13:00.001-08:00

As promised, here are some photos of our color tour trip last month. I intended to have more light house pictures, but alas, they weren't as pretty as these. The mural is painted on the bathhouse in Saugatuck, an artist community, a favorite haunt of ours. We traveled the shoreline up to Traverse City. The picture of me shows how windy it was on the beach and that tiny speck behind me is a lighthouse.

2007-11-27T08:34:00.001-08:00

I raised two sons and was blessed with two grandsons. The idea of building a doll house didn't exactly set well even though that's what I wanted to do. The picture on the right shows what I did build...a log cabin replica! I gave my grandsons horses and other animals, fences, toy campfires, etc. They loved it. It set well for me, too. The Little House books were always my favorite as a young girl and I thought about them frequently as I was building.
Of course, now we have our granddaughter. The real doll house will be pictured soon.

WHERE DO I WORK?

2007-11-21T03:37:00.001-08:00

Here is my workspace with my view for inspiration.

The next picture shows my pout face when I get a rejection, (got three the other day, UGH!
The next picture is me laughing at my pucker picture...gotta keep a sense of humor to keep it balanced...stay balanced folks. It's a roller coaster.

2007-11-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

I forgot, imagine that, to post about my latest acceptance. I Can Count on Myself, a poem, is in this month's issue of Fandangle. What's really fun is, my poem, Tip, Tap, Toe, is, also!
Thank you twice, Nancy Cavanaugh, Editor.

And now, I sadly write that Fandangle is closing. Thank you, Nancy Cavanaugh, Editor for all you have contributed to children and writers by your publication of this magazine. I will miss it and you and wish you the best in your future interests.

Celebrating 15

2007-11-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's been a year since I started writing. Amazing how quickly time passes when doing what one loves.
Today I am celebrating 15 acceptances. My goal was 20 for the year, but I'm still pleased. Actually, I'm extremely pleased. I know so many talented writers and the competition is wickedly tough. Learning the industry is certainly a challenge. I still have much to learn.
Recent computer problems prevented me from subbing at my preferred pace. I have much to do and am overwhelmed. That's why I thought I should just blog some good news! Yay for the number 15. I feel fortunate.

Carole

2007-10-23T08:54:00.001-07:00

I love the fall, again. It used to be my favorite season, but as seasons come and go I realize I love them all. But fall, for me has special meaning. We've had a relationship, a special relationship. Fall is when I fell in love and when I got married. It's also been a time of loss. A time I lost someone I loved. But fall redeemed herself in my eyes with a birth so we are friendly again.

This past weekend we traveled up Lake Michigan's shoreline following the "color tour". We photographed the light houses and the foliage. Sutton's Bay was especially fun and I discovered an author/photographer, Carl Sams. Here is a link:

http://www.strangerinthewoods.com/ Anyway, wanted to blog that so I would remember to order his books. If you like nature, check them out, I think you’ll like them.

When I get this computer fixed I’ll upload pictures of the light houses and the gorgeous scenery. I’m sure there’s a story in those pictures.

WHAT'S NEW

2007-10-18T10:30:00.001-07:00

Is Owen comin' or goin'?

IT'S COMING SOON!--WHERE YA GOIN', OWEN? will be published by Journey Stone Creations, LLC this January!

The picture on the right will be used in brochures for my book. This was sent to me by my publisher and I'm just thrilled!

Another thrill for me is to reveal that my book will be used for special needs. It will accompany an electronic platform that will be called "Touch and Read" allowing children and adults who need help learning to read to navigate easily.

As well, it will be a stand alone book that can be purchased through Amazon.com or ordered through Barnes and Noble.

Thank you, Pat Stirnkorb, Journey Stone Creations, LLC .

My Writing Background

2007-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel embarrassed because I'm not one of those who can say, "I've been writing stories all my life." I'm amazed when I read how people began writing; some date back to first grade or so.
I've had three experiences in my past that suggested perhaps, maybe, I could write and that's it! Just three and they were long ago. I never did feel it until recently. So I don't have a lot of background to brag about. Everything I've written and submitted has been just this past year. November is my writing/subbing birthday. I will soon be one (year old). : )
In case you're wondering here's my writing past:
1. I had an instructor at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis ask my permission to use a paper I wrote as an example for future classes.
2. We had to write a picture book when I took kiddie lit at the same university and the prof said, "You should try to get this published."
3. I passed out of that writing class that sometimes they make you take in order to get into school. So I got credit for a 101 writing class at the University of Indianapolis, before actually being a credit seeking student.

That's it. That's my past experience. As a famous pig would say, "Th, th, th, that's all folks!"

ps. A previous post explains another situation, a deeper-level-soul-type experience that brought my writing life into being, albeit personal, and explains how I evolved.

And why do I write for children? One reason--I love it.

Never want to grow up

2007-10-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

I have a tendency to act like a child...a very young child. Let me explain:

I love to get excited.
I love the magical.
I love wonder.
I love to giggle.
I love to learn.
I love to trust.
I love to touch.
I love curiosity.
I love the innocent age.

Sometimes that shows when you meet me and it should explain a lot. I don't write novels and get into heavy duty characters (someday maybe I will), but I do get "into" my young charcacters. Comes natural...what can I say? I'm a big kid.

For Brenda

2007-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

This blog, being the first one I've ever published and new to it all, is mostly about my writing footprints and a way to show my path. So yeah, it's all about me.
Today's entry is about someone else, my writing buddy Brenda Reeves Sturgis. WATCH OUT, KIDS, BRENDA IS COMING! AND SHE'S GOING TO MAKE A SPLASH THAT WILL SHIMMER IN THE AIR!!!!!!
So the caps are not my style, I did that for B. She likes caps and flair and !!!!!!!!!s and she will tickle you with her stories and rhyme. And currently she's on a roll. Don't be surprised if you see, in the near future, a rhyming picture book by Brenda roll up right in front of your nose. Be ready to be dazzled 'cause she's funny and she's got the beat. Her meter is on target! I call her "my meter maid" because she helps me with mine. So drum roll, please and watch as Brenda bounces into publication. I just know it will be soon.
ps. Brenda--I'm happy for you, kiddo!

My Happy Chair

2007-10-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

This blog is mostly about my writing journey, but today I'm doing other stuff. Other creative outlets call me, too. One thing I enjoy immensely is working with upholstery material. Weird, eh? I cover furniture, boxes, make place mats, etc. I guess this satisfies my textile fascination. Texture intrigues me. I wish books were covered in material, (not a practical idea, just something I would like). Anyway, today I'm making purses or bags. I like to think of myself as a bag lady. Strange? I suppose. Truth is, I do a few strange things. Once I made a happy chair. I inherited a goodly amount of costume jewelry, stuff that I would never wear and couldn't bear to part with it, for personal reasons. So I took a chair and painted it with lots of wild colors, then I spent hours gluing the jewelry all over it. My youngest grandson was 4ish at the time. Of course, it intrigued him so he asked me what I was making. Not wanting to explain how it was just something I was doing as grief work, I transformed it into, "I'm making a happy chair." His eyes lit up, he climbed up and sat down and smiled. It made him happy, I guess, just by believing. That's the type of magical wonder I try to put into my books. I want to capture children and adults to believe in the wonder.
Am going to go work on my bags, now.

2007-10-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Am looking forward to submitting to Goodnight to Illiteracy this year. Both of my stories are tight and ready to fly according to my critique buddies. I'm still pondering a poem as a third entry. My poem, A Lullaby for You, didn't make it in last year's round, nor did it make it into the Sweet Dreams Anthology, (Blooming Tree Press). Still a little sad about that, but happy for my critique friends, Brenda Sturgis and Kim Watson and another supportive friend, Evelyn Christiansen, who is also a math genius with copious books on that subject. Congratulations, ladies, well done. I'll buy a copy of the book and send it to each of you for your signature; how's that?

An unexpected nicety

2007-10-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the most encouraging email from Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor of Stories for Children Magazine. She complimented my writing, but the email actually spoke more loudly to me about who she is as opposed to my writing. Gayle is a caring person who extends herself beyond what is expected. I've thanked her before for accepting my manuscripts, but now I'm thanking her for who she is...Gayle, you rock as a human being!

Another Stories for Children acceptance!

2007-10-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

I'm still having problems with my printer, but in the midst of frustration I just received an acceptance from Virginia!

Thank you, Virginia, for the good news and making my day.

The Mysterious Message will be published in February 2008. Once again, I feel honored by this magazine's assistant editor, Gayle and editor, Virginia.
And a special "Thank you" to Gayle for the compliment on my story. Your personal remarks were appreciated.

ARRHGGGGG!

2007-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

At this moment I can't access any of my documents. NO! I don't have them backed up...If you hear a primal scream coming from the midwest, it's me. ARRHGGGG!
A week ago, I kept telling myself, "Back up your files...make hard copies...save your stuff", but I didn't listen.
When will I ever learn to listen to that still soft voice?
Don't do this folks, don't lose your stuff. Back up, today.
Carole

2007-09-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

The following memoir is in memory of my Pop. He was the only grandfather I ever knew. I remember him feeding me pickles in my highchair. I laughed, he laughed and he would feed me more. We moved to Japan and he died. To this day, I love pickles.

2007-09-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sadly my first ever personal memoir did not place in the Byline's contest. Also, I have lost the pickle a friend gave me. The pickle was going to dance when I won and be all happy on my blog. This pickle inspired me to write this memoir and I regret letting the little pickle down. You can see the pickle in an older post on this blog. I was unable to make him dance when he was originally posted and now I'm afraid he's just moved on to pickle heaven. Hope you enjoy my memoir/poem.

Carole

While Fuji Watched

By Carole Brooks

Two faces meeting,

both bald and semi-toothless,

your worldly eyes smile, as if for the first time

they capture something wonderful to behold.

I'm in my highchair, toes reaching

to touch only air, sticky fingers holding a pickle.

My tooth and gum gritting from the sweet, sour juice.

The laughter comes forth, first you, then me, then you,

as I take each gleeful bite...

... Off to Japan.

So quickly, we were gone. They did not have pickles and my soul knew,

at two, I had lost my first love.

Regardless, I grew. Had a full mouth of teeth now.

My hair, thick and full, became pony-tailed in a wisp of time

I was a big girl.

Kimona clad, and zorried,

I learned to dance,

with white- gloved hands that held a fresh clean fan;

my fingers yearned for the feel of laughter.

Origami filled my days.

A rickshaw ride to shrined Buddhas,

with endless pictures were weekend jaunts.

I looked for your eyes through the camera lens.

Other days, typhoons terrified everyone but me,

as we huddled, I held my geisha doll and learned

to love the scent of sandalwood much like the

sweetness of your cigar.

Mount Fuji watched our pickleless picnics.

Polite people worked in the rice paddies. I

thought I glimpsed your silhouette in the shadows of

their bow.

Fish permeated the air as I learned

the art of riding a bicycle pretending

I was still on your shoulders.

The fifth birthday arrived.

Okiko, our maid, made me a new

coat, her wrinkled fingers, weaving the

thread. In her stitches I saw myself

on your feet as we danced, the

rhythm much akin.

It was she who held me tight

the day we heard you died...

...Fifty years later

I still have my teeth.

A vague scent of your cigar

causes me to touch my gray

hair and I want to let you know,

I found God in the laughter of

loving pickles and toothless grins.

The End

2007-09-17T14:10:00.001-07:00

After word of mouth, and the pencil/pen this is what they used.
(Before my time, thank you very much)
This was my grandmother's.
She typed away on her job at the State of Indiana on this beaut.
I've since passed it on to my daughter-in-law who collects oldies, but goodies. I'm not sure if one can even buy the ribbon for this anymore. I do remember typing on it as a kid, though and my 5 year old grandson loves to play on it. Go figure.