The Magic of Words
Newsletter #2
Writing is Hard, But Words are Magical
Writing is hard. You have all the words in the world to use and put together in some way to make people think or feel or believe or act. And everyone else also has access to these words and language. But there is something so satisfying when you can find the exact combination that creates a moment. Something to linger over. Something to savor. Something beautiful.
That’s the magic that always draws me back to writing. Maybe it’s the Asian upbringing in me that makes me want to tackle a challenge. But I think it’s more-so the end product that causes people to pause. If I can create something that touches another person, then I have done my job. That’s why I write. Writing is hard. But the impact is worth it.
What is something you do that’s not easy, but worth it?
Book Report: WHEN LOLA VISITS
Written by Michelle Sterling
Illustrated by Aaron Asis
WHEN LOLA VISITS captures a whole variety of fragrant and delicious memories that a young girl remembers from her grandmother’s summer stays. Michelle’s text includes so many specific cultural details from the Philippines that when I first read this lyrical story, I finally felt represented in a picture book. Here are some of my favorites: dried squid, cassava cake, kalamansi pie, lumpia, milkfish, and arroz caldo...YUM. Aaron’s wistful art with gorgeous brush strokes creates moments that compel you to slow down to soak in the words and all the beautiful illustration details. The line that I savor the most is “suman steaming on the stove for afternoon merienda and tiny red chilies spilling into sizzling sisig.” Yes, read it again. And be sure to read it out loud. Mmm, what delicious words indeed.
Themes: intergenerations, culture, memories, love
Discussion Ideas:
1. How do the author and illustrator show emotions through their words and art?
2. Think of a special memory you have with a relative and describe how a specific smell or taste or object symbolizes that person and your relationship.
Mentor Text For:
sensory descriptions
precise word choice, lyrical language
list poem, free verse poetry
writing about memories, memoir writing
Link to Teacher Resource: Craft Activity on Sensory Details
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Weekly Progress Report
This is a section for “stuff I did” that relates to my writing career. I believe in celebrating all wins, big and small alike.
met with my online critique group and discussed pros/cons of agents
listened to a podcast from The Manuscript Academy about red & green flags when querying agents
joined the SCBWI SF/South Weekly Write-in Zoom for the first time
wrote about what I want in an agent, my writing career goals, and why I’d make a good client
read LOTS and LOTS of picture book biographies
started to draft a picture book biography during a mini writing retreat with fellow author friends
Sending you courage and grace in all you choose to do,
Susan
I love how words came to life with the quote that you shared from the book, and imagined the sounds and smells coming from the kitchen!