Author Archives: Joan Stradling, Author

I love the exchange between Shrek and Donkey where Shrek tries to explain ogres. It’s a great example of characterization, and also showing vs. telling. Shrek could have told Donkey, “Ogres have layers,” but by using an analogy (onions), he … Continue reading →

Punxutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning and has predicted an early Spring. It seems Mother Nature wishes to argue the point, however, because temperatures are in the teens in my area right now (the freezing wind doesn’t … Continue reading →

If you haven’t yet heard the news, Tessa is having a contest for an ARC of Blood Magic. I couldn’t pass up a chance to enter. All I had to do was pick my favorite story from the Merry Sisters … Continue reading →

The kids are home from school for MLK Day. I’m not able to write much when they’re home so I’d planned to sort through emails and blogs, post here about my progress, and finish up some critiques. My plans changed … Continue reading →

I’ve outlined the last part of the rewrite, and, after doing some additions and rearranging yesterday, I’m ready to dive into writing the end of the WIP today! YAY! I’m not sure how long it will take me to get … Continue reading →

The kids go back to school. I don’t. This makes me happy. I’m looking forward to a day of writing and more snow melting. Snow is cold. My house is cold and running the heater at the temperature I’d like … Continue reading →

In the spring of 2010 I made the decision to go back to school and work toward my degree in Elementary Education. On my schedule that semester I had English 102, Cultural Diversity in Education, Geology, and the Geology Lab. … Continue reading →

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Hope your day is filled with joy and happiness. One of my gifts was an Amazon.com gift card so I’m very happy. =D We also got Family Game Night 3 for our … Continue reading →

Just another blog to try to keep up with. *sigh* Why do I do these things to myself?