Nedbery

I have a pretty cool announcement that I don't know how many of you already know, but now that I am about to blog about it, I guess you could say it is officially official.

I have signed with New Growth Press to publish my second book/first novel! It's called Clay. I think the title will stick. The title of my first didn't. Over the next couple months I'll be keeping you posted on the progress. I'll probably also post excerpts for you. I love feedback!

- especially while I'm hacking away at it in hopes to make it Newbery caliber. I confess I dream to win this award. I confess I have little hope in succeeding.

However, I was able to entice the world famous and close friend Elizabeth Northcutt Williams to take a picture of me for the jacket sleeve. Not bad if I do say so myself.

I am also harnessing the karma of past winners by reading through as many as I can this summer. Last week, I began this undertaking with The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois (1948), The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994), and Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji (1928).

I recommend them all - the Balloons and the Giver, with more gusto. However, the Pigeon book (it is seriously about a pigeon) did have a few meaningful moments for me. I've quoted them below for you (in case Gay Neck never makes it around to your reading list).

Most portions have to do with courage and fear. (You can tell what I'm needing right now.) Here you go:

"You must know, O Jewel amongst hunters, that no animal, nor any man, is attacked and killed by an enemy until the latter succeeds in frightening him. I have seen even rabbits escape hounds and foxes when they kept themselves free of fear. Fear clouds one's wits and paralyses one's nerve. He who allows himself to be frightened lets himself be killed." p. 55

"Here let it be inscribed in no equivocal language that almost all our troubles come from fear, worry and hate. If any man catches one of the three, the other two are added unto it." p 128

"Infinite courage is in all life. Each being that lives and breathes is a resevoir of infinite courage." p 172

"May the north wind bring healing unto you,
May the south wind bring healing unto you,
May the winds of the east and west pour healing into you.
Fear flees from you,
Hate flees from you,
And suspicion flees from you.
Courage like a rushing tide gallops through you;
Peace possesses your entire being,
And serenity and strength have become your two wings.
In your eyes shines courage;
Power and prowess dwell in your heart!
You are healed,
You are healed,
You are healed!
Peace, peace, peace." p 175-6

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR FAVORITE NEWBERY RECOMMENDATIONS!

I will also receive your prayers!

Thanks.