Tag Archives: Authors

A Ring of Endless Light – Madeleine L’Engle

A Ring of Endless Light is one of my favorite Madeline L’Engle books. In this middle grade and young adult Newbery Honor book, the Austin family has returned to Seven Bay Island. Their grandfather is dying, and they’ve come to help. Vicky Austin is almost sixteen and is facing confusion over boys, her own role and purpose in the world, her artistic personality in a family of scientists, and questions about death and what it means to live. Her grandfather is a minister, but also a lover of poetry. The Austin’s are a intelligent, loving family, and how they deal … Continue reading →

The First Lady’s First Children’s Book

Tack on a new line to first lady Laura Bush’s resume: children’s book author. According to news reports, the former public school teacher and librarian is collaborating with her daughter Jenna on a picture book for kids, which is due to be released early next year. Bush, known for her love of books told reporters that authoring the new venture is a dream come true, especially since it will be a family affair. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of my favorite teachers, my daughter Jenna, to write a children’s book – and to have … Continue reading →

You May Call Him Sir Salman

Do you remember author Salman Rushdie? He caused quite a stir in the Islamic world when he released his novel “The Satanic Verses” in 1988. Many Muslims found it to be insulting to Islam and the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa (a religious edict) calling for his death. The Iranian government said they did not condone the fatwa, but could not withdraw it either. Fearing for his safety, the British novelist went into hiding. Rushdie was one of the most well known novelists of the time when he went into hiding. His thirteen popular novels are mostly a … Continue reading →

The Passing of Lloyd Alexander

I honestly feel like I’m going to cry. I just found out a few minutes ago that Lloyd Alexander passed away this last May, just two weeks ago. Alexander has been one of my favorite authors since I was twelve. I started with the Chronicles of Prydain, then moved on to the Westmark trilogy, and tonight while at the library, I found a whole new series of his, called the Vesper Holly series, that I’ve never read. I snatched up every one of them, and when I went online just now to discover what order they come in, I saw … Continue reading →

What Does Jewel Adams Like to Read?

As we continue our series of what authors like to read, I’d like to share with you the list of recommended books Jewel Adams sent me. My interview with Jewel can be found here. One of Jewel’s favorite authors is Richard Paul Evans. “The Last Promise.” This novel, set in Tuscany and featuring a romance between a married woman and her tenant, was the subject of controversy upon its release. Deseret Book, Utah’s most conservative bookstore, decided that the topic was too risky for their audience and refused to stock the book in the stores. Curious, the reading public thronged … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Marsha Ward and Her Books

Marsha Ward is our featured author today. If you missed yesterday’s installment of our interview, click here. Journalist, poet, and novelist all wrapped up in one, Marsha has written two novels and has another on the way. Will you tell us about those books? In “The Man from Shenandoah,” Carl Owen returns from the Civil War to find the family farm destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory. Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother’s fiancée while set to wed … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Marsha Ward, Multi-Facted

Our author interview for today features Marsha Ward, novelist, journalist, and poet. Marsha, you have published over 900 articles. I can’t even begin to imagine how you did that. Tips? Advice? Are you magic? I’m not magic. I merely worked for several newspapers, and was editor of three of them. The bulk of my article credits come from those days. I also edited and published two periodicals for writers, one a newsletter and the other a small magazine. I had a couple of columns in other small publications, as well. That sounds pretty magical to me. Plus, you’re a published … Continue reading →

Writer’s Digest Magazine

Are you an aspiring author? Are you already published but seeking ways to hone your craft? One of the most valuable tools you will find to help you in your quest is “Writer’s Digest Magazine.” Each issue features a Brag Board, where readers can write in and share their accomplishments, such as finding an agent to represent them, getting their first article published, overcoming objections from friends and family to find success, etc. I find myself relating to much of what is said by the other readers and it gives me a feeling of unity. The magazine regularly includes a … Continue reading →

What Does Erin Klingler Like to Read?

Authors, whether they specialize in fiction or nonfiction, tend to do a lot of reading. Not only do they research what’s going on in their genre, but they need to take a break from staring at their own words and look at someone else’s for a while. I thought it would be fun to talk to several authors and find out what their favorite books are. Who should know better than an author what’s good to read, right? Today’s contributing author is Erin Klingler. An LDS romance writer, she has one book published entitled “Love Beyond Tomorrow,” and we are … Continue reading →

Cool Author Websites

As I skim around on the Internet, gathering information on authors for the book reviews I do here on Families.com, I have the chance to see many neat websites. Here are some of my favorites. James Dashner is the author of the Jimmy Fincher series for young adults. His site features mystical looking graphics, great shots of his book covers, and mysterious music. This is an example of a site matching the theme of the book perfectly. Jan Karon, author of the “Mitford” books, has taken a series of scenes that could easily be gatherings in Mitford itself and placed … Continue reading →