When I Was Young – A Novel Idea

Blog Name: A Novel Idea
Blog URL: http://a-novel-idea-by-maryelizabeth.blogspot.com/
Twitter Name: I don’t tweet! (Can you believe it?)
Goodreads (and/or others): http://www.goodreads.com/mary1975rocks

1. When did you start your blog and why?
I started my blog in 2008 as a way to make myself sit down and actually write the children’s novel I have always wanted to write, thus, the blog’s title, “A Novel Idea”. My plan was to write a little bit of the story each day, no matter how small the entry. I figured this would be a solid path to making progress and at least get me started. I took a break from blogging for a while, and then seriously re-entered the blogosphere in March of 2010 with more ideas and ways to implement them! At that point, I wanted to showcase more creative activities on my blog than just write novel entries; I wanted to incorporate a variety of ideas and suggestions related to children’s literature. Since my Bachelor and Masters Degrees are in Education, coupled with my teaching and parenting experience, I thought I might be able to offer some insight on bringing children and literature together. It is definitely a subject area I love and with which I have a variety of experience!

2. Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.
I have four small children – two boys and two girls! Their ages are 6 years, 4 years, 2 years, and 4 months, so I am super, super, super busy!! I love being a mother, and I am very blessed to be able to stay at home with my awesome little ones! My other interests include: reading, blogging, writing, yoga, running, and scrapbooking. I love to unwind by reading a magazine or watching a really funny sitcom. I love to laugh!

3. Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it.
I would have to say I have two favorite books from my youth – Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary and Superfudge by Judy Blume. I must have read both of those at least twenty times each!!! I remember reading about Ramona getting her new spelling words at the beginning of each week, and as she looked at that list, feeling like she had a fresh start with everything. That new spelling list made everything right with the world in her eyes! I could relate to her so well!! With every thought and experience Ramona had, I remember thinking, “Wow! That’s exactly how I feel!” Looking back, that shows Beverly Cleary’s incredible writing ability. Superfudge was a childhood favorite, too, due to Judy Blume’s ability to perfectly capture those intense feelings of adolescence. I could completely empathize with the embarrassment Peter would feel as a result of Fudge’s antics, as I have a younger sister and brother of whom I am much older. The dichotomy in those two books was the fact I could strongly identify with the main characters, and that felt wonderful.

“Mary Elizabeth is one of the best new Kidlit bloggers out there! She’s the perfect friend for a parent looking for new (and old) books for their little ones. Not only does she have the expert advice of being a mother of four tremendously cute kiddos, she also has an education to back her up. All of her reviews are the perfect balance of review and recommendation, often with multiple books being offered in a single post.  She also makes a tremendous effort to be a part of the blogging community at large, without ever being on Twitter!

“Not only is A Novel Idea one of my new favorite Kidlit blogs, but Mary Elizabeth has superb taste in books. Because you all know how much I love Beverly Cleary! Don’t miss out on this fantastic new site and friend! Take a look at A Novel Idea and find the next great book for the little one’s (or yourself) in your life.”

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