writing prompts

All through October, Alphabet Soup has been celebrating turning three. We had lots of writers and illustrators visiting our blog to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS. Today we have our last visitor, Sally Murphy—poet and author. Her books include Pearl Verses the World, Toppling and many more …

1. Where do you like to write?

At home—either at my desk or on the kitchen table. My desk has lots of piles of paper—ideas, drafts, books to read, and so on. So sometimes I have to move away from my desk to the kitchen table.

But I can write anywhere. I carry a notebook in my bag and if I have a few minutes to spare, or if inspiration strikes, or I suddenly know what is going to happen next, I can grab the notebook and start writing.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

Just one? I am happy to say that I read all the time (even more than I write) It is a great way to improve your writing skills, and of course it’s fun, too. One book I read recently that has stayed with me is Angel Creek, by Sally Rippin, about some kids who find an injured angel and decide to keep it.

Angel Creek (cover) — Sally Murphy recommends Angel Creek by Sally Rippin

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Fang.

Find out more about Sally Murphy—visit her official author website, her website for kids and her book review website—Aussie Reviews.

That’s the end of our Three Quick Questions series. In case you missed any, here are links to all our visitors. (Check out your favourite writer or illustrator’s recommended read and writing prompt!)

Oliver Phommavanh

Frane Lessac

Wendy Orr

Susan Stephenson (The Book Chook)

Katrina Germein

Rebecca Cool

Sandy Fussell

Frederique from poetry blog, Fred’s Petals

Norman Jorgensen

Jackie Hosking

Claire Saxby

Kathryn Apel
Dee White

Robyn Opie

Janeen Brian

Sally Murphy

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Sally Murphy” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

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Three Quick Questions – Janeen Brian #21

October 28, 2011October 27, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Janeen Brian, poet and author. Her books include Shirl and the Wollomby Show and Columbia Sneezes!, and many more …

1. Where do you like to write?

My favourite place to write is still my office, although I’ve tried many other places. It’s where my brain associates the act of writing best of all. I can jot down ideas or brainstorm while in bed or on a couch, but in my office I can spread work out on a central table or concentrate totally at my computer. My office has all sorts of photos and writing memorabilia in it, so it’s very much my place of enjoyment as well my writing.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I read children’s and adult’s books all the time, but I’ve just finished re-reading a book by Gary Paulsen, called Hatchet. First printed in 1987, it’s had many reprints and I think it’s a classic. The blurb reads: When a 13 year old city boy crash lands in the Canadian wilderness all he is left with is a hatchet—and the need to survive. From now on he learns everything the hard way …

It’s a wonderful read, gripping, powerful and realistic. I shared it with my grandson, which made it doubly enjoyable.

Hatchet (cover) — Janeen Brian recommends Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Here’s a command phrase that might kickstart inspiration: ‘Don’t come any closer!’

Find out more about Janeen Brian—visit her blog, and her website.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Janeen Brian” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

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Three Quick Questions – Robyn Opie Parnell #20

October 27, 2011October 26, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Robyn Opie Parnell, author of many books, including the Black Baron series—and Maya and the Crystal Skull, which will be released in November 2011.

1. Where do you like to write?

My favourite place to write is my favourite recliner chair in the lounge room. I usually write in this recliner chair with my feet up and my laptop on my lap. Talk about comfy!

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

In the last week, I’ve read my own book Maya and the Crystal Skull twice to check for mistakes before the book is printed. Amazingly, I still enjoyed the book after reading it twice in one week. Of course this means I haven’t read any other books in this time. Prior to that, I was researching the ancient Maya for a second book in the Maya and the Crystal Skull series. So I’m not much help in the recent reading of a children’s book department. But I can recommend a book I’ve read in the last six months. It’s a young adult book— the first book in the fifth shadow series by Alison Ashley. It was a thoroughly good read.

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Over the moon.

Find out more about Robyn Opie Parnell—visit her blog, and her website.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Robyn Opie Parnell” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow when we talk to author and poet Janeen Brian.)

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Three Quick Questions – Dee White #19

October 26, 2011October 25, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Dee White, author of Hope for Hanna, and YA novel Letters to Leonardo. Dee also runs the Writing Classes for Kids blog.

1. Where do you like to write?

My favourite place to write is my study or my lounge room, which have amazing views (here’s a pic).

The view from Dee's study — What a view! (© Dee White 2011)

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

A book I’ve read recently that I’d recommend is Head Spinners by Thalia Kalkipsakis.

Head Spinners (cover) — Dee White recommends Head Spinners by Thalia Kalkipsakis.

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

A word or phrase I would use to kickstart inspiration is, “You wake up in the morning and your cat has brought you breakfast in bed.”

You can find out more about Dee White on her blog, and on her website. And make sure you check out Dee’s Writing Classes for Kids blog, too—there are writing tips, writing tutorials for download, competitions and more …

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Dee White” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow when we talk to author Robyn Opie.)

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Three Quick Questions – Kathryn Apel #18

October 25, 2011October 24, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Kathryn Apel, author of Fencing With Fear, and This is the Mud.

1. Where do you like to write?

Sometimes my brain likes to write by itself and I have to stop what I’m doing and dash for paper/pencil, computer—anything! —just to catch the words. My brain likes to write when I’m;

driving (alone)

walking (with the dog)

chopping vegetables

in the shower.

I like to write at the computer, because I can organize my ideas neatly and I don’t have to worry about my handwriting, which gets messier and messier the faster I write. (And even messier still when I change my mind and start scratching things out.) Sometimes I decide; It’s time. I will write. I sit at the computer … walk to the fridge … sit at the computer … walk outside … sit at the computer … go on Twitter … check my blog … go to the fridge … sit at the computer … and FINALLY … the ideas and the words come. Yay and hurray, I say!

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I really enjoyed the unexpectedness of the picture book Fred Stays With Me by Nancy Coffelt and illustrated by Tricia Tusa. I think it’s cleverly done. I even gave a bark of laughter—which is appropriate, because Fred is a dog.

Fred Stays With Me (cover) — Kathryn Apel recommends Fred Stays With Me

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

“Did you see that?”

You can find out more about Kathryn Apel on her blog, and on her website.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Kathryn Apel” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow when we talk to author Dee White.)

poetry

Three Quick Questions: Jackie Hosking #16

October 21, 2011October 20, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is poet Jackie Hosking. You might have seen some of her poems in The School Magazine, The Scrumbler and in Alphabet Soup! You’ll also find her writing in the anthology Short and Scary.

1. Where do you like to write?

I love to write in bed with a nice cup of tea.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

Anything by Lorraine Marwood. A Ute Picnic is brilliant and I’m about to read Note on the Door. Her poetry is so accessible and beautiful to read.

note on the door (cover) — Jackie also recommends Note on the Door by Lorraine Marwood

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

One of my favourite unblockers is the phrase ‘Once upon a time … ‘ It seems to unlock the door to possibilities. So if you’re stuck, just write Once upon a time … and see what happens.

You can find out more about Jackie Hosking in an earlier interview (or keep an eye out for our November issue which will include one of Jackie’s poems).

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Jackie Hosking” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … don’t forget to enter our birthday giveaways—entries close at midnight tonight, Perth time )

poetry

Three Quick Questions: Frederique, aged 8 #14

October 19, 2011October 18, 2011 Alphabet Soup

"Photo of Fred (Petals for Fred)" — Fred, the poet from Petals for Fred. Photo © Fred 2010.

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is 8-year-old poet Frederique who runs a poetry blog called Petals for Fred.

1. Where do you like to write?

At the dinner table.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

The 13-Storey Treehouse, by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton. It was funny, it had thirteen chapters, thirteen of everything!

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Treehouse!

Find out more about Fred and her poetry on her blog, Petals for Fred.

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when we’ll hear from author Norman Jorgensen!)

authors

Three Quick Questions: Sandy Fussell #13

October 18, 2011October 17, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Sandy Fussell, author of many books including the Samurai Kids series, Polar Boy and Jaguar Warrior.

1. Where do you like to write?

I write everywhere—even at the school bus stop. I like to sit in the sun and draft longhand but when it comes to the ‘spit and polish’ I work on a laptop in my office.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I am very fortunate as a reviewer to have an advance copy of The Outcasts, the first book in John Flanagan’s new Brotherband series. I think it’s even better than his Ranger’s Apprentice books and I loved those. The Outcasts is released 1 November.

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

I have two favourites. ‘snizzle’ which I used in Polar boy (a snizzle of snow’) and ‘screak’ (the screak of a bat) which I used in Samurai Kids 2: Owl Ninja. I collect unusual words and often use them as inspiration or to give a description more impact.

Find out more about Sandy Fussell and her books—visit her website and the Samurai Kids website.

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when we’ll hear from 8-year-old poet Frederique!)

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Three Quick Questions: Sheryl Gwyther (#9)

October 13, 2011October 8, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is author Sheryl Gwyther—her most recent book is Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper.

1. Where do you like to write?

I have a study to write in, but I can write anywhere (if I’m in the writing mood). Funny thing, though, the place where I write a first draft reminds me of that time whenever I go there—like on our back deck, where I wrote the first draft of Singing the Wires and the words poured out of my head. Luckily, it’s all good memories.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

Just finished John Heffernan’s book Battle Boy—Spying on the Past, written under the name of Charlie Carter. It’s the first in a series of exciting, short adventure books for young readers. Easy to read, gripping and cleverly bringing the past alive when a young boy—Napoleon Augustus Smythe—hurtles back through time and into … the big battles of the past. Lots of techo stuff (and illustrations) to intrigue kids.

Battle Boy (cover) — Sheryl Gwyther recommends Battle Boy by Charlie Carter

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Rather than one word or phrase, I use my ‘Double Trouble Game’—think of two words that are ‘bad roommates’, put them together and ask, ‘What If? I used this method to get the ideas flowing for my story Princess Clown. Also for my work-in-progress, Fangus Fearbottom (fang and banana—yes, bad room mates!)

Find out more about Sheryl Gwyther and her books—visit her website and check out her 4Kids blog, too.

Sheryl’s most recent book, Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper is available from Pearson Australia.

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Aleesah Darlison answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: Cristy Burne (#8)

October 12, 2011October 8, 2011 Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Cristy Burne, author of the Takeshita Demons books.

1. Where do you like to write?

In a café, on my laptop, with a chilli hot chocolate somewhere nearby. I like writing in cafés because it usually means I have two or three hours of uninterrupted time.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I usually read action-adventure-fantasy stories, but lately I’ve been trying some different genres. Most recently, I loved Meg McKinlay’s Duck for a Day … it’s quirky and clever and fun. I also loved Warning! Aliens are Invading the School! by Dinah Capparucci—it’s Very Funny!

Duck for a day (cover) — Cristy Burne recommends Duck for a Day by Meg McKinlay

Warning! Aliens are invading the school! (cover) — Cristy also recommends Warning! Aliens are Invading the School! by Dinah Capparucci

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

“headless”

I like to write scary stories about strange monsters and spooky demons, so “headless” is a great start for imagining a new kind of creature. It opens up lots of nice questions: Why is it headless? Does it miss its head? Does it have any extra bits to make up for its missing head? Is it attacking me? Is it making me a cup of tea?

Find out more about Cristy Burne and Takeshita Demons—visit her website and check out her blog.

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Sheryl Gwyther answers our Three Quick Questions.)

Tag: writing prompts

Three Quick Questions – Janeen Brian #21

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Janeen Brian” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions – Robyn Opie Parnell #20

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Robyn Opie Parnell” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions – Dee White #19

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Dee White” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions – Kathryn Apel #18

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Kathryn Apel” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Jackie Hosking #16

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Jackie Hosking” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Frederique, aged 8 #14

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with 8-year-old poet Frederique” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Sandy Fussell #13

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Sandy Fussell” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Sheryl Gwyther (#9)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Sheryl Gwyther” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Cristy Burne (#8)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Cristy Burne” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)