Month: September 2011

Reasearch Research

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Good Day,

I am just rolling along writing then boom need information. This leads to research. Research is vital to most stories. One of my good Icelandic pals and faboulous teacher, Rannveig helped with with some details on the Yule Lads, and some good links. I found a couple of other good links as well. Who could not love the Christmas time fun of the Yule Lads and their evil Mom and Lazy Father. Don’t forget the mean scary black cat. It is a perfect folk tale during the cold dark months in Iceland and else where. Enjoying the adventure with James and Syvok. Here is the Yule Lads.

The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads:

1.Stekkjastaur– Stiffy Legs

2. Giljagaur- Gully Jumper

3. Stúfur- Stubby

4. Þvörusleikir- Spoon Licker

5. Pottasleikir- Pot Licker

6. Askasleikir- Bowl Licker

7. Hurðaskellir- Door Slammer

8. Skyrgámur- Yougart Gobbler

9. Bjúgnakrækir- Sausage Snatcher

10. Gluggagægir- Window Peeper

11. Gáttaþefur- Door Sniffer

12. Ketkrókur- Meat Hook

13. Kertasníkir- Candle Stealer

Grýla– Hag their Mother who is hungry and likes to eat children, but her sons never bring any back from their travels down the mountain.

Leppalúði-  Ragamuffin the lads father and he is lazy and naps a lot

Jólakötturinni – The Christmas Cat- Mean looks for scraps and will scratch or bite just because it wants to.

Information provided by  Friends in Iceland and Wikipedia

Back to my story Tomfoolery and the Icelandic Yule Lads.

Bles, WB

2nd Review. Reading Writing Breathing Book Review (This Rocks or Boulders LOL)

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Hi Folks, Here is the link to my second review. People who read my book James Saves the Moon really like it. We email the information and they do have the choice to ignore, refuse, or give you a negative review. I am getting positive feed back so far every time I send it out.  I thank H.D. for taking the time to read my book and for writing such a nice review.

Here is the link, Bles, WB

http://www.readingwritingbreathing.com/2011/09/review-james-saves-moon-by-wendy.html

The Review– from Reading Writing Breathing Book Reviews

“Review: James Saves The Moon by Wendy Nystrom and Author Interview!

James Saves The Moon
by Wendy  Nystrom

Author’s Website!
Add James Saves The Moon on Goodreads!
Buy James Saves The Moon in Paperback
Buy James Saves The Moon in eBook!
Buy James Saves The Moon From Solstice!

Want

“Here within lies a tale of a young boy named James, which takes place in a far away island nation of Iceland.”

Travel along with James up the mountain, soaring through the air with his friends he meets along the way to reach the moon.

My Review:

I just want to preface by saying that Wendy is the first author to contact ME about reviewing her book, and it was an honor to read her book for young readers, James Saves The Moon.

I also want to preface by mentioning i’m writing this review as an 8-10 year old, because this book is not for older kids, probably stops at 11 or 12! But nonetheless i was enchanted by this book!

James Saves The Moon is a book i would not normally pick up, because it is aimed at a much younger crowd than what i read and review! I know i have a few adult readers that come to RWB Book Reviews, so this is more for me to tell you that if your child that is between the ages of 8-10, and loves dragons, magic, and folklore, that this is the book you need to buy for him/her! I am a bit of an advanced reader for my age, and i’m 12, and i did not feel this book was for my age group, but if you have a reluctant reader at home this is a quick, easy read that will get your kids really liking to read!

James Saves The Moon is simply put, magical. In a small 32 pages, Wendy wraps up dragons and spells and magic, bravery and moral questions and moral values that is enchanting! James Saves The Moon teaches children multiple lessons about courage, bravery, friendship, wonder, and never giving up. I can’t get over how much magic Wendy has graced the pages of this book with!

This book would not be a book i would just LOOVEEE, because it is written for a really young audience, but i have no doubt that a reluctant reader will be enthralled by the tale of three friends off to save the earth from the moon!
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Wendy Nystrom is a writer, a wife, and a mother of three wonderful children. Wendy grew up in St. Paul, MN, and has lived at different points in her life in Minnesota, Texas, Idaho, Colorado, West Virginia, and Iceland. She currently resides in Michigan (USA). Wendy is an avid reader of many different genres; she love adventures; and devotes some of her time to being active in schools, the local library, and other community projects. Wendy began writing children stories in 2005 while living in the wonderful country of Iceland.
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What were your inspirations for James Saves the Moon?
My Son inspired the story. While looking out our balcony window, He said “Mom, look at the moon, it is sitting on the mountain, I bet I could go out and climb the mountain and touch it.” Rannveig, my son’s teacher, also gave me books on Iceland folklore, and other children’s stories. The story came to me within a few days. My first draft just had James travel to the mountain and touch it. It was the illustrator-Jim Weidman that suggested I add some type of calamity to the story. After I wrote this story it seemed to unlock an area of my brain I rarely used. The gift of creating and writing a story. It was wonderful.
The book is set in Iceland, why did you decide to have the book take place there?
Our family lived in Akureryi Iceland for Two years.Fall of 2004 to summer 2006.My husband taught at the University. James my son went to 1st and 2nd grade in Iceland. His twin sisters were 2 and 3. We really enjoyed Iceland. It was a good life changing experience. It is a magical place especially for children.
When did you start to write?

In 2005 while living in Iceland.
Are you working on another book for children?
I have finished the second one and have submitted it to my publisher (Solstice Publishing). Waiting to hear if they are going to publish it. It is called Helga Returns. The main Characters travel to a troll village in a mountain. New Illustrator, Kelly Murry. Mr. Weidman retired I owe him much he and his wife Barb mentored me as we worked a whole summer. I have a sneak peak of a couple pictures on my blog wendysbookcase.com
 I am currently working on the third book. “Amongst the clouds” Same characters, the trio travel up to fly inside a iridescent cloud and make a fun discovery hidden in the clouds. I have a rough draft of a third which includes Iceland’s 13 Santa’s. Yes they have 13 Santa’s. I am also developing a teen series which expands some of my experiences at a book store my Mom went to to learn about astrology and numerology. I met Witches, Wizards, tarot readers and other psychic folks growing up. Friend of mine suggested I should write some fiction about the New Moon Book Store. This was after visiting a book signing for Holly Black. I am working on a novel called Aliens Among Us. So I keep very busy. I have a folder with book ideas as I think of them. I just purchased a recorder to help me with writing.
What was your favorite part about writing James Saves the Moon?
My favorite part was when I decided to find an Illustrator and then send out my manuscript. It was a fun summer. It was like Christmas every time a new illustration was emailed to me from Mr. Weidman. All the kids in the neighborhood would come over to see the latest Illustration.
While I write I feel like I am with James on his adventure and seeing a feeling everything my characters are. I also like thinking of what traits I would like my character to have and then think about character traits people around me have. The main character of course has some traits my son James does. He is also very creative. Matt the dragon reminds me of a dear friends son in Corpus Christi, TX.
I am very fortunate that I  have so many friends and have lived many different places that contribute to my writing, keep me going when I was about to give up. My family have supported me the whole time.

Posted by HD at 3:39 PM”

Not the Best Morning for Writing

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Greetings All,

I was hoping to finish chapter 2 this morning. It is not going to happen. I have road construction outside and construction in the house.  All of the construction is a very good thing. They are repaving the streets so no more pot holes . I live on a corner and they are paving both side streets. Lots of trucks and other equipment and beeping going on out there. My Bathroom is getting a much needed update. New Shower and Faucets on the  two sinks. 3rd bedroom is being painted. Actually the painter is quiet except when he uses his vacuum. Most of the time the contractors in the house do not bother me. I put in a CD, close the door to my office and travel to my imaginary world. I hope I can find some time tonight after the kids go to bed. Bedtime has been challenging with my twin 9 year olds the last couple weeks. I would not mind so much that they don’t fall asleep by 8pm. Just wish they would talk quietly instead of getting wild.

I really like my 3rd story. Tomfoolery and the  Yule Lads of Iceland. It is going to turn out to be a fun story. This story has been rattling in my head for about a month now it was going to be the 4th story.  When I cannot set it aside in my head or write the ideas that come in waves and return to the other story I have been working on. It means this story wants to be released now. I have the lay out done, basic outline, research done and assessable, introduction done and chapter 1 done. I was hopping to really get into the story and  have that wonderful feeling I am there experiencing everything my characters are experiencing. Not happening right now.  No flow keep getting pulled out of the imaginary world. So just more technical writing for a while.

Still waiting on a contract for book 2 Helga Returns

Until the next time, Have a Great Day, WB

P.S. Just a reminder “James Saves the Moon is available at

solsticepublishing.com, amazon.com, smashwords.com, barnesandnoble.com,schulerbooks.com, powells.com

First Book Review by a Stranger (Heather’s Book Reviews)

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James Saves the Moon by Wendy Nystrom: This is for the younger kids. My 5 year old LOVED having me read this to him. And he loved finding a dragon in every picture. The story is adorable, and teaches some too. My son learned about Iceland, and he learned that nothing is ever out of reach, if you try hard enough, and believe it can be done! I loved it! 5 of 5 stars!

This is so Awesome! Heather’s Book Reviews is on Face Book and was kind enough to review my book. The best part is she liked it! Bless Bless, WB

Why Chapters?, Mrs Nystrom

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Good Day Folks,

Cover James Saves the Moon

One day last week as I was entering the school for a PTO Meeting Conner 3rd grader playing in his yard yells . “Hi Mrs. Nystrom. “I like your book. I have a question” So I say Hi Conner, glad you liked it. What is your question. Well I had trouble hearing the question and I was 8 minutes late already to the meeting and I am the President. So I yell I stop over after or tomorrow morning to answer the question. He was good with that. The Next Morning Conner asked why does it have chapters?  I was not expecting this question. Very good question. Why did I use chapters I said.

This is why I use chapters.

1. I make an out line after I free write to organize my thoughts and  it  keeps my timelines in order.  So the outline usually turns in to the chapters. Once I have the outline the story is broken down by the main events for the chapter. I label my outline with a title, which turns in to the titles for each chapter. This keeps me on topic as I edit each chapter during rough drafts and edits and the final stages of the story.

2. While I was homeschooling my son in English while living in Iceland, I found it was easier to teach him with chapter books even though he was 7 and 8 years old. I also think it is easier to come to stopping points at a end of a chapter. I think it is easier to teach grammar with chapters even when they are only one or two pages.  Example, How many sentences in the 1st paragraph in chapter one. Now tell me the noun, verb, adverb and adjective in the second sentence in paragraph three. etc. Rather than go to page 4 and answer the above questions. Comprehension I think is easier tested by referring to the chapter rather than the pages or whole story.

3. Nearly every book I read as a kid were chapter books. I was lucky I was a exceptional reader at a young age.

4. I think having two or three pages per chapter helps a young reader become a confident reader and hopefully will rise to the challenge of expanding to a higher level of reading. When they can finish one chapter and tell a teacher or parent I read two chapters today instead of 6 pages. Adult figures react better to a child telling them they read 1 or more chapters rather than two pages to 6 pages. Its basic conditioning.  It sounds better.  I also hope the child forgets how many pages but remembers how many chapters. I have found children are intimidated when they have many pages to read. But ask them to read a chapter and they are more receptive to this.

Now I explained this in less detail to Conner and he shook his head and was good with that. Wanted to know when my next book was coming out. I said hopefully soon. He will get a free signed copy because he asked a very good question.

Thanks Conner for the question and blog idea. WB

P.S. Just a reminder “James Saves the Moon is available at

solsticepublishing.com, amazon.com, smashwords.com, barnesandnoble.com,schulerbooks.com, powells.com

One Moon, lovely memories, creativity!

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Tonight the moon is so beautiful it reminded me of the evening this story began in Iceland. I just wanted to share one of the beautiful Illustrations by Mr. Weidman in my book James Saves the Moon. For some reason I received a lot of posts today from or about Iceland. When driving home from the store I saw this beautiful moon. The moon beams is suppose to have healing properties so I suggest you get out and enjoy a little moon beam tonight. I am. I also came up with an opening paragraph to my 4th story with James and his Icelandic Friends and the Icelandic 13 Santas. So exciting. Still working on the 3rd one. I am stuck, but I think the creative synopsis are finally working in my head. I hope to have dreams tonight that will guide me  with my 3rd story. I need to decide which to focus on my 3rd story or work on a new idea formulating in my head. (New Moon Book Store)Sometimes it gets confusing. I think next week I will work on Amongst the Clouds which is the third story in the James and Syvok adventures. Although no title yet the 4th story idea in this series is Christmas related but I do not know if I could finish in time for Christmas this year. As the days get shorter and  coolness in the air begins, I seem to always want to write about an adventure with 13 Icelandic 13 Santas or Yule Lads meet James, Syvok and Matt. It would be such fun. Who knows maybe more of the story will come to life in the next few days. Enjoy the healing properties of the moon beam tonight. WB

P.S. Just a reminder “James Saves the Moon is available at

solsticepublishing.com, amazon.com, smashwords.com, barnesandnoble.com,schulerbooks.com, powells.com