Blogs of Note Series: Write a Better Novel

I am an amateur writer, and I'm using my blog to explore my creative energies and just maybe develop a good first novel or two.  In the process, I've been compiling a list of helpful resources over in my "Cure for Writer's Block."  One of the most helpful sites for me so far has been Write a Better Novel by Bill Henderson.  A 12 year+ educator and writing coach, Henderson provides many tips and tools of the trade, from effective freewriting and prewriting prompts to commentary on contemporary authors to tips on style, dialogue, character development, plot development, and more... And he responds to comments from people in the peanut gallery... like me!  

Blogs of Note Series: Diamonds and Toads

Upon wandering about the blog-o-sphere, I stumbled across Diamonds and Toads, a blog about historical myths and fairy tales from around the world.  The bloggers here explore historical and contemporary views on fairy tales, as well as universal themes and recurring motifs that tie the stories to the collective human experience.  This is an intriguing site, and after reviewing some of the stories and discussion topics, I was reminded of previous experiences of walking into the Disney World Magic Kingdom park and feeling that childhood excitement of the joys of entering a world of princes, princesses, and magical witches and toads.    Needless to say, I was more than eager to click on the sidebar link, welcoming me to discover my free fairy name.  So, here it is:

Whitney's fairy is called Petal Hailwand

She is a protector of the lonely.

She lives in garden

s and parks where almond trees and roses grow.

She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.

She wears soft pale pink and yellow petals. She has cheery turquoise wings like a butterfly.

Get your free fairy name here!

If you're interested in some classic, international fairy tale stories and/or discussion, check out Diamonds and Toads!  It offers a nice escape from the "real" world.