Read: Books of Elsewhere.....

The Shadow

So I had the opportunity to hear Jacqueline West at SCBWI-Dakotas. And of course, I had to buy the book.

When I first heard about Jacqueline's book, I wanted to cry. See, I have been wanting to write a book about someone who jumps into pictures! And, I always wanted to use Linden Street in a book (I lived on Lindenwood and have very fond memories). She stole my idea!

But really, there was no way she could have, it's not like I blogged about it.  So I don't blame her, and think I could be friends with her if we lived nearby (though she'd probably run the other way). ;-)

OK, first check out the site:
http://thebooksofelsewhere.com/

Spooky, huh? It's her first books, AND she got a professionally designed website. Too cool. OK, I admit, I'm a little jealous.

I was going to pout and not read the books. I thought of it first, you know. But I couldn't help it. The cover was soo sparkly, and I really liked loved listening to Jacqueline speak. And she read us Chapter 4 aloud, and it included cats!  (So take notes when talking to groups, read Chapter 4, include cats)

It was a fun read! And I have to admit, I can't wait for the next one to come out! Olive's voice is perfect, Horatio, the cat, is totally in love with himself, and it's just spooky enough to make you want to close your eyes, but not too scary to give you nightmares....

She does a great job putting Olive in scenarios where you want to shout "Run! Be careful Olive! Don't do that!" And it's all done in a creepy old mansion, like the one you used to walk by growing up.... The one you always wanted to sneak into to see what lived there.... oooohhhhhhhhh......

So if you are looking for a good example of something a first time author wrote that went Gold, or if you just want something fun to read, or a great example of voice, try The Books of Elsewhere.
That's what books do, they take you.... Elsewhere!

I'm looking forward to Book 2!

Debbie