It's Goof-Off Day

And not only is it goof-off day, being the fifth Thursday of the month, but it's time for that occasional part of this blog -- the arithmetic. FUN arithmetic! Looking for any children's math games? Family math games? Not all of these games use numbers; some just exercise your logic and spatial relations. Like this game reminiscent of Mario. Tilt the game back and forth using the arrow keys to get the friendly little round guys into the bubble. But they have to hit any coins that appear, and don't let them get eaten by the mean little spiky guys! Have fun, and happy goof-off day.

http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-rotate-and-roll/index.html

September Critique Winners!

Random.org says the winners of this month's critique giveaway are: Sharon K. Mayhew and danceluvr!

Here's the procedure. Email me at marcia at marciahoehne dot com:

• The first 1000 words of your magazine story, chapter book, mid-grade novel, or YA novel pasted into the body of the email.
• Be sure to tell me the genre of the material (one of the above four).
  
• Put "(Month) critique winner" in the subject line.
• The deadline to submit your ms. for critique will be the DAY BEFORE the next month's critique contest begins. Critique contests always begin on the third Thursday. Therefore I must hear from the September winners by October 20.
• When I receive your email, I'll acknowledge receipt and let you know when you can expect my response.

Congratulations to Sharon and danceluvr, thank you all so much for stopping by and entering, and by all means enter again next month! Wishing you all a great day in the world of books...

September Critique Giveaway

It's critique time. Enter to win! Here are the rules and caveats:

• I will critique TWO manuscripts each month. By "manuscript" I mean the first 1000 words of a children's magazine story, chapter book, mid-grade novel, or YA novel. Please, fiction only. No picture books or easy readers. No poetry.
• Enter the drawing by commenting on this post AND stating that you wish to enter. This frees you up to comment, ask a question, or just say hey WITHOUT throwing your name in the hat.
  
• For an additional entry, become a follower, and tell me so (or that you already are one) in the comment.
  
• For an additional entry, post a link to this contest and give the URL in either the same or a separate comment. In this category, you can enter as many times as you have cyber-places to post the contest.
• You may enter one ms. per month. While the above rules allow you to enter multiple times, those entries are for ONE manuscript. If the #2 name drawn is a duplicate of #1, drawing will continue until a new name is drawn. This way, two people are assured of a critique each month.
• Enter now through Sunday September 26.
  
• Any story that you plan to enter in an ICL contest is ineligible. Since I am an ICL instructor, I cannot edit stories that you intend to enter in an Institute contest.
• The level of detail I offer in a critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing. Whenever possible, I will make both "big picture" comments and zero in on more specific areas.
• My critique is only one opinion. This business is SO subjective. Any suggestions I make that resonate with you are yours for the taking. Compare mine with those from other beta readers, critique partners, writing teachers, etc. Even if specific suggestions vary, when two or more critiquers pinpoint a certain passage or aspect, there's probably a need for revision there. Yet don't feel you must take advice you don't agree with. In the end, it's your story.
• Winners will be announced Monday, September 27.
  

So if the above sounds good to you, let the entering begin!