Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Wanted: Independence

Independence Day, the movie


Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canucks and Happy pre-Fourth of July to my American friends.  To celebrate these grand days of freedom, I thought it would be great to use "independence" as the theme for today's blog. So here are a few hot topics for YA writers bent on showing their Ms. (or Mr.) Independent side. 

1. Self Publishing

Everyone loves a good self publishing success story and what's better than a teen self pub phenom? Budding author Aija Mayrock's The Survival Guide to Bullying, a book Mayrock released online to coincide with 2014's National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month was released yesterday by Scholastic.  It's a creative and insightful read for both kids and parents alike. 

2. Classic Heroines 

Even in today's fast paced world of electronic Apples, over sexualized pop stars and high speed inter web, it's nice to know that some heroines on their own quests for independence have stood the test of time. Here's a list that includes Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.  Lovely, timeless and brave.

3. Sci-Fi Breakouts

We daydream about escaping the real world so we can fantasize about breaking out of imaginary ones. Whether it's The Hunger Games or Ready Player One, they all revolve around the theme of finding oneself and defeating those whose goal it is to bring us down.  Check out these and other action packed independent minded sci-fi novels here

4. Independence Day 2

What's a fourth of July without revisiting the classic Will Smith blockbuster Independence Day?  Well, next year, there'll be more alien invasions to follow.  The sequel to the summer hit featuring Jeff Goldblum and Liam  Hemsworth is sure to get the patriotic pride flowing in 2016.  


July 4th BBQ

Happy fireworks and barbecues!

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