Sharing thoughts on my books, on writing and on all the rest . . .

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @authorali or TikTok @boogerandbeans

6/30/22

Ditto to the last insert. My personal life went wonky during the pandemic  – what with health challenges in my family (my husband and my mom), but fortunately, both are in a good health now. As for me, I fully retired, committing more of my time to social media nowadays (FaceBook, Instagram and TikTok) where I share my writing journey and provide tips on how you, too, can become a self-published author in the competitive world of published authors. So, follow me to keep up with my pace, and I’ll try to entertain and inform you! Feel free to keep in touch via my “contact” page on this website. I’ll be happy to hear from you and definitely will write back. 🙂 

5/23/20

Almost an entire year and a half has passed since I updated this log. Shame on me, I suppose. There’s no excuse except that I let life get in the way – teaching, workshops, book assemblies, writing, babysitting . . . you name it! But the good news is I’ve written a TON – children’s books, two women’s novels and two more Booger & Beans mystery novels. That’s ALL great! My advice to other novice writers like myself, KEEP writing ALL of the time. It improves the quality of your performance and enables you to develop better skills. I’ve become an improved editor because of it all, and I’ve even learned how to write a solid query for editors and agents. So forgive me for my absence, but the craft prevails. Be encouraged that even veteran writers keep growing because they get lost in their world of words. It’s all good!

1/20/19

We are celebrating the great news that we will become grandparents for the third time. How well I remember the first announcement, Christmas 2015, with a little red stocking in a small, special container. The stocking merely stated “Baby LaVecchia.” It was both poignant and heart-warming. A little package for an upcoming summer little package. Yes, this newest announcement also  came on Christmas morning in the presence of all parents. And, this time the unique present came in the form of a beautiful Christmas ornament for our tree. Both items will always grace our Christmas tree each season. (The second grandbaby announcement came via T-shirt on her older sister in the off season, another unexpected shocker.) Love how our family is connected through the world of creativity! Here’s to wonderful holiday memories and gifts of love.

12/18/18

Often, I am asked, “What is your favorite part of being a writer?” Frankly, I respond, “It changes from time to time.” Most recently, I’ve been having fun with the titles of chapters in my Booger and Beans mystery books since the novels are mysteries. Tt’s fun to carry that concept over into the chapter titles, making them hints or clues to the chapters’ contents. If you’ve ever written segmented long stories like I have, see if you can do the same. I’m sure you’ll become good at it while having fun at the same time.

11/27/18

A student recently asked me at the end of a Book Club visit, “Why is it that when I am writing, all kinds of other ideas about other writing projects pop into my brain? And what should I do when that happens?” My answer was simple because I experience it often myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m writing a new work or in the editing process on other already completed manuscripts – what I do is keep a handy journal / notebook nearby and jot them down as not to lose them. Other writers I know add them to a file on their computers as they work. I keep the old fashioned handwritten type because I can take it anywhere I go and run with them at any given time. 

10/19/18

A writer’s practice: If you feel like you get “stuck” with new ways to write a description of an image, behavior or feeling, look up a list of old similes and metaphors. Then try your hand at rewriting each one in five different, new perspectives. For example, the simile “as big as a house” can be replaced with “as expansive as a panoramic view.” Play with your words and have fun. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll discover and how effective the outcome will be. 

9/14/18

Anyone out there a subscriber to either music or theatre events in your area? I’m thrilled to say that this is approximately my 25th year as a Walnut Street Theatre subscriber, an historic old venue in Philadelphia. It sits on Walnut Street in Old City and was the home to 19th and 20th century actors like Edwin Booth (yes, the brother of the infamous John Wilkes Booth), Edwin Forrest, Helen Hayes, George M. Cohan, Edward G. Robinson, George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon, Mike Nichols, Claudette Colbert, Katharine Hepburn and Jessica Tandy. The kick-off show for this 2018-2019 season was Holiday Inn. Initially, I thought it was the stage version of the film featuring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen and Dean Jagger. But turns out, the was White Christmas. Once it was underway, I realized the errors of my way and remembered the other film. What a fabulous performance by all, especially Ben Dibble, an often under-rated yet magnificent actor!!! 

8/16/18

Speaking of birthdays (last month we celebrated three in our family!), my husband and I had a getaway “down the shore” (as we say in New Jersey). Hit up a new casino hotel in Atlantic City, the Ocean Resort, and had a blast. No major windfall of cash, but lots of delicious foods at Amada restaurant and along the boardwalk along with a special celebratory Mango Mojito just before midnight at The Vue atop the Claridge Hotel. Just wish a birthday slot machine had my name on it!!! 

7/30/18

Kids’ birthday parties are always fun-tastic! Our newly-turned-two year old celebrated her special day amidst a sea of donuts or “Dodo” as she calls them. Forgot just how much fun it is to watch a bunch of energized toddlers running around, going crazy with joy! Happy Birthday, our Evie-oh-oh. (If you look closely at the outfit in the picture, you’ll see it is adorned in – – you guessed it – – donuts! And, for the record, her mom, dad and little sister were all wearing donut attire, too! Love my family!!!)

6/5/18 

Well, the SCBWI conference is over and done, and my mind is still reeling! Met wonderful writers and illustrators along with generous volunteers who made the whole weekend a marvelous success. A special “thank you” to regional advisor Cathy Thole-Daniels for her hard work, organization and planning. The best by far was having the opportunity to listen to agents and editors from NYC and to even do my first “pitch” to Charlie Olsen from Inkwell Management Literary Agency. All their information, tips and feedback made us writers feel more confident, significant and talented! And many of us received nods for handing over manuscripts or emailing them in the next few weeks. So exciting! If you are a writer, remember to look for these magnificent chances to meet others who share your passion and to keep growing in your craft. 

5/24/18  

Had a marvelous five day jaunt to Charleston, South Carolina! The history, architecture and food along with warm wonderful people left lasting memories. Miss Trudy, a sweetgrass basket weaver and palmetto rose maker, enlightened me with new perspectives of life on the plantations. (Her ancestors were born there and worked the fields with great pride!) And I know that those incredibly detailed iron gates will work their way into one of my stories in the future. 

4/22/18 

Detail, detail, detail! It’s all in the detail that allows your reader to explore the mind’s eye. But be careful not to overdo it. Be natural. Add what is necessary without going overboard. Keep thinking to yourself . . . is this information helpful to my reader or are they drowning with too much inconsequential drivel? Sometimes we writers like to share and establish too much when a modest amount will suffice. Think of it this way. When a person packs for a trip, he or she overdoes it. But when he “edits” to only what is necessary, mixing and matching, he has just the right amount. 

3/25/18

So much fun visiting schools during “Dr. Seuss Day” and “Read Across America” month. Regardless of their ages or class levels, students have the most inquisitive minds! They are also very eager to become better writers and aren’t afraid to take risks. Why is it that adult writers sometimes lose that quality? Don’t be afraid. Be fearless and leap off the cliff with dauntless hope. You’ll surely land on your feet (or on the page!).

2/22/18   

Excitedly signed up for my spring / summer conference in New Brunswick, NJ. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, here I come, with loads of great writing in hand for all those who are interested. Yaaaaay!!! (Always expand your horizons, folks!) Loved attending and presenting at the National Council Teachers of English during my public school years. Workshops and sessions, sharing with others, addicting!

1/20/18

A special little lady made her entrance into our lives a month early! The birth of our second granddaughter occurred on Jan. 9th., and she had a beautiful full head of dark hair. Her older sister has red hair so it was quite a surprise. Fiona Mae LaVecchia, welcome to the world! We love her to pieces.

12/31/18

Already for the New Year 2018! Started submitting a few short stories and poems to ShortEdition.com. If you haven’t heard of them before, they are rocking malls, airports and other public spots in Europe, especially their homeland France. Just recently, they’ve entered the United States, too, and some student writers are enjoying the opportunities to share their own work through their kiosks. 

11/23/17   Want to develop your characters? Here’s an easy way to practice. Using the people that you have in your life (your relatives, your neighbors, your friends), list their internal and external characteristics then create sentences for each, separately. Thread them together in a cohesive and sensible way then reread to edit and alter. You’ll be able to address repetition, more effective language and more. On top of that, you’ll get more ideas about your future characters based on the real traits of real people. Just beware! Don’t leave your writing around for their eyes to see or you might get into the doghouse. 

10/20/17

Added a marvelous “son” to the LaVecchia family when Seth married our daughter Cassandra on October 14th. We’re all “over the moon” with their love for one another and plans ahead for a marvelous future! Special thanks to my readers who offered their congratulations to me and my family.

9/15/17

Been a busy summer. Lots of events. One of the most important being our daughter’s bridal shower, a Harry Potter themed affair! Now we are counting down to the wedding in mid-October. So much to do but time flies.

Writing my first woman’s novel (well, the most complete one – two others are on the back burner, more than halfway done, but this present one was very inspired) so that has been taking up a bulk of my time, too! I frequently tell my readers and student writers that it’s okay to begin another writing piece if it overtakes your every-waking-thought. You can always revisit it later. When you’re on fire, you’re on fire until that work dwindles to embers and goes out. Snuff!

8/20/17

Speaking of birthdays, enjoyed a special outing for brunch at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. The newest restaurant by Jose Garces opened there earlier in the summer, and my family and I loved tasting his Spanish fare. But the highlight of the morning was meeting the Iron Chef in person! Great to speak with him for about twenty minutes about all of his restaurants. (We love them all, mostly around Philly!) Highly recommend Olon to anyone and everyone!

7/30/17 A personal note – – celebrated our first grandchild’s birthday today, a day before the real date. Such fun to see so many little ones around to enjoy the festivities while the elders revisited days of their own youth, especially through karaoke. Ah ….

6/19/17

Random fun exercise for writing with students in the classroom at any grade level. As you drive a distance (to a store, to a restaurant, to the mall, back to your house), keep a pen and notepad handy and jot down words from various signs. Stop, yield, one way, Boring Lane, Cracker Barrel, speed bump ahead, caution water on roads, dead-end and so many more can make for great short poems or paragraphs. They stimulate the mind with both disconnected thoughts or linked ones.

5/21/17

Editing and proofreading are such key components in the writing process. Spend time AWAY from your writing before diving back into it. A new set of fresh eyes will spot places where better words / wording should occur, where omitted details are needed, where clarity dissolves confusion and more. Also, seek the help from your trusted reading friends or teachers. They can also lend their observations while they cheerlead your efforts!

4/18/17

Two frequently asked questions I hear most often at Book Events in  schools and at Book Fairs: How frequently do you write? How can I become a writer? ANSWER: Read, read, read and write, write, write. The more you read, the more you’ll develop your vocabulary and observe other writers’ styles of writing. Also, the more you write (at least two hours a day), the better you will become in your craft. The writing can be a) in a journal; b) a letter; c) a little story or paragraph; d) even a poem. Makes no difference – just write! You’ll get stronger with your words each and every day. Mark my words! (No pun intended!)

3/21/17

Happy “International Day of Happiness” – treat yourself to some “happy” reading. THE CASE OF THE MASCOT’S MISSING FIRE and the previous volumes of The Booger & Beans Mystery series will, indeed, put a smile on your face – – from ages 10 thru’ adult.  When I pick up a book by any author, I find GREAT JOY in not only his/her writing style and voice but also the imaginary background music that might be taking place at the same time. Try doing this sometime and you’ll find your reading elevates to another dimension! And for those of you who are writers, do the same as you create your scenes. It’ll alter your descriptive details. Go for the gusto!

2/20/17

A way to tap into your mind to stimulate writing threads . . . let your mind “go free” and let loose . . . relax and just jot down any words or phrases that pop up . . . do this for about 15 to 20 minutes . . . then stop and read through what you wrote . . . highlight or circle any key points that came out. Wait a few minutes then use THOSE as a springboard for more focused direction. You might find yourself beginning to “shape a story / narrative” upon which you can build a short story, poem or novella! Keep the faith!

2/6/17

Gearing up for “Read Across America” month in March. Always                                           love interacting with readers of all ages. Juggling the schedule as I finish up volume six, Voices Beyond the Hidden Staircase. Lots of great books to celebrate “Black History Month” this February, too. Two of my favorites include: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold. There are too many wonderful ones to share for children and others for adults, but do yourselves a favor – – hit up your local library and find one! It’ll be an extra Valentine treat for yourself. 🙂

1/26/17

Special thanks to all of my readers who have sent prayers through our tougher family days throughout the holidays. Haven’t added much here due to time constraints. Juggling a lot, but soon that should change. Stay tuned! …. and again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

12/16/16

Readying for the holidays is a whirlwind for most of us. I hope you are all finding time to “relax and enjoy” the season in between the hustle and bustle. I’m busy baking holiday cookies and thought . . . hmmmm . . . Beans, no doubt, would love Italian Pizelles, the waffle cookies that have a licorice taste. Why? Her background is Italian. Remember? The last name Fagioli means “Beans” in Italian. Booger, on the other hand, is a fan of chocolate chip cookies. We already know this because Babcia makes a batch of them that both teen detectives gobble up in one volume of my mysteries. That’s the “contest question” for the rest of this month and January 2017. Send me your responses and one correct reader (randomly selected among those who send the right answer) will win a book of their choice from the series.

11/8/16

Voting is an American privilege! How exciting to see how many people are invested               in this election. I wonder if Booger or Beans will get the opportunity to vote in my series one day? Time will tell. In the meantime, busily writing Volume Six to be released May 2017. VOICES BEYOND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE.      

10 /13/16

What a fantastic time sharing at the Merchantville Woman’s Club event tonight! Wonderful audience, exceptional questions and engaging conversations!! Also terrific networking with other local authors and an artist. We all come from different walks of life, and our writing journeys have been great to share.

9/20/16 Lost track of time while working on the lyrical poetic content of my recent writing. Enjoying this new adventure and hoping to find a suitable home for it in the publishing world. Keep your fingers crossed!

8/19/16

Challenging myself . . . another exciting adventure . . . .  only this time into the world of Children’s Books! Tackling a clever idea for a storyline in rhyming verse.

8/5/16   

Announcing the newest addition to our family . . .  little Miss Evelina Noelle LaVecchia, our first grandchild! She is precious and we are smitten! (Ten years from now she will be reading her grandmother’s books! How exciting!)

7/26/16

Excerpt from THE CASE OF THE MASCOT’S MISSING FIRE

       The play was set. The quarterback got the ball, fell back and looked down the field. A key senior, the target for most of the night, was open and crossing into the end zone,

       Suddenly,the pigskin was released and sailed through the air. Bingo! The senior wide receiver leapt three feet off the ground and grabbed the ball. In seconds, he was piled on by four hefty Tigers.

        Screams flew onto the field from the stadium bleachers.               

        Olive and Jimmy hugged, and I felt someone behind me shaking my shoulders.

       “That’s it. That’s the way it’s done,” the man said. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to alarm you,” he apologized for my earthquake tremor.                                                                              

        “No problem,” I told him, slapping a high five into his open palm.

        “Check it out,” Jimmy nudged me. “What the heck?”

         Instead of the Big Red stallion breathing horrific flashes of fire, a spray of colorful confetti appeared. It came out in one long stream, and the stadium grew silent. Even the players on the field realized the deafening silence and stopped in their tracks.

7/24/16

Writer’s Tip: There may come a time in your narrative when one particular character must share specific details, whether technical or personal. Always keep your reader in mind when writing and editing. Streamlining merely a nonstop monologue can confuse or distract a /reader. If you already have the character in a particular setting (in a classroom, on a subway, in a tavern, at a wedding’s cocktail hour in a banquet venue, whatever), allow him or her to tell chunks of the details instead of all at once. Intentionally have other characters interrupt with their own questions, reactions, comments or non-sequiturs to keep it “real” and moving. I remember reading a fascinating book about the Wright Brothers, and when the author moved into the historical litany of specific aerodynamics instead of weaving it into the scene with others, I got bored and confused then lost interest, turning the pages ahead to more of the story’s anecdotes. If it happened to me, I’m sure it happened to you! As a writer, you always need to keep your readers in mind. (*There are rare times when such a monologue might be effective and impacting.)

7/8/16               

Just finished returning Colleen’s writing pieces to her in Weirton, W VA. Colleen is a blooming writer, another retired teacher like myself who put her passion for writing on the back-burner for a while. Her passion, work ethic and abilities will take her far. TY for sharing, Colleen, and it was marvelous meeting you at Jefferson County Library!

6/23/16 

Loved chatting with Cayden, a new 6th grader and young writer, who shared his book with me at the Schiappa Branch Library in Steubenville, Ohio, last Tuesday night. He focuses on a boy who moves from Ohio to Florida and asked for tips or ideas that might make it better (and future works). His writing is impressive, and his talents were already apparent. Loved hearing the feedback that he received from his former 5th grade classmates, teachers and friends. Keep writing, Cayden! You’re well on your way!! And nice work with your own illustrations, too! (Yes, he does it all.)

6/16/16

My heart is heavy . . .  after learning that one of my favorite YA writers passed away yesterday. Lois Duncan, known well for her mysteries like I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, started her writing career at age 13. I first met her in the early 1980s in NYC at a writing conference and reconnected in Orlando  (2010) at an NCTE convention. We talked at length about her concern to update her novels (her publisher’s request) into today’s technology world. “How many ways can I kill a cellphone?” she laughed. “Nowadays all kids have them. Back when I published these mysteries, they didn’t exist. It was a lot easier then.” Lois always had a great sense of humor, quick wit, gifted hand and love of friends & family. She will be missed but her books will remind us of her passion for writing.

6/11/16 

Just listened to a fascinating interview with Roald Dahl’s second wife, Felicity. She spoke at length about how her husband wrote letters to Cadbury and  other candy (mostly chocolate) factories to inquire about voluntary sampling. Regardless, he savored and favored sweets, keeping a box of diverse types on his table at all times then he’d write “feedback” to the companies. Although his wife never kept his comments, she shared an interview about his thoughts on his delectable experiences. No wonder there was a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book. (Hmmmm, no wonder I like to layer recipes into my own Booger & Beans stories.)

6/7/16

Thank you, readers, for your ongoing support in regards to the books in the mystery series. Because of you, the “launch” of my fundraising campaign is up and running well so far. I intend to continue this nonprofit support throughout the entire summer! Because SUMMER READING is upon us, I am hoping you will encourage others to jump onboard the Booger and Beans train!

5/7/16

Excerpt from A TREASURE IN SATAN’S KNOLL – Chapter Two, inside Booger’s mind:

I’d grown accustomed to falling into the unknown and often puzzling world of my friend Quinn Fagioli. After being recently swallowed up by the ominous details of three crimes in Mill Creek and having found success in solving them with her, I knew this discovery might lead to another worrisome adventure. But I was willing to see where it led. I figured that if I really wanted this girl to be my girlfriend, I better just accept the way she was and roll with her whims. Fighting her urges would only torment me in the long run.

04/17/16

This month I’ve launched a fundraiser for the remainder of spring. For every book purchased in the Booger & Beans Mystery series, I am pledging $1 to a local, most beneficial therapy program for disabled riders. I already know that I will feature this group in one of my books in the near future; the center will help Haddie (Booger’s 7 year old sister with autism) become stronger in her social skills. The name of this non-profit group? Compassionate Friends Therapeutic Riding Center. Please spread the word and help me help others. Thanks!

04/8/16

Magnificent visits with students fill my heart, especially hearing how many students love to read and write! Their ideas for stories are fascinating, adventurous and challenging. Our encouragement paves the way for wonderful new books in our future! A rousing round of applause to our teachers who mentor them and cultivate their passion!! We thank you.

03/24/16  12/31/17 12/31/17 

This time of the year is most exciting for students in elementary and middle schools. “Read Across America” month and BOOK FAIRS offer wonderful new page turners for our students and children. Take the time to “Talk Books” with the kids you meet and encourage them to explore new books, ones that they might not pick up on their own. Recommend nonfiction titles, biographies and all the rest. Their new discoveries will steer them into fun new adventures!

03/19/16  

Many students and teachers ask me how to get started with their book ideas. I merely suggest – start small. Organize your thoughts, have a plan or an outline that includes a beginning and an ending. Then just let the story unfold itself. Write what you know, what you’ve experienced. No need to worry about the overall end results at first or publishing or the business aspects. Just write!