For those who are new to me, I’ve  featured some writer friends who have some excellent books out this year. I asked them to send me their latest book, their tagline or log line and a short piece of advice they wanted to pass on to writers, especially those still seeking publication. Last week JENN HUBBARD with her book, UNTIL IT HURTS TO STOP. Today I have Brinda Berry of UNCOMMONYA joining us. Take it away, Brinda.

Brinda’s Book Available at AMAZON, B and N, KOBO, APPLE ITUNES

In keeping with Brinda’s advice, one thing that seems to still surprise readers is that what is categorized as young adult, intrigues older readers. That’s because, even though the MC is usually a teen, the plot, the characters and the themes are not limited to reach a stereotyped teen profile. Here’s what one reviewer–THEBOOKSAGE–said about some YA books he read. One is mine. I blush! But not much, not anymore.

“I have a confession to make.  I am NOT a 16-year old girl.  And, yet, I absolutely loved C. Lee McKenzie’s The Princess of Las Pulgas, which IS about a 16-year old girl.  I have read and enjoyed several YA books in the past that had teenage female protagonists – Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne and Wyndano’s Cloak by A.R. Silverberry (his was a fantasy to boot) come to mind.  So I’m not a novice when it comes to YA’s.  You can add [McKenzie’s] to my recommend list.  It’s absolutely terrific.” The Book Sage

Now here’s a little drum roll.  

Below (if Blogger hasn’t sabotaged me) is a Linky. This is NOT a HOP, so you can relax, Gary, and you can sign up, too. September is National Literacy Month, and I hope that you’ll join me in supporting LITERACY. Here’s how.

1. Let me know you’re interested by signing up on the Linky. Then, please get the code and post the Linky on your own blog if you can. If you don’t want to add the Linky to your blog, put up a link to THE WRITE GAME, so others can sign up. I’ll keep the Linky on my blog until the last week in September.

2. Below are some pre-written Tweets and I’m hoping we can TWEET UP A STORM with Tweets and RT’s the month of September. I’ll be posting more pre-written Tweets during the month to keep them fresh.

3. I’ve created a LIST/GROUP for Twitter @WeWrite4U_Lit, so please join and use the group’s handle in your Tweets.

4. I’ve followed and been followed by these literacy groups. You might want to add some of them or find some local to you.

@supportliteracy 
@LitPartners 
@literature_dp
@literacycoop
@HouLit

12 PREPARED TWEETS ( in parentheses I’ve put the source just in case you need it) Hope you’ll create some of your own, too.

30 min of reading to a child each week=literacy & love of reading

Don’t give kids a sucker. Give them a book. Make reading valuable

Learn to read. Read to learn.

Get books into homes. Create readers.

Children who can’t read can’t contribute to society.

Read aloud to your kids. Make it dramatic. Make it fun. Create readers.

$225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce (FYI citation: http://www.literacypartners.org/literacy-in-america/impact-of-illiteracy)

over 2 million New York City residents are functionally illiterate That’s 25% (FYI citation: http://www.literacypartners.org/literacy-in-america)

This is the first year I’ve tried to organize this, but I’m hoping to make this an annual event, improving it as I learn what works and what doesn’t. Any suggestions? Leave them in your comment. Thanks.

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My quote for the day: “Another belief of mine: that everyone else is an adult, whereas, I am merely in disguise.” One of my favorite authors, Margaret Atwood

No questions today. You’re on your own.