Shelbi, Author at Pates Pages

Author: Shelbi

The Book of Stolen Dreams

5 December 2021

The Book of Stolen Dreams

David Farr

It’s been a short while since I’ve found myself lost in a middle grade novel. And I have truly missed it. This proof copy of the Book of Stolen Dreams (received from the wonderful Angela Williams at from Usborne) is a story that reminds me of why I love middle grade stories, both reading and writing them. A magical adventure story encompassing the themes of family, bravery, loss and justice.

If you’re looking for the perfect magical-filled read for a 10-12-year-old, come visit Mr Bs Emporium in The City of Bath to grab yourself a stunning finalised and published copy of David Farr’s novel.

Wonder

29 November 2021

Wonder

R. J. Palacio

Ever wished you could change something about the way you look? Maybe you want a straighter nose, smoother skin or smaller ears. It would just be easier if we were perfect, right? Wonder is a book that shows its readers just how beautiful they are, despite their ‘imperfections’. We may not be able to choose the body we want to walk around in or the face we want looking back at us in the mirror, but we can choose other more valuable qualities. Kindness, friendship, courage, self worth, sympathy, growth. These are worth proving to yourself and to others. Because the thing about aspiring to the perfect look is that, it doesn’t exist.

Time travelling with a hamster

22 November 2021

Time travelling with a hamster

Ross Welford

What would you do if you could turn back time? Say hello to a long lost friend? Hug a childhood pet one last time? Put in the winning lottery numbers? How about saving your Dad’s life? Do you think you’d be able to get your head around all the rules of time travel? Al tries his best but it’s a lot to expect from a twelve year old, especially a twelve year old trying to save a life.

An astonishing race-against time read for any middle grade lovers of adventure and science fiction.

The Imaginary

15 November 2021

The Imaginary

A. F. Harrold

Some people are afraid of the dark. Others of spiders. Or heights. Or even clowns. For Rudger, he fears being forgotten. This is a beautiful story encompassing the lessons of love, loss and imagination.

A child’s mind is a magical, wonderful place, wouldn’t you say?

The Monsters of Rookhaven

8 November 2021

The Monsters of Rookhaven

Pádraig Kenny

When there’s a hole in the world, when space has a tear in it, how are things supposed to stay as they are? The Family are exactly that, a family. Not conventional as you know a family to be but a family nonetheless. And family grows together, understands each other and protects each other. At least, that’s the aim, isn’t it?

If you like Miss Peregrine’s home for Peculiar Children, The Monsters of Rookhaven will have you turning the page late into the night and early into the morning.

The Ash House

8 November 2021

The Ash House

Angharad Walker

Would do whatever it takes to stop the pain? Would you go anywhere? Solitude is a boy who did just that. However, there’s a blurry line between truth and lies. And that’s no truer for Sol and Dom’s story. An emotional, captivating read that will leave you questioning the scary parts of life.

The rain fell with all the power of a stampeding wildebeest.

1 November 2021

The rain fell with all the power of a stampeding wildebeest.

Each drop battered against the ground, flinging chippings of bark into the air.

The slide, under which Jake had chosen for his hiding place, had become a tool for the rain to amplify its drumming. Each drop pounded against the metal surface sending a furious hammering sound straight through Jake’s ear.

His feet were planted firmly to the only remaining dry space in the whole of the park and he was crouched right down in the way only children could manage for any longer than a few seconds. The problem was that the ground was already beginning to swamp around his dry haven. If he didn’t leave soon, he’d be crouching in a puddle that would all too soon creep past the base of his blue and white trainers, beyond his laces and up towards where his bum hovered just a few inches from the ground. There was no way he could go home with wet pants. How would he explain that to Uncle Ken.

He’d count to one hundred. That’s how long he would have before he would just have to make a run for it. But he’d barely made it into the teens when the wind shifted. At first, he didn’t notice because he was concentrating so hard on what number came next. But then the cold pin pricks began to irritate his skin. It was as though the rain had sought him out and was throwing itself right into his hiding place.

He squeezed his hands closer around his folded arms.

Throne of glass

1 November 2021

Throne of glass

Sarah J Maas

You don’t get to choose what happens to you after your parents are murdered. Not when you’re just 8 years old. But I’m sure being trained as the kingdom’s most deadly assassin isn’t something you’d choose to happen to you. But at least then you’d have the skills to fight for your freedom. To become the King’s Champion. Even if it is the same King who murdered your parents and all your people. Freedom is freedom. Right? I am desperate to read through the rest of the series and follow Caelena on her bloody, merciless path to freedom.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

20 October 2021

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

Phil Hickes

Books hold secrets that are just waiting to be read. That’s never been more true than for Aveline Jones when she finds a copy of an old, creepy book full of ghost stories. Now, ghost stories might be no big deal for you. Especially if they’re just ‘stories.’ But what if they weren’t just ‘stories’. Aveline’s troubles begin when the book’s secrets start to spill out from the pages and she’s left in danger as she tries to fix the haunting horrors that escape the book. A spooky read perfect for Halloween, but I wouldn’t read it without a torch to hand. You’ve been warned.

Prompts are back

15 October 2021

Prompts are back

Hey everyone! Sorry I’ve been so MIA recently. I’ve had a lot to think about with my WIP and submitting for MA. But that’s all done now and I’m back. I’m ready to share these crazy prompts with you again and see where they can take our imagination for the next 10 minutes.

Also this week will be the return of Pates Pages Recommended Reads! I have a handful of beautiful books lined up that I want to share with you so keep an eye out for those on my recommended reads page!

For now though, take a look at this weeks prompt, set your timers and let your imagination flow.

The House at the Edge of Magic

The House at the Edge of Magic

The House at the Edge of Magic, Amy Sparkes – Walker Books

What would your first instinct be if, over night, a new house appeared on your street? What if you found out the house was full of magic? Nine is the poised Artful Dodger in this magical tale full of mayhem, adventure and imagination. Sparkes tells a tale independence, freedom and friendship, all with a reminder that not all magic can be controlled.

She bent down to pick up what she thought was a half-buried shell.

She bent down to pick up what she thought was a half-buried shell.

The original prompt

Flo bent down to pick up what she thought was a half-buried seashell. The smell of salty water swirls around her and the wet sand prickles at her toes as she bends to her knees.

‘What’s this?’ she asks herself running her fingers across the bumpy surface of the shell. It is a mossy green colour with a small patch of deep blue which shines under the sun’s rays.

Flo digs her fingers into the sand trying to feel for the edge of the shell. ‘This shell is ginormous,’ she says, excitement in her voice.

‘Where does it –,’ Something to her right drew her eyes away from the shell. A brown, pointed shape like a small rugby ball begins emerging from the sand. It sways left and then right.

She stops her digging and watches. Two eyes blink on either side of the shape. It isn’t a rugby ball at all. It’s a head.

‘What are you doing here?’ Flo asks the sandy creature.

The creature lifts his head a little higher in response to her voice. Flo looks from the head to the seashell in front of her, realising what she’s found.

‘This is your shell, that’s why I can’t pick it up. You’re a turtle!’ The proud feeling of solving the mystery bubbles inside her.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll help you get out,’ she says. ‘How did you get stuck here anyway?’ She begins pulling the sand away with her hands. She doesn’t have to dig for long before she sees the answer to her question.

New Prompt

New Prompt

Let’s see what you come up with!

Please do share your creativity if you feel up to it!

Take a look at the beginnings of Flo’s discovery.

The Valley of Lost Secrets

The Valley of Lost Secrets

Lesley Parr

World War Two is a terrible memory we all live with. Some more than others. Within these pages you’ll find beautiful welsh landscapes, charming characters and a captivating story. The story has the makings of a classic and feels timeless. Highlighting friendship and love, loss and belonging, it’s a gripping tale with a mystery at its centre. For me, it was Jimmy’s journey to acceptance that was truly warming.

Little Bits of Sky

Little Bits of Sky

S.E.Durrant

Life is tough. It’s unpredictable and it’s so very confusing. And even more so for children who have had to muster their way through a difficult start. This beautifully quiet book will hit you right in the feelings. S.E.Durrant has earned my respect for her sensitive and beautiful storytelling of such a difficult issue.

The Chocolate Factory Ghost

28 February 2021

The Chocolate Factory Ghost

David O’Connell

A rags to riches ghostly mystery story. Who wouldn’t want to inherit a chocolate factory? Even if that does mean following messages from your relative’s ghost and putting up with your estranged evil aunt and two dangerous twins. After reading this, you’re going to want to try coming up with your own adventure steered by candied clues. Or just hit the snack cupboard like I did!

The Nothing to see Here Hotel

20 February 2021

The Nothing to see Here Hotel

Steven Butler

Looking for your next getaway location? Then don’t overlook the opportunity to stay at The Nothing to see Here Hotel. As long as you have some magical blood running through your veins, of course. A creative, funny and inventive book for kidlit and middle grade readers. It’s a fast paced read that will keep its readers turning the page and holding their breath as they wait to see just what fabulous magical guest they might run into next.

Last night, I dreamt I was fighting aliens again.

19 February 2021

Last night, I dreamt I was fighting aliens again.

Here’s today’s prompt for you

Last night I dreamt I was fighting aliens again. This was the third time this week but something was different this time.

It started with me being pulled out from under my duvet until I was flying across my room and everything was a blur as I whizzed past my wardrobe and my desk and my telescope. I saw a mix of colours and shapes as I was sucked out my bedroom window.

And then I was on board Plantinium, my fighter ship sitting in the captain’s seat.

‘Captain Billy, the Wargs are closing in on us. What do you want us to do?’ The Wargs? Not these guys again. They were intent on capturing every leader on every planet so they could control the universe. Well, I was about to let that happen.

‘Cadets, load all shooters, engage all defence systems and hold on…’ I pulled the joy stick towards me and Plantinium lifted its nose in response. Flying this ship was like walking; I didn’t have to think about making it do what I wanted it to. The Warg’s ships were scattered around us, trying to flank our every defence. I knew that was a battle tactic that usually worked for them but they hadn’t gone up against me before. Tonight, they had Captain Billy Gotobed to contend with.

‘Fasten your seatbelts, cadets. We’re gonna get rid of these guys once and for all.’ And with that, I was steering the ship – my ship – left, right, forward, over, under.

Today’s Prompt

19 February 2021

Today’s Prompt

Space adventure? Earth invasion? Galaxy exploration? 10 minutes of undisturbed writing to find out where this can take you.

Feel free to share any of your own pieces. Check mine out here.

Don’t get it right, get it written!

So I suppose you want to ask me why I spared the zombies.

17 February 2021

So I suppose you want to ask me why I spared the zombies.

Check out today’s inspiration here

So, I suppose you want to ask me why I spared the zombies. Why would someone like me spare the zombies?

But what you need to know is, it wasn’t for the zombies. It was for Sam.

See, I’m a vampire and vampires aren’t supposed to be friends with zombies. It’s dangerous for vampires and zombies to be friends because… well I don’t know why actually. And no one has ever been able to give me a straight answer in the year I’ve been like this. Probably because no one knows why. It’s just what we’ve always been told. But nothing bad has happened since I met Sam so we’re not really sure what all the fuss is about.

“What do you want to do tonight, Raymond?” Sam asked me. The sun had set over an hour ago now and we still hadn’t moved from the gravestone of one Donald Stewart. According to his engravings he died in 1938. I’ve met Donald Stewart. He insists I call him Sir Donald even though he wasn’t a Sir when he died. It would have said so right here if he was. He lives in the Manor House with the rest of us vampires. He has the third left room on the sixth floor, opposite Constance Anderson. If he ever found out I was spending time with a zombie his fangs would probably fall out.

‘We could go and find Fredrick?’ I suggest without trying to sound too keen.

Today’s Prompt

17 February 2021

Today’s Prompt

Spend 10 minutes free writing from this prompt. Don’t let structure or spelling or word choice let your fingers stop. Get your ideas out; you can always refine it later.

Check out my piece here.

Don’t get it right, get it written.

Northern Lights

17 February 2021

Northern Lights

Phillip Pullman

A worthy winner of the Carnegie Award, 1995 – both the year it was released and the year I was born! It has gone on to win further awards since and understandably so. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read this book because I have fallen in love with every aspect of the story. A world such like our own and yet set so far apart. The whole story is fast-paced and engrossing. Pullman’s ability to world build is phenomenal, his characters, setting and magic are truly wonderful. He is an inspiration to writers of the fantastical.

It Snowed For Twenty Years

8 February 2021

It Snowed For Twenty Years

Click here to see this week’s inspiration

It snowed for twenty years and still, not a single snowflake settled on the ground. The people who lived in the town of Downbury had adapted their routines to allow them to live with the constant powder that fell from the sky. The days were shorter and the nights were longer, with chilled winds that bit into the cheeks on every face of the town’s residents. When the endless fall began, and those in charge began to trip and fall over their decisions, a curfew was enforced and roles were assigned to all those able to work.

Almost everyone from Downbury could share knowledge of electricity and the workings of the heating machines. For those were the machines that allowed the town to keep running and it was essential that they never falter. Without the heating machines, pipes would freeze, doors would seal and life would come to a halt. The snow had not come alone, it came with everything winter had to offer and used it all to steal memories of summer. Even though no shovelling was needed and no roads or pavements needed to be cleared, there was an ongoing battle against the snow for light and heat.

For two decades the snow was silent and not a single boot had ever crunched on an icy blanket. Its maker would not allow it for every snowflake was precious and not to be harmed.

Until, one day, one her twelfth birthday, Bethany wandered to the roof of her father’s shop.

Today’s Prompt

6 February 2021

Today’s Prompt

Here it is. The first writing prompt. This was one of my favourites offered to me from my course and now I’d love to offer it to you.

Remember, ten minutes of just letting your creative flare shine.

I’ll post mine on my writing page when I’m done!

Don’t get it right, get it written.

Introducing Writing Prompts – Don’t get it right, get it written

6 February 2021

Introducing Writing Prompts – Don’t get it right, get it written

Often, the thing that stops us being productive (or me at least) is that we want something to be perfect straight away.

I know that my first attempt/draft/sentence is not going to end up in a state I’m happy with. This will usually mean I put off starting.

With this in mind, and the notion that I’m not alone in this, I’d like to share an activity I try and do regularly to help me push past the initial ‘I can’t do this.’

Each week, I will share a writing prompt with you. You can then have a go at explorative writing.

Explorative Writing – Just write for ten continuous minutes. Let the keypad/pen flow without a plan of where its going. The idea of explorative writing is brilliant and something I try to do regularly because I am not restricted by grammar or structure or deciding on the best word to use. In those ten minutes, I don’t give time to that so my idea is able to spill out onto the page.

This doesn’t produce my best pieces. That’s where the wonderful world of Editing comes in. However for those ten minutes, you’re creative flare is unrestrained. I’m going to be doing these prompts with you and you’ll be able to find them on my Writing page.

So when taking on these writing prompts, here are the things to consider

Digest the prompt – but you are not planning anything here
Set a 10 minute timer
Write without stopping – see what creativity has been hiding inside you
Read your piece for clarity
Step away from it – 30 minutes, a few hours, a day?

Snow Foal

5 February 2021

Snow Foal

Susanna Bailey

Snow Foal is a beautiful tale of a love, friendship, trust and hope. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for any eight- to twelve-year-old with its stunning snowfall descriptions.This is Susannna Bailey’s debut novel and it is a truly inspirational and heart-wrenching piece. Bailey uses language beautifully to evoke emotion from her readers and delves into all the senses. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heart-warming and comforting read.

The Graveyard Book

26 January 2021

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman

Where would you go if your family were taken from you in the night? Who would take you in? You wouldn’t bet on it being the kind gathering of ghosts who occupy the graveyard just a few streets away, would you? There’s so much to learn from ghosts, and so many abilities to perfect, so its a good thing Bod finds his place among them. Especially with the danger he faces ahead. Enthralling characters and an engrossing yet brutal plot, it goes without saying Neil Gaiman is an expert story teller. He has an explorative and beautiful use of language which allows for such a visceral read.

The Nowhere Emporium

18 January 2021

The Nowhere Emporium

Ross Mckenzie

This book offers magic and wonder. With a focus on relationships and conflict, the book has so much to offer.

Unlike a lot of middle grade books, The Nowhere Emporium is written in omniscient third as oppose to first person or close third person. For those who are unaware of the term, think of the term omniscient to describe a being as all knowing. Well in a book, omniscient third means the narrator is the voice telling the story instead of a particular character and therefore the author has more flexibility to reveal plot.

Unfortunately, for me, as a Potterhead, there were a few too many similarities in this to the Harry Potter series such as when Silver is found by Sharpe in a group home, hated and feared by everyone which is too reminiscent of Dumbledore’s collection of Tom Riddle. Also, although I loved the concept of Silver’s book and all its potential, it was a little too close to Tom Riddle’s (Voldemort’s) diary. I wanted a little more originality when it came to some of these scenes. For other lovers of all things magic, I’m sure you’ll enjoy finding the links between this and similar magical inspired books.

The 1,000 Year Old Boy

13 January 2021

The 1,000 Year Old Boy

Ross Welford

In some point in your life, have ever wished that you could live forever? Have you ever thought about everything life has to offer and wished you could stay to experience every minute of it? I’m sure you have. But for Alfie Monk, the idea of living beyond yet another lifetime is too much to bare. Crazy right?!

But who are we to judge? We’re not the ones who have already lived for over a thousand years.

There is so much about this book that I love:

•The pace! – It’s fast and energetic from the start. The chapters are short and snappy (something I love in books) and so makes getting to the end of 410 pages breezy.

•The characters! – the dual narrative really works. The contrast of a 1,000-year-old boy to an 11- year-old boy is very cleverly done. Roxy is crafted so beautifully. She’s witty, intelligent, charismatic and so free-spirited. She brings out the best in both boys, especially Aidan.

•The adventure! – Welford has his readers biting their nails throughout before they reach the nerve-wrecking climax.

•The ending!

New Year

New Year

Finally 2020 is behind us and hopefully we can have a much better 2021.

Lots of people see a new year as a time to reinvent themselves or reach incredible goals and if that’s for you then that’s great.

For me though, and I’m sure for some of you out there, the pressure of needing the new year to mean there should be some huge development in my life is very daunting.

Instead I like to think of the new year as a time to reflect. What went well last year, what didn’t and what can I do about it.

If it helps, maybe have a go at sifting through the enormity of 2020 and try and write down 5-10 things that you appreciated or achieved in 2020.

Here’s mine:

I started my Masters in writing
I worked hard on my fitness
I turned 25 (in a global pandemic so that’s definitely something to appreciate)
I had the best summer with Archie and I am so appreciative of the time I had with him before he had to go
I explored some stunning places e.g. climbed Mt. Snowdon, Sugar Loaf and Peny Fan and walked around lake Llyn Ogwen

I hope looking back at the positives can help you have a positive start to 2021 and know in the back of your mind, even in the worst years, you can pick out sunny days, adventures and accomplishments that can make you happy and proud of yourself.

I’d love to read some of your positives from 2020 so if you’d like to share please leave a message on my Contact Form.

I, Cosmo

I, Cosmo

Carlie Sorosiak

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you’ll know what a privilege and honour it is to have something love you as much as they do. This story has a unique voice that makes my heart smile. A cosy, light-hearted read for pet-owners and wannabe pet-owners to enjoy. Rightfully awarded the Waterstones’ Children’s book of the Month for September 2020, if you love heart warming stories, dogs, dancing and bacon give this book a read.

At The Beginning

13 December 2020

At The Beginning

Any good book must draw the reader in from the very first line. I touched on this in my last blog and I want to explore that more.

The first line has a huge task in that it has to leave the reader feeling hungry for more.

Here’s some examples of where the first line of a book has done that for me…

“Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” – Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone, J.K. Rowling.

“They shouldn’t have been out on the snow.” – FrostHeart, Jamie Littler.

These first lines show the reader several things about the story. They let you know that there is the threat of change. In Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling is setting the Dursely’s up as the normal and any first time reader of the book will be able to guess that ‘the normal’ is about to be shattered.

In Frostheart, Jamie Littler makes us ask questions. Why shouldn’t they be on the snow? Who are they? What secrets are hiding beneath the snow? Raising these questions in the readers minds means they are drawn to need to read on to find the answers.

Activity – Recreate The Opening Line

Take a look at this blurb of The Care and Feeding of my Pet Black Hole, Michelle Cuevas.

Thinking about what makes an opening line work, have a go at writing your own opening line for this book.

FrostHeart

13 December 2020

FrostHeart

Jamie Littler

Don’t you just a beautifully illustrated book? I do. It was Frostheart’s vivid colours and beautiful illustrations that originally pulled me towards the shelf. Thankfully, the pages inside do so well to live up to the excitement the front cover builds. You’re sure to fall in love with Ash as he discovers his magical powers, laugh along with the crew of the FrostHeart as they fight the harsh conditions of a futurist Earth and feel the intense danger of the Leviathans that pray on all the human-kin. If you like quests and adventure then this book is for you. FrostHeart is a brilliant fantasy novel for older middle-grade children with strong characters, vivid winter settings and action-packed scenes.

Beginnings

13 December 2020

Beginnings

Some of my favourite beginnings…

“All children, except one, grow up.” – Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie

“In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, live twelve little girls in two straight lines.” – Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans

‘When you wish that a Saturday was actually a Monday, you know there is something seriously wrong.’ – Boy in the Tower, Polly Ho-Yen

All of these opening lines are like a spell that hook you, the reader, into the pages of the book.

Below is a beginning piece I’ve written.

Writing a beginning
The beat of a soft drumming hid in the forest. The steady rhythm had a calming nature that disguised the beings that followed it.
But it wasn’t the drums that Hazel heard first. It was the piercing screams that woke her from her sleep. The painful sound of them hauled her eyes open.
Her ears tuned in to the panic around but the dark was engulfing the scene. Her eyes were still not as alert as her ears.

Something cold and wispy brushed her back and she whipped round in response. Her pulse raced under her skin and each hair prickled across the surface of her body. She froze and held her breath, giving all her attention to her eyes, trying to push through the dark and spot the intruder that had come through the trees.
There was no one there. No one visible at least.

Within minutes, the night’s darkness was pushed back by the sudden lighting of the village torches which mimicked the weak light of dawn.

Archie

Archie

I’d like to introduce you to someone very special to me and I dedicate a lot of my creative abilities to him.

Growing up I’ve always loved reading. It was always my go to activity when I had time to fill, and even when I didn’t! I loved visiting new worlds, meeting characters and embarking on hundreds of journeys, and I still do!

I have always had another passion though.

Dogs. And with Archie, I could get lost in my own head and he would come right along with me. It didn’t matter what the next part of my story was, he was happy to watch and listen to me tell it. I really feel when you’ve experienced the love of a dog, you have been privileged. They’re unfaltering love and devotion is something that can’t be taught. It’s innate.

At 11 years old, I met Archie.

I fell in love with the small, ginger, tubby ball of wrinkles that he was. He loved me too and we were inseparable from the first day.

He was my little shadow. I remember we used to lay on the trampoline together and I’d watch the clouds in the sky and I’d use them to create stories.

Sadly, I lost Archie back in September 2020. He was almost 14 years old and he was able to enjoy the summer sun for one final summer. It was the perfect send for the perfect boy.

Even though he’s not with me anymore, I still read my writing aloud to him and picture his face looking at me as he listens.

Getting Started

Getting Started

Today I want to talk about the beginning.

Everything has a beginning. A book, a recipe, a walk, a job; they all start somewhere.

My love of writing started when I was a little girl. It grew from my love of reading. But my writing journey has only just started.

Activity – Your beginning

Have a think about the book made you fall in love with reading or writing. Do you still have it? If so, why not give it another read and remind yourself of the wonders that made you fall in love with it.

Here’s mine – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis. I fell in love with the each and every character in this book. As a child, my favourite was Lucy because I wanted to be her, I wanted to be the one finding the magic. As an adult, my favourite is Professor Digory Kirkenone, the owner of the country house and, therefore, the magical wardrobe. He encourages the children to believe and belief is a very powerful thing.