What Makes Literature Literature?

Last week, I reread one of my favorite books in the world: Joy in the Morning. It's by Betty Smith, better known as the author of A Tree Grown in Brooklyn (and another favorite). Both books are just so rich and layered, filled with interesting characters and real emotions. 

Right after finishing Joy in the Morning, I went back to reading commercial teen fiction, which has been my focus all month (except for The Christmas Village mentioned in my previous post, which doesn't fit into that category). Anyway, up till then, I'd been enjoying commercial teen fiction, but suddenly it paled in comparison. It wasn't literature. And literature was somehow better. But I can't put my finger on what the difference is. 

I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Both literature and commercial fiction can offer interesting plots, well-rounded characters, a real understanding of the human condition, etc. I still respect commercial fiction authors immensely and I do enjoy their books. But I want to know: What is it that makes literature literature? 

Your thoughts welcome!

A Christmas Book!

I just finished reading The Christmas Village, by Melissa Ann Goodwin. And I really loved it! The story is about a 12-year-old boy, who winds up back in time (and miniaturized) in a pretend Christmas village that comes to life. Sounds kind of wild, right? I have to be honest; I went into the reading with a good dose of skepticism. I thought it might be one of those too sugary stories that tries too hard to be a classic holiday tale. You know the type. I also knew the time travel could be difficult to pull off.

But here are a few reasons why the story works: It's fast-paced. The unbelievable events are presented in a way that makes them believable to the reader nonetheless. The characters have, well, not a lot of depth, but enough to make you care about them. And perhaps most importantly, the story doesn't sell out in the end. I'm going to give something away here, so stop reading if you don't want to know...

I loved that it didn't turn out to be a dream in the end! I also loved the way the whole thing wrapped up. Because the book could have ended without the denouement, but I would have missed it if it did.

So thank you, Ms. Goodwin, for a heart-warming Christmas tale - and I mean that in the best possible, not too sugary way!

Young Writers Magazines

Every time I see my 13-year-old nephew, he's working on a new book. He's actually written novel-length manuscripts at his age - something it's taken me years to do. He's dedicated and motivated and plans to be a writer after college. (As if he's not one already.)

So this got me thinking: Kids that age could use some of the same advice we adults get from books and magazines about the craft and business of writing and publishing. Right? I realize kids aren't banned from reading the material meant for grown-ups. But I doubt the language, style and formats used in such publications really appeal to the middle school crowd.

When I search online, I can find plenty of publications that publish young writers. As an example, this site lists some of the better known publications. But I haven't found anything that answers young writers' questions about improving their craft and the business side of publishing.

Do you know of any publications like that aimed specifically at young writers? If so, please clue me in!

Check Out the Mean Mommy Book!

Wow. OK. I wish I could say the reason I have not posted in a long, long time (more than a month!) is because I was working on my novel. And I guess I can say that, in part. But the real reasons for my hiatus? Moving and pregnancy. Both are exhausting. Both make you feel nauseated at times. And both can be all-consuming. So I haven't really been focused on blogging.

But! I'm back and I do have something to say about writing. My friend and editor from my days at Bridal Guide magazine has written a book! I'm so excited for her and proud of her accomplishments. Turns out Denise Schipani is the ultimate mean mommy.  And I say that in the best possible way because she has an excellent blog on the topic of parenting (I especially enjoyed her rant today about the lack of mandatory paid  maternity leave in the U.S.).  Now, she's parlayed her blogging success into a book: Mean Moms Rule. I know it will be awesome because she's always been an amazing writer.

I've read (and written) before about those jealous feelings that creep up when another writer achieves success. But in this case, I truly feel nothing but happiness!