Welcome back to toydust.com where we discuss books, toys, and writing! Today's topic? CLARA AND ASHA by Eric Rohmann, published by Roaring Brook Press in 2005. Clara has an imaginary friend who is a giant fish named Asha. Which seems really random. I mean, why a giant fish? But then we see how they "met." … Continue reading “Clara and Asha” by Eric Rohmann
Cobra Commander 1982 Action Figure
Welcome back to toydust.com where we talk books, toys, and writing! Today's topic: The original Cobra Commander action figure produced by Hasbro in 1982 for their newly resurrected G.I. Joe line. Feast your eyes on one of the most iconic figures of all time: Cobra Commander first appeared in Marvel's G.I. Joe #1, written by Larry Hama … Continue reading Cobra Commander 1982 Action Figure
Oatmeal Recipe
Toydust here. While exploring foggy wastelands in Scotland (the place of my ancestors) I came across an ancient stone tablet. Ancient words had been chiseled into this ancient tablet - words of an ancient tongue, long forgotten. It was all very... well... ancient. Translating the tablet took some doing, but I got it done. It … Continue reading Oatmeal Recipe
Ephant Mon Action Figure
Good morning, and welcome back! Toydust here. Today's topic? The Ephant Mon figure produced by Hasbro in 2002. I consider it to be a most useful Star Wars figure. Please note the massiveness, compared with a standard sized Star Wars figure. And for the same price point, mind you. Yes, my toy-dusty friends, the Ephant … Continue reading Ephant Mon Action Figure
Live-Action Lion King Set Photo!?
Toydust here. We interrupt our usual posts about books, toys, and writing to bring you this report. News-Finder Bob claims Jon Favreau invited him to the set of the live-action Lion King. While there, he was allowed to take a picture of Claw Johnson (the lion hired to play Mufasa) after filming the (SPOILER ALERT) fall-off-the-cliff … Continue reading Live-Action Lion King Set Photo!?
What should be in the first sentence of your novel?
Welcome back to toydust.com where we talk books, toys, and writing! Today's topic? What should be in the first sentence of your novel? Newbery-winning author Richard Peck said, "You are only as good as your first sentence." That sounds a bit harsh. Is it fair for someone to judge your entire story from only one … Continue reading What should be in the first sentence of your novel?
Tonka Tractor
Toydust, I am. Reflect on Tonka tractor of olden times, I do. I sit here. Pondering. Sleep, I do not. Eat, I do not. Pooh, I do not. For like, twenty minutes. Memories of past play-times linger. Refusing to leave. Kind of like my tapeworm. The End. UP NEXT: WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE … Continue reading Tonka Tractor
“Back to Nature” Part 2
OUR STORY SO FAR: Toydust was taken from his home by two government agents who claimed his life was in danger. See last week's July 23 post for more details. "Why are we stopping here?" I asked. "Out of gas?" Agent Smith steered into the parking garage. "More like out of time." "According to our … Continue reading “Back to Nature” Part 2
Mystic Portal Opens in Sky Above Redwood City, CA??!!
We pause from our regular posts about books, toys, and writing to give you an urgent newsflash. News-Finder Bob has reported the opening of a mystic portal in the sky above Redwood City, California. News-Finder Bob further reports he was sucked through the portal and landed in a mystic land. In the mystic land, he … Continue reading Mystic Portal Opens in Sky Above Redwood City, CA??!!
What should be on the first page of your novel?
Welcome back to TOYDUST.COM - my blog about books, toys, and writing. Today's topic? What should be on the first page of your novel? At a writing conference I attended, editor Alyson Heller spoke on this topic. Here are some things she looks for in the beginning of a novel: *Not bogged down with info-dumping … Continue reading What should be on the first page of your novel?