Six Trait Gurus

My Kirkus interview based on No Ordinary Cat goes live today. And Book 2 of this series, Finding Waihona, is scheduled for release soon!

Kirkus Interview Posted! Thanks to Alana Joli Abbott for a recent interview just out today: I so appreciated the chance to tell a little of the back story of No Ordinary Cat–especially with the sequel about to come o…

Look for more information about Mac, Rufus, and the whole gang soon!

Say Hello to Mac! He’s a big, very lovable dog, and . . . He is one of the heroes in the sequel to No Ordinary Cat, titled Heroes in Hiding. This book has been in the works for months, and is now scheduled for…

With deepest thanks . . . Many people have written letters and reviews since my last post. I am profoundly grateful to all of you. Thanks for taking time to read No Ordinary Cat and to send me a personal review—or post one online. Your words and thoughts are a gift. The greatest compliment . . . As I was writing the book, I asked myself many times, “Will anyone notice this?...

Thank you, everyone! An update on reviews for No Ordinary Cat–with profound thanks to all those who have written to me or posted reviews online.

by Vicki Spandel The first reviews for No Ordinary Cat are in—and they’re extraordinary. Which is to say, positive, gratifying, and revealing. When readers love a book, it leaves a writer walking on air. I’m thrilled to have received so many warm responses to a book into which I poured my heart. Noticing the Little Things In addition, it’s fascinating to see what readers notice—and some readers notice little things I didn’t even know would capture anyone’s attention. [ 545 more words ]

Great Early Reviews! The first reviews for No Ordinary Cat are in–and they’re extraordinary!

I’m ever so happy to let you know that my first work of fiction, No Ordinary Cat, is now available through Amazon: It’s been quite a journey! It began about three years ago, when a gorgeous feral cat showed up in our yard, and I couldn’t stop staring at him through the window. He was curious, but wary, with the most beautiful face and highly intelligent eyes. [ 3,267 more words ]

It’s a Book! No Ordinary Cat is a book for cat lovers of all ages, especially those who know how the love of an animal can transform our lives.

Writing a GOOD Book Review OR, What to Say When You Want to Write a Book Reviewand Don’t Know What to Say By Vicki Spandel I jokingly said to a friend the other day that the first step in writing a book review is to pour yourself a cup of coffee. I was only kidding, of course. The coffee comes later. [ 4,099 more words ]

sixtraitgurus.wordpress.com Writing a GOOD Book Review OR, What to Say When You Want to Write a Book Reviewand Don’t Know What to Say By Vicki Spandel I jokingly said to a friend the other day that the first step in writing a…

What to Say When You Want to Write a Book Reviewand Don’t Know What to Say I jokingly said to a friend the other day that the first step in writing a book review is to pour yourself a cup of coffee. I was only kidding, of course. The coffee comes later. The first step in writing a good review is to read the book. [ 4,095 more words ]

Page not found | Six Trait Gurus Featuring book reviews, writing lesson ideas, tips for conferences and revision, and the BEST in current literature for young people.

Check out Leslie Roessing's new book on book clubs!

Talking Texts, a review by Vicki Spandel Want to give your students a deep understanding of literature plus a love of reading? Check out Talking Texts, a new book by Lesley Roessing. You will love it!

by Vicki Spandel Introduction For most of my life, I’ve written educational materials and journalistic stories. Then one day I took a break to look out my office window and there, staring up at me, was the most beautiful cat I’d ever seen. Incredibly heavy long-haired coat, green eyes, and a stare that wouldn’t let you go. Where had he (or she) come from? [ 5,145 more words ]

9 Revision Tips–for Writing In or Out of the Classroom by Vicki Spandel Introduction For most of my life, I’ve written educational materials and journalistic stories. Then one day I took a break to look out my office window and there, staring up at me,…

by Vicki Spandel Introduction Assessing writing is one of the most difficult things we do, mostly because it’s so personal—on both sides. It’s hard to determine what’s true or important about a given piece of writing. And it’s extremely difficult to give good writing advice that makes a difference without hurting feelings. With so much at stake, it’s critical to get it right. 4,220 more words [ 4,213 more words ]

Assessing Writing Well by Vicki Spandel Introduction Assessing writing is one of the most difficult things we do, mostly because it’s so personal—on both sides. It’s hard to determine what’s true or important about a giv…

One of the finest books you'll read this year--from one of our best authors, the award winning Sy Montgomery.

How to Be a Good Creature, a review by Vicki Spandel   How to Be a Good Creature, A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery. 2018. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Genre: Nonfiction memoir—but really, this book transcends genre Levels: A b…

By Vicki Spandel In the years I’ve worked with teachers, the question that comes up most often is, “How do you teach revision?” As a new school year begins, it seems like a good time to revisit this fundamental question that gets to the very heart of how we teach writing. Good writing teachers recognize that unless we teach revision, we’re only teaching quick drafting. [ 4,619 more words ]

Thoughts on Teaching Revision—and Owning Your Writing By Vicki Spandel In the years I’ve worked with teachers, the question that comes up most often is, “How do you teach revision?” As a new school year begins, it seems like a good time to revisit thi…