See Joe on Saturday, December 11th at Lift Bridge Book Shop!

Saturday, December 11th, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY at Lift Bridge Book Shop, "Local Children's Book Author Holiday Extravaganza," — Come See Many Local Authors, and invite Joe to your school! He will visit, and everyone will have fun!

Better Than Sheep Lice?

When I first read this quote, I laughed and laughed. If you haven't read BIRD BY BIRD, you need to. It's must-reading for writers.

"We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice do not seem to share this longing, which is one reason why they write so little."

Anne Lamott

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Posts Jacquie McTaggart: Teacher... Sep 4, 2010 119 Pageviews Powerful Words Endure Nov 7, 2010 73 Pageviews Acts of Random Rudeness Jul 30, 2010 72 Pageviews Take Me Out to the BALLGAME! Jul 6, 2010 72 Pageviews Rochester Children's Festival Nov 7, 2010 71 Pageviews

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Who's reading this blog? People from all over the world.  PLEASE MAKE SOME COMMENTS AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR POETRY INTERESTS ARE? Pageviews by Countries

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Mystery Lady of Plattsburgh

During the November book festival I was invited to perform poetry in Plattsburgh, travel expenses paid and a fee, but I hate driving, and Ralph Hunkins, my favorite undergraduate professor no longer lives there. To see him, it might have been worth the trip and then performing poetry all day for a school district. My wife, Marilyn, said that I should have agreed to do it, even without me since she has back trouble.  When the teacher or administrator whispered in my ear while selling books at the festival table, I didn’t realize that she had seen my show in the Brighton Room. I am almost positive that she is the lady closest to the viewer in the next photo. (This was a very serious moment when I was reading about my car accident in Chicken Soup. We had serious moments and humorous moments during my poetry show.)

Who knows, the Mystery Lady may contact me again. I hope so! I really enjoyed entertaining the group. Next time opportunity knocks again for travel, I will answer the door. I’ve learned my lesson.  My family thought I was nuts to say no.  Like I said: I’ve learned my lesson.

A Good Thanksgiving Poem

This poem was November's winner on my Monthly Poetry Contest for kids at www.joe-sottile.com. The poem that wins has to simply be good and say something about our lives. This one is both, written by an 8th grader.

I Am Thankful

By Matthew Joseph Feyh

                             I am thankful for everything given to me.
                             I am thankful for a place to stay.
                             I am thankful for warmth every night.
                             I am thankful for friends that care.
                             I am thankful for food to spare.
                             I am thankful for grandparents that love.

2010 Rochester Children's Book Festival

The 2010 Children’s Book Festival was a huge success, thanks to the organizers, volunteers, authors, illustrators, and the tremendous turnout—due  to the cold, wet weather on Saturday.  Children and adults were more than willing to meet authors and illustrators, get books signed by their favorite authors, and attend readings and workshops. It was priceless time spend inside.

I always have an excellent time at the festival. As a teen, I spent three baseball seasons in the Babe Ruth League, and I even made the All-Stars, but I never hit a homer over the fence. A friend of mine did who wasn’t as strong as I was. Right over the cyclone fence! When I am at the festival, if I look up at the right time and see the “jumbotron” with a large photo of me performing poetry, I feel as if I just hit a grandslam in the Babe Ruth League. It’s a small personal victory that brings me great pleasure. And I strive to inspire others with my poetry, and Monthly Poetry Contest for kids on my website.


Here's a more distant view of the screen on the far wall from the table I sat at...