Linda Stevens's blog

Talking the Talk

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Fri, 08/24/2012 - 3:19pm

chasing magicHave you ever thought about how difficult it must be for an author to convey the sound and rhythm of a character's speech?  What a powerful tool that can be for a novel when conveyed correctly.  The other night I got up from reading a book to walk the dogs and realized I was speaking to my neighbor in a speech pattern not my own, but that of one of the characters in the book I was reading.  That's how you reel in a reader!

The Amazing Read: Summer Reading Challenge, Week 10

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 11:08am

amazing readI'm back from last week's visit to another world.  I decided to visit Graphic Novel Land, and spent some time in the Sandman's dream world and the altered Victorian detective world of Ruse, which I found as a suggestion from another summer reader.  I enjoyed my time "out of this world" thoroughly.

We are now in the final week of The Amazing Read, so let's end on an inspirational note:  Read something that helps make you a better person.  You can take the spiritual or philosophical route, or pick something that will aid in self-improvement, like The Power of Habit.  You can focus on your professional life, with a book like The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.  Or, enhance your parenting skills with a book like Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success.  Improve your physical self with the latest yoga guide or stress management tool.  We all have something we could work on!  What are you reading?

We hope that you've all enjoyed The Amazing Read challenge and all of summer reading this year.  Don't forget to register for the program and record your titles by August 11th to be eligible for prizes.

Houston Housing Choice Voucher Program

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 12:46pm

keysFor one week from Monday, August 20 to Sunday, August 26, 2012, the Houston Housing Authority will for the first time in 6 years be accepting applications to get onto the waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The voucher program helps low-income families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities rent safe, affordable homes in and around Houston. 

Houston Housing Authority’s online application for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is available at www.housingforhouston.com.   Complete an application to sign up for an online lottery for the housing assistance waiting list.  The application is offered in English and Spanish.

The program begins on August 20th at 8 a.m. and ends August 26th at midnight.  Beginning August 13th, applicants with questions can call a special hotline:1-855-702-9130.  The hotline will support English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese speakers as well as hearing impaired applicants.

Flickr CC:  House Keys by stevendepolo

Reading Romance Out Loud

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 2:12pm

romance audiosI am an avid audio book listener, but I don't usually listen to books from the romance genre.  The first reason is that I'm given to inappropriate giggling when hearing some chapters, rather than reading them, and that takes you right out of the story.  The second reason is that I think it is very hard to get the voices right for a romantic novel.  A recent experience I had listening to the latest by a favorite author made me recoil every time the narrator used a man's voice.  The voice she used for the hero reminded me of the millionaire on Gilligan's Island, who I'm sure was a very nice man, but not really the figure I wanted to imagine.

We Have a Winner at Fairbanks Branch Library!

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 11:45am

ereadersCongratulations to Ryan from our Fairbanks Branch!  He is the latest winner of a Nook Simple Touch in the Adult Summer Reading prize drawings.  Remember to register, read and log five books or 600 minutes by Saturday, August 11th to be eligible for the grand prize drawings.  Winners will be randomly drawn from those who complete the program for a Kindle Fire, a Nook Tablet, and one $30 Amazon gift card for each branch location.  Happy Reading!

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