Mina Witteman – author | editor | teacher of creative writing

Posts from the “Views Abroad” Category

Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea

Posted on September 2, 2013

The Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea. I love the water and the wind. For me the sea offers endless options, like the endlessness of that vast mass of water that spreads out at your feet. Anything is possible. My dad was an avid yachtsman and spent as much time at sea as he could. He taught us to sail before we could even ride a bike (that’s a big thing in the Netherlands!). He retired early, sold his home and his business, bought a bigger boat and took my mother on a 12-year trip, roaming the world’s seas. Every now and again, we would hop over wherever they were and sail with them for a couple of weeks. I am currently working on an adventure novel…

Categories: The Views, Views Abroad

Tagged: , , , ,

SCBWI Europolitan Conference in Paris

Posted on January 31, 2013

Some say it’s worth the detour, I’d say it’s worth the trip: the first SCBWI Europolitan Conference in Paris.   I know it’s worth the trip, because as the Regional Advisor of SCBWI The Netherlands I am one of the organizers of this amazing and inspiring conference for children’s book writers and illustrators. We bring you a conference packed with workshops, presentations and opportunities to share your work. Attend sessions that meet your interests, whether you’re published or unpublished, an illustrator and/or a writer. •    Work with our faculty in small groups to develop your craft •    Register for a professional critique to get individual advice on your projects •    Meet fellow members and potential critique partners •    Enter some friendly contests and get your…

Categories: Books, Children's books, Views Abroad, YA books

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Trip, slip or be pushed to death?

Posted on June 8, 2011

Sicily. An island with a rich history, not in the least because of that one mountain that dominates it: Etna. The Arabs named it the Mountain of Fire and word goes that Zeus trapped the deadly monster Typhon underneath it. It’s easy to imagine the father of all monsters lurking below the surface of the Etna, you only have to stick your hand in one of those fuming crevices and you know he’s there, the last son of Gaia who set out to destroy Zeus. He almost got the job done, ripping out Zeus’ sinews in their first battle. But Zeus struck back, like a true ruler of the Gods should, and threw Mount Etna on him, trapping him to all eternity. Or not……

Categories: Books, The Views, Thrillers, Views Abroad

Tagged: , , , , , ,

Paris view: Sadness down in four notes

Posted on October 15, 2010

    It is very rare that I get to read a book that immediately touches the right chord. Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution is such a book. Andi Alpers, her protagonist, grabbed me by the throat at the very first page and didn’t let go. I read Revolution in one go, not wanting it to stop. Not the words, not the music in it. Ever! Revolution is about Andi Alpers, a gifted musician and student. She is a senior at a prestigious private school in Brooklyn when grief threatens to destroy her life. She is angry with her father for moving on with his life, heartbroken by the pain she sees in her mother, who’s not able to cope with life anymore, and she blames…

Categories: A Bit of Everything, Books, The Views, Views Abroad, YA books

Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Californian view: Dr. Frank goes YA

Posted on September 2, 2010

While on my way to California I had to prepare for a masterclass – Finding and Revising Your Protagonist’s Voice in YA Literature – I was to attend at a writers’ conference in Los Angeles. One of the assignments was reading King Dork, the very very witty debut of Frank Portman, a.k.a. Dr. Frank of the Mr. T Experience. So I packed my bags, loaded King Dork on my e-book reader and started the long journey west. The book turned out everything you need to brighten up the seemingly endless and boring flight from Amsterdam to San Francisco. Moreover, it turned out to be an excellent book to be reviewed for Booktunes, Erik de Loor’s new website that brings together books and music. I…

Categories: A Bit of Everything, Books, Views Abroad, YA books

Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Californian View: something old, something new…

Posted on August 18, 2010

For some people it is comforting to be surrounded by what they know, to do the things they’ve always done and live a life without surprises. Leave everything as it is and don’t ask questions. For them change is a scary process, a frightening journey into the dark unknown. If changes occur they – often subconsciously – try to block it. They cling to the familiar and won’t let go. It’s easy to laugh at them, but I realize that – deep down in my heart – I’m one of them. Even though I like a road less traveled, I have difficulties going off the beaten track. In hiking and biking I usually keep to the trails and in daily life I shop at…

Categories: A Bit of Everything, Books, The Views, Views Abroad, YA books

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Palm Springs: The Invigorating Spirit Of The Sun

Posted on August 10, 2010

My first SCBWI Conference in Los Angeles was an overwhelming experience. Never have I seen so many kindred spirits together – 1,136 writers and illustrators, agents, editors and publishers. Never have I been in such good and fun company. E.B. Lewis‘ words and work left me in awe. Wow, that man knows how to paint a picture! Krista Marino’s master class Finding and Revising Your Protagonist’s Voice in a Young Adult Novel was an eye-opening inspiration. Jon Scieszka: boy, that man is so funny, telling us about the do’s and don’ts of a writer. Here’s a helpful don’t: Once you start writing, stop reading all the blogs and industry magazines and get down to working. Write, write write. But if you’re Jon’s dentist – thinking of writing a…

Categories: A Bit of Everything, Books, Children's books, The Views, Views Abroad, YA books

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,