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Arts & Entertainment

Local Writer Offers Her Summer Reading Tips

When author Mickey Flagg is not telling stories about vampires, she is reading her favorite books and offers her summer reading tips.

Wayne resident Mickey Flagg knows a thing or two about storytelling. Her third book, “His Soul to Keep” in her “Champion Chronicles Trilogy,” is coming out this month and it tells the story of a vampire trying to find redemption for his evil ways.

When not writing, Flagg is an educator in the Paterson school system so she knows a thing or two about teens and what none-textbook books she may find the kids reading. With summer being a great time to curl up with book, Flagg offers her recommendations.

“Summer is time to lose yourself in gripping stories told in whichever genre you prefer.  When I write, I don’t usually read someone else’s tales; especially the ones in my genre. And for the past six summers, I’ve been so involved in the creative process, writing novels, submitting manuscripts, editing and promoting, that to catch-up with some favorite authors’ releases could take awhile,” she said.

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However, she is sharing with parents with younger children that it is never too late to start a child reading. She said it is best to find a book that can both entertain and instruct.

“A great book to read to the little ones is ‘This Tree Counts’ by Alison Formento,” said Flagg. “She is a New Jersey author who both teaches as well as entertains.”  

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Flagg said that children in younger grades and adults love the series about the boy with the scar and the villain who-dare-not-be-named.

“For anyone with a vivid imagination, I recommend anything Harry Potter,” said Flagg. “I’m a huge fan of J. K. Rowling and with the final movie coming out this month, it is best to read the final book again before you see the movie.”

For adults, she recommends the “The Outlander Series” by Diana Gabaldon.

“I devoured each massive book. This awesome time-travel had me hooked and I couldn’t swipe the e-reader’s screen fast enough,” said Flagg. “Love, romance, war, intrigue, betrayal, history, science, and fierce devotion to family all meticulously interwoven throughout an amazing seven-book epic, and I am excited because book eight is due out in 2012.”

Flagg explained that series like the Harry Potter books and the Outlander tales fuel her imagination. She said it allows her to learn and, it all makes its way back to her books.

“I scrutinize the way master-writers create their worlds. J.K. Rowling and Diana Gabaldon are world-building experts. And although I read for pleasure, good books teach me more about story-telling,” she said. Her work has proven successful because she said she has felt a real connection with her vampire in the “Champion Chronicles.” 

“The Champion Chronicles Trilogy is officially finished and I thoroughly enjoyed writing these characters, and it’s hard to say goodbye,” she said. “In the current young adult novel I am working on, there aren’t any vampires. But maybe, there’s a dragon.” 

To keep up with Mickey Flagg, visit her web site here

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