BroCrew Returns

I’ve been told that raccoons are repelled by the smell  of ammonia.   I’ve been told that a tennis ball soaked in ammonia will keep them away.  Any truth in those suggestions, anyone?  After I buy tennis balls and ammonia I’ll test out the theory.

As for the herd of young bucks, I haven’t seen them in a couple of days, so perhaps they’ve moved on.

I’m  still interested in building a deer and raccoon-proof bird feeder.  Let me know if you have any other suggestions.

Thanks.

BroCrew in my Back Yard

Not what you think! 

It’s a herd of deer, all bucks, that have been visiting my back yard the past few nights, as well as a group of raccoons of indeterminate sex.

I live on an island that’s inhabited by all kinds of wildlife, none of which are dangerous.  The only thing that bothers me is when the food I put out for the birds, a variety of seeds, is gobbled up by raccoons and deer.  Now, I wouldn’t even mind if they came by and just ate up the seeds the birds scatter on the ground.  But they knock down the bird feeders and eat everything up.  Each morning it’s the same thing: clean up the mess and fill the bird feeders again.

However, there is a plan!  The  plan is this.  Build a deer-proof, raccoon-proof bird feeder.  Imagine a shoebox made of wood, where two sides can be folded down during the day and locked up tight again at night.  I think it will work.

What do you think?  Will it work?  I’d love to hear your suggestions.

 

New Review for Mayne Island Skeletons

 

Mayne Island Skeletons on June 25, 2013

“Amber Harvey’s latest book is a gripping mystery that is perfect for the 9 to 12 age range, and even as an adult I was able to get into her descriptive writing style and the paranormal tale she has spun for all’s enjoyment.”

Smashwords book review by Sierra Cline

Thank you to all the readers of my books who write a review! I feel so grateful when you take the time to tell me how you liked it.

Why Do You Write?

Yesterday I bared my heart and told you Why I Write For Young Readers.  Today, I’d love to hear from you.  Why do you write?  Why do you write the kind of books, stories, poems, articles or whatever it is you write? This is your chance to bare your heart, dear reader.

 

Why I Write for Young Readers

I was one myself.  Yup.  I know how it is to be 11 or 12, with all the freedom and restrictions, joy and pain it involves.  So when I write, I feel like that young person, and for a while  I become her.  I wake up to the smell of toast my mom is making, feel the pebbles through my runners, hear my bike’s tires on the road, taste the warm, ripe blackberries, see spooky shapes in the trees at night. 

Writing is the most exciting thing I do.  I’m never so alive, for such an extended period of time, as when I’m in my young protagonist’s body and mind, living her life.  That’s why I write.

Writing a Eulogy

My sister passed away, and it will be up to me to give a  eulogy at her memorial service.   I will be praising her for the important role she played in my life.  Twelve years my senior, she was a mentor as well as a sister.

I read what I had prepared to two friends today, and I broke down.  This is not what I wanted.  I hoped I could get through it without even a catch in my voice.  There are some funny stories, so there is balance.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can address the subject of her loss without becoming maudlin?  Your helpful advice would be very welcome.