Robyn Opie

"Show don't tell" is one of the most basic tenets that writers are urged to follow. Yet novice writers often break this rule. But it's not that simple - sometimes telling is justified to introduce background, smooth transitions between scenes or introduce bad guys so that readers don't identify with them. In most fictional genres, the author tries to get the reader emotionally psychologically involved in the story through showing that the fictional world is real and making them care about the main character so they feel they are participating personally. Showing is active, which makes readers feel more engaged, whereas telling is passive, which makes readers react in a ho-hum fashion so they are less engaged. This book started life as a masterclass, but the amount of work got so great that it was turned into a book.

In this book, the author shows how 'Show, Don’t Tell' relates to the various genres, characters, dialogue, conflict and plot progression. And how it can be used in short stories as well as novels. It concludes with two good recaps:

a. A summary of all the points concerning showing and telling, which is a welcome addition to any writer’s tools.

b. A reviewer’s perspective, which lists the elements that are important from a reviewer who is also a writer - another reinforcement of the above.

Overall, the book is useful to novice writers or those who feel they need to strengthen their writing.… (mer)

This is like DOAWK without the slapstick and a deeper message. Set in U.S.A, Quinn is in grade 5 an ordinary boy in an ordinary world where his classmates are of diverse ethnicity and he is being bullied by the local pastor's son Matt. Into Quinn's world comes a new girl Neally who shows Quinn about tolerance and finding the good in everybody, looking at perspective and the large world around them. Comic relief is given in the form of Quinn's younger sister Mickey who ends up with a multicoloured skinhead due to putting paint in her hair, and brings a dead mouse in a jar to show and tell. Illustrated. There is also a strong environmental message with the kids in Quinn's class cleaning up a local park in an effort to win a community prize! They don't win and I liked this because it wasn't a "cinderella story" but the whole book instead seems very true to life. Delightful short read on friendship and finding yourself.… (mer)

Life was once again a joy for Maya. Her Mexican adventure had taught her to make the most of the present. Disaster could strike at any moment and take away all that was precious. Determined to live without fear, Maya and her friend Grace went full steam ahead with what they wanted to do. This outlook led the girls to make ready for their first fire ceremony.

Maya had told her friend about the Mayan Indians outlook on life. She explained that in a previous life she, Maya, was a Mayan Elder. Grace was not yet convinced this was the case, but went along with the idea to humour Maya. After lighting the fire, Maya sees a crystal skull appear in the flames. This startles her as she knows it’s a sign of trouble.

Robyn Opie Parnell has penned a fine follow-on to “Maya and the Crystal Skull”. The second book gives a deeper insight into the spirit world of the Mayans. Robyn has used simple terms to explain details of the Mayan belief system to young readers.

Ethan, Maya’s spiritual guide, is reintroduced in a new prologue. The details allow those who have not read the first book an understanding of why Ethan is in the story. Readers of the first book will gain a deeper insight into Ethan’s character.

Maya and trouble are great partners, a fact reinforced in her new adventure. The internet, the British Museum and characters Lettisha, Weeding Girl and Christian impact on Maya in ways she couldn’t foresee. Kidnapped by Lettisha, Maya finds herself in a life and death struggle.

Deeds in our past, both good and bad, can never be undone. So it is with Maya, her efforts to protect the crystal skulls at Kohunlich backfire. She thought the skulls would remain safe but fate decided otherwise. To find out why, you must read “Maya and the Daring Heist”.

Robyn Opie Parnell has once again proved she’s a writer of worth. I recommend “Maya and the Daring Heist” as a must read. It’s well-crafted and a fine example of “Showing”. An attribute many self-published titles for young readers in today’s cluttered market lack.… (mer)

Gary has three problems at school, Buzz Wilson, Lee Wang and Mr Pittman. Buzz and Lee make Gary’s school life hell. They never cease to seek out ways to embarrass and harass him. Bullies, it seems to Gary, never fight fair or lack imagination when it comes to finding ways to torture him.

Mr Pittman makes life in the classroom dull. History is a subject that Gary finds uninspiring, that is until he comes up with a plan to raise his profile amongst his fellow students. Mr Pittman loves history and stories about Bushranger Willy. Gary knows that to fake anything about Bushranger Willy would lead to trouble. So he decides to make a fake treasure map to play a joke on Mr Pittman, and win favour with the class.

Gary makes up a plot that he hopes will whet Mr Pittman’s history appetite. Working on the map in secret, Gary is proud of his creation. He can hardly contain his eagerness when the class discovers the map. But not all goes to plan and he has to use his wits like never before to escape the chaos that follows.

Robyn Opie has penned a tale that all children will relate to. Bullies in the playground and seeking peer approval are part of growing up. Adults that read this story will find themselves transported back to their early years. The story is action packed with many twists and turns that always entertain.

“Best Joke Ever”, shows that Robyn has strengthened her ability to write a story that entertains. I recommend this book to those children who seek an adventure when they read. They will not be disappointed.… (mer)