Lee Roddy’s Blog

‘Dear Lee – I was Dave Talbott’s secretary for a few years in the late 70′s and early 80′s at Mount Hermon. At the

Writer’s Conferences, you were my favorite teacher.

For years I have quoted you when you said:

“You take care of the depth of your writing, and God will take care of the breadth.”

I have been writing for many years and always remember you.” ( Gloria Foster,  Riverton, Utah)

Author’s Reply: ‘ I”m emailing Gloria separately to thank her for this  comment sent to my website, but I want to add a note here for others who may read our words.

 I never cease to marvel how people from the past take the time to drop me a note that lets me know that something I taught years ago still resonates in their lives. Although I have been richly blessed in sales of my books, I am doubly enriched by those like Gloria who drop me a line indicating that my verbal teaching in writing seminars gave them something they can still quote these many years later. I thank all of you.

We are so enjoying reading the “Between Two Flags” series each evening. We just finished book 3…looking forward to beginning 4 tonight.

I purchased them years ago for our older 4 children (24 > 18) to read. They enjoyed them. Now I am reading them each evening to our two youngest children, 12 & 9. My husband doesn’t want me to read without him here to listen also.

We enjoy trying to figure out what will happen next in the lives of Gideon, Emily, and Nat. We live in VA, which is an added interest as well. My husband enjoys the historical/geographical content as well.

We started the Adventure series recently and just finished the first book a couple days ago. Its a fun family time. Thanks for the books

 My children are wondering if “Gideon” is a real person and these stories truly based on his journal? Anyway, just want to say we are enjoying them and to thank you!” –Esther Burton

Author’s response: I’m delighted that you’re enjoying my books. To answer your question: Gideon, his journal and all other characters in my novels are fictitious.

Mr. Roddy, My name is Megan and I am a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. I am just writing to let you know how much your Ladd Family Adventure Series means to me, especially The Legend of Fire.

I have lost count of the number of times I have read The Legend of Fire. It was one of my absolute favorite books growing up, and any time I wanted something to read and there wasn’t anything new around, it was always the first book I went back to.

I also have an old tattered collection of many of your other Ladd Family Adventure books, and I’ve even added a few shiny new ones in more recent years.

I really treasure your stories and the lessons they teach. These books are a true mix of adventure, family values and Christian morals, and are books I would love to see my own children read someday. Thank you, Megan McRae

I  am delighted to have permission to reprint the following copyrighted 2011 offer by Andrew Pudewa of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), publisher of  my nonfiction b-

—-

  “For these even more serious  about fiction — meaning writing whole books – Lee Roddy’s new “how to” will be jet fuel for your young novelist! In A GUIDE TO WRITING YOUR NOVEL, Mr. Roddy takes a student step by step through the process of conceiving, planning, drafting and refining a novel.

“With his great understanding of structure and suspense, Lee Roddy breaks down the huge idea of writing a novel into manageable, concrete components. This self-study guide will be of most help to the highly motivated young novelist-in-the-making.”

100%  MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

“If you don’t like this product or it doesn’t fit your child, we will give you a full refund. No questions asked!’——

Andrew is well known in home school circles for representing the highly-respected materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing.

* * *

The fact that Andrew feels such confidence in my book makes me feel very honored. LR

  “A Guide to Writing Your Novel”

and

“How to Write a Story”

Here are requests from Africa that could provide your children and Sunday school students with worth-while summer projects. That is to collect suitable used books to be sent to Zulu and other African tribal youngsters. Read attached applicable emails:

“As a child, I was a big fan of your (Ladd Family Adventure) books. Now I am helping out at a Missionary School, called Diepfontein Christian School in the Free State, South Africa. Their library is SO small with just 100 books and I was wondering if you could refer us to someone that would be prepared to donate us some books. We are grateful for second hand books. Would you know who sells your books here in South Africa? I would like to pursue it further, if that’s right with you.” (From Caroline Husslig.<callihus@gmail.com.)

LR: Caroline, I don’t know if anyone distributes my books in Africa, but I do know some of them are read in missionary schools catering to tribal people. I also am confident that caring American parents and children can accomplish this very worth-while summer activity.

Hi  Lee,

“The majority of the learners I deal with have grown up in a culture that doesn’t read, having been deprived of education during the Apartheid years. Your books are exciting, and clean, and always stimulate critical thinking. They inspire reading. I am now in the Tugela Ferry district, KwaZulu Natal. I wish you were on Facebook.” (From Nicky.  <nicoleend@co.ananzi.co.za_)

LR: Nicky, to find me on Facebook –in the search box, enter: Lee Roddy Author.

OUR LAST POST WAS FROM ANDREA. NOW HERE’ ARE HER MOTHER’S FOLLOW UP COMMENTS (IN PART ) DUE TO WORD COUNT LIMITATIONS.

Dear Mr. Roddy:

This is Andrea’s mother. I just wanted to thank you personally for the kind words you wrote to Andrea, and for taking the time to write to her! She was surprised and very happy to receive your letter – and very pleased to see you posted her letter on your website.

Your books have been a godsend for us. We “discovered” you as I was seeking curriculum for a creative writing course for Andrea. I was looking at CBD (Christian Book Distributors) to try to find something from a Christian perspective, as Andrea was just “schooled out” with her regular language arts textbook (mostly grammar exercises).

Andrea and I completed your How to Write a Story book recently, and she is now working on her first story, using the principles you outline in your book (she’s written stories over the years, but found they tended to ramble – your book is helpful in giving guidance and direction to both teacher and student!).

From thence we came across your fiction books for young people, and both my children have been enthralled with them. After a school year with minimal interest in free reading, they are devouring your books (and then having Dad read them additionally as bedtime stories!!).

MRS. SOMOGIE INCLUDED SOME PERTINENT VERSES FROM THE PSALMS

Dear Mr. Roddy,

 My name is Andrea. I am 12-years- old and I am home schooled. We were having trouble finding books that I would read until we came across your series. I have been reading your book, How to Write a Story with my Mom, and we decided to try some of your books.

 I am REALLY enjoying them. So is my little brother. I’ve already read the first book in the Ladd Family Adventure series, the American Adventure series, and the Between Two Flags series.

 My brother likes your D.J. Dillon books. I like history, so I especially enjoyed Cry of Courage. I can’t wait to read Where Bugles Call.

 I have a friend who is also an avid reader, and I’ve lent him one of your books as well. I want to thank you for writing so many good series for young readers.

Sincerely,

Andrea Somogie

P.S. Is the seventh book in your Between Two Flags series done? Thank you.

ANSWER: Not yet, Andrea. It’s totally outlined but writing is slow and careful. Lr

 177 words

New! Just released: “Burden of Honor,” #3 in my Civil War novels for teens and soon-to-be teens!

This action-packed story of a teenage girl from the North being charged as a spy against the South has just been re-published as an eBook by Amazon Kindle. Emily’s friends, Gideon and Nat, also become snared in the dramatic third novel of the popular “Between Two Flags” series about growing up during America’s terrible Civil War. Details on www.leeroddybooks.com.

More reader comments:

FROM DAVID:

 A very distinguished addition to this group of Facebook Friends. Parents everywhere will now have the opportunity to introduce one of their favorite authors to the next generation. Lee Roddy’s books are exciting, wholesome, adventurous reading for young people and adults, His how-to materials are must-reads for aspiring authors.

FROM CAROLINE

“As a child, I was a big fan of your books. Now I am helping out at a Missionary School, called Diepfontein Christian School in the Free State, South Africa. Their library is SO small with just 100 books and I was wondering if you could refer us to someone that would be prepared to donate us some books. We are grateful for second hand books.” Caroline.

LR: I urge anyone who can help meet Caroline’s need to promptly contract her. callihus@gmail.com

FROM RYAN WONG:

“Dear Lee Roddy, I’m in my early 20′s and have fond memories reading your books from when I was homeschooled as a child. My favorite series were the Ladd Family Adventures! Part of my roots are from the Hawaiian Islands, therefore I enjoyed learning about the cultural aspects you offered in your books. I also remember the many times the Ladd family relied on their faith in God to help them through the many trials they faced. I was very blessed and learned a lot of positive lessons about Christ’s love, faith and forgiveness! I still have those books and occasionally like to sit down and reread them and am saving them for when I have children of my own. Thank you and God bless you! RKW”

LR: Good news, Ryan! Mott Media has not only reprinted all 15 titles in this award-winning series, but also posted a list of retailers who sell these books. www.mottmedia.com

Feb. 20, 2012

“Dear Mr. Roddy I have only read the AMERICAN ADVENTURES series as of yet, but I am working on the series BETWEEN TO FLAGS. I just wanted to let you know that I love your books, and would like to tell you I am praying for you continually. Oh, and I wanted to ask you if the story of GIDEON TUGWELL is actually about you, or just fiction. I like the series either way; was just wondering. Forever your fan.”  (– Beth Mast)

 LR: Thanks for praying, Beth. May your tribe increase! Gideon is a creation of my imagination. Two of six novels in my BETWEEN TWO FLAGS Civil War series for teens are now available from Amazon Kindle. The fourth, BURDEN OF HONOR, is next out.

 “Hi! My name is Tessa Sorrell and I’m 13-years-old. I live on a farm in Missouri and am home schooled. I REALLY enjoyed your AMERICAN ADVENTURE series. I like HILDY, SPUD and RUBY.  I can’t wait to read your other series. Thanks for writing Christian books!”

 “My reluctant reader (11-years-old) starting reading the LADD FAMILY ADVENTURES series Wednesday around 3 p.m. He’s half-way through the second book already. He has never been so excited about reading.”  (Carrie Frederick Steil on Facebook)

 LR: I’m delighted about this. MOTT MEDIA has reprinted all 15 LADD titles plus my 10 D.J. DILLON ADVENTURES series Mott’s website also lists stores where these books are available.

 “Thank you for writing the book, A GUIDE TO WRITING YOUR NOVEL. I am going on 16 and have begun to write many books and I have had the exact problem that you describe in this book, I begin but never finish!! However with the help of this book I have learned how to plan my novels so that I have a road from point A to B. I did not see a place to make the pledge to finish my novel in one year but I am pledging now to finish it! Thank You.”   (M. Benner)

 “I did what you said and read the last chapter of your novel guide first. Here is my pledge to write a novel in one year. Today is 2-14-12. Thanks for writing this guide. You are a God-send.” (–Judy Speake)