Stacey Laatsch
Stacey Anderson Laatsch holds an M.A. in English and creative writing. Besides providing web content for Yahoo!, she blogs about travel, Illinois, and the writing life and is currently working on a novel for young adults.
For more about Stacey, visit her website at www.staceylaatsch.com
Read More »
For more about Stacey, visit her website at www.staceylaatsch.com
...
- Page Views
- 230,509
- Content
- 116
- Fans
- 89
- Contributor since
- 3/4/2009
Education/Experience
M.A., English and Creative Writing, University of Illinois at SpringfieldInterests
travel, books, book reviews, creative writing, novels, fiction, young adult literature, children s literature, television, movies, meditation, mindfulnessMotto
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." --Mark Twain
1
1
Displaying Results 1 - 116 (of 116) for Yahoo! Voices
-
Travel Illinois: Abraham Lincoln's Tomb and Oak Ridge Cemetery in SpringfieldVisit the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, the second-most visited cemetery in the U.S.
-
Top 5 Deadliest U.S. TornadoesLet the tragedies of these deadly tornadoes remind us to heed tornado warnings, take cover, and stay safe. -
Travel Illinois: Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center in SpringfieldWander through a restored prairie landscape and living tribute to President Abraham Lincoln on the shore of Lake Springfield.
-
Most Popular Children's and Young Adult Book Authors of 2010Which three children's and young adult authors were the most popular on USA Today's 2010 Bestsellers list? -
10 Bestselling Books of 2010 You've Already ForgottenThe label "bestseller" doesn't mean long-lasting success in the publishing world. Remember any of these #1 New York Times Bestsellers from 2010? -
Surprising Trends in Children's BooksBeyond vampires and dystopian settings, a few more-surprising trends showed up in children's books for 2010. -
Great Books for Keeping Common New Year's ResolutionsLose weight, quit smoking, or eliminate debt. Get information and support for keeping the most common New Year's resolutions with these books. -
Best Christmas Gift Books for KidsChristmas gift book ideas for kids 7-12, from picture books to early readers. -
5 Best Episodes of CommunityHitting its stride in its second season, "Community," starring Joel McHale and Chevy Chase, has become NBC's best Thursday night comedy. Watch these 5 best episodes of the series so far and find out why. -
Best Family Movies on Netflix Instant PlayDo you have a Netflix subscription? You can watch these family movies right now! -
"Dancing with the Stars," Voting for the ProsEach season, viewers learn more about the pro dancers of "Dancing With the Stars" and likely vote for them as often as they vote the celebrity contestants.
-
'The Office:' Who Will Replace Michael Scott?When Steve Carell leaves his role as the obnoxious but well-meaning manager Michael Scott on NBC's "The Office," a workplace full of possible replacements waits in anticipation.
-
What is Hint Fiction?: Hint Fiction Anthology Released and Contest Open in NovemberWriter Robert Swartwood coins the term "hint fiction" to describe a certain type of short story. An anthology of hint fiction is available by W.W. Norton, and a hint fiction contest is open in November. -
10 Best Horror Movies on Netflix Instant PlayDo you have a Netflix subscription? You can watch these horror movies right now!
-
NaNoWriMo: Useful Writing Experience or Simple Distraction?The quirkiest-named writing event is coming up once again, but does NaNoWriMo help motivate writers or is it merely a distraction? -
The Pretend GameHalloween flash fiction story: A little boy plays a pretend game on Halloween but fights a real monster. -
The Help Movie Cast: Who Will Play the Lead Roles?The Help, a movie based on Kathryn Stockett's bestselling novel, started filming in July 2010. Which actors are cast in the lead roles? -
Famous Authors I Want to See on Dancing with the StarsThe literary world has plenty of high-profile personalities, and readers would likely tune in to see these famous authors attempt at cha-cha or quick step.Also published on: -
'30 Rock' Live Episode Highlights'30 Rock' went live this week, and produced some very funny moments. -
10 TV Shows Based on BooksWith the number of TV shows based on books these days, books-to-TV may someday surpass the books-to-movies trend. -
Do-It-Yourself Graduate SchoolBlogger and "non-conformist" Chris Guillebeau suggests you skip graduate school in favor of independent study--an idea which led me to consider my own graduate degree in English and what a self-study course might include. -
'Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter' Movie to Release in 3D in 2012Bestselling novel 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' by Seth Grahame-Green will come to the big screen in 3D in 2012. -
Snooki the Latest in 'Jersey Shore' Cast to Sign Book Deal, Aspiring Authors Around the World Try Not to Break Keyboards Over Their HeadsThe Situation, J-Woww, Ronnie, and now Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi all have book deals--a hard pill to swallow for the thousands of aspiring authors without reality shows. -
Banned Books Week: What Exactly is a Challenged or Banned Book?Over four hundred books were challenged last year, according to the American Library Association, a statistic spotlighted during Banned Books Week each September. But what exactly does "challenging" or "banning" a book really mean?
-
"Meet Mitchell Morrison"A knock on the door leads to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. -
Obama's Children's Book Already a Bestseller on AmazonPresident Barack Obama's children's book 'Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters' will not release until November 16, 2010, but is already in the Top 25 of Amazon's bestselling children's books. -
10 Quick and Easy Vegetarian LunchesPeanut Butter & Co.'s new "PETA-butter" celebrates the 30th anniversary of PETA and the benefits of a non-meat lunch, but there are plenty of options to the ol' PB&J. -
Top 10 Time-Wasting Websites for WritersTop 10 time-wasting websites for writers (not you, of course) who want to put off work a little longer. -
Kyle Massey Stands Out and Surprises on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 11 PremiereDisney star Kyle Massey, the youngest of the Dancing With the Stars celebrity contestants, impresses judges with his Cha Cha in the Season 11 premiere. -
Why Fringe Has Become My Favorite TV ShowMonsters! Time Travel! Alternate universes! Since Lost finished its final season, Fox's sci-fi show Fringe has satisfied my craving for weird sci-fi and has quickly become my favorite must-see TV show. -
How Effective Are Book Trailers?Are you looking for a way to promote your book? Book trailers are increasing in popularity, but they can only be effective as a book promotion tool if certain criteria are met. -
Book Review: Packing for Mars by Mary RoachHumorist and science writer Mary Roach once again shows the lengths to which she will go in the name of research for her latest book on the particulars and absurdities of preparing for space flight. -
Most Overpriced Products We All Keep BuyingStill paying double digits for movie popcorn? Yeah, me too. And there are plenty more products consumers keep buying, despite ridiculously inflated prices. -
Should Kids Read Scary Books?Should parents keep their children from reading scary books like the Goosebumps series or the original Grimm's fairy tales? Or are the scary books that kids love actually good for them? -
Best Scary Books for KidsSpooky reading for kids ages 9-12. -
2010 New Fall Book PreviewA rock-and-roll icon's biography, an Irish tragicomedy set in a boy's prep school, plus a whole lot of new blockbusters and series installments from your favorite bestselling authors. -
Best September 11 BooksNo conspiracy theories here, just comprehensive and thoughtful books about the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. -
Better Book Titles: The Blog that Makes it Easier to Judge a Book by Its CoverComedian Dan Wilbur cuts through the lengthy book reviews and ambiguous back- jacket blurbs, and gives readers a succinct summary of a book front and center where it belongs--the title. -
Celebrities Who Turned Down Dancing with the StarsThe cast of the Season 11 of Dancing With the Stars has been announced, but which celebrities passed on an offer to appear on the popular reality dancing show? -
Who Should Play Katniss in the Hunger Games Movie?Although still in development, fans are already posting their opinions on which actress should play the female heroine, Katniss Everdeen, in The Hunger Games movie. -
5 Books to Read When You Feel BrokeA memoir, a social experiment, a true story, a classic novel, and a spiritual guide'"five very different books, but each with distinct ideas that might inspire inner wealth and wisdom in these troubled financial times. -
Mockingjay Review: The Hunger Games Come to an EndSuzanne Collins gives readers a satisfying, and tragic, conclusion to The Hunger Games Trilogy -
Top Ten Highest Paid Authors: What Do They Have in Common?Despite downturn in the economy and turmoil in the publishing industry over the ebook revolution, these ten authors managed to make a combined $270 million last year. What are the similarities between authors with this level of financial success? -
Barnes & Noble for SaleBarnes and Noble announced in early August 2010 that the company is for sale. What led the nation's largest bookstore chain to put itself up for sale, and what does this mean for book enthusiasts? Are bookstores becoming a thing of the past? -
Most Popular EBook AuthorsJames Patterson, Stieg Larsson, and Charlaine Harris are just a few of the bestselling authors whose eBooks are most downloaded from booksellers and public libraries. -
Ebooks Outsell Hardback Books on AmazonAmazon announces ebook sales for Kindle have outsold hardback books on their site for the past three months, and they claim this trend is accelerating.
-
3 Best Ways to Find a Good BookLooking for a good book? Forget generic book recommendation search engines or "You Might Also Like This" suggestions on bookseller web sites. For your next great read, try these more personal approaches. -
Fiction Writers: How to Start Your First BlogKeeping a blog isn't an advantage to aspiring fiction writers in the 21st century--it's a professional necessity. -
Oprah Biography: Kitty Kelley "Aims for the Jugular" Says New York Times Review"Oprah: A Biography" releases tomorrow, and reviewers are already criticizing Kitty Kelley's gossipy brand of unauthorized, tell-all biography. -
Degree in English Prepared Me for Jobs in Editing, Teaching, and WritingIn 2004, I completed an M.A. in English. Have I joined the ranks of famous English majors such as Conan O'Brien or Steven Spielberg? Alas, no. Nevertheless, my English degree has led me to several fulfilling career experiences so far. -
New Harry Potter Book "Maybe" Says Author J.K RowlingWhile reading at the White House Easter Egg Hunt last Sunday, J.K. Rowling answered children's questions and admitted she might like to write more about Harry Potter someday. -
Keith Richards Autobiography, Life, and His "Secret Longing" to Be a LibrarianIn his autobiography, available in October 2010, Keith Richards will reveal some surprising details about his life, including his lifelong love of reading and his extensive private library. -
Twilight Novella: Stephenie Meyer to Publish Free Online Ebook, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, Available June 2010Stephenie Meyer offers fans an unexpected addition to the Twilight Saga. -
Blogs into Books: How Long Will the Trend Last?Major publishing houses are offering more and more book deals to bloggers. But will readers continue to buy a printed version of content they prefer to read online? -
The Help Movie: The Bestselling Novel by Kathryn Stockett Soon to Be a Major Motion PictureAuthor Kathryn Stockett is excited to have childhood friend Tate Taylor bring her best-selling novel The Help to the big screen. -
Literary Agent Blogs: The Top 5 Blogs Writers Should Be FollowingThese literary agents share inside secrets on the business of writing and publishing--a goldmine for aspiring writers.
-
The Help by Kathryn Stockett: Best of the New York Times Bestsellers ListWhat to read from this week's New York Times Bestsellers List: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
-
ABC's Dancing with the Stars Season 10 Cast: To Be Announced March 1st on the Bachelor FinaleWhich celebrities will compete for Dancing With the Stars Season 10's mirror ball trophy? -
Where to Find the Best Travel Books OnlineWhether you are planning your next trip or just a devoted armchair traveler, find the best travel books online to research your destination. -
Guide to the Best Lost Web sitesSpoilers, recaps, games, video extras...half the fun of watching Lost is going online after each episode to discuss theories and try to figure out what the heck it all means. -
Book Review: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan MealerA young man takes responsibility for his own education and the welfare of his family and community in this inspirational memoir.
-
10 Best Movies Set in HawaiiNeed to get away? Take a tropical vacation any time of year by watching one of these movies set in the islands of Hawaii. Some are classics, others guilty pleasures, but all will put you in the Hawaiian mood. -
10 Valentine's Day Gift BooksBooks make a thoughtful gift any time of year. This Valentine's Day, give your valentine a romantic gift book, an expression of your love that can be treasured for many years to come.
-
What is New Adult Literature?With the rising popularity of young adult literature, the publishing industry begins to target an even more specific age group: teenagers to twenty-somethings, or "New Adults."
-
How to Storyboard a Novel, Memoir, or ScreenplayStoryboarding-breaking down and outlining a story's major acts and scenes-can serve to organize and advance any large fiction-writing project, including novels, memoirs, and screenplays. -
Anya Meets Mr. YesTerror finally found Anya. Or did she seek it willingly? -
Book Review: My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up by Russell BrandBritish comedian Russell Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) has written an engaging, open, and articulate memoir, a standout amongst the surplus of celebrity memoirs in book stores today.
-
The Best Classic Horror NovelsHalloween is the time to indulge in scary movies, but the season of fright is also the perfect time to revisit these classic literary tales of horror.
-
Book Review: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine HoweJust in time for the fall season, Katherine Howe offers another fictional take on witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials. Following the basic bestseller formula, it's a fun book to curl up with on a chilly autumn day, but not much more than that.
-
A Guide to Halloween Haunted Houses and Haunted Tours Around Springfield, IllinoisExplore the haunted places around central Illinois with this guide to Halloween Haunted Houses and Haunted Tours in the Springfield area, including Auburn, Rochester, Petersburg, Sullivan, Decatur, and Jacksonville.
-
Top 5 Websites for New Fiction WritersThese websites and blogs offer "new" writers at every level of age and experience a chance to keep current with the writing and publishing industry, while also providing a boost of inspiration and encouragement.
-
Book Review: The Magicians by Lev GrossmanAn uneven, yet entertaining, attempt at combining the fantasy genre with the classic coming-of-age novel.
-
Book Review: When You Reach Me by Rebecca SteadA clever time-travel mystery for middle-grade readers.
-
How to Write Your First Research PaperDoes the thought of writing a research paper terrify and overwhelm you? Have you never written a research paper before at all? Relax, follow these steps, and you'll be turning in that research paper in no time.
-
Best Paranormal TV ShowsTelevision today is heavily scheduled with shows set in realities beyond the natural world. Which current television programs featuring the paranormal are the most entertaining?
-
"A Word for Her"Some people hold an overwhelming presence, one that is difficult for others to describe.
-
Does Facebook Make Cheating Easier?Reconnecting with old acquaintances on Facebook is easy and fun, but does it make cheating easier for those who might be tempted? -
5 Tricks to Fight Writer's BlockIn a writing rut? These exercises are meant to take the pressure off writing and boost your creativity.
-
7 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read This SummerDo you want your kids to read more this summer? Follow these tips for a One-Book-A-Week reading challenge to encourage your kids, whether they are younger, middle, or older readers, to enjoy reading independently.
-
Book Review: The Book of Story Beginnings by Kristin KladstrupAdults who skip the children's section when browsing for new reading material miss out on some of the most enjoyable reading available today, including this adventure tale by Kristin Kladstrup.
-
Book Review: Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, by Mary RoachMary Roach's humorous writing style, not necessarily the stimulating subject matter, makes this book about science and sexuality an entertaining read.
-
Best Way to Calm Your Dog During a ThunderstormExtra love and attention may seem like the natural way to calm your pet when he's scared, but it's not. Read on to find out why, and learn the best method to calm a frightened dog.
-
Book Review: Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea HandlerComedian Chelsea Handler serves a cocktail of odd anecdotes and wicked humor in this book of essays based on her life.
-
Surviving the economy forces a writer to follow her dreamWhen my husband left his sales job in the declining construction industry to return to school, I needed a job. I didn't find one. But I did find ways to survive our financial setback, and the courage to follow my dream.
-
Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoAs a spiritual guide, Paulo Coehlo's parable of a young shepherd boy who seeks hidden treasure in the pyramids of Egypt offers no new ideas, but presents the story of a spiritual journey with fresh perspective and vibrant storytelling.
-
Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie BarrowsIf you love all things literary, overlook the goofy title and read this post-WWII era novel-in-letters. -
Book Review: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver RelinThe true story of Greg Mortenson's efforts to build elementary schools in remote parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is, no surprise, an inspirational read. -
Unemployed? Alternatives to Finding a New Job in a Bad EconomyAfter losing a job, some might consider starting a business, working freelance, or continuing their education, but are any of these alternatives preferable in today's struggling economy? -
Book Review: Life of Pi by Yann MartelThe story of sixteen-year-old Pi Patel, who survives a sinking ship only to be trapped in a lifeboat with a 450-pound Bengal tiger. -
The #1 Reason I Write for Associated Content...And The #1 DrawbackThis writer finds Associated Content a place to practice her craft and network with other writers, but at what cost to her fiction writing? -
Best 5 Summer Jobs for Graduate StudentsDepending on their goals, grad students might want a summer job to get a jump on their career, give back to the community, or just take a break from their studies. -
Travel Illinois: Free Abraham Lincoln Sites in SpringfieldThe Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the newest addition to the Lincoln sites in Springfield, Illinois, but it's also the most expensive. Here are the Lincoln sites visitors can enjoy for free. -
Book Review:The House at Riverton by Kate MortonFans of historical novels featuring English society, family secrets, love affairs and Edwardian manor houses will find Kate Morton's The House at Riverton a satisfying read. -
Tips for Taking a Business Writing Course OnlineIf you are pursuing an online business degree, or completing an online course in business writing to advance your career, these tips will help you enjoy the advantages, and meet the challenges, of online education.
-
Gardening Supplies: Top 10 Essential Garden Hand ToolsPlanting a garden this year? Make sure you have these ten essential garden hand tools before you begin. -
Farmers' Markets in Central Illinois: Organic Foods, Gourmet Pastries, Crafts, and MoreFor an exciting selection of the best organic produce, gourmet foods, music, and crafts that central Illinois has to offer, visit a farmers' market this summer.
-
Muckross House, Killarney National Park, IrelandPhotos from the grounds of Muckross House, built in 1843, now a part of the Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland. -
Mother's Day Gifts that Cost NothingYou love your mother...but you're broke. What options do you have for Mother's Day gifts? Plenty! Consider these priceless gifts. They won't cost you a penny.
-
Five Classic Books Your Teenager Should Read This SummerThese classic novels frequently make the summer reading lists of schools across the country, but even more importantly, they are exciting tales your teenager will enjoy reading.
-
Foods that Improve Your SkinA change in your diet may improve the look and feel of your skin. If you have one of these common skin conditions, try including more of these top foods for your skin. -
The Best Foods that Keep You Feeling FullYou felt stuffed after lunch, but two hours later you're eying the vending machine. Next time, include these foods in your meal to keep you feeling full longer. -
Top Ten Low-Fat Snacks on the GoIf you need to keep up your energy while you're out and about, try one of these top ten healthy snacks for on the go. -
Book Review: Peak by Roland SmithCommentary on author Roland Smith's novel of a fourteen-year-old boy's attempt to become the first person to the top of Mt. Everest. -
Budget Cooking: Basic Spaghetti SauceWhy spend money on jars of spaghetti sauce when this homemade version is so simple, delicious, and affordable? -
Fantasy Real Estate Listings Around the WorldReal Estate options are unlimited for those with unlimited financial resources, of course. Here are a few of the possibilities on the market today.
-
Low-Cost Ideas to Keep the Kids Busy This SummerHere are 10 low-cost ideas for keeping kids busy during the long summer months. -
Fun for Kids: Homemade NoodlesMaking noodles from scratch is an inherently kid-friendly activity: it's messy, it's yummy, and it's easy! Try this method for making homemade egg noodles with your children. -
Fun for Kids: Homemade NoodlesPhotos to accompany "Fun for Kids: Homemade Noodles" article. -
5 Classic Books You Should Read This SummerWhy keep classic novels in the library? Here are five page-turners, perfect for reading by the pool. Oh, and they happen to be "classics."
-
Best Books on Creative WritingEncouraging and inspirational books on creative writing for the days when writing feels impossible. -
Creative Graduation Gift Ideas for Every BudgetLooking for creative graduation gift ideas for the special graduate in your life? These suggestions for high school graduation gifts and college graduation gifts go beyond the traditional gift ideas, taking all budgets into account.
-
Consumer Review: Does the MiracleSuit Work?This consumer tried on three styles of the MiracleSuit to see if the brand lived up to its claim. The short answer? Yes, it does. But read the full story before you run out and buy one.
-
3 Simple Meditations for Home or WorkStressed out? Try these three simple meditation techniques, no experience required.
-
Travel Ireland: Killarney for FamiliesTips for traveling to Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland with children. -
How to Be a Writer in 3 (not-so-easy) StepsDo you want to be a writer? Having trouble getting started? Follow these three steps, and you will be on your way to success. But be warned: these steps may not be easy. -
Classic 80s Movies: GhostbustersGhostbusters is a classic 80's movie featuring three comedy superstars, a standard 80's pop theme song, and dialogue we're still quoting 25 years later.