The 2010 Muse Online Writer's Conference

Mark your calendars! We now know the dates for the 2010 Muse Online Writer's Conference. The conference will be held the week of October 11-17, 2010 and...the conference is FREE!

The conference is made up of workshops and question and answer sessions. These cover every genre of writing from poetry to erotica to writing for children. You can also take workshops covering web site management, humor, grammer, promoting your book and much more!

The workshops are held in private message boards and are open 24/7 during this time. It's held this way so anyone, no matter what their schedule or time zone, can attend. The workshops are always run by experienced presenters. In most of these workshops you'll have daily assignments. In others you get valuable information. Actually, you get valuable information in all of the workshops. You can take as many or as little of the workshops as you wish. I've heard that some take twelve to fourteen of them. I couldn't do that! I'm glad what we take is up to us.

There are also Question & Answer sessions held in chatrooms on the Muse Online Conference page. These Q&A sessions are in real time. You'll be told which chat room which session is in and where it's at. These sessions are held by experts too and again the information is valuable!

Lea Schizas (creator of the Muse Conference) starts sending out information in September. We'll recieve the schedules to choose our chats and workshops from them. Be sure to get extra printer paper and ink since these schedules are huge! You'll recieve information almost daily during September.

I mentioned befor that the conference is free. It is! You can donate if you wish. Just like in church, how much you donate (if you decide to) and how much is completely up to you. You donate through PayPal on the conference homepage.

On the last day of the conference, there is always a farewell party. This isn't mandatory either. These are always a lot of fun. At the 2009 party we had dancing elephants in tutus there! Also, it doesn't matter how long you attend the party. At my first year there, I was so tired by the end of the week I was only able to stay for fifteen minutes. I kept falling asleep at my computer! I made it for 1/2 hour this year before I had to say my goodbyes.

If your interested in attending the 2010 Muse Online Conference, you can register at: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/2010MuseConferenceRegistration. When you register to put your email settings on individual email. This was you won't miss any imformation.

I hope to see you at the 2010 Muse Online Writer's Conference next year!

The Importance of Networking

I learned at the Muse Online Writers Conference how important it is for an author or aspiring author to network. It's such an important part of being a writer. Why? I know of three reasons:
1. To get your name out there and promote yourself before your
published. Both of these are very important!
2. We learn a lot from each other when we network. Not only that but you can make some pretty good friends this way!
3. The face of publishing is changing and it's changing fast! It's our
job to keep up with it. Not all publishers promote and market
you and your book anymore.

Now, I can hear you asking, "I'm new to this. Where can I network?" I know of several places that you can sign up for. All but one of these places are FREE! Just sign up, make out your profile and add some friends. You'll be suprised where these connections will lead you!

One of the first places I ever signed up for was Jacketflap http://www.jacketflap.com/. Jacketflap is a social networking site for children's authors. After that I was invited to be a member of Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/. Goodreads is a website devoted to readers, writers no matter if you write for children or adults!

I've foun two children's authors and illustrators groups on Facebook. I belong to one, run by Simon Rose, that I think is great! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/ and join. I was hesitant about joining Facebook at first but believe me it doesn't bite. You'll be suprised at who all is on there! After you've joined Facebook, just go to the searchbox in the upper right hand corner. Search 'Children's Authors And Illustrators On Facebook.' There are listings for three of them. Simon's group is the first one listed. I haven't checked out the others yet.

I'm fairly new to Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ so I haven't checked out any of the groups there. I have sent out some 'tweets.' To be honest with you I'm still trying to figure out how to use this site!

Has anybody tried MySpace http://www.myspace.com/? I'm still trying to get the nerve up to try this one. I did make it to their homepage once! I've heard that it's a great place for children's authors to go. I know I'll wind up there just because of that reason!

They say that LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/ is another good place to network. I looked at it and you have to be a professional something or another. I'm neither so that lets me out!

The ning groups. These are great! There are so many groups devoted to so many things. Of course, I'm in the writing groups and the anything to do with writing groups. There are children's writing groups in these ning groups too! Each group has other groups that you can join. That group has other groups to join and it goes on and on. When you make friends in a ning group, don't be suprised to recieve an invitation to join another group (possibly created by your friend)! When you get an invitation to join another group it will have a description of the group so that you can choose. So, where do you start in the world of ning? I started at Cold Coffee http://coldcoffee.ning.com/. In Cold Coffee you will find links to some other groups including one for children's writers.

I think that any children's writers site that has chat or a discussion board would be a good place to network. For example, Verla Kay's website.

We can't forget S.C.B.W.I. http://www.scbwi.org/. For an annual fee you get everything they have to offer including the discussion boards!

I suppose there are thousands of other sites out there that I don't know about yet. Does anyone know of anymore networking sites that I can add to my list?

Children's
Publishing
Blog Reader


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Angeline Jellybean

Deb: Today we have author, Crystalee Calderwood joining us. Welcome, Crystalee! I'm so happy to have you here. Will you tell us about 'Angeline Jellybean'?

Crystalee: Angeline Jellybean is my first picture book, published last year by 4RV Publishing. It is the story of a little girl named Angeline who asks for nothing but jellybeans for every holiday all year long. Finally, when she gets her wish, she realizes that there's too much of a good thing. It is a concept book with multiple layers: nutrition, colors and holidays.

Deb: What ages is the picture book for?

Crystalee: I think this book makes a good read-aloud book for the youngest kids. Independent readers through early elementary school children will love it too.

Deb: Does Angeline have a favorite color of jellybean?

Crystalee: Angeline loves all colors of jellybeans, but her absolute favorite is red. These days she eats very few jellybeans. She likes salads and broccoli more. Angeline thinks if broccoli was red, more kids would eat it. (Angeline is also waiting for someone to interview her instead of her creator so she can tell the world all about her red broccoli idea.)

Deb: How long did it take you to write your picture book?

Crystalee: I wrote this book as part of a picture book writing class I was taking at the time. Our assignment was to write a picture book under 500 words. Writing the book itself didn't take long at all. It just came to me, rhymes and all. It was going back and making sure the rhymes worked and the story flowed well that was the hard part!

Deb: Angeline seems like she's a feisty girl who knows her own mind! Did you base her on anyone you know?

Crystalee: *laughs* I guess Angeline is mostly based on me. She should probably be a redhead. But I like to say that Angeline is also based on every average little girl who knows what she wants! I think I went through that phase at some point.

Deb: Do you have a website where we can learn more about you?

Crystalee: Yes! My blog is http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com/ and my website (pardon the dust, it's under construction) is http://crystaleecalderwood.bravehost.com/. You can also look up my author page on Goodreads or Library Thing.

Deb: Where can we purchase 'Angeline Jellybean'?

Crystalee: Angeline can be purchased on Amazon.com or from 4RV Publishing. You should also be able to get the book by going to your local bookstore and asking for it. Bookstores are usually willing to order a copy for you of any book you want!

Also, ask at your local library if they'd be willing to carry a copy. Bring in your own copy to show them. Every little thing you can do helps Angeline travel around the country!

CONTEST: HELP ANGELINE SEE THE WORLD!!!

Angeline has informed Crystalee that she is tired of living on the farm and wants to see the world! She's said she's heard that Ocean City has some great salt water taffy, Hershey Pennsylvania has the best chocolate, and she can't wait to get her hands on some Turkish delight!

Crystalee promised Angeline she'd help her try as many sweet treats as possible. To achieve her goal, she must visit as many of you as possible! Here's how you can help:

1)If you've already purchased a copy of Angeline JellyBean, let Crystalee know what city or state you live in, and what candies Angeline has tried there in a comment on this blog entry. If you haven't purchased Angeline Jellybean yet, what are you waiting for? Angeline is hungry for new types of candy. There are several ways you can buy the book:

*Order it on Amazon.com.

*Order it from the publisher, 4RV Publishing.

*Go to your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy for you.

Once you order Angeline Jellybean, leave a comment on Crystalee's blog listing what city or state and what candy your going to give Angeline. Post your message by August 13, 2009 and you could win a prize!

Now here's the fun part! On or after August 15, 2009, Crystalee will choose one person at random to recieve a very special prize of jellybeans from JellyBelly.com!

Good luck! Let's hope that Angeline doesn't get sick from eating all this candy!

Deb: Thanks for joining us Crystalee! I'll be sure to enter your contest right away. Be sure to check out my review for Angeline Jellybean by clicking on the stack of books in the upper left hand corner of this page!

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All The Stillness Of The Wind

TITLE: All The Stillness Of The Wind
AUTHOR: Donald James Parker
PUBLISHER: Sword Of The Spirit Publishing
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 212
PRICE: $10.00
ISBN-10: 061520810x
ISBN-13: 9780615208107

Eighteen-year-old Jeremy is on a journey but it's not a road trip. He's been attending church lately with his girlfriend, Maria and wonders about all the different religions in this world. He also questions which one is the true religion. Thus begins Jeremy and Maria's quest.

Through reading both the internet, many books on the different religions and with Maria's help, Jeremy discovers that Christianity is the one true religion. Now, Jeremy is faced with another question. Which denomination is true to Christianity? After all, there are so many!

Jeremy turns again to the internet and more books for answers. Confusion sets in when he finds that some ministers have turned their backs on Christianity and are now atheists.

Jeremy and Maria spend New Years Eve at church so they can ring in the New Year together. After midnight, the youth group decides to attend a New Years' after-party. Little do Jeremy and Maria know but the New Year is going to begin with a bang! On their way, they're in a terrible car accident that leaves Maria in a coma.

Why did God let this happen? Jeremy's question is answered when Maria has a miraculous recovery just a few days later.

The doctors are astounded since it's not medically possible for someone, in the shape Maria was in, to recover from a coma completely unscathed. Their only explanation for it is a miracle.

At first, I was a little put off by the links to Christian websites throughout the book. After wondering "why", the answer slowly dawned on me. They are for any reader who has the same questions that Jeremy does. These links give the reader a starting point for his journey.

I loved this book! 'All The Stillness Of The Wind' should be not only in every church library but in every personal library as well.

To learn more about Mr. Parker, visit his website at: http://www.donaldjamesparker.com. If you would like to purchase this book, visit: http://www.donaldjamesparker.com/sOSProducts.aspx.





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The Marketing Bump

Have you ever submitted an article or story only to have it rejected? You had everything just perfect. You followed the writer's guidelines but you were rejected anyway! Why?

Did you study their writers guidelines? This is so important! In the guidelines the publisher states the theme of the magazine or book. They will state how many words they want and what the age of their readers are. They will tell you also give you a time-line for submitting seasonal works (Christmas, Easter, back-to-school,etc.). They will also tell you if the publisher wants the whole manuscript, a sample of your work or a query letter.

A marketing publication are loaded with markets (both book and magazines) and will supply the address to send for the writer's guidelines. Your marketing publication book will give you the name of your contact person, their website address, their phone or fax numbers and their email addresses. Now, most publishers have an online presence which is even better. This saves you money which is so important to all of us!

I've found two some outstanding marketing publications to help you on your marketing quest. They are: CHILDREN'S WRITER'S AND ILLUSTRATORS MARKET edited by Alice Pope and MAGAZINE MARKETS FOR CHILDREN'S WRITERS from the Institute of Children's Literature. Also you can't forget CHILDREN'S WRITER http://www.childrenswriter.com. If you're like me and step out of your comfort zone to write the occasional item for adults, WRITER'S MARKET is a must have!

What if you can't purchase these? Not to worry since your local library has these plus more publications!

Here are some links where you can find children's markets. KIDS MAGAZINE WRITERS http://www.kidmagwriters.com. This is a great site that keeps up on the markets. I have to mention CHILDREN'S WRITER http://www.childrenswriter.com again. Not only do they keep you up-to-date on publishing trends but they're loaded with markets for both books and magazines! You get a free issue to keep before you subscribe. The Institute of Children's Literature http://www.institutechildrenslit.com have market books (for both magazine and books) that I mentioned above in their bookstore.

Once you find the market you're looking for, send for a sample copy of the magazine or a book catalogue. Your market publications will supply the addresses. If you're writing for magazines, you can buy one at your local bookstore. This will save you money! Even better, see if they have them at your local library and study them there. These samples or catalogues show exactly the kind of story the publisher wants and the style of writing they prefer.

If you're sending for the magazine/book catalogue, request a copy of their writer's guidelines. When you recieve them study them closely and follow them to the letter! Even if your not sending for a sample magazine or book catalogue, you can still request the writer's guidelines. The guidelines are free! All you have to supply is a self addressed, stamped envelope with your request for the return mail.

Keep on writing!




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An Interview With Penny Lockwood

We’re going do something a bit different on The Bumpy Road. We’re going to have our first interview with children’s author, Penny Lockwood.

Ms. Lockwood has published more than 75 articles, 50 stories, two e-books, and a chapbook. Her stories have been included in two anthologies. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications. Penny’s non-fiction has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting and young adult magazines as well as online publications. She not only writes for children but occasionally steps out of her comfort zone to write for adults.

Welcome, Ms. Lockwood! This is a story just about any kid can relate to. Would you tell us about ‘Ghost For Rent?’
Wendy Wiles is eleven years old when her mom and dad decide to separate. Unable to maintain their luxurious high rise Portland city apartment, Wendy’s mom moves to a small rural community with her two children, Wendy and Mike. They rent an old farm house which soon proves to be haunted. Wendy is the first to realize the ghosts are trying to communicate something to her and it becomes her quest to find out what happened. With the help of her friend, Jennifer, Wendy searches for clues to the mystery. Older brother, Mike, an arch tease, at first torments Wendy about the ghosts, but finally even he is drawn into the search.

What gave you the idea for ‘Ghost For Rent?’
The area in which I live has had several ghost sightings. A former neighbor divorced and moved to an old farm house several roads away. When she told me she heard piano music in the middle of the night and found a ghostly specter playing, I knew there was a story to be told. I wanted it to be a kid’s story, since it was a young boy playing the piano. I also thought a mystery would be fun. My own older brother was a bit of a tease, as older brothers can be, so naturally Wendy’s brother had to tease her. When I started the novel, I wasn’t sure how it would end, but the characters led me to the conclusion.

I love the character, Wendy! Her mom constantly tells her that there’s no such thing as a ghost. Wendy sticks to her guns insisting they’re real! Where did you get the idea for her?
I was a pretty stubborn kid, so I guess she’s partly me. I believed in ghosts (still do!) when I was young, and many people told me “there’s no such thing as ghosts.” I also raised my daughter to be an independent thinker, so I wanted that for Wendy as well. She’s a composite of several different people including my daughter, a few of her friends, and myself.

Where did you discover John and Ruth?
John was the name I gave to the young ghost boy who played piano at my friend’s rental house. I had to decide how he died and created Ruth and her boyfriend to add depth to the story. I love a little romance in my stories and it was the perfect way to tie everything together.

Does Wendy ever prove to her mom that ghosts are real?
By the end of the story, Mom grudgingly agrees that something is going on. She doesn’t quite accept the ghosts, but the evidence is strong. She has believed for so long that ghosts don’t exist, that it’s hard for her. I think that there are some people who never will believe in the existence of ghosts, no matter what they might see or what is proven through scientific methods.

‘Ghost For Rent’ seems to have a mystery to it. Wendy, Jennifer and Mike have to solve the mystery of how the ghost or ghosts died before they can help them. Will you tell us a little of how they do this?
I don’t want to give away too much, but they have help from the ghosts and they do a lot of research on their own. Ruth is especially helpful, appearing to Wendy and offering clues as to what happened The kids are very determined to help the ghosts and don’t give up although the adults are clearly telling them “there’s no such thing as ghosts.”

May I ask one more question before you leave? Where can we find out more about you or purchase ‘Ghost For Rent?’
I have a blog where you can find information about me in the ‘about me’ section. My blog is at: http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com. You can purchase ‘Ghost For Rent’ at: http://store.fictionwise.com/serlet/mw?t=book&bi=8656&si=42 or http://ebooks.ebookmall.com/ebook/114776-ebook.htm.

Thank you, Penny, for joining us today!
Thanks for having me here with you Deb. You asked some thought provoking questions, and it’s been my pleasure visiting with you!




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Troy The Boy Dachshund

TITLE: Troy The Boy Dachshund
AUTHOR: Vanessa Seddon
ILLUSTRATOR: Riann Nel
PAGES: 40
PRICE: $8.99
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Children
PUBLISHER: Marcom cc
ISBN-10: 0620416521
ISBN-13: 9780620416528



This is an adorable story of Troy, a black dachshund puppy. It comes to us from first time author, Vanessa Seddon. Ms. Seddon has written Troy The Boy Dachshund as if Troy himself is speaking to us!

Troy tells us what it was like being adopted by those big humans from the animal shelter. He also describes them taking him home and being a gift for another big human. Through Troy’s eyes, we meet his new brothers and sisters. His big sister, Simba, shows him all the bugs in the back yard and Troy gets very excited! There is so much to do in his new home!

Troy likes his new big sister, Simba. She’s a dog like he is. Then he meets his other brothers and sisters…the cats. Troy just can’t help himself. He has to chase them! What else is he supposed to do?

Why does Troy have to go outside to pee or poo? Troy says that his humans call him a naughty boy when he doesn’t go outside. He also tells us how he was a naughty boy when he chewed those fun toys called shoes but he sure has fun chewing them! What’s a puppy supposed to do to stay out of trouble?

We all cheer with Troy when he finally learns how to be a good boy.

Troy The Boy Dachshund is written as if he is actually talking to you. In this story, you will find out that puppies, kittens and other animals have to learn to behave just like you do!

You can find out more about Troy, meet his brothers and sisters or purchase his book by visiting his website at: http://www.troytheboy.com. You can also purchase Troy The Boy Dachsund at: http://www.amazon.com.

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