The Bumpy Road To Writing For Children

The Golden Pathway

2012-02-04T08:25:00.012-05:00

TITLE: The Golden Pathway
AUTHOR: Donna M. McDine
ILLUSTRATOR: K.C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com
PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
FORMATS: Hardcover, kindle
PAGES: 26
PRICE: Hardcover $19.95 (US), £12.58 (UK), CDN$ 19.95 (CA)
Paperback $9.95 (US)
Kindle $5.00 (US), £3.20 (UK), CDN$ 5.00 (CA)
FILE SIZE: 744 KB
ISBN-10: 1616330813
ISBN-13: 9781616330811
ASIN: B005313N6W

Nearly every day, David hears the screams coming from the barn as his pa beats his sixteen – year – old slave, Jenkins. He knows this is wrong and wants to help Jenkins but all he can do is to sneak out of his bedroom window when the screams stop. He then hides in the shadows, goes to the barn to clean Jenkins wounds…again. But is this all he can do?

The Golden Pathway is a story of courage, determination and inner strength. It is also a story of compassion and doing the right thing when wrong is being done all around you. This is also a story of the darkest times in American history that shouldn’t be forgotten.

I highly recommend this picture book. The Golden Pathway shows that anyone can help someone else out of a bad situation in spite of the consequences to themselves.

The watercolor illustrations in The Golden Pathway are brilliantly drawn by K.C. Snider. They add to the action in this book. They also add to the atmosphere. If you would like to see more of her work just visit her webpage at: http://www.kcsniderart.com.

If you would like to learn more about Donna M. McDine, visit her website at: http://www.donnamcdine.com. You can also order The Golden Pathway there too.

The Golden Pathway is also available at http:www.amazon.com (US), http://www.amazon.co.uk (UK) and http://www.amazon.ca (CA). You’ll be pleased to find Donna McDine’s book available at these places both in print and kindle versions. You can also order this page turner in the hardcover format at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com for $19.35.

Talon, Come Fly With Me

2012-01-14T08:11:00.010-05:00

TITLE: Talon, Come Fly With Me (January 14, 2010)

AUTHOR: Gigi Sedlmayer

PUBLISHER: BookPal http://wwwbookpal.com.au

FORMATS: Paperback, kindle

PAGES: 236

PRICE: Paperback-$19.95 (US) £12.47 (UK), Kindle-$5.99 (US) £7.15 (UK), CDN$ 20.33 (CA)

FILE SIZE: 244KB

ISBN-10: 1921578726

ISBN-13: 9781921578724

ASIN: B004Y6DQH0

Matica is a nine–year–old girl trapped in a two–year–old’s body. Because of her stunted growth, the local Indians in Peru shun her and won’t let their children have anything to do with her.

Because of this, Matica doesn’t have any friends except her parents, her four-year-old brother and the animals at her home in the Peruvian mountains. She’s constantly feeling sorry for herself and is sure she’ll be friendless for the rest of her life…until she makes friends of a different sort. She befriends two condors.

The condors take little Matica’s mind off herself as she helps them more and more. This especially happens when they lay an egg and two poachers snatch it. From there on in Matica does things that she has never done before. Matica has developed a special bond with the condors and rescues their egg from the poachers!

I was highly impressed with Talon, Come Fly With Me. This book would be great for readers of any age. The author shows just what a physically challenged person can do when they quit being afraid. It also shows that despite of your handicap, you can do things you previously thought impossible. Not only that but I loved how you learned about condors without knowing it and that they’re near extinction and at the mercy of poachers.

To learn more about Gigi Sedlmayer and Talon, Come Fly With Me just visit her website at: https://www.writersportal.org/Gigi.

You can purchase this entertaining but educational book at several places. You can pick this book up at http://www.amazon.com, or http://www.amazon.co.uk in either kindle or paperback formats. You can also pick this up in the paperback format at http://www.barnesandnoble.com or http://www.amazon.ca.

Yes, You Can Self - Edit!

2012-01-07T08:30:00.008-05:00

On my bumpy road to writing for children I found that it’s advisable to get your finished manuscript professionally edited. This is great advice. If you can get it professionally edited by all means, go for it! What can you do if you can’t get it professionally edited? Where do you start? You start by proofreading.

By now, you’ve run your manuscript through your critique group several times. What’s left to do? Is it time to market for a publisher? Not quite. You should proofread your manuscript thoroughly. This is a tedious but necessary job. Don’t rely solely on your computer’s spell – check. Why? Because of antonyms such as to, too, two and their, they’re and there. Each of these words has a different meaning but your computer doesn’t know this. If you’re not sure of the meaning of the antonym, get the dictionary to make sure you have the proper spelling and meaning of the word for your sentence. Spell – check is helpful for spelling but for spelling only. It doesn’t and can’t check the meaning of the word. After all, it is just a machine. So, exactly how do you proofread?

Start at the very end of your story or article. With a piece of paper (or even your thumb) cover up the last sentence except the last word. Is that word spelled correctly? Good! If you’re not sure of the spelling, look the word up in a dictionary. After you’ve corrected that word, slide your piece of paper to uncover the next to the last word and check its' spelling. Keep checking the spelling of words until you get to the very beginning of that last sentence then go through it again. Check your punctuation this time. Repeat the process to make sure that you show, don’t tell. And yet again to make sure each sentence is a complete thought.

This is how I was taught to proofread and I don’t know of an easier way for you to polish your manuscript. If you do please, let me know!

After you’ve proofread your manuscript, it’s time to read it aloud to check for flow. Could it be that you feel like a complete idiot reading aloud to no one else? Try reading it to your spouse, kids or best friend. You could even read it to your dog or cat. Your story should flow smoothly. Picture a babbling brook flowing through a valley. This is how your story should be. I know reading aloud sounds silly but your mistakes will jump out at you. You’ll be able to hear when you tell instead of show or when you use unnecessary words and repeat. Most importantly, you’ll be able to spot where your story gets a little jerky for the reader. I don’t mean jerky as in funny; I mean jerky as in the reader being jerked around. I’ve found another good way to check for flow. A tape recorder! I tape my stories or articles in and let it sit. While it’s sitting, start on a new story, go exercise or maybe go out & have lunch. When you get back to your story or article you’ll find errors of a different kind.

Here are some links that I’ve found that might help you in self –editing:

SELF EDITING: 10 TIPS CHECKLIST FOR CHILDREN’S WRITERS http://writersonthemove.com/2011/08/self-editing-10-tips-checklist-for.html
SELF EDITING by Lori Handeland http://www.eclectics.com/articles/selfediting.html
HOW TO EDIT YOUR OWN WRITING (A SELF EDITING CHECKLIST) http://home.earthlink.net/~jdc24/selfEdit.htm

WRITING THE HISTORICAL FICTION WHEN YOU CAN'T GET THERE (part II)

2011-12-24T08:05:00.013-05:00

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

These are valuable resources! Of course, as I said in the first part of this article, you’ll find all of their contact information either at the library or on their website. If you do use a computer to find historical societies, you’ll also find their current president listed there too. You’ll also find several other things on their website including a gift shop. Take full advantage of the gift shop. I sure do!

You can purchase period music, postcards, books about your subject and the era plus a whole lot more. If you’re interested in the books and they aren’t in your local library there’s no problem. Just email the historical society and explain what you’re doing. If they don’t have the book(s) for sale on their website, explain what you’re doing and ask them if you can purchase the book through the mail. I can guarantee you from personal experience that you can do this. The members of a historical society are very eager to help you. Take full advantage of this service! You’ll find a plethora of information for your children’s fiction or non – fiction book there.

HISTORICAL WEBSITES

You name it and you can find information on historical websites. I did an internet search search and came up with over 16,000,000 websites! Just type ‘historical websites’ into the search bar of your favorite search engine and just see what you get back. A lot of these historical websites didn’t apply to my current children’s book that I’m researching but you get the idea. Whatever you’re hunting for, you can most likely find. To narrow your search down to what you’re researching, type in your subject’s name or the town and state where the historical event happened.

Is your historical children’s book set in another country? There’s no problem there! Just go to your favorite search engine and type historical websites + England (or whatever the country is) in the search bar.

LINKS

In part one of this article, I promised to share some links with you. I hope by following these links you find the facts you need to bring your children’s book to life!

Library Spot http://www.libraryspot.com. This is my favorite place to start since it’s a portal. You can find anything from government documents to learning the law to genealogy here.

Internet Experts http://www.internetexperts.info. This is full of additional links that will help you on any subject.

Ask.com http://www.ask.com. Just type your question in their search bar and they’ll take you to several links that will help you on your quest!

Just Answer http://www.justanswer.com. Here, you’ll find experts in any field, not just in history.

MAKE YOUR HISTORICAL CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE

Now, you’ll have to find out your how your characters dressed, spoke, what their customs were and more. I’ve found some links to help you (at least I hope they help you) there.

History of Western Fashion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Western_fashion. I really like this site. You can pick out from the list what era you’re writing about and scroll down to men’s, women’s or children’s fashions of the era. To find more about fashion, or speech or whatever your hunting for, just go to your favorite search engine and type historical speech (or whatever you’re hunting for) in the search bar.

WRITING THE HISTORICAL FICTION WHEN YOU CAN'T GET THERE (part I)

2011-12-17T09:09:00.010-05:00

You’ve had a terrific idea for a non – fiction story but you can’t get to the place where the event happened. Now, what do you do? No problem! You can still gather all the facts for your non – fiction story, article or whatever you have in mind.

If you’re like me and don’t drive you can still travel to where your story takes place. Take a train, bus or airplane to your destination. There’s even a better way to travel there. Can you say road trip? Ask a good friend or a family member to your destination and make a party out of it. Actually, You’ll be sight – seeing as well as gathering facts. So be sure to take plenty of film or memory cards for your camera or video camera. While you’re there you’ll want to take plenty of pictures of the town, geography and if possible take pictures of your subject. Visit the town’s local library and do some research on your subject. You’ll want to be sure to visit the town’s historical societies. Historical societies are always eager to help you. What’s that? You still can’t get to the place where your story takes place? There’s still no problem. In this age of the internet, you have information available to you no matter where you are.

LIBRARIES

Your local library is a wealth of information and librarians are always eager to help you. This is always the first place to start. You don’t have a library card? Just fill out a form for one and you can start borrowing books the same day. They’re also FREE!

Now, where to start? As I mentioned before, librarians are always eager to help. Tell the reference librarian what your doing and what you’re hunting for. She or he will bend over backwards trying to help or point you in the right direction.

At your library, you can find information on the weather, main occupation of the town’s peoples, geography, speech of the era (if your story is set in another time), how they dressed and so much more. Not only that, but you can find the local historical society’s address, phone number along with their current president’s name. If you don’t want to find the historical society’s information that way, I have a two word answer for you. The internet.

COMPUTERS

Most libraries have computer banks that are connected to the internet and printers. Just hand the librarian your library card and settle in front of a computer. Do a search on your subject and you’ll be surprised how many websites appear! You’ll find even more information there that agrees with what you just found in those library books. This is important. Your facts have to agree in several different resources.

To list these internet resources, list the title of the website, who wrote the article plus their website address. It’s always a great idea to write to the copyright holder of the website for permission to use their work in your story or article. This information, along with their email address, is usually found at the bottom of the site.

Join me next week part II of this articles where I’ll tell you about historical societies, how to find them, locating historical websites and many helpful links!

It’s not too late to sign up for my Christmas giveaway!

I’m giving away four .pdf copies of my children’s book, Beepy’s Christmas Wish.

Just leave a comment and mention that you would like to be entered.

Along with your comment, you can either leave your email address or contact me at sasha1119 AT yahoo Dot com.

Enter today to win Beepy's Christmas Wish at my Christmas Eve drawing!

Christmas Giveaway!!

2011-12-12T07:24:00.016-05:00

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi! I'll be giving away four .pdf children's books

to you for Christmas called Beepy's Christmas Wish on Christmas Eve.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment saying that you would like to enter the drawing.

Don't forget to leave your email address to so I can send Beepy to your house.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The Doll Violinist

2011-12-05T07:35:00.015-05:00

TITLE: The Doll Violinist

AUTHOR: Mayra Calvini

PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com

FORMATS: Hardcover, paperback

PAGES: 26

PRICE: $19.95 (hardcover), $11.95 (paperback) in the U.S.

£12.50 (hardcover), £ 7.49 (paperback) in the U.K.

ILLUSTRATOR: Amy Moreno http://www.amycullingsmoreno.com

ISBN-10: 1616331852

ISBN-13: 9781616331856

It all started just a few days before Christmas. A young girl silently slips away from the orphanage and makes her way through the busy Christmas shoppers to the toy shop that was just down the street. Upon getting there, she sees five beautiful dolls in the window. Emma stood in the cold snow looking at looking at one particularly beautiful doll. A wealthy lady enters the toy shop and…oh no. Now, there are only four dolls left. Luckily, the doll she loves is still in the window!

Suddenly, the toy shop owner comes out and chases Emma away. Will she ever get to see her beloved doll again? Why is the store owner so grouchy? After all, it is Christmas!

I loved this picture book! It reminded me of Christmas stories from my own childhood. This is a feel – good picture book that will be enjoyed both by the child and by the adult who reads it to them since it truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. The Doll Violinist would be the perfect gift for that little girl on your Christmas list!

To learn more about Mayra Calvini or her picture book called The Doll Violinist, just go to her website at: http://www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com. To learn more about the illustrator surf to her website at: http://www.amycullingsmoreno.com.

If you’d like to purchase The Doll Violinist for that child on your gift list you can do so at several places. You can pick your copy up at http://www.amazon.com (US), http://www.amazon.co.uk (UK) or http://www.barnesandnoble.com. You can even get it at the publisher’s website: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com where they offer it in both .pdf and print formats!

Watch this. I think you’ll see what I mean.

The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise

2011-11-21T17:30:00.014-05:00

TITLE: The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise

AUTHOR: Donalisa Helsley

ILLUSTRATOR: Sarah Harkey

PUBLISHER: Mirror Publishing http://www.pagesofwonder.com

FORMATS: Paperback, Kindle

PAGES: 26

PRICE: Paperback $9.35, Kindle $5.00 (US)

Paperback £8.14, Kindle £3.58 (UK)

ISBN-10: 1612250645

ISBN-13: 9781612250649

ASIN: B0061TCRKU

Jadyn and Genesis have a problem. Genesis wants to play house in the playhouse but Jadyn doesn’t want to. She wants to play dolls. The girls argue but can’t agree on what game to play. This goes on all morning long until they decide to play by themselves. This is absolutely no fun at all! Will they find a way to play games together?

I highly recommend The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise. In this picture book, children will learn the importance of meeting each other half way. They’ll learn new words like compromise.

If you would like to know more about Donalisa Helsley or to find out more about The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise just visit her website at http://www.wildaboutreading.net.

You can purchase this entertaining and picture book from several places. You can pick it up at http://www.amazon.com (US), http://www.amazon.co.uk (UK) or http://www.amazon.ca (Canada). You can even pick this educational picture book up at http://www.barnesandnoble.com. You’ll be glad you did. This will make the perfect Christmas gift for any young child.

And The Winner Is...

2011-11-01T07:24:00.008-04:00

The winner of the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure is...(drum roll please)...

CANDICE COGHILL

Congratulations Candace!!! Contact me at sasha1119 AT yahoo DOT com for details on how to collect your prize!

The Trick or Treat Blog Adventure!

2011-10-28T07:03:00.024-04:00

Trick or Treat,

Smell my feet,

Give me a free critique!

That's what I'll be giving away for Halloween on October 31st. Just leave a comment as soon as you read this saying that you would like to win the prize. So, get your children's story ready to send to me. On Halloween, I'll put all of your names in a bowl and an objective person will draw the lucky winner! I'll announce the lucky winner here and give you my contact information. If I don't hear from the winner by Friday, November 4th, the prize by default will go to the runner - up! REMEMBER: Children's stories only!

Here is a list of several more participating blogs to visit for more Halloween treats:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Erik Gustafson

2) Apparitions of Terror

3) http://eriktiger.wordpress.com/

4) Leave a comment describing the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to you.

5) The three creepiest true stories will win a free ebook copy of "Fall Leaves and the Black Dragon"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Janet Beasley

2) Live Events and Productions

3) http://www.LiveEventsAndProductions.blogspot.com

4) Leave a comment to enter the Trick or Treat drawing - no profanity, vulgarity, etc. Posts containing such will be automatically deleted

5) 5 lucky commenters will win a free ebook copy of "Theatrical Fudge"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Niamh Clune

2) Niamh Clune The Rolling Bones

3) http://niamhclune.co.uk/therollingbones/

4) Add a comment. Best one, which shall be judged on AC wins a FREE download

5) The most witty (no profanity) example of How You have Rolling Bones will win a FREE download of Orange Petals in a Storm

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Amrita Publishing

2) NiamhClune

3) http://on.fb.me/qs221A

4) LOVE the Artist featured and sign up to become an AmritA Angel

5) Free downloads sent by email from CD Touching Angels to all participants

------------

1) Joseph Rinaldo

2) Read Rinaldo

3) http://wwwjosephmrinaldocom.blogspot.com/

4) Read the post entitled "Is Originality Dead?", leave a comment on the post, and invite one friend to do so as well

5) One free copy of my ebook "A Spy At Home" to each of the first five commenters

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Karen S. Elliott

2) Karen S. Elliott's blog

3) http://www.karenselliott.wordpress.com

4) Leave a comment on Karen's blog on 10/31 and be automatically entered to win a free 3,000 word proofread, edit, and critique.

5) One free 3,000 word proofread, edit, and critique.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)Tammie Clarke Gibbs

2)Daydreaming with Author Tammie Clarke Gibbs

3) http://authortammieclarkegibbs.blogspot.com/

4) 5)Follow Tammie's Blog and Leave a comment letting her know you're following 10/31/11 and be automatically entered to win one of 5 Free ISLAND OF SECRET ebooks. Everyone who comments and signs up for her Newsletter on her website http://www.tammieclarkegibbs.com will receive a free surprise gift.

____________________________________________________

1) Lorane Leavy

2) Last Seen Wearing Thin

3) http://loraneleavy.blogspot.com/

4) Follow Lorane's blog and leave a comment 10/31/11

5) One free color collage, 5x7, of L's fav Trick-or-Treaters

---------------------

1) Kimberly LaRocca

2) Kimberly’s Page

3) http://klarocca2010.wordpress.com/

4) Follow the blog and leave a comment on any poem on 10/31/11 along with the words “trick or treat”

5) Five lucky winners will receive a signed copy of the book.

_____________________

1) Betty Dravis

2) Dames of Dialogue

3) http://tinyurl.com/3njrc9u

4) Leave a comment at bottom of blog to enter the Trick or Treat drawing - no profanity, vulgarity, etc. Posts containing such will be automatically deleted

5) 5 lucky commentors will win a free e-book copy of "1106 Grand Boulevard" (for which I will need your e-mail address)

______________________________

1) Pandora Poikilos

2) Peace from Pieces

3) http://peacefrompieces.blogspot.com/

4) Follow the blog via Google Follow Connect, email me with the subject "Pandora's Trick or Treat"

5) 1 lucky follower will win a $5 Amazon giftcard.

__________________________________________

1) Daniel L Carter

2) The G-6 Chronicles Facebook Fanpage

3) http://www.facebook.com/TheG6Chronicles

4) Like The G-6 Chronicles on Facebook

5) The G-6 Chronicles will be giving away a first edition autographed copy of The Unwanted book 1 of The Unwanted Trilogy. Simply like our page for a chance to win for the month of October. One random fan will be chosen on Halloween Monday October 31st.

_____

1) Carolyn Arnold

2) Carolyn Arnold Author

3) http://sassy3421.blogspot.com/

4) A chance to win an ARC copy of ELEVEN (Kindle version) set to release 11.11.11. TWO COPIES up for grabs!

5) To qualify, entrants must follow my blog and/or like my FB Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carolyn-Arnold/190386790989773 .

6) Extra chances to win if specificed tweets are shared.

7) Every comment made on my blog, and tweet shared will be assigned a number. A random number generator will determine the winners.

1) Lorhainne Eckhart

2) Illusions

3) http://lorhainneeckhart.blogspot.com/

4) Leave a comment and follow the blog.

5) One lucky commentor to receive 2 eBooks of Lorhainne Eckhart's last two releases, The Choice, and The Captain's Lady

#avg_ls_inline_popup{position:absolute;z-index:9999;padding:0px;margin:0px;overflow:hidden;wordWrap:break-word;color:black;font-size:10px;text-align:left;line-height:130%;}#avg_ls_inline_popup div{border-width:3px;border-style:solid;padding:3px;padding-left:8px;padding-right:8px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px;}#avg_ls_inline_popup .red{border-color:#D20003;;background-color:#F5D4C1;;}#avg_ls_inline_popup .orange{border-color:#F57301;;background-color:#FFD3B0;;}#avg_ls_inline_popup .yellow{border-color:#EAA500;;background-color:#FEEFAE;;}#avg_ls_inline_popup .green{border-color:#00A120;;background-color:#C3E5CA;;}

-------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Joseph Rinaldo

2) Read Rinaldo

3) http://wwwjosephmrinaldocom.blogspot.com/

4) Read the post entitled "What Do Books Mean To You?", leave a comment on the post, and invite one friend to do so as well

5) One free copy of my ebook "Hazardous Choices" to each of the first five commenters

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Judy Ann Davis

2) A Writer's Revelations

3) http:/www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com

4) Follow the blog and leave a comment on the bottom with contact info. and words, "Trick or Treat."

5) One randomly chosen winner will receive a first edition, signed copy of Red Fox Woman

-----------

1) Dixie Goode

2) Duffy Barkley's "Mom"

3) http://duffybarkley.blogspot.com/

4) Instructions - I will place the names of commenters, who leave a mention of the trick or treat blog adventure, in a hat and one lucky winner will be announced on the blog.

5) I'm offering - One Paperback set of My Two Novels - but they have to be willing to email me their mailing address, which I will only use to send them the books

_______________________________________________________

1) C.V. Smith

2) Nettie Parker's Backyard

3) www.nettieparkersbackyard.com

4)email me (nettie.halley@gmail.com) as to why you want to read my book. Best answer wins!

5) a free copy of my ebook

_______________________________________________________

1) Maranda Russell

2) Maranda Russell Author

3) http://marandarussell.com/my-books/

4) Visitors just need to leave a comment on the "My Books" page (the link above goes directly to this page). Would love to hear your thoughts about my book covers/concepts!

5) One winner will be chosen to receive a signed copy of my paperback picture book, "Ode to Icky"! Will need each person who comments to give their email address so I can contact them if they win.

_______________________________________________________

1) John Zunski

2) Musings of a Mountain Dweller

3) http://johnzunski.wordpress.com/

4) Visitors have to correctly 'pronounce' Maistoinna Standing Bear's first name... It will be a multiple choice question.

5) winners receive a free e-copy of Shangri-La Trailer Park.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)William G. Bentrim

2)Azure Dwarf’s Horde of SciFi & Fantasy

3) http://azuredwarf.blogspot.com/

4)Click on link to post, fill out name, email address and physical address. Leave out physical if so inclined.

5) One copy of Lory Kaufman's YA novel, The Lens and the Looker.

______________________________________________________________________________

1) Collette Scott

2) Collette Scott - Author

3) http://collettescott.blogspot.com

4) To enter to win a "treat" readers need to leave a comment with their email address and follow my blog.

5) Five lucky commenters will receive a free ebook of Hannah's Blessing from Smashwords or via email.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‎1) Vickie Adair

2) Storyteller's Blog

3) http://www.vickieadair.com/

4) Leave a comment on the blog to enter the Trick or Treat drawing.

5) 2 lucky commenters will win a free of "Sonnet of a Housewife" signed by the author.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And The Winner Is...

2011-10-21T08:23:00.019-04:00

I've placed everyone's name in a bag and one name was drawn for their free copy of When Monster Get Lonely by Maha Huneidi...

AND THE WINNER OF WHEN MONSTERS GET LONELY IS...

MARGE GOWER

Congratulations Marge! Please contact me at

sasha1119 AT yahoo DOT com for your prize!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ATTENTION READERS!!!!!!

Coming November 4, 2011! Live TV on FB featuring authors. GO LIKE ORANGEBERRY BOOKS so we can keep you

posted!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orangeberry-Book-Collective/253204804725698

When Monsters Get Lonely

2011-10-17T07:07:00.011-04:00

TITLE: When Monsters Get Lonely
AUTHOR: Maha Huneidi
PUBLISHER: CreateSpace http://www.createspace.com
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 32
PRICE: $12.99 (US), £6.64 (UK), CDN$ 12.77 (CA)
ISBN – 10: 1461063078
ISBN – 13: 9781461063070

“Goodnight, Mommy. Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Grams.” It’s Hannah’s bed – time. Time for the monsters to come out from under the bed. Hannah shivers and shakes as she feels a hand on her shoulder but it’s only Mommy and Daddy. They came to take Hannah down to the kitchen with Grams when the electricity goes out. Grams is making the family some hot chocolate by candlelight for Hannah and her family.

I was so impressed by Ms. Huneidi’s debute book. This picture book shows a child can face his or her fears with the support of her family. It also shows that all monsters aren’t so scary afer all!

To learn more about Maha Huneidi, just visit her website at: http://www.empowerment-and-kids.com. Or you can go to her When Monsters Get Lonely fanpage on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002628968559.

To purchase When Monsters Get Lonely just surf to: http://www.amazon.com, http://www.amazon.ca or http://www.amazon.co.uk. Or you can pick up this children’s picture book at the publisher’s website at: https://www.createspace.com/3534677.

GIVEAWAY!!!

One lucky winner will win a free copy of When Monsters Get Lonely! Just leave a comment. I'll put all the names in a hat. On October 21st, I'll announce the winner and have my email on this blog so you can get in touch with me with yours. Good luck!

The Story Of Don Luis

2011-10-10T15:33:00.008-04:00

TITLE: The Story Of Don Luis
AUTHOR: Stuart G. Yates
PUBLISHER: Triskaideka Books http://www.triskaidekabooks.co.nz
FILE SIZE: 280 KB
FORMAT: Ebook
PRICE: $2.99 (US), £2.14 (UK),
ASIN: B00584P5MG

Fourteen – year - old Luis has so many problems in his young life. His father marched off to war only to be murdered. Luis is left as the man of the house caring for his sick mother and younger sister. Each day, he rises earlier than anyone else in his household to go to his job of delivering bread to people that can afford it. Upon returning home, Luis feeds his family breakfast of bread and some water that he carries from the village well each day. But Luis has the determination not to live in poverty for the rest of his life. So, Luis is being educated by Senor Martinez. Everyday, he’s bullied on his way to Senor Martinez’ house by the other boys in his village.

This reviewer liked The Story Of Don Luis and would recommend it to any young adult who’s interested in history. Even though this is fiction, this is a well – written ebook. It’s very detailed and shows what life is like in a small Spanish village in the 1600’s. It shows the everyday struggles and prejudices that people faced everyday back then. The author created characters so well that I could see them in my minds’ eye. He paints pictures with his words so that you can see the furniture, houses and even the kitchen utensils! I have reviewed the author before and this was a very different kind of book than he usually writes. He usually writes historical paranormal mysteries for young adults which are historical but much more action – packed and mysterious. Personally, I like his historical paranormal mysteries better but that’s just my own taste.

If you would like to find out more about Mr. Yates just surf to http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/stuartgyates. Maybe you would like to read more about The Story Of Don Luis. If you do, please visit http://donluisbystuartgyates.weebly.com/index.html. If you would like to buy this ebook, you can pick it up at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.amazon.co.uk. Or if you prefer you can go to http://www.smashwords.com to pick up The Story Of Don Luis.

Another Path In The Bumpy Road

2011-10-04T15:02:00.016-04:00

I've just written my first picture book. This is taking me down a new path on the bumpy road. That path is called marketing or finding a publisher for your book. So, how do you do this marketing to find your book a publisher?

1. Get a marketing book that lists publishers. There are a lot out there for both magazines and books. I have Book Markets for Children's Writers http://www.writersbookstore.com. I also have Children's Writers and Illustrators Market: http://www.cwim.com.

2. Get a notebook or start a database on your computer for your marketing. I use a notebook myself but it's your choice. Now, make a list of the publishers that you've found in your marketing book that fits the age category of the book you've written. Be sure to read the listings for the publisher's requirements. You'll find that most publishers have their websites posted near the top of the listing. You'll also be pleased to find that most have their book catalogues posted on their websites. Some don't do this. In this case you have to send for a book catalogue with a self addressed, stamped envelope. The listings that you've read will tell you this.

3. Now that you've made your list, it's time to send for those book catalogues or check them out on the publisher's website. This is where I am on the bumpy road. You'll want to check for these two important things. Does the publisher publish the same kind of books that you've written? Also, are these books that are similar to yours fall into the same age range? If so, you don't want to cross him or her off your list!

Marketing for a publisher is a very time - consuming and tedious job. It's also very important to do this in order to get down the bumpy road.

Have you heard questionable things about a publisher that you know would be the perfect fit for your book? Never fear! Just surf to Writer Beware at http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware. You can email them with you questions and you will get those questions answered.

Let's go back to the market guides for a minute. I know that there are some people who like to write for the Christian market exclusively. There's a marketing book just for that! It's called Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide. It can be found at: http://www.stuartmarket.com.

Now, after I finish marketing for my picture book it's on to perfecting my query letter!

Nettie Parker's Backyard

2011-09-20T07:50:00.044-04:00

Hi C.V., and welcome to The Bumpy Road. We’re all anxious to hear you talk about Nettie Parker’s Backyard!

1. Tell us about your book.

Nettie Parker’s Backyard is the story of a mystical, wonderful African-American Gullah woman and the supernatural signs she receives, which guide her to care for eight Jewish child refugees in WWII London. The special bonds they form are so strong, nothing can break them; neither time nor distance proving that love is the greatest force in a surprise twist ending. Important themes of anti-bullying and tolerance toward all regardless of race, religion or physical challenges are woven into this historical-fiction mystery and contains something to which every child, ages nine to thirteen, can relate.

2. Where did you get the idea for Nettie Parker’s Backyard?

The idea for Nettie Parker’s Backyard came to me in a very vivid dream and whereas most of my dreams go unremembered, this one was definitely unique. Its’ powerful detail and message ended in a revelation that has affected my own personal beliefs. My research took me down some fascinating avenues as I discovered such things as the Gullah language in the Sea Islands, the Kindertransport, sand fly fever and the role African-American soldiers played in WWII. Nettie’s character was based on that of my granddaughters; thus some of her best virtues are those of trust, love and friendship.

3. Nettie Parker sounds like a fun person who accepts life as it is. She sounds like someone I’d like to know! Can you tell us where you got the idea for her personality?

I wanted Nettie to be the kind of person that everyone “wants on their team”…someone who’s everyone’s friend because she is such a good friend to everyone. Nettie is always a champion for the underdog, often having been in that position herself due to her race and physical challenge. She is generous, caring; mature, fun – loving, protective…I guess in general, she exemplifies the best qualities the best qualities in all of us.

4. The character Jonas is such an easy going and laid back person but emotionally
strong like Nettie. He deals with each situation as it comes. Where did you get the idea to make him so easy going?

I patterned Jonas after my husband, who is also strong emotionally, however, maybe not quite as “laid back” as Jonas. Nettie faces many challenges in her life, and as Jonas loves her completely and unconditionally, he knows he must remain strong to help her ‘stay the course.’ It is her gift, her destiny and her family legacy to help others in life, and thus it is Jonas’ role to help her achieve this. Jonas firmly believes that a calm head in a crisis can surmount anything.

5. Is it a touch of the paranormal when statues of these children start turning up in her backyard in South Carolina years later?

Yes. Nettie has no idea who is sending her the statues, why they are being sent to her or what their meaning is. They just seem to pop up out of nowhere in particular, with no apparent rhyme or reason. She can’t even trace where they’re coming from, as they have no markings, no model numbers, no manicuring dates on them---nothing! Of course there are no sender cards or delivery paperwork either.

6. I loved how you wove so many historical facts into the story. You teach us
about slavery, prejudice and teach us a new language in one story! Was it hard to include all of those facts?

I have been an educator for almost 30 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District and I wrote this novel hoping to illustrate to children that bullying and intolerance toward race, religion or the physically challenged have no place in our world. Certainly, with tools such as the internet, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks the world is becoming a smaller in so many ways. So, the ill-effects of prejudice are felt even more strongly today than in the past. I think we must all learn to accept each other and celebrate our differences rather than let them separate us. I further believe that more must be done to inhibit bullying for any reason; not doing so enables the passing of prejudice from one generation to the next. It was with this goal in mind that I stayed true to my dream which first gave me the idea to write this book that is of Nettie being African-American. Being such, I made sure she came from the Southern part of the United States so I could discuss the history of racial prejudice against slavery of Nettie’s ancestors 500 years before in Africa. Making the children Jewish refugees in Europe during WWII gave me the opportunity to discuss the genocidal Holocaust and the unforgivable and unforgettable happenings then, almost wiping out tonally that religion from the continent. I had to do a lot of research and it was difficult but it was very important to me to bring these themes of anti-prejudice and anti – bullying to my audience. Especially today with bullying and hate crimes statistically on the rise worldwide.

7. Halley seems like a character with compassion for others that is beyond her
years. Tell us about Halley.

Halley is a great deal like Nettie in that she’s kind, sensitive, caring and friendly. She too sees no barriers between people and judges them by what’s within their hearts. She loves Nettie so much as her tutor, mentor and friend. She would do anything for Nettie, and actually does as she helps her to figure out the books mysteries, where are the statues coming from, who is sending them and why they are being sent to Nettie. She also realizes the reason behind Nettie’s supernatural signs and the purpose for Nettie’s strange family legacy.

8. Do you have a website, fan page or blog where people can learn more about
you?

Yes. I’ve just recently re-designed the books’ website where you can learn more about me and how I came to write Nettie Parker’s Backyard. You can read a more detailed synopsis and find many five-star reviews of the book by children as well as adults. There is even a radio interview with Judith Piazza from SOP radio. My website is at: http://www.nettieparkersbackyard.com.

9. Where can we get a copy of Nettie Parker’s Backyard? Is it available in both ebook & print?

Nettie Parker’s Backyard is available in both paperback and kindle formats at Amazon.com. You can find it in also in paperback at Barnes & Noble.

Thank you for joining us today and telling us about Nettie Parker’s Backyard!

MY REVIEW

TITLE: Nettie Parker’s Backyard (June 14, 2011)

AUTHOR: C.V. Smith

PUBLISHER: Avid Reader Publishing Group http://avidreaderspg.com

PAGES: 180

FORMATS: Paperback, ebook

PRICE: $2.99 for ebook, $7.95 for paperback (US)

£2.13 for kindle edition, £6.92 for paperback (UK)

ISBN – 10: 161286032X

ISBN – 13: 9781612860329

Nettie Parker’s Backyard is a gentle yet action packed and war – torn story. It’s the story of Nettie’s life which is full of prejudice and bullying. Early in her life she starts seeing and hearing signs. What do these signs mean? Are they magical? Only Nettie can find that out.

When Nettie is nineteen-years-old, she travels to London, England to study to be a nurse. Upon her arrival, the nursing administrator is very nice to her but soon she is met with more prejudice from others. Is this because of her physical challenge or because of her race?

Nettie meets two young boys one day when their ball flies across the fence and into the Charring Cross Hospital grounds. The boys don’t think they’ll ever get their ball back and are very hestitant to talk ask for it. Nettie’s caring and compassionate nature can’t understand this but she soon will. She talks with the boys for awhile and is surprised to learn that the boys were sent to London by their parents to escape the horrors of World War II. Kind, compassionate Nettie doesn’t think there’s enough hate or fear in the world to make parents and children separate! She soon finds out differently!

It was very hard for this reviewer to put this book down. Throughout this well written account of Nettie Parker, not only do you learn about her ancestry and her adventures in London but you learn a secret language too!

I highly recommend Nettie Parker’s Backyard. Although the historical fiction is written for children, adults will thoroughly enjoy this magical book too!

To learn more about C.V. Smith and Nettie Parker’s Backyard visit her author’s website at: http://www.nettieparkersbackyard.com.

If you would like to purchase this magical and fact-filled story, you can find it several ways. You can find it in kindle edition at http://www.amazon.com or as a nook book at http://www.barnesandnoble.com. If you prefer a print edition, that can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

ABOUT C.V.SMITH

C.V. Smith has been a teacher and para-educator for over thirty years. Most of this time was spent in the classroom where students were just beginning to think for and about themselves.
Nettie Parker’s Backyard is written for ages nine to thirteen, the time when youth questions everything.

Adolescence is just starting and many children feel insecure about themselves, relationships with peers, their families and home life. These insecurities manifest themselves in various behaviors. Some children withdraw into themselves while others overcompensate for their fears by bullying others. Ms. Smith has witnessed that when bullying begins, even innocently with an off-handed word or two, prejudice often follows. The author wrote this novel hoping to illustrate to children that bullying and prejudice towards race, religion or the physically challenged have no place in our world.

Certainly, with tools such as the internet, Facebook, Twitter and other social sites the world is becoming smaller in many ways so the ill-effects of prejudice are felt even more strongly today than in the past. We must all learn to accept one another and celebrate our differences rather than let them separate us. Ms. Smith also believes that more must be done to inhibit bullying; not doing so only enables the passing of prejudice from one generation to the next.

Nate Rocks The World

2011-09-02T16:53:00.016-04:00

TITLE: Nate Rocks The World
AUTHOR: Karen P. Toz
PUBLISHER: CreateSpace http://www.createspace.com
FORMAT: Ebook, paperback
PRICE: Paperback $6.99, ebook $2.99 (US)
Paperback £3.03, ebook £2.13 (UK)
PAGES: 136
ISBN-10: 1463510829
ISBN-13: 9781463510824

It’s so tough to be ten-years-old. Nobody knows this better than Nate. He has to put up with his bossy big sister and listening to his father’s never – ending stories about when he was growing up. Not only this, but his mother doesn’t know how to cook. She thinks she does and even makes meals for Nate and his family. The problem is, all the meals taste like cardboard! To make matters even worse, the teacher pairs him up to do a science project with a (ugh!) girl.

On Christmas morning, Nate’s world seems to look up when he and his sister get a small package. The family is going on a trip. Is his bossy sister happy about this? No. She whines and complains how she has nothing to wear on the trip and has to work on her tan before they hit the beach.

So, how does Nate escape the atrocities of his life? Drawing! Give Nate a sketch pad, pencils, crayons and Nate’s imagination can take him anywhere, do anything and most importantly, do it his way. In practically every chapter Nate’s imagination takes him on another adventure. He also has a way to get out of eating his mom’s cooking. The problem is that this only works some of the time. Nate plays with his best friend and hopes he is invited for dinner.

I just loved this book! Karen P. Toz shows all of the trials and imaginative solutions of a ten-year-old boy perfectly.

To learn more about Karen, just surf over to her website at: http://karentoz.com. You can also join her fan page for Nate Rocks The World at: http://www.facebook.com/karenptoz.

Nate Rocks The World can be purchased in several places in either print or ebook formats. Some of the places you can get it are: http://www.barnesandnoble.com either in print or as a nook book, and http://www.amazon.com either in print or kindle in the United States. In the United Kingdom you can pick up Nate in either format at: http://www.amazon.co.uk.

Either way you purchase this book, Nate Rocks!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Pokras Toz grew up in Orange, Connecticut. She attended Ithaca College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. In addition, she attended the University of Richmond, receiving both her JD and MBA.

She recently published her debut novel, Nate Rocks the World, a book written for elementary school aged children and is in the process of publishing her second novel, an adult contemporary novel called invisible.

Karen is a member of the Association of Independent Authors, Independent Author Network, and The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She is also affiliated with the Pennsylvania Bar.

Karen is the 2011 Spokesperson/Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. Karen volunteers with the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia’s (USP) Occupational Therapy fieldwork program and is also the moderator for a “Mom’s with Special Needs” board for BuxMontMommies. In addition, Karen crochets blankets for Project Linus and scarves for soldiers through Operation Gratitude.

Karen lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her three children age five through fourteen.

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be

2011-08-26T07:10:00.009-04:00

TITLE: Not Fat Because I Wanna Be
AUTHOR: LaNiyah Bailey (author), LaToya M. White (adult contact)
PUBLISHER: CreateSpace http://www.createspace.com (March 2, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1461006767
ISBN-13: 9781461006763

“Am I fat because I wanna be?” This is what Jessica wonders all the time. The kids in school always laugh and call her names just because she’s overweight. Even some of the teachers say mean things to her! They all think that just because Jessica is overweight, that all she eats nothing but junk food. Will the other kids ever quit bullying her?

One day, Jessica and her mother are sitting on the sofa watching TV. They hear the President’s wife say that if kids would eat healthy food, they wouldn’t be obese. This isn’t always true. Jessica doesn’t eat junk food or greasy food like french fries. She eats healthy food like salads, vegetables, fish and chicken. Why, Jessica even excercises! She’s not fat because she wants to be.

In this easy to read children’s chapter book, we follow Jessica and find out just what’s wrong. Why does her belly stick out? Through her journey we find out with Jessica that there are other reasons for being overweight.

This is the personal experience of six-year-old author, LaNiyah Bailey’s, journey of being overweight. The bullying that she encountered because of this prompted her to write this children’s book with the help of her mother. In the book we meet Jessica, who is also overweight. LaNiyah takes a brave stand and let’s kids know that there are other reasons that cause obesity than not eating healthy.

Visit LaNiyah’s website and blog at: http://www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com to see what else she has to say. You also learn more about her at this site.

Get Not Fat Because I Wanna Be at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com or Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com. You can also get this great read at Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com, Author’s Den http://www.authorsden.com or at LaNiyah’s website http://www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com.

If you like Not Fat Because I Wanna Be, join LaNiyah’s fanpage on Facebook. The address is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaNiyah-Bailey/204815272870647

About LaNiyah Bailey

Six-year-old LaNiyah Bailey is already well acquainted with with bullies, teasing and obesity. She is now a youth advocate against bullies and wants others to know that obesity is caused by more than not eating right. LaNiyah hopes that her book will enlighten other people as well as entertain young readers.

There's A Storm Comin'

2011-08-21T15:55:00.014-04:00

This time I thought I'd just ask you Potterphiles some questions about Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix. I thought that it might be more fun this way instead of talking about the book. As usual, I know you guys will be able to answer these but then again I might be able to stump you. Okay, here we go!

1. We meet Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix. What does
her father do?

2. Why doesn't Professor Dumbledore look at Harry during his fifth year at Hogwarts?

3. In this book, Ron joins the quidditch team. How does he do?

4. Why does Harry have the nightmares he's having in Order Of The Phoenix?

5. Why was Mr. Weasley in the hospital?

6. What is the prophecy?

7. Who made the prophecy and where?

8. In this book, is Harry still learning that he can depend on Ron and Hermoine
for help?

9. Who goes into the Department Of Mysteries with Harry?

10. Why does Lord Voldemort want the prophecy so badly?

11. What exactly happens in the Department Of Mysteries while Harry is in there?

Like I said before, I'll bet all you Potterphiles can answer these questions in a snap. If you have any problems, re-read Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix!

Who Put Harry's Name In?

2011-08-18T07:06:00.003-04:00

This year, something special is happening at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermoine know that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley know what it is. They try and try to get it out of them with no luck. First things first. Harry and Hermoine leave the next morning with the Weasleys for the World Quidditch Cup! The teams from Ireland and Romania are playing. But how are they going to get there? Does the whole Weasley family go along?

The friends get to Hogwarts where Professor Dumbledore has an announcement. It is here we find what Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys’ secret was. Hogwarts is going to be host to two other schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. There’s a twist to the games this year. No-one under seventeen-years-old may enter. But somebody has put Harry’s name in and he’s only fourteen-years-old. Who put Harry’s name in?

Look over there. Harry has to get the golden egg from the Hungarian Horntail! How in the world is he going to accomplish this? The Hungarian Horntail is nesting and thinks that it’s one of her own eggs. Really, the golden egg holds the clue as to what the second task is. I digress. Let’s go back to the Hungarian Horntail. It chases him everywhere breaking boulders (and almost Harry several times) as it goes along. The champions are allowed to carry their wands into challenges and Harry has a plan. Rather, Mad Eye Moody plants the idea into Harry’s head. Acio Firebolt! He outflies the Hungarian Horntail, scoops up the golden egg and wins the first task. It’s just another day in the life of Harry.

In this book, Harry faces his biggest challenge yet. He has to ask a girl to go to The Yule Ball with him! Harry really wants to ask Cho Chang but she’s always with her friends. As Ron says, “why do they always travel in packs?”

Also, in this book, Lord Voldemort takes on his human (if I can call it that) appearance. Of course, he interferes with the Tri-Wizard Tournament to do this. Voldemort transforms the Tri-Wizard cup into a portkey for the third challenge in the maze. Harry and Cedric run for the cup together not knowing this. Where does the portkey take them? Cedric is completely baffled as to where they are but Harry has dreamed about the place in one of his nightmares. He knows exactly where they are and warns Cedric to quickly get back to the portkey. Wormtail enters the picture carrying a white blob that’s Lord Voldemort. What does Wormtail do to bring Lord Voldemort to his human form?

Of course, Lord Voldemort tries again to kill Harry. How many different ways does he use to try to kill Harry? In the end, the Dark Lord and Harry wind up in a wizard’s duel. Now, Harry is quite inexperienced at this. He’s only been in one other and that was back in Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets. That was in class and supervised at that!

On top of that Lord Voldemort has placed a spy in Hogwarts. It doesn’t come out until the end of the book who this spy is. Do you remember who?

Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire is a darker book since Harry is growing up. There are three murders in this book. Can you remember who is murdered and by whom?

Who put Harry’s name in? You’ll have to re-read Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire to find out!

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban

2011-08-14T08:42:00.003-04:00

Oh no! Aunt Marge is coming to visit! She’s always running Harry down, treating him like a servant and running his parents down. She never knew Harry’s parents. Her visit is going to be different this time. As she is in her usual rant of running Harry and his parents down, she starts comparing him to a dog. Harry just can’t contain himself anymore. He doesn’t pull out his wand (remember the law for underage magic?). But Aunt Marge actually starts swelling up. In fact, she doesn’t stop swelling up until she’s like a balloon floating through the sky. Harry has a solution to all this and acts before Uncle Vernon can say anything. What does he do? He packs his trunk for Hogwarts. Since summer is almost over, he’ll go back early.

Harry drags his trunk down the dark streets of Surrey until he’s out of breath. How is Harry going to get to Hogwarts? Do you remember? His answer comes speeding down the street in the form of…. Harry enters this thing and is magically and hilariously transported to Diagon Alley where he has to meet with The Minister of Magic about blowing up Aunt Marge (I think she needed blowing up, don’t you?). It turns out that the Minister Cornelius Fudge says that there’s no law about blowing up your aunt and lets Harry off the hook. He has even gotten all of Harry’s school supplies for his third year for him. This year Harry gets the strangest school book he’s ever had. Do you remember what it is?

Once Harry gets to Hogwarts, he feels like he’s home…with a couple of exceptions. He has a mass murderer after him and Hogwarts surrounded by dementors. It seems that Professor Dumbledore has given his permission for them to patrol Hogwarts until Sirius Black is found and captured. Do the dementors ever interfere with any of Hogwarts school activities?

There’s another difference at Hogwarts. There is a new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher…again. This is Harry’s third one. But Remus Lupin is a good teacher. He teaches Harry and the other third years how to face their fears. Do you remember what else he teaches Harry?

After Ron is dragged by the black dog into the Shrieking Shack, the three friends find out the truth about Sirius. After that, Harry does everything he possibly can to prove Sirius’ innocence.

Professor Snape barges into the Shrieking Shack to find Sirius Black there with Remus Lupin, Harry, Ron and Hermoine. He locks up Sirius in one of the Hogwarts’ towers. How does Harry get him out and let him escape?

As usual, I know that all you Potterphiles that are reading this will have all the answers. Or you think you will. Re-read Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban to find out!

Follow The Spiders!

2011-08-10T07:10:00.013-04:00

Dobby The House Elf showed up in Harry’s bedroom at 4 Privet Drive and warns Harry not to go back to Hogwart’s. He even goes so far as to withhold Harry’s letters from Hermoine and Ron! Then he closed up platform nine and three quarters so Ron and Harry couldn’t get to the Hogwarts Express. So, how did Harry and Ron get there? Even after Harry gets to Hogwarts, Dobby doesn’t give up. In a quidditch match Dobby turns a bludger rogue making it go after Harry. What else did Dobby do to try to keep Harry from going back to Hogwarts? Why didn’t he want Harry to go back to Hogwarts?

In Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, along with Harry, we get our first look at the Burrows. It’s fascinating isn’t it? I’d love to live in a place like that! Who can forget the yarn knitting itself or the frying pan washing itself? Was anything else happening by itself at the Burrows?

In this book, Harry and the Weasleys’ travel to Diagon Alley in a different way. Of course all you Potterphiles are going to know how but maybe, just maybe some of you won’t. How did they get there? Did Harry do it right?

Remember when the Whomping Willow whomped Harry, Ron and the flying Ford Anglia? That was hilarious! The car knew just how to get out of that situation, though. What did it do?

There’s something I really want to see if you Potterphiles remember. Who started the fight in Flourish & Botts? Was it Mr. Malfoy, one of the Weasley twins or someone else? Maybe it was Harry himself?

Gilderoy Lockhart was Harry’s Professor of The Dark Arts that year. He was so weird! He had pictures of himself hanging everywhere. He bragged about receiving The Most Winning Smile Award. He had the witches in most of the wizarding world swooning over him. He even bragged that he knew the counter curse to prevent the petrifying. Can you remember who and what got petrified? How were they un-petrified?

While Harry is doing detention with for Gilderoy Lockhart, he starts hearing voices. But why does Harry have detention? Anyway, the voices are creepy and he’s never heard them before. What’s Harry hearing?

Harry has made advancement and is still learning some basic things. Because the Dursleys are afraid of Harry being a wizard, he gets Dudley’s second bedroom. YAY! Harry doesn’t have to sleep in that awful cupboard anymore! Even though Harry advances to his own bedroom, he is still learning some basic things.

Harry’s still learning that he doesn’t have to do everything himself. Ron and Hermoine are right beside him to always help. Also, Harry is still learning that even when Ron and Hermoine aren’t there he can depend on his brain to help himself. I guess if I spent eleven years in that spider-ridden cupboard I’d have trouble learning these things too.

Harry has yet to learn that if they need more help all he has to do is ask. The rest of the Weasleys and all his friends at Hogwarts will be more than happy to help with whatever the adventure is!

It was so spooky to travel down to The Chamber of Secrets with Harry. It was downright scary to have Tom Riddle have the basilisk try to kill him! But Harry had help. First Hagrid gave him a clue, then Harry figured something out and when he needed it help came? Who helped Harry, what was the clue and who was the help? Can you tell me where Ron and Hermoine were when this big adventure was happening?

I have one final question for you: Whatever happed to Gilderoy Lockhart?

So, follow the spiders and re-read Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets to find the answers to these questions and have more adventures with Harry.

You Have A Special Magic, Harry.

2011-08-06T21:59:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Re-read Harry Potter month! Well, we’ve read all the books and seen all the movies. Now, we’re going to test our knowledge of everything Harry.

For my first installment, we’re going to look at Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. This will be so much fun. I mean, who isn’t going to miss the adventures of the boy who lived? So, get your broomsticks, frogs, toads, cats and owls. All aboard for the Hogwart’s Express!

Poor Harry. See him over there? His aunt and uncle have bullied him again to do something disgusting. His cousin, Dudley, isn’t much better. Why? It’s because Harry is different. The Dursley’s hate anyone or anything that is different, don’t they? But what makes Harry different?

Anyone who’s a Potterphile knows that life is about to change for the better for poor, bullied Harry.

The change starts simply with a letter addressed to Harry with emerald green writing. You know what happens. Uncle Vernon snatches it away, not letting Harry see his own mail. But the letters keep on coming squeezing themselves under the front door, through the sides of the door and through open windows. Why, hundreds of letters fly in though the chimney.

This upsets Uncle Vernon so much that the whole Dursley family (including Harry) packs up and winds up staying on the “Hut On The Rock.” The Dursley's and Harry tried two other places before they stayed in that hut. Do you remember what they were? Doesn’t something good also happen at that dingy hut? Sure. We meet Hagrid and Harry finally sees his letter. The next day Harry and Hagrid are off to magical Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies for Hogwarts.

When Harry first enters Hogwarts and sits down to eat, he looks at the teachers sitting at the head table. He sees a man sitting next to Professor Quirrel who Harry has already met. The man has an ugly sneer and greasy black hair. Harry immediately doesn’t like this man and soon finds out that this man doesn’t like him. In fact, the man hates Harry! Why does he hate Harry so much? Harry has just learned that the man is Severus Snape and he’ll be one of his professors. That’ll make life interesting for Harry, won’t it?

Shortly, after the feast Harry finds out through the wizarding newspaper, that someone broke into vault #713 at Gringotts. Professor Dumbledore had Hagrid empty the same vault out on the same day! Do you remember who did it?

Harry doesn’t go back to Privet Drive for Christmas. Much to his delight, Ron stays at Hogwarts then too. He and Ron have the best Christmas ever and Harry actually gets presents! One of them is an invisibility cloak from someone unknown. Harry tries the cloak out and wanders around the castle at night and finds the Mirror of Erised. On the frame of the Mirror of Erised are strange carvings that obviously mean something. Do you remember what the writing on the frame said?

Harry’s biggest adventure that year was trying to keep Proffessor Quirrel and Lord Voldemort away from the Sorcerer’s Stone. That was tricky business since Harry was only a first year at Hogwarts. But why did Professor Quirrel’s skin burn and blister each time Harry touched him?

Harry learned a lot that first year. He learned that he can actually get through the tough times by depending on his friends and using his wits.

Find out what the special magic Harry has by re-reading Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. You can find all the answers to my questions in the book. Next time, we’ll look at Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.

Quirky Kids Zoo

2011-07-28T07:05:00.008-04:00

TITLE: Quirky Kids Zoo
AUTHOR: Pat Brannon
PUBLISHER: Wandering Sage Publications http://www.wanderingsagepublications.comFORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 32
PRICE: $11.99 (US), £7.46 (UK), CDN$ 11.39 (CA)
ILLUSTRATOR: Jimena Pinto-Kroujiline http://www.amelia2.blogspot.com
ISBN – 10: 1933300833
ISBN – 13: 9781933300832

Hi! Welcome to a different kind of zoo. We’re going to see some strange sights. What’s that you say? What kind of strange sights? Well never fear, it’s nothing scary here.

Do you have you camera ready? You can take pictures of different things here. What’s different here? Look over there; did you ever see porcupines with fur so soft? Let’s walk down this walk. Look over there. See the elephants playing leapfrog with the ants? See the gorillas roller skating? There’s a lot to take pictures of in this quirky zoo!

Children and adults both will love this book by Pat Brannon. Children will love laugh at the quirky kids’ zoo’s inhabitants. They will love the fact that they can help read the book by counting. Adults will love the rhyming story because it teaches kids to count from one to twenty five. Parents will love the imaginative and silly antics (like gardening kangaroos) of the inhabitants. This interactive book makes reading time fun!

The brightly painted illustrations by Jimena Pinto-Kroujiline brings this delightful rhyming story to life.

I loved reviewing this children’s book and highly recommend it. It’s so imaginative and just a pleasure to read. From beginning to end, the Quirky Kids Zoo kept a smile on my face!

To learn more about Pat Brannon, just visit her website. You’ll find it at: http://www.patbrannon.com. While you’re visiting websites, you can visit Jimena Pinto-Kroujiline’s website at: http://www.amelia2.blogspot.com.

You can purchase Quirky Kids Zoo for your children or grandchildren at a variety of places. Among them are: http://www.amazon.com or http://www.barnesandnoble.com in the United States. In Canada you can go to http://www.amazon.ca or pick it up in the United Kingdom at: http://www.amazon.co.uk.

The Pumpkin Field

2011-07-19T07:10:00.010-04:00

TITLE: The Pumpkin Field
AUTHOR: Linda Nance
PUBLISHER: Create Space http://www.createspace.com
PAGES: 40
PRICE: $10.95 (US), £6.62 (UK), CDN$ 10.80 (CA)
FORMAT: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1461044812
ISBN-13: 9781461044819

Strange things happen on Halloween night or do they? In this picture book it is a chilly and misty night. It’s a perfect night for spooky things to happen. It’s a perfect night to be full of fright!

Do scarecrows jump from their posts and dance around on Halloween? Do pumpkins dance from their pumpkin patch? Or is it just shadows in the misty night air?

What was that flying through the air? Was it a bird?

In this delightful children’s book, we find out just what the answers are to these questions and more. Linda’s watercolor illustrations really bring the story to life!

A child will love this book. It explains the spooky things you see and the creepy sounds you hear. Adults will enjoy reading this to their children as it brings back memories of their own Halloween celebrations.

To learn more about Linda Nance, you can go to a couple of different places. You can go to Linda’s fan page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Nance-Fan-Page/162224753802546. You can also learn more about The Pumpkin Field and Linda Nance at: http://linda-nance.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-is-pumpkin-field.html.

This entertaining book is sold in several places. You can pick The Pumpkin Field up at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.barnesandnoble.com in the US, at http://www.amazon.ca in Canada or http://www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom. You can also purchase this directly from the publisher at https://www.createspace.com/3588264.

Walking Through Walls

2011-07-05T00:41:00.012-04:00

Hi! Today we’re talking with Karen Cioffi, the author of the new children’s book, Walking Through Walls. Welcome to The Bumpy Road, Karen!

Tell us about Walking Through Walls, Karen.

One of my favorite children’s books is The Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. I love the flavor of the book and the time period. I think my book has a similar flavor, at least I hope it does!

Walking Through Walls is based on an ancient Chinese tale and set in 16th century China. Twelve year old Wang dreams of being rich and powerful. He studies the legend of the Eternals, a group of mystics who are well known for their magical feats and power. When he is sure they are real, he journeys to their home in the Loa Mountain and begins an apprenticeship with the Master Eternal.

Unfortunately, Wang does not have the patience or moral fiber for the long and arduous undertaking. Before he leaves his apprenticeship, he gets the Master to teach him one magic formula – walking through walls.

In your author's notes you mention that you got the idea for your book from a Chinese folktale. What was in the folktale that inspired you to write Walking Through Walls?

Absolutely. I received a rough outline of a Chinese tale from a Chinese author acquaintance, Stone Fan. I loved the story.

The story involved a man who learned how to walk through walls with unscrupulous intentions. Ancient tales weren’t geared for today’s children’s market-they most often had adult protagonists and themes. And, they overtly demonstrated the moral of the story.

I knew it would make a wonderful children’s story. It took around three years from receiving the outline, to write the story, find a publisher, and have it available for sale.

When Wang fell asleep, he saw a magnificent dragon. Did he really see it or was he dreaming?

LOL, you’re really analyzing the story! It’s a very interesting question. The answer is kind of yes to both. While it was a dream, it was somewhat in the realm of reality, induced by the Master Eternal. This isn’t something revealed in the story.

Does Wang ever find the Eternals?

Yes he does. Although his own efforts to find the Eternals didn’t pan out, his little sister was able to tell him exactly where to find them.

Is Wang's life as an apprentice much different from his fathers' life?

Another great question, and the answer is NO. When initiating his plan to find the Master Eternal and become an apprentice, Wang had no idea as to the hard labor that would be involved. The same kind of labor he was running from at home. Although the Master Eternal warned him the apprenticeship woulde be difficult, Wang didn’t comprehend.

Walking Through Walls is full of magic! Will Wang ever learn this magic?

It takes a while for Wang to finally learn just one magic formula, and at the time he’s happy with that. He views it as his path to riches.

In the story we see a black cat, a black raven and a silver snake with a purple tail. Do these three things mean anything?

The writing process is so amazing. The cat, raven and snake were added after the story was finished, or so I thought. I needed something to tie the dragon into the end and show how all of Wang’s endeavors were being monitored. And especially, I needed Wang to be able to put it all together and realize his destiny. Adding those elements helped with it all.

Where can we purchase Walking Through Walls?

Walking Through Walls should now be available through online sources such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as in book stores. If it’s not listed yet, it will be very soon! In any event, readers can order this book today at: http://4rvpublishing.yolasite.com/mg-ya-page-2.php.

Thank you so much for talking with us and telling us about your magical book today, Karen. We’ve enjoyed hearing you tell us about Walking Through Walls.

Deb, thank you so much for featuring me on The Bumpy Road!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen Cioffi is an author and ghostwriter. Her new MG/YA fantasy book, Walking Through Walls is based on an ancient Chinese tale and scheduled to be released in July 2011. To find out more about Karen and her books visit: http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html. If you’d like to learn more about Walking Through Walls and check out some reviews visit: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com.

Don’t forget: The next stop on the Walking Through Walls virtual book tour is at Kathy Stempe’s blog on July 7th. I hope you all join us there!

Following is my review of Walking Through Walls.

REVIEW FOR WALKING THROUGH WALLS

TITLE: Walking Through Walls
AUTHOR: Karen Cioffi
PUBLISHER: 4RV Publishing http://4rvpublishingllc.com
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 61
PRICE: $14.99 (US)
ISBN:13: 9780982659472
ILLUSTRATOR: WillowRaven http://WillowRaven.weebly.com

Twelve-year-old Wang wants a different life than his father has. His father spends his days toiling in the hot sun gathering wheat. No, he doesn’t want a farmer’s life at all. It’s too hard and back breaking! Wang wants to learn magic and to be an Eternal so he can be rich and powerful. Then he could get everything he wants. Or can he?

Wang had to find out where the Eternals live. First he asked the mayor if he knew where the Eternals lived. The Mayor had no idea and sent him to the town’s doctor but he doesn’t know either. At last, he has another idea about who to ask. Will this person know? Will Wang find the Eternals and learn the magic that he desperately wants?

In this magical children’s book, Karen Cioffi takes us along on Wangs’ journey to learn magic. During this journey, Wang finds out that he can only use the Eternal’s magic for good. Will he become rich and powerful this way?

After the story, Ms. Cioffi includes some questions and activities for the reader. She also describes a bit of the Chinese culture for us and tells us what a Chinese dragon is said to look like. I found this very interesting!

I highly recommend this entertaining and magical book. Not only is Walking Through Walls a fun book to read but in the words of Mr. Bill Cosby, “be careful or you just might learn something!”

To learn more about Walking Through Walls just surf to the book’s blog at: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com.

You can pre-order Walking Through Walls by going to the publishers website at: http://www.4rvpublishing.yolasite.com/mg-ya-page-2.php. Karen’s book will be on sale on July 15th at http://www.amazon.com and http://www.barnesandnoble.com.

Karen Cioffi is an author and ghostwriter. Her new MG/YA fantasy book, Walking Through Walls is based on an ancient Chinese tale and scheduled to be released in July 15, 2011. To find out more about Karen and her books visit: http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html. If you’d like to learn more about Walking Through Walls and check out some reviews visit: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com.

The Pea In The Peanut Butter

2011-06-29T07:22:00.014-04:00

TITLE: The Pea In The Peanut Butter
AUTHOR: Allyn M. Stotz
PUBLISHER: Future Word Publishing (May 1, 2011)
href="http://www.futureword.net">http://www.futureword.net
FORMAT: Paperback
PRICE: $11.95
PAGES: 36
ILLUSTRATOR: Valerie Bouthyette http://www.vbouthyette.com
ISBN – 10: 0984589058
ISBN – 13: 9780984589050

Kailee’s belly wakes her up one night making all kinds of growling noises. Maybe she’s hungry. She goes downstairs to ask Mommy for something to eat and Mommy says she can get herself a fruit roll-up. Does she herself a fruit roll – up? No. Kailee reaches for the jar of peanut butter! She loves peanut butter! She hates that yucky green stuff that Mommy’s always trying to get her to eat.

As she’s reaching for the jar of peanut butter, the door slams shut. Who slammed the door shut? Why did the door slam shut?

Magically, the cans in the pantry come to life talking and singing to Kailee. In the cans’ own way they show Kailee that different colors of food can taste good!

Will Kailee learn to like different kinds of foods?

Children will love The Pea In The Peanut Butter by Allyn Stotz. In this colorful picture book, children learn from Ms. Stotz that it’s not the color of the food that make it taste good. It’s the food itself.

The colorful illustrations by Valerie Bouthyette are done in all primary colors and bring the story to life. This includes a mystery for Kailee’s mommy to figure out. Why is there a pea in the peanut butter?

I highly recommend this delightful book. Parents will love it for showing their picky eaters that other foods are good too. Children will love it for it’s magical and entertaining story.

If you would like to learn more about Allyn, please visit her blog at: http://allynstotz.blogspot.com. To purchase The Pea In The Peanut Butter for your children visit http://www.amazon.com.

Life Goes On

2011-06-06T07:49:00.010-04:00

TITLE: Life Goes On
AUTHOR: Linda Nance
PUBLISHER: Createspace (October 5, 2000)
FORMAT: Paperback, Kindle
PAGES: 256
PRICE: $12.99 – Paperback, $4.95 – Kindle
ISBN – 10: 1453780130
ISBN – 13: 9781453780138

John and Becky had a wonderful life until one day disaster struck. John was laid off at the factory and they all had to move into a rundown apartment building in a very bad neighborhood. Unknown to their children, John and Becky have received an eviction notice to vacate the apartment in ten days.

Their two oldest children were caught up in the neighborhoods activities. Bobby was learning the tricks of the trade of running drugs with the gang he considered his family. The oldest daughter, teenaged Donna, was caught up in the wrong type of crowd constantly partying, doing drugs and drinking. The youngest child, Stacy, was still a good kid but was beginning to following in her older sibling’s footsteps.

It looks like all hope is gone for the family. Ah, but John has a plan. He secretly contacts a relative for help. The relative is more than helpful and offers John more than he could ever hope for.

Neither John nor Becky wanted runaway kids on their hands. They love their children too much and knew the life their kids would be running too. But John and his relative have a plan already in motion to prevent that.

I have to admit that at first I didn’t like Life Goes On since there’s so much attitude and disrespect from the kids. Although this is very realistic, it doesn’t make a relaxing read for me. So, I started it over and was pleasantly surprised after I read on just why Linda Nance started the book the way she did. Soon, I couldn’t put Life Goes On down.

I highly recommend action packed story for both adults and young adults. Life Goes On is a story about what real families can do in the toughest times. Even if the families are separated by states!

You can learn more about Linda Nance by visiting her blog at: http://linda-nance.blogspot.com. You can also find out about Linda at her Amazon Page at: http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Nance.

To purchase this page turner just go to Amazon.com, Amazon.com (the Kindle store), Amazon.ca, or Amazon.co.uk. You can also buy Life Goes On directly from the publisher at http://www.createspace.com/3478911.

The Stylish Blogger Award

2011-05-28T09:50:00.014-04:00

I've been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award from Allyn Stotz at Allyn's Blog! In exchange for the Stylish Blogger Award, I have to share 7 little known things about myself. This is going to be tough since I'm pretty much open about myself. Here goes nothing:

1. Since I read and write most of the time, I think I'm a pretty boring person.
2. I love to talk.
3. I just started learning a new way to knit afghans.
4. I loved a grilled cheese sandwich!
5. I can't lie since it shows on my face. I have a very expressive face!
6. I just submitted a story to an online magazine (only my critique group knows this.
7. I have lots of unfinished business to take care of ranging from cleaning to needlework!

Now here are my choices to pass this award on to. Please pass the envelope, please. The winners are...

Rena Jones

Please pass the Stylish Blogger Award on too blogs that you're following.

Making Myself Over

2011-05-20T21:29:00.003-04:00

Hi! I just looked at my profile. It sure doesn’t say much! It’s pretty bland and boring so I think I’ll try to jazz it up a bit. I’ll try to share me with you a little better than I did before.

As I state in my original profile, I’ve always wanted to write for children since I was in elementary school. I even tried to start a school newsletter back then. When you’re under twelve years of age, you don’t understand fully about getting permission. I thought I could just start a newsletter. So one evening after school, I took our little toy typewriter (that really worked!) up to my bedroom. I pounded away until it was bedtime making copies of my little newsletter. The articles were simple little things like: Sally fell in a mud puddle and did she look funny! Or Billy got into a fight with Johnny.

I took these copies to school the next day and handed them out. Some of the kids laughed and some got mad since they were in it.

My newsletter somehow found it’s way into the principal’s hands and I was called down to her office. She was really mad! She firmly put the fear of not writing into me. She didn’t have one encouraging word for me. I remember the principal yelling and going on about having to get permission from the school board. I have no idea if she called my parents about my endeavor to start a newsletter. They never said a word about it. Unlike the principal they never discouraged me from writing. This little incident killed my love of writing for a few years but soon my imagination was back at work.

I made up stories in my head for years. I wish I had written all of those stories down back then! I’ve since learned that lots of kids from the 1950’s or 60’s did think to write it down. I wish I were in that group!

As the years went by and I grew up I got a job as a nurse aid. This didn’t last long as I became disabled. The disability forced me out of the workplace in no time at all.

It took a few years to get re-adjusted to life as it now. I had to learn to do everyday things all over again.

Let’s flash forward several years later. One night I was lying in bed feeling sorry for myself since I couldn’t work anymore. I felt like my life was over and then it came to me. I can write again and no disability can prevent me from doing that!

Since then, I’ve been published in several online magazines and a couple of newsletters. Currently, I’m working on several books and more children’s stories.

I still reside in the U.S.A. in Central Pennsylvania.

What does any of this have to do with writing? Plenty! No matter what life throws at you, you can still write. Nothing can stop you from that.

Keep on writing!

Mothers As Writing Tool

2011-05-10T17:17:00.039-04:00

Dorothy J. Hockenberry

Writer's resources aren't only found in the library. Nor are they found on Google, Yahoo, historical societies or your favorite search engine. Sometimes a resource can come in the form of a person.

Certain people are very important to a writer. Mothers fall into this category. It doesn't matter what kind of writing you do mothers are important to it. I found this out on my own journey as a writer.

Before I owned a tape recorder, I read my stories to Mom. She was an important tool or resource to me. She'd always give me honest feedback whether I liked what she had to say or not. I could always count on her honesty.

I do realize that a tape recorder is as necessary for writers as air is but reading to Mom was much better since she pointed out the mistakes that I missed. Reading to Mom had another advantage over the tape recorder. Not only would I get her honest feedback but since Mom was a creative type herself, I'd get a critique on how to improve my work.

I read her the stories, articles and descriptions I wrote for The Institute of Children's Literature. I must have driven her absolutely crazy with the things I was churning out back then. Through it all, Mom remained encouraging and supportive.

I was finally able to buy my tape recorder and taped my stories. Thinking I had all the mistakes found and corrected, I took the story to Mom. Whoa, was I wrong about the mistakes! She found so many more. I guess you could say that Mom was my first experience with a critique group. She was one all by herself.

Several years ago, she had to be placed in a Nursing Home. I had a few stories I was working on and took them out to read them to her. I read until she was too tired to listen anymore. She listened and smiled. She wasn't able to spot my mistakes nor did I expect her to. But she did hear one...just one and I was delighted she caught that one.

I've been working on an autobiography and took that out to read to her. All she'd have to do is listen, right? Naturally by reading it, I found a lot of mistakes in spelling and other areas. While reading it, Mom got very quiet and closed her eyes. I thought for sure she was falling asleep. To my surprise she was listening. She interrupted me with, "I remember that!"

A few years ago, I found a critique group that fits me well. It's a small group and the members can give their full attention to the stories. Like Mom, they give me their honest feedback and encourage me. Unlike Mom, they edit my manuscript too. Some groups do allow editing and I'm glad mine does.

I lost my mother to Alzheimer's disease this past March. Now it's me, my critique group and my handy dandy tape recorder to catch my mistakes.

Never take the tools or resources you have available to you for granted. Your mom for instance. I'm glad I didn't. Remember to appreciate the resource and tool she is.

Keep on writing!

The Pawnbroker

2011-03-21T07:13:00.006-04:00

TITLE: The Pawnbroker
AUTHOR: Glenn Stuart
PUBLISHER: Black Leaf Publishing http://www.blackleafpublishing.com
PAGES: 180
PRICE: $11.04 (US), CDN$ 11.39 (CA), £7.99 (UK)
FORMAT: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1907407324
ISBN-13: 9781907407321

Imagine. You and your friend are riding your bikes and come upon a dilapidated old mansion. Naturally, you and he go into the old house to explore. Suddenly, you can’t find your friend. When you come out, you start having weird dreams about two boys in another time. This is what happens to Jamie after leaving that old house. Why did Jamie start having these dreams and where did his friend go?

Night after night, Jamie has these dreams but they aren’t always the same dream. They’ve always been about the two boys being told to steal from innocent people but now its worse. Now, Jamie witnesses a murder. What do these dreams mean and why is he having them?

Jamie and another friend, Sarah, visit the library to investigate. By reading old newspapers, going through city directories and indexes they find that all Jamie’s dreams actually happened. The jewels that Jamie dreamt that Bert found in the mansion about are real. Even the murder really happened!

In this paranormal story about traveling through time in dreams, Jamie is terrified. The evil Pawnbroker crosses time and will stop at nothing to get the jewels for himself. Even if it means murdering more people!

Will Jamie be able to solve this paranormal mystery? Can he escape The Pawnbroker?

Please visit Glenn Stuart’s website to learn more about this master of mystery and his books at: http://www.horroronthecosta.com. Another way to follow this master of paranormal mystery is to go to his page at Facebook and ‘like’ him. Just sign in to Facebook and search for Glenn Stuart. Even another way to keep up with Mr. Stuart is to follow him on his blog at: http://glennstuartauthor.blogspot.com.

If you would like to purchase The Pawnbroker you can do that at several places too. You can purchase it The Pawnbroker at http://www.amazon.com (US), http://www.amazon.co.uk (UK), http://www.amazon.ca (CA) or http://www.barnesandnoble.com.

Visit INTERNATIONAL BOOKS CAFE

Why Join A Critique Group

2010-09-27T09:19:00.008-04:00

Why should you join a critique group? There is a major benefit by doing this. Your writing will improve.

There are several kinds of critique groups. There are physical groups where you meet other writers somewhere to critique each other’s work. There are also online critique groups. Between these two kinds of groups, you have several other things to choose from. There are ones that are specifically for children or adults. There are children’s critique groups that are for a certain age or just for picture books. There are critique groups that only allow a few members in. There are others that take an unlimited number of members. So, which kind should you join? Try several groups until you find one that suits you and your style of writing best.

How do I find one you ask? For the physical one try starting at your local library or bookstore. If they don’t have one, they might be able to tell you where one is. If your area is like mine and there isn’t one, go online and go to either Google http://www.google.comor Yahoo http://www.yahoo.com. In Google, click on ‘more’ and come down to ‘groups.’ This takes you to the Google group home page where you just type ‘writing critique groups’ in the search box. Yahoo has ‘groups’ right on their home page and all you have to do is click on this. Just like in Google, type ‘writing critique groups’ in the search box. You get a listing of several groups this way.

Okay, you’ve found some groups. Now, how do you know which one will further you’re writing career the best. Try several groups before settling on one to see which kind works best for you. I tried several groups before I found mine.

How will a critique group help you? Critique groups help in several ways. Submit your story/article in the best shape you can then submitted it to the other members according to your group’s rules. You’re fellow members will find mistakes you thought you had corrected while at the same time offering you helpful advice. You’ll find by critiquing others manuscripts you’re better able to spot errors in your own manuscript.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s never a good idea to put another’s manuscript down. Always be encouraging. Point out the parts of the story/article that are great. You should say encouraging things like, “I can picture this happening!” Or you could say, “Great visualization!” When critiquing someone’s story, you never say something like, “That’s just sad!” No, you offer an opinion like, “Is this sentence needed? Does it carry the story forward?” Then offer an example of what you mean. The author has worked hard on what he/she has turned in and doesn’t need all negative feedback.

Should you edit while critiquing? Some people say go ahead and do it and others say not to. Personally, I think that if you have the talent of finding grammatical and punctuation errors, go ahead and do this! Would you want a fellow member to point out these mistakes? I sure would. I think it would be terrible to put your manuscript through a critique several times, think it’s ready for submission only to have it rejected because of grammatical or punctuation errors. Always give the kind of critique you’d like to receive.
So, join a group that fits you. You’ll be surprised at how your writing will improve!

Here are some helpful links that will help you give a good critique:
The Give And Take Of Critique by Linda Sue Park http://www.lindasuepark.com/writing/critique.html.
How To Give And Receive Critiques by Dawn Copeman
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/dawn09.shtml.
Writing Critique Groups-Strategies For a Successful Critique by Lori Calabrese
http://ezinearticles.com/?Writing-Critique-Groups---Strategies-For-a-Successful-Critique&id=2102464.

Tomorrow's Children Legends of the Ells

2010-08-20T10:07:00.007-04:00

TITLE: Tomorrow’s Children Legend of the Ells
AUTHOR: J.T. Wheeling
PUBLISHER: The Black Leaf Publishing Group http://www.blackleafpublishing.com/ November 2, 2009
COPYRIGHT: 2009, The Black Leaf Publishing Group
PAGES: 204
PRICE: $13.75 (US), £10.60 (UK)
FORMAT: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1907407022
ISBN-13: 9781907407024

“Go on, Marc, get him before he runs. Let’s strip him and throw him in the dung heap, that’s where dirty Ells belong.” Marc, a full head taller than Yani, reached out to grab Yani’s hair.

Last night the dream message had changed. “Today is your fourteenth birthday, now your powers awaken and you can begin to fight.” ~ excerpt from Tomorrow’s Children Legend of the Ells by J.T. Wheeling.

We meet Yani on his fourteenth birthday and his life changes that day. First, his good friend Mika dies. He begins a journey with his faithful dog, Bob, across 25th century Spain. Not only that, but Yani discovers that he can somehow make fire fly out of a broomhandle!

Along Yani’s journey, he makes the first friends his own age. He’s never had a friend his own age before. Yani has been a stable boy his whole life and has only known bullies. He tells his new friends about his life. He also tells them how he was forced to work for the town bullies and was constantly called a ‘dirty Ell.’ But he doesn’t know what an Ell is. He is convinced that it’s something bad. Will his new friends tell him what an Ell is?

His friends are heading for a town called Altania. They tell Yani that he will find out everything he wants to know. But they have no idea who they have just befriended or of the adventures they’re in for!

When Yani and his friends reach Altania, he is sent to The Tower. He is told that he must go now. There’s no time to lose! What is The Tower and what happens there? Is it some sort of punishment for running away from the bullies he worked for?

When the evil Count Aranda learns of Yani, Lord Zandor disappears along with one of his new friends.

Their dangerous adventures never stop! They escape many more cruel bullies on their journey. Yani and his friends even have to battle raging rivers, fight gorrats with his staff and even rescue a damsel in distress!

One question remains for Yani. Who is he?

Tomorrow’s Children The Legends of the Ells is the first book of a trilogy. I highly recommend this science fiction/fantasy. This page turner had this reviewer enthralled. There are so many twists and turns I found this book so hard to put down. I can’t wait to read the next book!

To learn more about the author please visit his website at: http://jtwheeling.com/page_id=2. You can purchase your copy of Tomorrow’s Children Legend of the Ells at the author’s website or at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.amazon.co.uk/.

The Accursed Dawn

2010-07-20T15:21:00.005-04:00

TITLE: The Accursed Dawn
AUTHOR: Glenn Stuart
COPYRIGHT: 2009, Glenn Stuart
PUBLISHER: Black Leaf Publishing http://www.blackleafpublishing.com April 19, 2010
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 300
PRICE: $11.86 (US), £8.96 (UK)
ISBN-10: 1907407138
ISBN-13: 9781907407130

Fifteen-year-old Max is moving to an island away from the mainland of England. Max is amazed at what he sees when his family arrives. His new home is a series of large buildings.

Max checks out his bedroom. It’s bigger than his whole apartment was at home! Leaning against a wall he looks around and sees a chest-of-drawers sitting against one of the walls. Max gets a strange feeling that something isn’t right with this place. He looks toward the chest-of- drawers and a drawer slowly opens but there’s no-one there…

While Max is putting his clothes away in the chest-of-drawers, he finds a note and reads it:

My good friend,
‘Now that I have your attention perhaps you would be so good as to lend me your services. We have so much to do; do not waiver. As you discover the truth, do not dismiss, do not shirk. The truth will out. Find the cellar, my good friend, and begin to put things right the wrongs which have been done.’ ~ excerpt from The Accursed Dawn.

Who opened the drawer and who wrote this note? No-one has been in his new home except for the caretaker.

Max and his friend, Stan, look for the cellar trying to find out what the note means. Once the cellar is found, Max’s adventure begins. He also starts hearing unseen voices. What are these voices and why are they urging him on?

Max turns to his friends to ask them for help. After all, what are friends for? They suggest going into town and visit the island’s mysterious historian. But why are people on the island dying? It’s up to Max to solve this mystery. Little does he know, this is an adventure of a lifetime. It’s also an adventure he’d rather forget.

This paranormal mystery takes you from the present back to a horrific time in the world’s history. This page turner will have up all night!

The Accursed Dawn is brilliantly written and isn’t just another ghost story. It’s a well written mystery about young love, lost love, lies, deceit and revenge! You’ll definitely have trouble putting this book down.

To learn more about Glenn Stuart please visit his website at: http://www.horroronthecosta.com. You can purchase The Accursed Dawn at: http://www.amazon.com or http://www.amazon.co.uk. Purchasing The Accursed Dawn is an action you won’t regret at all!

2010-06-07T07:13:00.013-04:00

TITLE: Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy
AUTHOR: Lakisha Spletzer
PUBLISHER: Create Space http://www.createspace.com
COPYRIGHT: 2010 Lakisha Spletzer (April 30, 2010)
FORMAT: Paperback, Kindle
PRICE: Paperback $15.99, Kindle $5.99
ILLUSTRATOR: J.D. Hollyfield http://www.jdhollyfield.com
ISBN-10: 1449900879
ISBN-13: 9781449900878

Beautiful Laylah LeCroix has everything a teenager could want. She has a nice house, nice clothes and servants, someone to drive her to school every day and a loving family. Or does she?

The seventeen-year-old is bullied constantly at academy not to mention at home too. Her father is constantly working and never has time for her. He finds all kinds of things to ground her over. So much so, that Laylah has never been to her best friends’ parties! All she can do at home is be obedient and hope that her father won’t find anything to ground her for…again.

One day something goes wrong at school and her father goes ballistic to the point of giving her a smack. Laylah has never been smacked in her life and runs out the back door only to be kidnapped. Or is she? Laylah runs for her life into the forest as she is chased by Zina’s weres. Does she have the smarts to escape the weres?

In WERELOVE: DUSK CONSPIRACY we meet Donil Silentshadow who falls in love with Laylah. He even says that she is his mate in life. There is a problem with Laylah and Donil getting together since Henry hates the whole Silentshadow family! Will Laylah ever be able to return Donil’s love or will Mr. Le Croix find a way to keep them apart?

Meanwhile, while Laylah is falling in love with Donil, Zina McFin is trying to take over the were’s world. In order to do that she has to kill Laylah LeCroix! When she takes the were’s world over, she’ll be ‘the’ alpha but why kill an innocent young woman?

I highly recommend this 384 page science fiction/fantasy. This book is full of the supernatural, romance and action. There is a new twist on every page! Also, at the end of the book is a glossary that explains each term. WERELOVE: DUSK CONSPIRACY will keep you telling yourself, “just one more chapter, just one more.”

To learn about the author, Lakisha Spletzer, visit her website at http://www.kishazworld.com/. You can also purchase WERELOVE: DUSK CONSPIRACY at her website or visit http://www.amazon.com/. You won’t be disappointed!

Visit Kids Stories Online- Free Children's Stories, Videos & Audio

Detective Pancake

2010-04-13T15:55:00.004-04:00

TITLE: Detective Pancake
AUTHOR: Tracy Searight Dilbert
ILLUSTRATOR: Lowell Hildebrandt
PUBLISHER: Authorhouse
http://www.authorhouse.com
January 15, 2010
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 24
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN-10: 1449022642
ISBN-13: 9781449022648

Help! Someone is stealing breakfasts! I went downstairs to eat my breakfast only to find it missing! Syrup was dripping on the floor and my eggs were sliding down the wall. What happened? My sausages were missing and so is my juice. Who would commit such a crime? What’ll I do? I’ll bet my sister did it!

But his sister didn’t do it since she just got out of bed. Jenny convinces Mommy that she didn’t touch the breakfast and turns on TV. She sees the breakfast stealing crime spree reported by News Anchor Pam. She warns everyone to “hold onto your plate!”

A commercial came on featuring a man in a trench coat promising to solve the case by dinnertime. So, brother calls the number on the screen asking for help.

I highly recommend Detective Pancake. It’s a delightful book that children will want to read over and over. Any adult reading it to their child will enjoy how catchy and entertaining it is. Detective Pancake is written in prose but it rhymes. This picture book also has cooking terms cleverly inserted throughout the book. For instance there is 350 Degrees Street, Whisk Lane and Officer Teflon.

To learn more about Tracy Searight Dibert please visit her author’s website at: http://www.filedby.com/author/tracy_searight_dibert/3894477. If you would like a copy of Detective Pancake for your own children visit: http://www.amazon.com.

If you would like to read many more reviews, visit I Just Finished http://www.ijustfinished.com. You can also read author interviews or just discuss a book there too!

Pediactric MS

2010-03-08T07:05:00.013-05:00

I’m convinced that I had Pediatric MS as a child. They call MS that’s found in anyone under 18-years-old Pediatric MS. I can only share with this with you by telling you my own story.

I was fifteen or sixteen-years-old when strange things started happening to me. I just didn’t feel right. I knew something was wrong and so did my family. I couldn’t speak right, I couldn’t talk right, my hands and legs kept going numb and jerking. Also, my balance was way off. There used to be an old iron railroad bridge running over the railroad tracks that I’d have to walk over to and from school. I can’t tell you how many times I almost fell off of that bridge onto those tracks!

I knew something was wrong. Luckily, my family knew it too. So, off we went to the family doctor. Now, I have to stop here and tell you that this happened back in the 1960’s. The family doctors in the town I live in weren’t very familiar with MS then at all. They are now. We even have neurologists here now! Now, let’s return to my story.

Well, off my parents and I went to the family doctor. I was given a thorough examination and the doctor just scratched his head. This went on several times and eventually I was put in the hospital for tests. Those poor doctors had no idea what they were looking for or no idea what tests to run when I was hospitalized. So, I went through untold tests and blood tests. All of the tests came back with the same result…negative. So, I was released from the hospital and sent back to school just to wind up in the hospital again undergoing more tests. These tests had the same results as before. They even sent me to a bigger hospital across the state to be checked for Stomach Epilepsy! I knew I didn’t have Stomach Epilepsy. What is was was another symptom of MS. However, they did suspect MS and tested me for it. You couldn’t test for the disease as easy as you can now, so once again the tests came back negative. All of this happened before the invention of the M.R.I. These machines can help diagnose MS pretty easy! I wish they were around back then.

I wasn’t diagnosed with MS until the early 1980’s. So, how did I cope with this disease that I didn’t know I had? I leaned on God and my family and I leaned hard. I still do both of these things. Since then, I’ve learned the benefits exercise and meditation has for MS. In fact, my local MS Chapter informed me that if a MS patient doesn’t exercise, they’ll stiffen up.

Exercise has other benefits for MSers besides keeping you from stiffening up. It’s a great stress-buster! Don’t forget to meditate. I’m still learning how to do this. Someday, I’ll get the hang of it!

I’m constantly learning more all the time by reading the MS magazines like Momentum. Remember, knowledge is power!

Why am I sharing my story with you? It’s National MS Awareness Week and I wanted to let you know that yes, anyone can get MS. In fact, it’s more often found in girls than boys even though both get it.

So, the next time you visit your family doctor; don’t be afraid to tell him exactly how you feel. He’ll give you that thorough examination. If he sees any signs of Pediatric MS you’ll be referred to a neurologist. This is where you’ll get your help in getting your life back together. Remember to read those MS magazines. As I said before, knowledge is power!

You’ll definitely want to check out the MS websites. They offer great support beyond your doctors, faith and family. You can chat or email with other MSers each other to discuss MS or whatever you want. Here are two great ones: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ and The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation http://www.msif.org/. Both of these sources have tons of information. To find information on both of these sites about Pediatric MS, just do a search in the search box. You’ll turn up loads of information on the subject!

Keep on writing!

Proof-reading Your Manuscript

2010-02-15T07:08:00.006-05:00

Congratulations! You’ve finally finished your manuscript. It’s the next big thing that will topple Harry Potter and Twilight! Now, comes the hard part and that’s polishing your manuscript to be the best it can be. How do you do this? You check for errors in your punctuation, grammar, spelling and dialogue.

Now comes the time to check and double check your punctuation and grammar. If you’re like me you’re confused. Where do you place those commas? Do you underline your characters thoughts? What about colons and semi-colons? Here’s a few books and links that will help you.

BOOKS
WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS by Lee Wyndham and Arnold Madison. This book covers everything on writing for children. You should check out chapters 18 and 19 for punctuation, grammar and dialogue.
GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT by Anne Stilman. This book also covers everything you need to proof-read.
ELEMENTS OF STYLE by William Strunk.

LINKS
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PASSION AND SURVIVE AS A WRITER by Margot Finke http://www.underdown.org/mf_writing_passion.htm
11 RULES OF WRITING-A complete guide for writers This covers everything about puncuation and grammar. http://www.junketstudies.com/rulesofw/
PUNCUATION MADE SIMPLE © Gary A. Olson http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation
GUIDE TO PROPER PUNCTUATION Even though this site says to join you don’t have to to get your information. The link is: http://www.libraryonline.com/default.asp?pID

To check your spelling, it’s always best to go backwards. How do I do this, you ask? It’s simple. First, is a no-brainer. Get a dictionary and place it on your writing space beside you. Now you start at the end of your story. You start here since you’ll most likely have the sentences memorized and will miss your mistakes. Go backwards, checking each word. If something jumps out at you that you aren’t completely sure of, look it up in your dictionary. This is also for those words like to, too, two and there, their and they’re. Your dictionary can tell you if you’re using the right form of the word.

So, I’ve provided a few of my proof-reading references. Do you have any others?

Keep on writing!

Guardian

2010-02-01T14:41:00.016-05:00

TITLE: Guardian
AUTHOR: Katie Hines
PUBLISHER: 4RV Publishing http://4rvpublishing.com
(January 21, 2010)
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 172
PRICE: $15.50
ISBN-10: 0984070885
ISBN-13: 9780984070886

"Promise me you'll find the journal and search for the treasure," gasped Drew's dying mother. "It's your destiny." ~from Guardian by Katie Hines.

Three months later, three teenagers sat around a campfire roasting marshmallows. Drew Newman was just about to tell his friends a secret when a man steps out of the darkness. The man carries an old fashioned sword and wears a long hooded cloak. "Where is it," the man asks. "Where is the book?"

Is the man talking about the book Drew touched when he was a kid? The book was leather bound with gold and silver threads embossed on it. The threads formed a tree and it's root system. When he touched the book, magical things happened to him. Is this the book the strange man wants? Does this have anything to do with the promise he made to his dying mother?

Drew's adventures start that night and continue when he travels to Nova Scotia where his grandparents live. Grandpa Ian tells him a story that involves Christ's crucifixion, ancient magic and secret societies.

When Drew is kidnapped, he meets a mysterious woman. She tells him a very different story than his grandfather did. Only then, does he begin to learn what his adventures mean.

In this middle grade urban fantasy, Ms. Hines combines Christianity and fantasy making 'Guardian' a must read! This fast paced book is filled with twists, turns, mystery, magic and danger!

To find more about the author and 'Guardian', visit her website at http://katiehines.blogspot.com. You can purchase 'Guardian' for your own library directly from the publisher at: http://www.4RVpublishing.com or at http://www.amazon.com.

Visit Kids Stories Online- Free Children's Stories & Videos

Emerald Ace

2010-01-07T16:42:00.011-05:00

TITLE: Emerald Ace
AUTHOR: David Falash
PUBLISHER: Black Leaf Publishing http://www.blackleafpublishing.com
COPYRIGHT: 2009 The Black Leaf Publishing Group
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 351
PRICE: $15.56 (US), £12.50 (UK)
ISBN-10: 0955990319
ISBN-13: 9780955990311

Fifteen-year-old Mick Gallagher has a dream. All he wants is to become a fighter pilot and help free Ireland. Little does Mick know his dream of flying will come true sooner than he thinks! But how long will it be before Mick can help free Ireland?

Mick is in awe when he witnesses a dogfight in the sky above Aunt Patti’s farm. The fight between a British pilot and a German pilot is a harrowing one. With guns blazing the German pilot shoots the British pilot down. However, the German soldier is injured and crash lands almost hitting Aunt Patti’s house!

Before he realizes it, Mick travels to France where he is given flying lessons. While staying at the French chateau of his instructor, Mick meets Michelle Guerintaux. A romance soon blossoms between Mick and Michelle.

Set in the backdrop of World War I, Mick finds himself flying and fighting with the Red Baron himself! Mick is honored as he is to be part of Richthofen’s Flying Circus but one thing bothers him. When can he fly to Ireland to help free them from the British?

I usually don’t enjoy a war story but I did enjoy this one. I found it to be a real page-turner from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and I hope to read more by Mr. Falash!

To learn more about the author please visit his website at: http://www.davidfalash.com

There are a few places to purchase Emerald Ace. You can purchase it from the author’s website listed above. You can also purchase this action packed story at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.amazon.co.uk/.

Visit Kids Stories Online- Free Children's Stories & Videos

A Few Writing Goals For 2010

2010-01-04T17:46:00.018-05:00

Welcome to 2010! I guess by now you've made your New Year's Resolutions. Have you made any writing goals?

How do you set your writing goals? It's as simple as:
1. I will keep a writer's journal.
2. I will submit my book or magazine story/article in 2010.
3. I will keep my writing space organized in 2010.
4. I will submit a cover letter or query letter each month of 2010.
I'm sure that you get the idea.

#1. I will keep a writer's journal. I'm sure that you have an empty notebook in your desk that you can use for this. Now, I know of three ways of keeping a writer's journal.
1. Block certain amounts of time to do a chore then move on to the
next.
2. Set aside certain chunks of the day to do a chore and then move on
to the next.
3. Write what you have to get done the next day in your writer's
journal and when it's done just cross it off your list and move on. If
your list doesn't get done that day, there's always tomorrow!

Which of these works for me? I tried them all and #1 doesn't work for me. #2 works for me to a point but life keeps getting in my way so it doesn't really do the job. #3 does work for me! I can work at my writing with life getting in my way. Whatever happens, I can still go back to this kind of list picking up where I left off. It's flexible and best of all I don't feel the pressure of getting everything done on a certain day!

#2. I will submit my book or magazine story/article in 2010. Quit procrastinating and get down to the business of writing. Market for your book or magazine story/article then send your baby on its way. Hey, even if its not accepted the first few times you send it out, you'll still get valuable feedback on how to improve!

#3. I will keep my writing space organized in 2010. I'm ashamed to admit it but this has been a tough one for me to accomplish. I hope that I manage this one in 2010! I bought a pretty basket to hold my writing supplies in at a rummage sale. This works great...to a point! The only problem here is that the basket can only hold so much. So off I went to my local Walmart to buy one of those metal desk organizers. This works great too but there's still a problem. What to do with the reference books, magazines, papers & post-it notes? Does anyone have any ideas about this?

#4. I will submit a cover letter or query letter a month. First you should know how to write a cover/query letter that gets an editors attention. You can find this information in the 2010 edition of both the Magazine Markets for Children's Writers and the Book Markets for Children's Writers. For even more info on writing these go to The Purple Crayon.

Your writing goal list might be different and longer than mine but I hope that I've given you some ideas!

Keep on writing!

Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS

2009-12-05T18:55:00.031-05:00

Deb: Hi! Today we have an interview with new author Mary Jo Nickum. Welcome to The Bumpy Road, Mary. Would you tell us about your new book, Mom's Story; A Child Learns about MS?

Mary: Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS tells the story of a young girl who sees her mother with some frightening health problems and learns she has MS but she will not die from it. This book is a compassionate, accessible and easy to understand account of symptoms, search for help, diagnosis and adaption to this heart-wrenching disease. Amy fears the worst, which is common when one is confronted by the unknown. Her best friend, Kayla, doesn't quite understand why Amy is so worried. Amy's older sister, Kelly is concerned and does her best to help, while older brother, Tony, tries to deny the whole situation. Information is the key to allaying much of her fear along with understanding from parents, adult friends and her older sister.

Deb: Amy's big brother, Tony, is in denial over learning his mother's diagnosis. Will he ever get over this?

Mary: Tony is in denial and he has difficulty accepting his mother's diagnosis. From the beginning you see him start to deny when his mother drops the plate of eggs, then his refusal to take part in the family's trip to diagnosis. He will need the help of his family to overcome this difficulty. He will find that the MS Society information will empower him to meet his friends' questions and comments with dignity.

Deb: Is Tony's denial common? Does he ever learn that Multiple Sclerosis is nothing to be ashamed of?

Mary: Tony is concerned how his friends would respond to the news of his mother's illness if they found out. Many people with MS and their family members' first inclination is to keep MS a secret. Concern about friends' reactions, long held stigmas, and, more importantly, employers' reactions and the possible job implications fuel this attempt at secrecy. Tony's reaction is normal but the parents must work with him through this issue now if he's ever to completely accept the diagnosis. They show signs at different levels of beginning to help him.

Deb: I was so happy to see Amy and her family jump in to learn about MS! Would all families do this?

Mary: I think all families will try to get as much information as they can early. Where they get that information is critical. The purpose of this book is to help families find current, accurate information about MS. There are many ways people choose to get information, much of it hearsay and the internet. The internet has valuable information if sought from reliable sites. The sites I've listed in the book are known reliable sources of information about MS. There may well be others, but I can't vouch for them.

Deb: I know that this is a children's book but would Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS be good for anyone who wants to understand the basics of MS? I say the basics since, as a fellow MSer, I realize just what a complex disease it is.

Mary: Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS would be a good introduction to MS for anyone who is newly diagnosed or has a friend or relative with the disease. The book is intended as a family resource. Therefore, it has information that adults may find useful, beyond what a child would use.

The complexity of the disease made this book for children a difficult undertaking. The most challenging task was to trim the discussion of symptoms, medical explanations, and categories of the disease to language and description that a child would understand.

Deb: Where can we purchase Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS?

Mary: Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS is available on several websites including: http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, http://www.eastvalleywriters.com/as well as my own website at: http://www.marynickum.com/.

Deb: Thank you for joining us today, Mary. Mom's Story; A Child Learns About MS is a very informative book!

See my review for this book. Just click on the stack of books at the upper left of this blog to be taken to my review blog!

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

The 2010 Muse Online Writer's Conference

2009-11-23T15:09:00.019-05:00

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

2009-08-18T07:14:00.010-04:00

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

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

Angeline Jellybean

2009-07-22T07:38:00.034-04:00

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!

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

All The Stillness Of The Wind

2009-07-14T15:38:00.013-04:00

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.

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

The Marketing Bump

2009-07-03T07:06:00.011-04:00

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!

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

An Interview With Penny Lockwood

2009-06-05T06:44:00.008-04:00

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!

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

Troy The Boy Dachshund

2009-06-03T08:43:00.006-04:00

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.

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T16:18:00.009-04:00

I’ve found that Memorial Day means different things to different people.

To some it means getting to go to amusement parks, going on vacation or just sleeping in because you don’t have to go to work or school.

When I was a child, Memorial Day always meant the beginning of the summer barbeques at my grandparents’ house. There was always a parade to watch that day too. That didn’t matter to me at all. What really mattered was that starting that day, me and my cousins would get to swim and picnic every holiday until school started at Grandma’s house!

Memorial Day means so much more than picnics, amusement parks or swimming. It is so much more than watching a parade that ends in a cemetery. As a child, I couldn’t understand why this was. My mother told me what the day meant and I said I understood but I didn’t.

It is a day set aside to honor all of America’s soldiers, living or dead. There is so much to think about when it comes to Memorial Day. Ordinary people, like the guy or girl next door, are ready to go where the battle is to fight or possibly die for our freedom. They fight so we can argue with the next door neighbor, play in a rock band to disagreeing with the President.

I truly believe that the heroes of September 11th should be included in this holiday of ours. We were under attack that day and it was ordinary people doing a military persons’ job. If it weren’t for the first response of the emergency crews that day, where would we be now?

Remember who these first responders were? They were mostly ordinary fireman, policeman, paramedics and volunteers from around the country. They were ordinary American citizens like you and me. They were the ones who risked everything without having military training. The found the dead, the almost dead, set up tent hospitals and a lot more.

However you celebrated this day, I hope you had or are still having fun!

To learn the origins of Memorial Day and more go to: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
War For Soldiers Who Didn’t Die: http://20for1.wordpress.com/the-invisible-heroes-the-veterans Just click on 20 for 1 project
PTSD, A Veteran’s Perspective: http://ptsdasoldiersperspective.blogspot.com

Visit Kids Stories Online - Children's stories, poems, artwork, etc.

WILLY'S VALENTINE

2009-05-05T11:20:00.007-04:00

TITLE: Willy’s Valentine
AUTHOR: Rita Hestand
COPYRIGHT: 2001 by Rita Hestand
ILLUSTRATOR: Deborah Pottle
FORMAT: Ebook
GENRE: Juvenile
PAGES: 27
PRICE: $3.00
ISBN: 1876962933
PUBLISHER: Writers Exchange E-Publishing http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing

It’s fall and other ducks fly to the barnyard pond to swim. Willy watches the other ducks when suddenly he spots a duck that looks a lot like him! Unlike Willy, she has a patch of white feathers on her head. Willy swims up to her. Will she be friends with him?

She tells Willy that her name is Waddles but Willy constantly calls her Waffles! They spend many days swimming and playing in the pond. Why does it seem that Waddles is angry at Willy?

Mother Hen confronts a teary-eyed Willy in the barnyard. She finds out why Waddles seems angry. Willy never told Waddles that he’s hard of hearing. She doesn’t know!

In this delightful story of Willy, the hard of hearing duck, the author shows children why they should tell their friends when they have a handicap.

To purchase WILLY’S VALENTINE and to learn more about the author go to: http://www.readerseden.com/product.php?productid=251&cat=0&page=1

Visit KidsStoriesOnline.com

The Post-Vacation Bump

2009-04-28T14:55:00.014-04:00

Along the bumpy road I've run into a bump several times in my life. I realize that this entry isn't about bumps along the way to writing for children. It's about one bump in particular that happens to all writers in general. It does to me, anyway! I call it my post-vacation bump.

I'd like to tell you about this bump. It's getting over a vacation. I don't know if anyone else has this problem or not. I'm hoping they do since I don't want to be alone in this. I sure have this problem and have had it since I was a kid. Just ask anyone in my family!

I know that some writers like to take their laptops with them and keep writing. I don't like to do this. According to the New Webster's Dictionary the definition of vacation is: the act of going away and leaving a place or position empty for a period of leisure. I do just this when I'm on vacation. I don't even read books that are lined up for me to review!

So, what do you do to get over this bump? I've tried a few things. I've tried writing and stopping more often. Some days after a vacation, I just can't do anything so I don't on those days. I've also tried sleeping later than usual before I start my writing. Nothing seems to work.

No matter what plan I come up with, it still takes me a few days to a week to get back in form.

Does anyone else have this problem? Do you have different ways of getting over the post-vacation bump that I can try out? Leave a comment and let me know how do get over this!

Keep on writing!

Visit KidsStoriesOnline.com

Willy And The Spider

2009-04-02T09:09:00.005-04:00

TITLE: Willy And The Spider
AUTHOR: Rita Hestand
ILLUSTRATOR: Bonnie Everett-Hawkes
COPYRIGHT: 2008 by Rita Hestand
GENRE: Children’s
FORMAT: e-book
PAGES: 32
PRICE: $4.00
PUBLISHER: Writer’s Exchange E-Publishing
ISBN: 9781921314889

Are you afraid of things that are different? Willy isn’t. He loves to swim in the pond. In fact, he would like to swim more than anything in the world!

One hot day, Willie waddled down to the pond. Something was wrong! None of the other farm animals came with him. The other farm animals say there is a big, black monster at the pond! In fact, some warned Willy not to go to the pond. Willy doesn’t hear the warnings. Why? Willy is hard of hearing.

Everything looks so different at the pond that day. Even Slimy Fish is staying in the shallow water. He is usually in the deep water.

At the pond, Willy meets the big, black monster and finds out that it’s nothing to be afraid of. They even become friends!

This adorable story brought to us from Rita Hestand, shows even the youngest readers that people who are a little ‘different’ from themselves can be good friends.

To find out more about the author and for purchasing information, visit her website at: http://ritahestand.com. You can also find purchashing information at the publishers website at: http://www.readerseden.com.

Visit KidsStoriesOnline.com