Now publishers are making headway in converting their enormous libraries of illustrated titles to e-books, hoping to capitalize on the growing popularity of the Apple iPad and the Nook Color and their ability to showcase books with color photographs and illustrations.
Would you like to be an author whose books
are read on a Color Nook or an iPad,
Learn the tricks of the children's writing trade from
Suzanne Lieurance and her team of writing coaches.
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My mother was the heart and soul of our small Australian family. I have lived in Oregon now for many years, yet memories of Mom presiding over special family occasions are tucked away in my mind. Mom was the most honest person I ever knew. She had a true inner compass that made her an excellent judge of people. If she told me a certain person was up to no good, I learned that time would prove her right.
Mom was a great storyteller. On days when the northwest wind cut like a knife, or she was sewing me a skirt, or baking cakes and cookies, she would tell stories of what it was like when she was a girl. I learned to know and appreciate the many great qualities of my long dead grandfather through her loving tales. My dad had eight sisters and one brother, most of whom I had never met. However, the affectionate, funny, and sometimes sad stories she told about them, made me feel I knew each aunt and uncle personally. My mom was not perfect, but over the years, I find myself using her moral yardstick on my own children, and wishing she were here to imbue them with her own unique sense of integrity, humor, and fair play.
No occasion in our house was more special to Mom than Christmas. Mum was not religious. To her, Christmas meant forgetting the differences of the past year, and gathering together as a loving family. Aussie Christmases, where hot blue skies and one inch down-pours, made the mosquito net over my bed a must. Now, when I sit by the fire at night, weary from baking holiday cookies, memories flood over me – of how special Mom made those early Christmases. If I close my eyes, I can again hear the chitter of flying foxes: fruit bats that nightly raided our mango tree. I am whisked back to my childhood, when Mom tucked me in every night, told me a fun story about the birds who lived in the cumquat tree outside my bedroom window, and woke me every morning with a hug. She made my world safe.
Mom always baked our Christmas cake and puddings early. Assorted dried fruits, drowning in brandy, gave our house a definite alcoholic buzz! After cooking, the cake received a final brandy bath. Then, it was retired to the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard, to age gracefully, wrapped in greaseproof paper and an old towel. The puddings were boiled, then tied up in old pieces of sheeting. Mom hung them from the rafters under our house, like so many Halloween goblins waiting to be set free. Cookies and cakes, pies and tarts, all flowed from Mom’s fingers to the oven. School vacation time allowed me to help, and listen to a selection of her much loved tales. The aroma of Christmas cake and pudding saturate my childhood recollections.
Our table groaned under the weight of
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2) read the story in front of a webcam as it displays on the computer screen,
3) the child receives an email with the link to view the e-book on the website with video of the storyteller positioned on each page.
The beta website went live in September of this year with over one hundred published children’s books available in the online bookstore. There are one hundred more titles in production with the interface, from five different publishers so far, including ten original works to be published by
The business model for BE THERE BEDTIME STORIES was inspired by her own problem of living far from her only two nieces, who live in Chicago. SANSONE was working in video production at the time, in Orange County, California. “I was unable to be a part of their development - unable to be recognized when I would visit once a year,” SANSONE explains her frustration. “Bedtime stories seemed a convenient and entertaining activity that would solve that problem.”
SANSONE explains the findings of the initial two months of testing. “The effects exceeded my expectations. When I visited my nieces for the first time after four story recordings, they instantly latched onto me from the moment I walked in the door.”
An additional finding from the beta launch is children were excited to read a story back to family members, regardless of their reading level. “We believe this broadens the scope of users and the value to families as a fun and new alternative to existing multi-media products on the market,” SANSONE concludes.
SANSONE expects grandparents and military families] to see the value of a recorded bedtime story over live or real-time webcam services as a way to utilize more family members for childhood development, and to preserve those family memories for future generations. The stories are priced at $11.99 for unlimited children and there is currently a Buy One Get One Free holiday special. Live storytelling and Mobile App delivery are
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Aunt Linda
Each seasonal chapter is full of elf and human
There are many pages of fun, games, gifts, and
wise Elfin sayings
and discover another Elfish delight
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• Do you strive to become an inspiring and empowering teacher?
• Are you a beginning teacher looking for strategies to help you not just survive but thrive in
• Are you a veteran teacher looking for ways to brush up your classroom management so you
The New Teacher Resource Coaching Center invites teacher leaders and dedicated educators as a part of this growing professional membership site. The NTRCC is a support center designed for professionals who want to empower their educators and their teaching and students with a purpose and passion.
Members of the center gain unlimited access to a wealth of articles, tip sheets, templates, teleseminars, and other great resources that will help them build their teaching career to the next level.
Specifically, members receive:
1. Access to two monthly teleseminars taught by a professional elementary, middle school or high school educator who knows the tricks of the trade and what works and what doesn't
2. Unlimited support to classroom tested resources including charts, checklists and tip sheets on a wide range of teaching areas
3. Specials, offers and special promotions on various teaching materials and instructional resources offered through the NTRCC.
To become a member, all you have to do is sign up. You'll be prompted to provide a password, contact information and payment registration. Once you receive your access number, you will be able to log-in anytime - 24/7!
to find out more about the center
Special holiday savings! Get the second month
of membership FREE when you purchase
a one month's membership.
to read reviews
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Today it is my pleasure to introduce the multi-talented
Cheryl Malandrinos
Author of
" Little Shepherd"
Guardian Angel Publishing
You can visit Cheryl online or the Little Shepherd blog
"Children's author Cheryl C. Malandrinos has re-explored and created a beautiful re-enactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe inspiring rendition which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries."
From a review of "Little Shepherd" by Donna McDine, author of the children’s historical storybook, The Golden Pathway
ISBN (eBook) 978-1-61633-086-6; 1616330864 ISBN
(Soft cover) 978-1-61633-085-9; 1616330856
Website:
Little Shepherd Blog:
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/ http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/
http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/
Links for where to buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
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and On-line Guru I Trust.
Kim Komando has your back!!
A new study examines how children perceive e-book technology. A quarter of the children had read an e-book. Over half of the children said they wanted to try it. Educators hope this indicates a path toward increased recreational reading. E-books are now incredibly popular.
(K.K.)
Amazon has just launched Kindle for the Web. This new service allows users to read the first chapter of any e-book online. Amazon does not charge for the privilege. Third-party Web sites can embed chapters.
(Visual Arts Junction)
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Self Publishing Can Pay OFF
Read Jane Friedman's ( Writer's Digest) interview of two
authors who auctioned off their self published
book to Random House.
Talk about
MOXIE!!
****************
Kim tests everything she recommends first, for
hidden nasties and greatquality performance.
NITRO PDF
(Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7)
is FREE, FULLY FEATURED and with BETTER SECURITY.
This powerful, new PDF program, ROC
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is coming in October.
Sign up now!
energy, is working her tail off lining
up experts to help YOU.
Don't miss this terrific opportunity!
Lea has booked editors, publishers, published authors, play-writes, agents and more, to help writers of all genres write better, find the perfect publisher or agent, and learn the tricks of the book promotion trade.
the best, and the only such conference
that has a reputation for
bringing RESULTS!
Click on any of these links for more information:
But FIRST, go to REGISTRATION and secure
your place at Muse Online 2110
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A branch of the
National Writing for Children Center
Learn how to make your
writing go out and earn its keep.
Whether books, articles or for magazines,
Suzanne Lieurance and her writing coaches
to reach your writing goals.
I have been one of Suzanne's coaches for some time, and I really enjoy helping writers find their way to publication. I have a monthly Teleclass that deals with assorted aspects of writing for children: picture books, midgrade and YA + the art of great rhyme and meter.
2pm Pacific time
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORDS
Can Make the Difference Between a Contract or a Rejection.
Join C.W.C.C. now, and enjoy all the perks and benefits.
Pay a small fee, and just
receive a recording o
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950,000 titles out of the 1.2 million tracked by Nielsen Bookscan sold fewer than 99 copies. Another 200,000 sold fewer than 1,000 copies. Only 25,000 sold more than 5,000 copies. The average book in America sells about 500 copies.
**********************
From Writers Digest comes the following
opportunity to jump into the future of publishing.
readers experience your writing?
formats, devices, and how to discover
the best enhancements for
each type of book?
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This is a RANT
(I am specifically referring to those
who write books for children)
By this, I mean . . .
BOOKS ACTUALLY ON THE SHELVES OF
THEIR STORES,
and not those just available online.
SMALL BOOKSTORES AND SMALL PUBLISHERS
WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER!
Can't they see that?
WAKE UP INDIE BOOK STORES!
Together we could bring wonderful books
to children, parents, and schools.
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(Women on Writing)
Offers a huge range
of helpful links and writing advice.
and pick her brains!
Whether they write romance or mysteries, chick lit or literary fiction, top-notch women’s writers know the key to selling their work is to create a scene. No, I don’t mean arguing with their agent. Or even butting heads with their editor. The scenes they create are the ongoing viewable action and dialogue that we all use to tell our stories. Read on to find out how scenes work and how to use them to strengthen your fiction. Click the header to read more.
Also in the same W.O.W. issue:
Where Are We?
Using Setting & Description in Creative Yet
Crucial Ways - by Darcy Pattison
“Where am I? And why should I care?”
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./ Dennise Sleeper
is a wife and a home schooling mom of 5,
a bookstore owner, and a
community center
host.
WHEW!
BOUND is because books are bound.
Spellbound Books is kid friendly -
just what's needed to HOOK that reluctant reader.
"Spellbound," because you can't put a good book down.
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who write for children.
The first comes from Harold Underdown
owner of the fabled "Purple Crayon."
The big news is that Harold has set up an "Editor Profiles" page, with so far two profiles: one for Margaret McElderry and one for Arianne Lewin. There are links to related resources, and there will be more profiles in the future.
.
.
He has also added a few more updates to the Who's Moving Where page, which keeps track of editors moving and leaving.
.
And he's done a pretty thorough update of his Visual Resources (pictures and maps) links page. Additional suggested links for this page are welcome.
.
you'll miss all the gems of writing
wisdom provided there.
.
**********************
.
Anastasia Suen
She wishes all writers a happy summer, and hopes you all stay cool.<
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"Picture Book Shelf'
is a way to find picture books that have
been read and recommended.
Her Review Page is courtesy of`
JacketFlap
where you can also . . .
- Network with PEOPLE in the children's
book industry - Read 700+ Children's book-related BLOGS
- Search our Database of 900,000+
CHILDREN'S BOOKS - See reviews of books on Members'
BOOKSHELVES - Get Published by one of 20,000+
BOOK PUBLISHERS - Search our Database of 200,000+
CHILDREN'S BOOK CREATORS - Membership is FREE, so JOIN NOW!
Books for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
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All Parents and Teachers.
Both Books Published by
G.A.P. (Guardian Angel Publishing)
My just published -
"Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind" - for girls
Ilustrator: K.C. Snider
Rhyming story that tells how big changes can turn
a child into a brat - and what it took to get
Ruthie back to her normal happy self.
(Parent-teacher guide included)
Coming soon to AMAZON - B&N - Target and more
NOW through G.A.P. Publishing and my Website
+
"Rattlesnake Jam" - for boys.
Illustrator: Kevin Scott Collier
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I want to tell children's writers about my
Manuscript Critique Service
I have been critiquing for a long time now, and
nothing thrills me more than hearing
that one of my clients has had
their book accepted.
For your comfort, let me list my Critique ground rules
For writers of Midgrades and Young Adult books.
+ Picture Books (rhyming & non-rhyming).
These rules are for your protection,
as well as mine.
both agree on the fee, as well as my initial suggestions.
Visit my Manuscript Critique Service for more
details, and to read
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Well folks, if I were a horse these last few
months, they would have shot me!!
So I can regroup, and find alternate
ways to promote my two new books
from G.A.P. Publishing.
"Hook Kids on Reading"
and my Website,
"Margot Finke's World of Books for Children."
I will also be Twittering like mad, making Facebook my daily destination, + begging, borrowing, or stealing, whatever other Blog time I can finagle out of friends and foes alike.
win the battle. I had to postpone publication
once, because I simply could not manage it.
KNEE BE DAMNED!!
Run for cover if you're a wimp, because my 2 new books
will soon HIT THE STORES!
"Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind"
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KNEE SURGERY!!
All these fun and games put a huge kink in my knee recovery progress, as well as plunge my energy and enthusiasm level for anything that didn't involve sleep and pain medication, at zero - minus a whole bunch! This week is the first time I have opened my computer since the day before I went into hospital for knee surgery ( Jan 4th), and put all my writing lists on "no mail."
I want to apologise to all who contacted me (via my website) wanting critiques. I did let the various on-line lists know I would be off line for a while, but I had no idea my time off-line would stretch so long. I will be sending each of those who contacted me an e-mail letting them know how sorry I am about the delay in answering their requests.
I also want to to thank the many wonderful writer friends who sent me cards, and e-mail good wishes. Your thoughtful and encouraging words lifted my spirits on bad days, and made the good days so much better.
I am now slowly picking up the pieces of my life.
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and
You're desperate for a few last minute
stocking-stuffers for the kids in your life.
LOOK NO FURTHER. . .
From my
"Bald Eagle RULES!"
Great quality eBOOKS will. . .
* Encourage reluctant readers to READ
* They are GREEN and save TREES!
* Kids today ARE computer savvy
* eBOOKS are FUN to READ!
*eBOOKS cost far less
*EASY
to download
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
At Fictionwise or ReadersEden
or
BUY Autographed B 0 Comments on eBOOKS are Great Last Minute Stocking Stuffers ! as of 1/1/1900
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Jan 6-Feb 24, 2010
Learn the basic elements of a picture book story (hook, theme, arc, beats, story-boarding, and read aloud), as you study 5 picture books per lesson.
is a 6 lesson email course. I will send you a new lesson each Wednesday. You have 2 weeks to complete each lesson, so the workshop lasts 8 weeks - $149 USD
write and edit your picture book in
the Intensive
Picture Book Work-in-Progress Workshop
Anastasia's book, "Picture Writing" is a must have
for those wanting to write for
children.
**************************
picture books
S-T-O-P
A fun story with terrific characters is not enough. You need rhyme and meter that flows from line-to-line and from verse-to-verse, smooth as a champion skier down a fresh slope.
they just hate the 99
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(C.W.C.C.)
Learn to Write for Children
Personal Guidance - Weekly Teleclasses -
Regular Writing Workshops - Encouragement!
Look at all you get when you become a
member - for only $27.00 a month.
* Four 55-minute teleclasses EVERY month - one per week. Each teleclass is taught by a successful children's book author and/or illustrator. Someone who knows the "tricks of the writing trade." In case you miss a session, you also receive the link to a recording of each teleclass.
* Daily encouragement, + helpful assignments designed to guide and improve your skills in every aspect of children's writing and/or publishing and promotion. Send in regular writing assignments for evaluation. Enjoy ongoing, one-on-one, help and advice from founder Suzanne Lieurance.
* The opportunity to network daily with members, its instructors, plus Suzanne too, via the online C.W.C.C. discussion list.
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Today
I'm trying Wild and Radical.
SO. . .
"Wild & Wonderful"
series,
I plan to dazzle you with a
BOOK TRAILER!
***************************************
Click on Trailer for
"Prairie Dog's Play Day"
Right above this post
****************************************
I hope to convince you that my series is
MUST HAVE
educational fun for your child.
"Wild & Wonderful"
titles.
View more Trailers HERE
EDUCATIONAL & HIGH QUALITY FUN.
I add that the books are e-published by Writers Exchange.
*********************
Please - don't faint!
*********************
Kids today are computer savvy!
They know when to read fun stuff on a screen,
and when a paper book and a soft chair work best.
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Laurie Zieber, a Robin Falls Kids Show -
Monday the 26th - at 1pm Pacific time.
LINK HERE
Laurie will pick my brains about Writing Books,
Doing Critiques, Promotions, Frustrations,
the joy of Mentoring - and much more.
Discover how I had two of my books illustrated by
renown artists from another country. They spoke no
English, and one didn't even have a computer.
Join me on Monday,
for some straight talk and fun,
on the Laurie and Co show.
*********************
Shush-h-h-h . . .
A Sneak Peek.
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Hi Margot:
Thank you for sharing such precious memories of your mum.
Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas season,
Donna
Oh Margot, what precious memories are yours!!! Thanks for sharing and all the while inspiring us to try to do things as special as your mum could do. Hugs at Christmas, Nancy
What a wonderful story, and it's fascinating to learn more about how people Down Under celebrate Christmas.
Hey, Margot,
What a wonderful story. So you must have gotten your story telling skills from your mum. I can just picture those puddings hanging by the rafters under your house way back then!
Happy holidays and thanks so much for sharing this tale of Christmases past!
It was lovely to read about past times, Margot. I love family histories. I hope you'll write down some of the stories which were told. My great grandfather was a printer and wrote, and in 1882 printed a small booklet (16 pages) titled 'A Christmas Party at the Old Home at Cheadle' describing a family Christmas in 1854 with his mother and grandmother. It's much treasured, as you can imagine.
All best wishes,
Peter
Thank you all so much for your kind words about this remembrance. I only hope she is looking down and seeing how much I now appreciate her humor, wisdom and love. I admit to not always being so appreciative when she was alive - especially when I was young.
Who was it who said, "Youth is wasted on the young?" I think they had me in mind!!
I love you MUM
xxxx
Your often errant daughter,
Margot.
Thank you for sharing your special memories, Margot. It's easy to see where you get your great storytelling ability from! Hope you have a beautiful Christmas, filled with good memories as you make new ones!
Thanks a bunch, Connie. Your lovely comment and those of the others have made my Christmas. Mum would have been thrilled!!
I was fascinated to hear of the loving Christmases you shared with your family, Margot. I could almost smell the yummy baked goods and the sea breezes.
You need to write more about some of her stories and your memories. It would make a great middle grade story. Merry Christmas!
Margot,
This is such a special memory. Your mum would be proud to read this. So many memories we have of our parents are precious, as this heartwarming story.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Nancy
Fascinating read, Margot! I think this would be a neat framework for a chapter book.
Ruth, Nancy Kathy, thank you so much for your lovely comments. I'm only sorry Mum isn't here to bask in her glory!!
Margot - always will be Mum's little girl. . .