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My love of books began many years ago. I can’t point to a specific book that captured my interest, but I can say our house was always filled with books. My parents were avid readers. They set a good example by reading every night, even if all they had time for was the daily newspaper.
Who knew all those years ago that my love of books would turn into a fabulous and satisfying career?
After graduating from the Breaking into Print program (now called Break into Print) from Long Ridge Writers Group in 2005, I started blogging. Mostly it was about me, my articles for Writer2Writer, and my works in progress.
In the spring of 2007, Pump Up Your Book! (formerly Pump Up Your Book Promotion) opened its virtual doors and I began hosting authors at my blog. Being a tour host offered my readers interesting and regular content. Learning about all those good books made me realize how much I missed reading daily. Yes, I still read from time to time, but many months could pass between books. I wanted to carve out a career in writing and I didn’t feel I could do both well. One thing I kept hearing over and again, however, is the importance of reading what you wish to write. That made sense, so I decided if I wanted to be successful as a writer, I must make the time to read.
So I did.
The more authors I hosted, the more inspired I felt to keep plugging away at my works in progress. I began reviewing books at my blog, which is how I discovered the publisher who would eventually release Little Shepherd, my first children’s picture book.
A few months after I started hosting authors for Pump Up Your Book! I became a member of their staff. I’ve been coordinating virtual book tours for authors in a variety of genres for over three years now, and I love it more each day. I tend to work with clients who write in the genres I am interested in writing and reading most frequently: Christian fiction and non-fiction, mystery and crime, historical fiction, and books for children and teens.
Has this influenced my writing? Most definitely.
I learn from every author I work with. I discover what I love about my clients’ books, and sometimes, what I don’t like. I’ve seen how important it is when you’re writing a series to keep track of the major characters and the need to develop them as the series progresses. I’m learning how to sprinkle in just the right amount of backstory and details so that the reader gets to know my characters and feels like she is right there alongside them.
Can you name some authors who inspire you? How have they influenced your writing?
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.
She is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book!, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in
Who knew all those years ago that my love of books would turn into a fabulous and satisfying career?
After graduating from the Breaking into Print program (now called Break into Print) from Long Ridge Writers Group in 2005, I started blogging. Mostly it was about me, my articles for Writer2Writer, and my works in progress.
In the spring of 2007, Pump Up Your Book! (formerly Pump Up Your Book Promotion) opened its virtual doors and I began hosting authors at my blog. Being a tour host offered my readers interesting and regular content. Learning about all those good books made me realize how much I missed reading daily. Yes, I still read from time to time, but many months could pass between books. I wanted to carve out a career in writing and I didn’t feel I could do both well. One thing I kept hearing over and again, however, is the importance of reading what you wish to write. That made sense, so I decided if I wanted to be successful as a writer, I must make the time to read.
So I did.
The more authors I hosted, the more inspired I felt to keep plugging away at my works in progress. I began reviewing books at my blog, which is how I discovered the publisher who would eventually release Little Shepherd, my first children’s picture book.
A few months after I started hosting authors for Pump Up Your Book! I became a member of their staff. I’ve been coordinating virtual book tours for authors in a variety of genres for over three years now, and I love it more each day. I tend to work with clients who write in the genres I am interested in writing and reading most frequently: Christian fiction and non-fiction, mystery and crime, historical fiction, and books for children and teens.
Has this influenced my writing? Most definitely.
I learn from every author I work with. I discover what I love about my clients’ books, and sometimes, what I don’t like. I’ve seen how important it is when you’re writing a series to keep track of the major characters and the need to develop them as the series progresses. I’m learning how to sprinkle in just the right amount of backstory and details so that the reader gets to know my characters and feels like she is right there alongside them.
Can you name some authors who inspire you? How have they influenced your writing?
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.
She is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book!, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in
14 Comments on Inspiration From Others - Cheryl C. Malandrinos, last added: 3/8/2011
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By: Mayra Calvani,
on 11/10/2010
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: christian children's books, christmas picture books, cheryl malandrinos, baby jesus is missing, little shepherd, Add a tag
I love reviewing Christmas children's books during this time of year, and it is my great pleasure to showcase Little Shepherd on my blog today.
Anyone who leaves a comment on this post will be entered in a giveaway for a lovely basket of Christmas themed gifts retailing for $65. This giveaway is international. Please leave your email address so we can contact you!
My review
On a cold night outside of Bethlehem, a little shepherd named Obed watches over his sheep. Now five, Obed has his own flock to guard. He's proud that his father has entrusted him with such responsibility. After all, his family depends on the sheep for food and clothing. But little Obed is also worried about the wolves and so he keeps a sharp eye on his flock.
Then one night, a bright light shimmers in the star-filled night. Angels come with a message, a message of good things to come for everyone on earth.
“Do not be afraid,” the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Obed's father decides they must go to Bethlehem to find this newborn babe. Obed, however, is terrified. How can they even consider leaving the flock alone at the mercy of the starving wolves? His father tells him not to be afraid, but Obed is doubtful. Will his flock be safe in his absence? That will require a miracle!
The Little Shepherd is a 'cozy' picture book to read by the fire with the family this holiday season, especially on Christmas night. The author's prose flows beautifully, with just the right balance of narration, description and dialogue. It is a sweet tale about the power of faith and the good things that come with it. The story has a quiet, magical, slightly suspenseful tone and looks at the birth of Jesus from a different angle. I also enjoyed the colorful illustrations by Eugene E. Ruble. They do have a distintive style and add a splash of color on the pages and help transport the reader to a different time and place. In short, Little Shepherd will make a lovely gift to any child this Christmas. It will also be a worthy addition to any library or classroom shelf. I look forward to this talented author's next book.
Little Shepherd is available from:
25 Comments on Review and Giveaway of Little Shepherd, by Cheryl G. Malandrinos, last added: 11/13/2010
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Thanks for having me as your guest today, Mary. I have to run out an volunteer at the library, but I'll be back before noon to chat with folks.
Cheryl
Ah another LR student. I finished the program around that time too. Maybe I saw you in the chat room with Mary and Speck. Isn't it funny where we draw our inspirations from.
Cheryl, this is an inspiring interview. I, too, found reading my genre was pivotal in honing the craft. Kudos to you for a from the heart interview!
You're always welcome here, Cheryl! I don't know how you wear so many "hats", but maybe you can share your method for getting so much accomplished!
Thanks for stopping by, Roseanne. Stick around because Cheryl will be back, soon, to chat.
Other writers inspire me too, Cheryl. Reading their books, learning of their struggles, their determination helps me to hang in there when the road gets bumpy.
Nice post.
Hello all,
How nice to come back to some comments. Ro, it's very possible we were in the chat room together from time to time. I knew your name sounded familiar prior to me getting involved in the Muse Group.
Nancy, you're such a sweetheart. Thanks for your kind words. And Bev, I know I can always count on your for support. It means the world to me.
Honestly, Mary, there are days I feel like I would love to pack my little bags and journey to a deserted island for a month; just me, some books, a big pad of paper and some pencils. There's never enough time in the day, and even when there is, I'm not always in the mood to write. But, the bills don't get paid that way and I don't get to submit anything if I don't write, so I plunk my behind down in the chair and get at it.
I created a schedule that takes advantage of my creative moments. I check email first thing in the morning, promote my clients' virtual book tour stops, do some networking or work on upcoming virtual book tours, then I write for a bit. Sometimes that's 5 minutes, sometimes it's longer. As long as I keep writing I am cool with that.
I work on virtual book tours after lunch and then take a break when the girls get home from school. I try not to go back to the PC until after they are in bed.
I make dinner every night and we read before bedtime, so I am spending quality time with the kids too.
It's not a perfect system, but it's one I can live with.
Thanks to all for stopping by.
Cheryl
Great way to incorporate time management to make your reading and writing time more efficient. I find the biggest problem is keeping my focus on something to see it through to the end. Thanks for sharing your tricks of the trade, Cheryl.
Thanks Bill. I struggle with getting to the end too. I pitched an idea to a publisher in October at the Muse Conference and I just got around to submitting everything at the end of February.
After our conversation, I revised the manuscript again, then needed to draft a cover letter and synopsis to go with it. It took time to put it all together in a way I was happy with. Let me tell you, being able to say that was done was a huge relief.
I'm also determined not to start anything major until my WIP is done.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cheryl
Great post Cheryl. And I love your "Little Shepherd." Finding inspiration is the key to wonderful stories.
Margot's Magic Carpet:
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Cheryl, I can see from your detailed comment that I need to work on discipline!!
You're my hero! :)
Cheryl, you're an inspiration to me.
Margot, thanks for stopping by mate. I'm glad you liked Little Shepherd. I enjoy your work too. Congrats on the new release.
Janet, thank you so much for that. All of my fellow angels inspire me in so many ways.
Mary, discipline helps. I'm the daughter of a marine, so I'm kind of use to that. :)
Thanks for all the comments.
Cheryl
Cheryl,
I enjoyed reading your interview. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Weaver
htp://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by Nicole. I'm sure it's a busy time with your book coming out soon.
All my best,
Cheryl