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A delightful book about tackling your fears awaits young readers in Meg the Egg by Rita Antoinette Borg.
Mother Hen is thrilled when her two chicks, Peg and Keg, hatch into the world. But Meg wants to stay in her egg because she is frightened by the noises she hears each night. No amount of coaxing from Mother Hen can convince Meg to hatch. When Howls the fox snatches Mother Hen off her nest, Meg the Egg decides she must push aside her fears to save her.
Facing your fears can be tough even for adults. In this charming picture book from Rita Antoinette Borg, children follow Meg as she taps into strength she doesn’t know she possesses to save her beloved mother who has been begging her to hatch. Showing kids that a bit of ingenuity goes a long way, Meg the Eggeducates and entertains. Fun illustrations and onomatopoeia fill the pages of this empowering story.
This is a book children will want to read time and again. Just like the classic story of The Three Little Pigs, children will enjoy watching Meg face her fears and outsmart the fox.
Rita Antoinette Borg was educated in New York and now resides on the Mediterranean island of Malta. She performs storytelling and creative writing workshops in schools across the country and works as a freelance writer for local magazines and newspapers. Ms. Borg has published four picture books aimed at early readers as well as an anthology of short stories for older children. Her books have been recognized by the Malta National Annual Literary Awards. Her book “Don’t Cross the Road, Holly!” was chosen as the year’s best Children’s Book in English. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators.
I received a free ecopy of this book from the author. The author paid me a fee to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.
1 Comments on Meg the Egg by Rita Antoinette Borg (Giveaway), last added: 5/17/2013
Cheryl, thanks for hosting me. At the end of the tour, I will pick out one commenter’s name and send an autographed copy of Boo’s Bad Day to a United States address only. If the name I pick is someone who lives outside the U.S., I will send a PDF copy of the book. So remember, readers, be sure to leave contact information when you comment!
Penny Lockwood has published more than 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications. She edits for MuseItUp Publishing. Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com. Her writing blog is located at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.
She has recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishing and has three other children’s books under contract with them: Ghost for Rent, Ghost for Lunch, and Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror. Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Sam’s Dot Publishing and Smashwords.
Thank you for joining us today, Penny. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. I love animals and can’t remember not having at least one. (Most of my stories that have animals contain little adventures our animals have had.) I enjoy reading, mostly science fiction and fantasy, with an occasional romance. I’m a member of a wonderful women’s book group where I have to stretch myself and read other books I might not pick up on my own.
When I’m not involved in writing-related activities, I am a line editor for MuseItUP Publishing. I love to putter in my garden, go for long walks, and in the evenings, I spend time watching a little TV and working on crocheting projects. I feel fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country, the Pacific Northwest.
When did you first get bit by the writing bug?
When I was a young child, my dad would tell us stories at bedtime. I definitely got the bug by listening to his “tall tales.” I remember thinking how great it was to be able to make up stories and entertain someone with them. For my own entertainment, I wrote stories and illustrated them when I was in grade school and continued to enjoy creative writing through high school and college. My professional writing career was put on hold until much later.
Why did you decide to write stories for children?
As a mom and a grandmother, I’ve read a lot of books to my kids and grandkids. I love watching them connect the letters on a page with words and their first struggles to read. When I decided to write professionally, my children were fairly good readers, and I wanted to write stories they might enjoy. Now, my “target” audience is my five-year-old granddaughter and my twenty-one-month-old grandson.
Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?
Yes, I do. My current release, Boo’s Bad Day, is a picture book. I’ve also written two middle grade novels. When writing for children, the author needs to be able to relate to the age level to which he or she is writing. This means knowing what makes kids laugh, what scares them, and what they’re curious about. It’s important to spend time with kids of the age level you are targeting. When writing a picture book, you are limited to only a few pages and less than a thousand words. Yet, you have to tell a complete story including characters, obstacles for your character to overcome, and a resolution. This can be quite challenging.
What is your favorite part of writing for young people?
Watching them become so involved in reading the story, they don’t want to put it down. I can recall as a child, hiding under my blanket with a flashlight so I could keep reading after bedtime. I love it now when my grandson asks his mom or dad to read “the kitty” book (Boo’s Bad Day).
Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
Here’s the blurb and tagline for Boo’s Bad Day:
Tagline:
Boo sneaks out of the house and discovers that freedom by himself can be scary.
Blurb:
Boo is a very bored kitten. When Timmy and his mom return home, Boo sneaks out of the house. Boo is frightened by the noises of the big world outside of the safety of his warm home. When Timmy coaxes Boo back into the house, Boo realizes some places are safe and some are not.
What inspired you to write it?
Years ago, we had a black teenage cat by the name of Boo who had an adventure. He was an inside/outside cat and happened to be outside when an ice storm stuck. We called him, but he didn’t come in. We were, of course, worried and kept going outside to call him. We finally heard him meowing and located him over 50 feet up in a fir tree on our property. He wouldn’t or couldn’t come down. The next day, my husband tried climbing our tallest ladder but couldn’t reach him. We finally asked a friend, who was taller, to help out. He was able to grab Boo and get him down. The poor kitty’s meows were getting sadder and sadder. He was so glad to get inside, he didn’t move from our woodstove for almost a week!
Where can readers purchase a copy?
From their local bookstore by ordering ISBN# 13: 978-0-9852661-5-8
I am finishing up edits for my two-book series Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch, which will be packaged together and sold through 4RV Publishing. Ghost for Rent was previously released as an ebook through a company no longer in business. I’m looking forward to having it available in a newly edited and illustrated print edition.
We are getting excited about the birth of our newest granddaughter in July, so I’ll be taking some time off to help my daughter after Cora arrives.
I’ve got a couple of writing projects in progress including a new Ghost book and a NA/adult fantasy.
Do you have anything else to add?
I want to thank everyone who has been following along during Boo’s blog tour. I also want to thank you again, Cheryl, for having me and for asking such insig
htful questions. (I might have to steal a couple of them for my own author interviews…) I also wanted to say how thrilled I am by the illustrations created by Deborah C. Johnson. I couldn’t have asked for better. She did a fantastic job of capturing Boo’s expressions.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Penny. We wish you much success.
My review:
Boo’s Bad Dayis an adorable story of one kitten’s adventure. Boo thinks being inside is boring, so when Timmy and his mom open the door on their return home, he sneaks out for a bit of excitement. He soon discovers, however, that the outside world is a scary place filled with loud noises and scary situations that make the inside look mighty inviting.
As I thought about this story, I realized that Boo is no different than a young child who wants to explore new things and then discovers the safety and comfort of normal everyday situations is good too. Written for children from ages 18 months up to six years, this charming adventure story engages and entertains. Lockwood’s prose indicates a knowledge of her intended market; and the simple text will help as youngsters transition from being read to, to reading independently.
The colorful artwork by Deborah C. Johnson is a delightful complement to Lockwood’s story. Children will enjoy watching the emotions play across Boo’s face from beginning to end.
Boo’s Bad Dayis a wonderful book that I am thrilled to have as part of my children’s library.
The author provided me with a PDF version of the book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.
Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of this adorable book. Please include your email address so the author can contact you if you win.
9 Comments on Interview with Penny Lockwood & Review of Boo’s Bad Day (Giveaway), last added: 5/16/2013
Abi Buening (@1apple_blossom) said, on 5/13/2013 10:25:00 AM
this sounds like a nice children’s book thanks for the chance to win a copy
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
penny ehrenkranz said, on 5/13/2013 10:39:00 AM
Good morning, Cheryl, thank you for hosting me and for the lovely review for Boo’s Bad Day!
Abi, thank you for commenting. Your name has been entered into the drawing.
Vivian Zabel said, on 5/13/2013 11:25:00 AM
Every stop, I enjoy seeing that cute cover. The story gives a “jump off” place to discuss children’s actions that could be dangerous.
penny ehrenkranz said, on 5/13/2013 11:26:00 AM
Vivian, thank you for following along on the tour. Deb was the purrfect illustrator for Boo!
C. C. Gevry said, on 5/13/2013 12:58:00 PM
Thanks for stopping by Vivian and Abi. Always wonderful to see what you’re up to, Penny.
Janet K Brown (@janetkbrowntx) said, on 5/14/2013 9:42:00 AM
I hope to win. This book sounds so cute.
penny ehrenkranz said, on 5/14/2013 11:22:00 AM
Thanks for taking the time to comment Janet. Who knows who will be the lucky winner. It may be you!
Carol M said, on 5/16/2013 6:47:00 AM
I love cats and love this cover! My grandson would really enjoy this book and I would enjoy reading it to him!
penny ehrenkranz said, on 5/16/2013 12:48:00 PM
Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by. Cat lovers unite! I hope you get the chance to read Boo to your grandson.
A true story of try and try again can be found in Bella Saves the Beach by award-winning children’s author, Nancy Stewart.
Bella is sad when her beloved beach is loaded with trash. But with her best friend Britt away on vacation, it’s harder to clean up the beach than she planned. Each new idea doesn’t bring about the desired result, but Bella is determined to make the beach safe and clean for her animal friends.
To someone who loves learning, a book like Bella Saves the Beach is so wonderful. This book has two messages. There’s the environmental one about how dangerous trash is to wildlife. Then there’s the “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” message. Combining them makes for a superbly told engaging story about one girl’s determination to make a difference.
From the beginning, Stewart’s Bella and Britt series has shown young readers that their ideas matter and how they can make a difference when it comes to caring for our planet and its creatures. In this new book, the author takes that message to a new level by leaving Bella to face the challenge without her best friend Britt’s support. Now it isn’t two kids making a difference. It’s one determined young girl.
At the end of the story, the author shares information on beach trash, facts about creatures mentioned within the book’s pages, and encourages readers to have a Green Picnic on the sand, leaving behind only footprints.
One can’t forget to mention the stunning watercolor artwork of Samantha Bell. She has illustrated all three books in this series. With warm colors and rich details, she brings Bella’s story to life in pictures. A perfect complement to Stewart’s story, the artwork is so lovely you can almost hear the waves hitting the sand and the caws of the birds.
Bella Saves the Beach is a fine addition to the Bella and Britt series. I can’t wait to see what Bella and Britt are up to next.
The author paid me to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. This fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.
Bella, Britt, and I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful review! I hope your readers enjoy it as well. It is always a pleasure and privilege to visit here, and today is no exception. I would be happy to answer any questions your readers may have about the book/s or the writing process. Best wishes!
C. C. Gevry said, on 5/10/2013 5:47:00 AM
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy. I’m so thrilled to see more books in this series. It’s been wonderful from the start. Congratulations on this latest release.
The gods are at war and only a farmer’s daughter can save the world from Armageddon.
The village magician has gone missing. His four pupils think he has left a clue to his whereabouts in the Magicalis Bestialis–the book of magical creatures. They must seek the help of the elusive Simurgh, the mythical birds who know all the secrets of the universe.
However, this is not an easy camping trip into the mountains. Spirits, gods, and demons confront the four friends, who are not aware they’re being set up by otherworldly forces for a much larger task.
A farmer’s daughter, Faizah is chosen to lead the humans in the battle. She must persuade a slave, an orphan, and a rich merchant’s son to join in the battle on the side of good. Although divided by Dev, the evil god of war, the teens must band together to find the Simurgh, rescue their teacher, and stave off Armageddon.
Excerpt:
She looked at Harib when he said, “Ahmajd is a good man, but he’s hardly the type to run off after mountain raiders. Matter of fact, I can’t think of anyone in the whole village who’d even consider it. You heard Faluj. He didn’t even suggest forming a search party. I don’t think anybody is going to do anything.”Faizah bit her lip in frustration. The villagers lacked any adventurous spirit. Most preferred to live their lives as quietly and safely as they could.
Leaning over the table, Parvaiz stared thoughtfully at the open page of the book. “I haven’t had the chance to get to know Master Wafai, or anybody else yet, but I have a feeling Faizah is on the right track. Still, I think he just meant for us to search for him in the mountains, not go looking for these birds.”
Bahaar stood looking down at his feet, lost in thought. Now he lifted his head to look at Parvaiz for a second and then turned to Harib. “How about you, Harib? What do you think?”
Harib sighed and scratched his head. “I agree with Parvaiz. But we can’t go charging into the raider’s camp and tell them to give him back. They’d just laugh at us…or worse.”
Parvaiz nodded. “However, we can at least try to track where he is. If we find some evidence, we can come back to tell the village elders.”
“All right. I’ll concede Master Wafai was just directing us to the mountains, but we still need to figure out how to get started,” Faizah said. “Once we convince our parents,” she continued, glancing at Bahaar, “or brother, to let us go, we can work out the rest ourselves.”
Parvaiz stared at her and then gave a short bark of a laugh. “What makes you think you’re going? This is going to be hard enough without having a girl tagging along. That’s the last thing we need!”
Faizah glared at Parvaiz, her face flushed with anger. “I can take care of myself! Nobody has to watch out for me. Least of all some slave boy,” she shouted at Parvaiz. She regretted the last comment the moment she said it. Still, it didn’t make her any less angry that these boys, she thought were her friends, would so casually dismiss her just because she was a girl.
“You have no call?” Parvaiz began and then shut his mouth. He looked at Harib and Bahaar, who were both studying their feet with intense interest.
Bahaar looked up at him and then over at Faizah and shrugged. “Sorry Faizah, I have to agree with Parvaiz. I…I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Faizah turned to Harib. “Well? Do you agree?”
The boy’s face reddened, and he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
She glared at each of them in turn, spun on her heel, and stormed out of the house, her fists clenched and her head high. Stiff-backed, she marched across the tiny courtyard and through the archway. Only when hidden by the wall, did her shoulders slump and the tears begin to flow.
The Boys Have Their Say
*** Leave a comment for a chance to win a free ecopy of “Faizah’s Destiny.” ***
(Marva Dasef) I am the author of “Faizah’s Destiny” and decided the three boys in the story might like to share their views while Faizah isn’t in the room.
(Marva) I’m pleased to have Faizah’s three male companions here today for the interview. How are you doing?
(Parvaiz) Sure, make us out as secondary characters. Typical. Snorts in disgust.
(Marva) A little testy aren’t you? After all, the book is titled “Faizah’s Destiny” not “Parvaiz’s Destiny.”
(Harib) Sorry about Parvaiz, ma’am. He’s a little touchy since he was a slave all his life. He’ll loosen up the longer he’s free.
(Parvaiz) Easy for you, Harib. Your father is the richest man in the territory. He owns slaves!
(Bahaar) Hey, Parvaiz, lighten up. Harib or his father weren’t ever mean to slaves. His dad has even freed most of his workers, and they chose to stay on.
(Parvaiz) mumble…
(Marva) Hey, sorry to hit a sore spot Parvaiz. Maybe if you talked it out a little. Don’t you feel a little grateful to your father for adopting you as his son and heir?
(Harib) What’s that, Parvaiz? I don’t hearrrr youuuu!
(Parvaiz) Yeah, yeah. I am grateful to Ahmadj, but at my age it’s a little hard to adapt to having a father.
(Bahaar) I wish I had even a fake father to get used to. Me and my brother are all on our own. We don’t carry a chip around on our shoulder.
(Parvaiz) All right! I’m grateful! Now can we just drop it?
(Marva) Of course. Tell the readers about your search for Master Wafai.
(Harib) Jabs his hand in the air. Oh, me, me!
(Marva) Go ahead, Harib.
(Harib) One day, we all went to school in the morning at Master Wafai’s house. But he was gone and the room was a mess! We couldn’t think of anything other than he was kidnapped.
(Bahaar) You see, his herb bag was still there. He wouldn’t go anywhere to treat anybody without that. It had to be a kidnapping.
(Parvaiz) But Faizah doesn’t accept that story. Well, she didn’t say Wafai wasn’t kidnapped, but she thought he left a sign we were supposed to find the Simurghs to find out where he was.
(Marva) Why did she think that?
(Harib) His book of magical beasts was open to the page about the Simurghs and a big X was chalked on the page. She figured he’d never mark up a book except for good reason.
(Marva) So you all set out to search for the Simurgh?
(Parvaiz) No way! I thought it was an idiot idea. Faizah being a girl and all…
(Bahaar) interrupting Hey! Faizah can take care of herself. She made that pretty clear when she caught up to us.
(Harib) Yeah. She never hid behind her skirts or us. She always jumped in and started swinging. Remember when Raziq and his gang were beating you up?
(Bahaar) Huffs I could of taken them. But it was nice you and Faizah showing up to help.
(Marva) So, you’re saying at first that you all didn’t want Faizah to go along on the search, but you changed your mind.
(Parvaiz) Well, yeah. I didn’t know her like these guys. She pulled her weight once we got going. She even saved the rest of us from Pazuzu’s ill wind.
(Marva) Ill wind?
(Parvaiz) Yeah, it’s a demon who makes everybody sick. Most of the time, people die, but Faizah knew what plants to use to cure us.
(Marva) Speaking of demons, what was that all about?
Bahaar and Parvaiz turn noticeably red.
(Harib) That jerk demon didn’t take me over like these two.
(Bahaar) We apologized for that! It wasn’t our fault.
(Parvaiz) Right. Harib didn’t even have a very good demon try to tempt him to Dev’s side.
(Marva) Who’s this Dev?
(Parvaiz) God of war. What could we do? Both Bahaar and I wanted to be warriors, and the demons promised we would be great heroes.
(Harib) Yeah. All Nanghaithya did was try to make me feel bad. Not a good way to convince somebody to join the dark side.
(Marva) I know there’s plenty more to tell the readers about your search for Wafai, the battle with the demons, and so forth. But since I’d like to sell a few books, we’ll leave it for now and let folks read about it themselves.
Thank you, boys. You’ve been a great interview.
(Boys) Sure. Anytime. Hey how about a story starring me?
Also available at Amazon, B&N, Nook, and other on-line stores
Marva Dasef lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two ungrateful cats. Retired from thirty-five years in the software industry, she has now turned her energies to writing fiction and finds it a much more satisfying occupation. Marva has published more than forty stories in a number of on-line and print magazines, with several included in Best of anthologies. She has several published books, including six since 2011 with MuseItUp Publishing.
Thanks for the spot. I had fun writing this interview. Also, I like the neat scrollable window for the excerpt. I haven’t seen that before. Thanks, Cheryl.
Lorrie Struiff said, on 5/7/2013 12:28:00 PM
Ha, ha, typical boys. You did that so well, Marva. I enjoyed reading it. As you know, I enjoyed this story so much. I do think it’s a read for all ages, don’t you?
Great post.
Little Meg finds the outside world a bit too loud and far too scary! So, she’s going to stay inside her safe white shell, thank you very much. But then the Howl breaks into the barn and steals Mother Hen! What is she supposed to do, still holed up in that egg of hers? She can’t run and she certainly can’t fly. Well, never get between a chick and her momma, cause this little bird’s got a can-do spirit and a whole lot of courage that she didn’t know she had before!
A tale of self discovery that speaks to all children’s fears of the unknown, Ms. Borg delivers a great read-aloud resource for parents and teachers alike. With an onomatopoeic construction that gives life to the story and encourages children to participate through repetition of words, noises, and actions, MEG THE EGG is the perfect story for beginning readers.
Rita Antoinette Borg was educated in New York and now resides on the Mediterranean island of Malta. She performs storytelling and creative writing workshops in schools across the country and works as a freelance writer for local magazines and newspapers. Ms. Borg has published four picture books aimed at early readers as well as an anthology of short stories for older children. Her books have been recognized by the Malta National Annual Literary Awards. Her book “Don’t Cross the Road, Holly!” was chosen as the year’s best Children’s Book in English. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators.
Pump Up Your Book and Rita Antoinette Borg are teaming up to give you a chance to win fabulous prizes!
Here’s how it works:
Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run from April 22 – May 17, 2013. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on May 20, 2013. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour. Good luck everyone!
Bella and Britt are worried about all the trash appearing on their beautiful beach. But what can they do? Britt is leaving on vacation, and Bella can’t solve the problem alone. Without adults to lend a hand, can they possibly save their beach?
Earth Day—Every Human’s Responsibility
by Nancy Stewart
Ah, yes, Earth Day. We think about it once a year. Celebrate it? Let’s not go overboard. After all, aren’t the governments of the world doing something about it—whatever it is?
Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the plane. It has come a long way from then with one hundred forty countries around the globe participating this year. And counting. Earth Day, very much like Earth Hour, has taken on a life of its own.
Here is one of the most outstanding projects we should be talking about for Earth Day, 2013. It is The Canopy Project. Over the past three years, this project has planted over 1.5 million trees in 18 countries. In the US, projects to restore urban canopies have been completed in many large cities. In Haiti alone, where earthquakes caused landslides on deforested hillsides, leading to horrific devastation, Earth Day Network planted 500,000 trees. In three high-poverty districts in central Uganda, they planted 350,000 trees to provide local farmers with food, fuel, fencing, and soil stability.
Climate change can seem like a remote problem for our leaders, but the fact is that it’s already impacting real people, animals, and beloved places. These Faces of Climate Change are multiplying every day. What can be done about it? Each of us, individually, can make a difference. When we all do our share, the entire world can begin to heal itself.
I’ve pledged to not use plastic bags, to using cold water in the washing machine and to using earth friendly cleaning products. We’ve changed all light bulbs to save electricity, and they are turned off when leaving a room. I remind students when doing a book signing that turning off a light helps save a polar bear!
But it’s more than these things, isn’t it? Helping save our planet is really a state of mind. It’s being in the flow of good ecology every day, even every minute. And soon, it’s a way of life. Living this state of mind will help save all our lives and the lives of those to come, our children and our grandchildren. What better ongoing gift can we give to anyone than a sustainable, green and whole planet? Oh, and it’s not, of course, just April 22. It’s every day, every minute for the rest of our lives.
Nancy is the bestselling and award winning author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children: One Pelican at a Time (eighteen weeks on Amazon Bestselling List), Sea Turtle Summer, (which won the Children’s Literary Classic Gold Award), Bella Saves the Beach (which won the Gold) and Mystery at Manatee Key. The authorized biography, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage, is the story of Katrina Simpkins and Winter, the dolphin. One Pelican at a Time and Nancy were featured in the PBS Tampa special, GulfWatch. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing.
Nancy is a frequent speaker and presenter at writer’s conferences throughout the United States. She conducts workshops and seminars and speaks to school children on writing and helping save their planet. A blogger with a worldwide audience, she writes of all things pertaining to children’s literature.
Nancy’s travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education. She and her husband live in Tampa and St. Louis.
Yves Robichaud is originally from the small Acadian community of Grand-Barachois, New Brunswick, Canada. He has studied Business Administration and Information Technology, currently works for the federal government, and is the proud father of one son: Jeremy. Inspired by a love of fantastical, magical tales, Kaylen’s Rising is Yves’ first attempt to share this literary passion with his son and the rest of the world.
Thank you for joining us today, Yves. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?
Sure, I’m a 40 year-old French-speaking Canadian of Acadian descent. I live near the city of Moncton, New Brunswick, on the East coast of Canada. I literally live a two-minute walk from the beach. It’s beautiful here in the summertime. I love sports, mainly softball, golf and hockey. I also enjoy reading, jogging, traveling and playing poker. I have a university degree in business and also a course in IT from a private college. Most of my work experience has been in the fields of business or IT. I currently work for the federal government. I’m also the proud father of a 13 year-old son, Jérémy.
When did you first get bit by the writing bug?
I think that my writing experience is a bit different than most. You see, I never really wanted to be a writer. It’s just kind of something that happened. I know this sounds silly, but it’s true. You know how sometimes a song repeats in your head over and over and you can’t get rid of it? Well for me, this story popped into my head and just wouldn’t go away. Every time I thought about it, I would add a bit to the story. I had the entire plot mapped out in my head even before I started writing anything down. Once my son was old enough, I decided that it would be a great idea for me to share this story with him. It’s only when I started typing it all up that I realized that I truly enjoyed writing. I guess you could say that I caught the writing bug at that point.
Why did you decide to write stories for children?
I decided to write the story for my son. I wanted to share it with him. Given that he is currently 13 years old, the book ended up targeting that age group.
Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?
No, I don’t think so. I think it’s important to be able to relate to your audience. Whether you’re writing for children, adults or seniors, the important thing is to be able to put yourself in their shoes and write about something that would interest them in a way that they understand. Besides, kids are way more fun! J
What is your favorite part of writing for young people?
For me, the best part about writing for children is seeing their reaction. Kids don’t have much for filters so they don’t hesitate to tell you (or show you) how they feel. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to present my book at local schools. Seeing the reactions from the kids made it all worthwhile. My son was so proud of me presenting at his school that he walked over and gave me a high five after the presentation. It was a great feeling. I’ve witnessed kids rushing over to see me after the presentations so that I could sign their bookmarks. It’s also touching to receive an email or Facebook message from a child explaining how they loved your book.
Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
Kaylen’s Rising is coming-of-age story about a young elf named Kaylen who lives in a city built underground. Kaylen envies most kids his age because he sees them wielding weapons and learning magic. His parents forbid him to do such things. The other kids pick on Kaylen and label him an outcast. Kaylen’s parents finally relent and allow him to attend school for the first time. There, he learns that his people are at war with the humans. He also learns that he has a very unique magical ability to summon skeletons. Kaylen’s life will never be the same.
What inspired you to write it?
Initially, I decided to write the story to share it with my son. He motivated me to put it on paper. Once I started writing and discovered my passion for it, I decided to share this passion with my son too. He played a huge part in the writing and editing processes. I enjoyed reading to him the evolving storyline as it unfolded. Without a doubt, he was my inspiration.
Where can readers purchase a copy?
For now the books are only stocked at local bookstores in Moncton, NB. The book is available for order at several websites online such as Amazon, Smashwords and the Friesenpress bookstore.
Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?
My website/blog is www.yvesrobichaud.com. On there you will find out more on Kaylen’s Rising such as the book trailer, reviews, pictures, etc. I also write book reviews, so that’s something that might interest readers.
What is up next for you?
I’m still working hard on the marketing of Kaylen’s Rising. I have a book launch party coming up. I also have an author-signing event at a local bookstore. Finally, I am continuing to do presentations at local schools. At the same time, I have already started on the sequel and have plans to do a trilogy.
Do you have anything else to add?
As part of Kaylen’s Rising’s book launch, I’m having a giveaway of amazing prizes such as a Kindle Fire HD and Amazon gift cards. For more information, please check out my website at www.yvesrobichaud.com.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Yves. We wish you much success.
1 Comments on Interview with Yves Robichaud, Author of Tomes of Taria: Kaylen’s Rising, last added: 4/17/2013
Today, I'm part of Jo Linsdell's virtual book tour for her new children's book Fairy May. And, she has helpful guest post for us on book marketing.
Building a platform and promoting a book
Guest Post byJo Linsdell
We all know that having a platform is important. Having a recognised author brand with thousands of blog readers and social media followers is fantastic but it's not enough. You need to make it easy for people to buy your book too.
Even the most famous of authors do 'launches' for their new releases. I'm not saying that working on building your platform is wrong. Far from it. Building a strong author platform is very important. It gives you an audience and establishes you as an expert in your field. You need to put your latest release in front of people though if you want them to buy it.
Ways you can promote your book:
• A virtual book tour. This is where you organise to be hosted on blogs and for social media chats, radio interviews etc... over a set period of time. A virtual book tour can include anything from interviews, guest posts, book spotlights and reviews to Facebook wall chats, live twitter interviews and more. • Do a give away. Offer a free give away to anyone who buys a copy of your book within a set time frame and promote it via social media. An example could be a short ebook. • Create a contest. This can be done via Goodreads or social media sites like Facebook. For a chance to win a valuable prize, people need to buy a copy of your book. • Place ads for targeted promotion. This can be done by using targeted advertising on Facebook or by placing a banner on a website that reaches your target audience. • Reach out to book clubs. Get your book on the reading list and offer a chance to chat either by visiting the group in person by via Skype. • Do a book signing. This can be an in person event at a bookstore or other location or online using a site like Author Graph.
What are some of the platform or promotional activities you've done?
Now on to Fairy May.
Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?
Product details:
Title: Fairy May Author/Illustrator: Jo Linsdell Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Language: English ISBN-10: 1481951424 ISBN-13: 978-1481951425 Release Date: 1st February 2013
Jo Linsdell is an award winning blogger and freelance writer living in Rome , Italy . She is also the author of several books including the popular Italian for Tourists, A Guide to Weddings in Italy and the best selling children's picture book Out and About at the Zoo. Her latest book Fairy May was released on 1st February 2013. You can find out more about her a:
Hello my fine feline friends, the Daemons in the Mist Virtual Book Tour kicks off tomorrow Saturday June 9th and runs through June 23rd. We’ll be joining a lot of fabulous bloggers, so be sure to check out the blogs below on their tour dates to find some awesome Daemons content!
How could this get more awesome?
By visiting the tour stops below and participating in the fun, you will go into the drawing to win the grand prize giveaway. A signed print edition of the book, a Marked Ones art prize pack and a custom portrait of yourself transformed into a daemon, complete with awesome horns!
Date: June 23rd
Time: 12pm PST
Location: Twitter hashtag #daemons or Tweetchat for easy use.
At the pre-wrap party I’ll be answering reader questions live on twitter so come join the fun! You can ask anything from what’s Patrick’s favorite manga to how I get my ideas.
How to Promote Your Book Through a Virtual Book Tour Beginning to End Instructions - Lots of Book Marketing Resources
Great! You’ve written a book, got a contract, and now your book is available for sale. This is where the fun begins.
If you’ve been doing your homework, you know you should already have a website in place and posting content to it on a regular basis in order to bring in traffic. You should also have an autoresponder in place to collect subscribers email addresses.
With all that done, and your book finally ready to be purchased, you should get started on a virtual book tour. Hopefully, you had this included in your marketing plan.
This 23 page ebook is divided into five sections:
Plan a Virtual Book Tour: The First Steps
This section explains where to start, how to find your hosts, what type of content should be used, and a bit about book touring services.
Plan a Book Tour: Taking it Up a Notch – Attract Followers
Here you’ll find out what to do to help attract followers and comments on your tour, like offering prizes and thinking out of the box. And, how to learn from the book touring pros.
Plan a Virtual Book Tour: Be a Gracious Guest and Effective Promoter
This section goes into the nitty-gritty of the tour itself, like having promotional material ready and what that includes; keeping track of hosting sites, dates, comments, and so on; press releases and other promotional strategies; what to do during each tour stop, and what to do after.
Book Promotion Basics
The section includes information on: Focused Keywords and Your Content Book Promotion: 20 Strategies that will Broaden Your Reach SEO and Marketing: Basic Tips and Definitions Websites That Work: 7 Key Factors
Resources Here you'll find article and site links to help you on your book selling journey.
How to Promote Your Book Through a Virtual Book Tour is packed with helpful book touring and book promotion information and it costs less than a cup of coffee, only $2.99.
Get your copy today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you want to order today, it's the last day of my January and February 2012 eBook Special, don't use the BUY BUTTON, send me an email at karencioffi *at* ymail *dot* com I'll email this ebook for $1.19!
You can check out the other ebooks included in the Special at:
This month, our Virtual Book Tour Guest is Margaret Fieland.
Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life. Daughter of a painter, she is the mother of three grown sons and an accomplished flute and piccolo player. She is an avid science fiction fan, and selected Robert A. Heinlein's “Farmer in the Sky” for her tenth birthday, now long past. She lives in the suburbs west of Boston, MA with her partner and seven dogs. Her poems, articles and stories have appeared in journals and anthologies such as Main Channel Voices, Echolocation, and Twisted Tongue. In spite of making her living as a computer software engineer, she turned to one of her sons to format the initial version of her website, a clear illustration of the computer generation gap. You may visit her website at, http://www.margaretfieland.com.
Q: Tell us about what you write:
A: I'm a professional Computer Software engineer – BA in mathematics, MS in computer science, but I've written poetry as far back as I can remember, though not with publication in mind and not with any level of dedication.
Q: What got you writing for publication?
A: What really propelled me into writing for publication was organizing my poetry. I used to keep the poems, when I kept them, in notebooks. They were totally unorganized, and I could never find anything. Then I wrote a poem I wanted to keep, so I got off the stick and put them up, first on my computer, and after that online, originally in Yahoo briefcase, and later in Google Documents.
Q: Why was the organization such a key factor in moving your writing forward?
A: Once I had the poems organized and findable, I could finally submit, and I could look them over and gain perspective on how I was doing. What ended up happening was that I submitted a poem to a contest on a whim and ended up a finalist. This was so encouraging that I started writing more, working more seriously on growing as a writer, joined critique groups, etc.
Q: What are you working on now? A:Well, there's my chapter book, “The Ugly Little Boy,” that will be published by 4RV publishing in early 2012. I'm working on another novel, a middle grade this time, and of course, poetry.
Q: Almost every writer is inspired by someone else. Does anyone inspire you? A: Lewis Carroll. My all time favorite book is “Alice in Wonderland,” which I reread every exam time when I was in college, as I made it a habit to avoid the library during exams. I'm also very fond of Carroll's poetry. I've got several stanzas of Jabberwocky and You Are Old, Father William memorized.
Q:How long have you been writing? A: I've been writing poetry since my teens, but only with publication in mind for the past three or four years. As a story writer I'm pretty much of a novice, as I only started writing stories after I hooked up with Linda Barnett Johnson after the first Muse online writer's conference several years ago and joined her writing forums.
I'm 63 now, so that's a lot of years of writing.
Q: What made you want to start writing?
A: Good question – I started and became addicted. I really love writing -- and I just plain enjoy writing poetry, rhymed and unrhymed. I've developed my own algorithm for generating rhymes, which means that I often don't have to use a rhyming dictionary at all.
Besides, if I don't write it down it stays stuck in my head.
Q: When did you start writing?
A: Like many teens, I started writing (bad) poetry in my teens as an outlet for my teenage angst. Then later on I started writing poetry for the people I was dating, and after that for family birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, -- basically everything.
Q: What's the st
11 Comments on Virtual Book Tour-Margaret Fieland, last added: 6/20/2010
Kevin, thank you for bringing Margaret to us! Margaret, I'm so glad you told us about your machine d'ecrire-shaped poem. Poets often forget that the visual shape of a poem can sometimes be as important as the words. Best, Carolyn Howard-Johnson Blogging resources for writers at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
My virtual book tour group is taking the rest of the summer off and should be starting up again in September. In the meantime, I’ve been working on a couple of poems, a new picture book, and two new mid grade novels. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like I’ve been making an incredible amount of progress on any one of these projects. But my creative process has always been like that. It ebbs and flows like the tide. The only thing I can do is keep plugging away, and the progress will come.
I did want to share a new cover that I’ve received for my picture book, My Brother, the Frog. It’s being illustrated by Alexander Morris. I’ve seen some of the preliminary sketches and it looks like this is going to be a funny book. I don’t have a firm release date yet, but will keep you posted.
Happy Writing!
Kevin
1 Comments on Sneek Peek at My Brother, the Frog, last added: 7/16/2010
For today's post, please allow me to welcome guest author Heidi M. Thomas.
Heidi grew up on a working ranch in eastern Montana. She had parents who taught her a love of books and a grandmother who rode bucking stock in rodeos. Describing herself as “born with ink in her veins,” Heidi followed her dream of writing with a journalism degree from the University of Montana and later turned to her first love, fiction, to write her grandmother’s story.Heidi’s first novel, Cowgirl Dreams, has won an EPIC Award and the USA Book News Best Book Finalist award.Follow the Dream is the second book in the “Dare to Dream” series about strong, independent Montana Women.Heidi is a member of Women Writing the West, Skagit Valley Writers League, Skagit Women in Business, and the Northwest Independent Editors Guild. She is also a manuscript editor, and teaches memoir and fiction writing classes in the Pacific Northwest.
Heidi, please tell us about your book, Cowgirl Dreams
This is the story of Nettie, a young woman who has a dream—to become a rodeo star, against many obstacles, including her own mother. She is a strong, independent woman who has a goal and will do almost anything to achieve it. The book loosely parallels the life of my grandmother who rode steers in Montana rodeos during the 1920s. It is suitable for both adult and young adult readers.
What made you select your grandmother’s tale to tell?
This was such a fascinating thing, having a grandmother who was a rodeo rider (she rode wild steers). I thought it was incredibly brave and so unusual, and of course that prompted the writer’s question “What if?” I just had to write a story about her.
Can you tell us a little about the sequels…?
The sequel to Cowgirl Dreams has a working title of Follow the Dream, and it is the second half of Nettie’s life, after she marries. Her dream of rodeo stardom lingers, but family obligations, drought, and the Great Depression delay that dream further. I've just started the third "Nettie" book in the series, working title "Nettie's Cowgirls." This will take place during the 1940s, when women area losing their place in the competitive arena with men. Nettie is fighting this trend.
The fourth book in the series, working title Land of Milk and Honey, is about the next generation, Nettie’s son and his German war bride. This one is based on my mother’s story, when she meets my father, an American soldier during the occupation of Germany after the war ends, and after he is shipped home, accepts his proposal to come to America and marry him. Again I see this as a very courageous venture, moving so far from family, to a foreign country where she didn’t speak the language, where she was regarded as “the enemy,” and where she didn’t know anyone except this man she hadn’t seen in two years.
The fifth book, Rescuing Samantha, is purely fiction, but my character is Nettie’s great-granddaughter, who moves from the big city to the old family ranch, hoping to make a go of raising thoroughbred race horses, again against financial and climatic odds.
Tell us about the classes you offer in beginning fiction and memoir writing.
After I’d started sending out queries on my first book (which is now the third in the series), I received a couple of comments from agents or
11 Comments on Guest Author-Heidi M. Thomas, last added: 9/30/2010
I've been a fan of Heidi's book, "Cowgirl Dream" for some time. I'm excited to hear about the sequels. Each one sounds better than the other!! Good luck!
Thank you for hosting me today, Kevin, and thanks to all for visiting. Just want to let you know, my sequel Follow the Dream will be available in just a couple of weeks. I'm taking pre-orders with FREE SHIPPING at my website www.heidimthomas.com
Today, I am very pleased to present the award-winning author Carolyn Howard-Johnson who is sharing her work in progress with us, just in time for Halloween here’s...
Stories to Make Frankenstein Faint
A Sampler: Legends from Bohemia By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
(The introduction from a work in progress that tells legends from around the world.)
Listen my Children. There is a place in Eastern Europe that is full of ancient graveyards and cellars where even today people read scary poetry by candlelight. It is an ancient city called Prague. There they speak a very, very mysterious Celtic language called Czech. There are strange circles and lines a little karets over the letters that make sounds like nothing we English speakers have ever heard.
In that city is an olden bridge. We who speak English call it the old Charles Bridge, but the people who live there call it the Karlov most. And that bridge looks like no bridge you have ever seen. Towers and gothic arches and stones, like a castle, are like sentries at the entryway. You can imagine horses hobbling and clattering over the cobblestones beneath as they move from the old town onto the bridge.
The people who lived in the town say a water goblin lives under the bridge. He crouches on the bottom, ready to devour children and adults don’t pay attention to the rules and go swimming after eating huge quantities of dumplings and pork and beef,. They die of the cramps and the goblin feels that they are fair game.
At the bottom of the river, in the shadow of the bridge, the goblin keeps pottery pots—or perhaps they are enameled metal—for both are still made around Prague today. These he uses to pop the souls of those who die and keep them there. He has quite a collection but, it is said that he has grown skinny and bored today because the river is no longer good for swimming so there are very few opportunities for modern children to encounter his long fingers and toes and hair that moves with the current like deep green seaweed or slender water grass in the sandy bottom. He must rely on his stores of days gone by.
That means that he is hungrier than he ever has been. So beware!
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Instructor for the renowned UCLA Extension Writers' Program Web site: http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/ E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com Award-winning author of the How To Do It Frugally Series of Books for writers, including USA Book News' award winners The Frugal Editor
13 Comments on Visit From Award-Winning Author Carolyn Howard Johnson, last added: 10/13/2010
Thanks to you all, and especially to Kevin! This is a story (and the beginning of a book) that I've had stowed in bowels of my computer for ages. I collect stories and recipes when I travel, but sometimes I don't run across the kind that will fit into any of my themes. Best to you all, Carolyn
Can you believe November is just about here – a new year is not far behind. Well, we have another great tour with writers and authors who collectively, have tons of writing and marketing experience and information to share.
So, look over the schedule below. Each day in November a different author and information will be presented. Join in on the FUN and follow the schedule by clicking on the corresponding day.
Special note: We are taking a winter hiatus for December and January2011. We’ll be back fresh and rearing to go with a new schedule of tours for a brand new year. We’re hoping you stay with us.
And, don’t forget, we’ll still be offering regular posts on this site throughout our hiatus - they’ll be focused on what we do best: information about writing and marketing, as well as books.
So, stop by regularly!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Comments on November Will Bring a New Writers and Authors Tour, last added: 10/31/2010
In a brief departure from the children’s book genre, today I am pleased to be hosting Shelby Patrick who will be talking about her new book When Angels Sing.
Shelby, for starters, please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a native of southeastern Michigan and I write fantasy, science fiction, and horror/thrillers. My first published fiction book is a short story collection entitled The Fear Within, which can be purchased via amazon.com or through my website at http://www.shelbypatrick.com/ (signed copies available). I have also has written two creative writing exercise books – Dark Recesses of the Mind and Forbidden Knowledge. Both non-fiction books can be purchased through amazon.com, lulu.com (as a download or print), or at my website. My first novel was just released in November 2010. It’s a thriller entitled When Angels Sing and can be purchased at http://www.4ublaze.com/ .
What is your writing process? When do you write? Any rituals?
I prefer writing under the cover of night. For some reason, my creative juices flow more freely when the sun sets. I find that I can concentrate on my scenes better if I listen to music – any kind from classical to rock and roll.
What is When Angels Sing about?
Blaze was the perfect man: sweet, charming, and 100% gentleman. There was only one catch. Jenna Michaels had never met him face to face. He was her Internet chat buddy. So when he invites her out to visit him, she jumps at the chance. But he’s not anything like she expected, and even worse, he has no recollection of ever talking to her. She soon realizes she should have turned tail and ran home because her two weeks in Montana are about to be turned into a cat and mouse game as she is stalked through the streets of Stevensville by a psychotic killer.
What do you think is key to a compelling read? What makes a horror story “work?”
Every story should have good characterization, a strong plot, and well-written descriptions. But what sets the horror/thriller story apart from the rest is the element of suspense. It needs to keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seats. It should also open with a strong beginning and close with a believable ending. Don’t disappoint the readers or they might not come back.
How would you describe your writing STYLE?
My style is a simple one. I don’t use long words and try to vary my sentence/paragraph lengths. I like to spend a lot of time in my character’s minds, so I do a lot of interior monologue. I don’t outline before I write a story. It comes to me as I write. I think of it as a movie I’m seeing for the first time. Even I don’t know how my stories will end until I’m ready to write the ending.
What are your future writing projects?
Behind the Masque, my second thriller novel, has just been sent to my editor. It should be ready sometime in 2011. I also have a fantasy (my favorite genre) novel in the wings and an erotic vampire tale. Right now, I’m working on a historical thriller set back in 1769 dealing with pirates on the high seas.
What do you do for fun when you’re not writing?
I like games, specifically video games and computer games. If I’m not writin
6 Comments on Introducing Shelby Patrick, last added: 11/20/2010
Congratulations on your new book, Shelby! When Angels Sing must go on my to-read list. I liked how you described your writing style as watching a movie for the first time. I'm much the same way, with the story unfolding for me as I write.
Just to let everyone know, my books can be purchased via amazon.com; however, if you order through my site (I use PayPal to collect payments), I'll send a signed copy and a free bookmark to go along with the book.
Interesting interview Shelby. I like the idea of writing sci fi and horror "under the cover of night" - as if it were somehow safer. Congratulations on the new novel.
In order to promote my latest books, How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event and Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, I'll be touring the blogosphere with World of Ink Tours during the whole month of February. I hope you'll stop by to say hello!
Today I am pleased to feature author Darcia Helle, who will be talking about her book, Beyond Salvation.
Beyond Salvation is a suspense novel written for adults. This is a departure from my usual topics which usually focus on the kid-lit world. But I think it always helps to change things up every now and then and hey, we adults could always use a good read too.
Darcia, what is this book about?
A teenage runaway disappears from the streets. The only people who care, or even notice, are her two best friends who are also runaways. For reasons of their own, they can't go to the police for help They seek out Michael Sykora, a software designer by day and hit man by night. Known on the streets as The Ghost, Michael has a reputation for taking on the twisted criminals. Rapists. Child molesters. He has never been hired to find the lost. Until now.
Michael teams up with ex-prostitute Nicki and full-time hit man Sean. Together they bend the rules of the justice system in order to find a young girl few people care about. In the process, they uncover a world where salvation comes with a price tag and God's words are used to incite fear in a congregation of believers.
What is the story behind the book?
Homelessness is a huge problem in the U.S. Every age range, from children to the very old, exist in a separate and hidden world on our streets. According to a study by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty approximately 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2007).
In No Justice, the first book in my Michael Sykora series, two homeless teens made a brief appearance when they helped Nicki out of a difficult jam. I wanted to bring them back and let them tell their story. That’s when Sara popped into my head and led the way.
Sara is a teenage runaway, friends with the two boys, and missing. The problem with runaways is, when they disappear from the streets, no one but their few friends on those same streets notices. Often there is nowhere to turn for help. Michael Sykora works within that lost world and sets out to find Sara.
To be honest, when I began writing this book, I had no idea what had happened to Sara. I don’t outline and only began with that vague premise. As I explored the reasons behind Sara and her friends winding up on the streets, I was led to the few options they might have to reach out for help. Sadly, there will always be people who prey on those who are desperate. Cults are one of the biggest offenders, often masking themselves as Churches and various sanctuaries of hope. Sara stumbled upon one of these.
As I was writing this book, I wasn’t looking to give a lesson in morality or write a societal thesis. I simply wanted to give these lost people, the characters in my head, a voice. I hope that I achieved that and managed to entertain at the same time.
Thanks for stopping by Darcia, and giving us a chance to get to know you and your book. You can find out more about Darcia and her books by following the links below.
Darcia Helle gives voice to the characters trespassing through her mind. She currently has six books published, all variations of the suspense genre. Originally from Massachusetts, Darcia now writes in the sunshine of Florida.
The homeless really do have a world onto themselves. I was amazed at their inginuity in some of them creating the comforts of home in their environments. One homeless man played the piano like a virtuoso!
It's true, Darcia, society tends to forget about them. Your books are a great way to remind us that they do exist and we should be concerned with them.
Kind of a bit of a flip for Darcia's other suspense/thrillers - Thanks for hosting Darcia today and hopefully she will stop by and make an appearance. E :)
------- Elysabeth Eldering Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad, 50-state, mystery, trivia series
Thank you, Kevin, for hosting me! I apologize for my absence yesterday. Life is in the way of my best intentions these days.
Thanks to all who stopped by! I appreciate the comments. One of my favorite characters in this one is Charlie, a homeless guy who helps to solve Sara's disappearance. I hope he puts a face to some of those unseen people out there.
Today, in a departure from the children's book world, I am happy to be featuring Marvin Wilson, author of Between the Storm and the Rainbow. Marvin, what is this book about?
This book is based on Between the Storm and the Rainbow, the internationally popular award-winning Free Spirit blog. It is an anthology of the best of the best posts that will inspire you, stimulate your deep thoughts and emotions and also give you plenty of laughter. Read the spiritual/inspirational writings of author Marvin D Wilson and join the global community of readers who count on their daily dose of Free Spirit.
This sounds very interesting, Marvin. Please give us an excerpt from your book.
Freedom through Discipline
(August 31, 2008)
I was able to go to college on a music scholarship. My father was a poor Christian minister, and had I not been born with the gift of music, the advantage of higher education would have been denied me. Thanks to my God-given talents, I was able to go. I was a music major with a thespian minor at Central Michigan University. At age eighteen, I thought I knew everything. I had talent, intelligence, youthful bold confidence and a brash attitude, and a social/political/religious view of our world (this was the late 1960's, mind you) that was one of "I know everything." And anyone who disagreed with me (especially my parents and any authority figures in the older generation, those despicable leaders of the hypocritical oppressive "Orwellian - big brother" government of the times), were dead wrong. I was a "Free Spirit," venturing forth into a brave new world that me and my Hippie friends were forging with our new lifestyle, our drugs, sex and rock and roll religion of freedom.
In my freshman year at college, I met Professor Stephen Hobson. He was my choir director and my private lesson voice coach. He looked to me to be in his late sixties. He was (well, he seemed to me at the time) stodgy and stiff, and a strict disciplinarian. He demanded of me a level of self-discipline and rigorous diurnal practice regimen that I was completely without the ability to understand, let alone adhere to. One little flutter in-between voice registers, any tiny slippage in tonal and/or pitch control when singing my assigned lessons in his torture chambers he called a "practice room" every Wednesday, he would stop playing his piano accompaniment, look at me with this "you know as well as I that that was not good enough" expression and demand that I try it again. Over and over … until I got it perfect. Perfect according to his obnoxious elitist opinion.
I couldn't stand that man. He was asking way too much of me, and for no good reason. I did not see the need for such a tyrannical imposition of discipline on me and my life, my singing, my anything. I was writing songs about freedom and liberty, gigging at night in my rock and roll band, getting over to thunderous applause at the hands of my Hippie peers, why did I need discipline? I was a one-of-a-kind talent; my uninhibited, serendipitous, wild and natural style was destined to become the standard for future generations. Professors in decades to come would teach their students how to emulate ME!
Ah, but those of you with any substantial life experience can guess the rest of the story. I never "made it" as a big impact famous rock and roller. I eventually wound up playing for modest money in lit
23 Comments on VBT-Marvin Wilson -Author of Between the Storm and the Rainbow, last added: 3/17/2011
Kevin, terrific interview. Marvin, loved the excerpt. I play the flute and the piccolo -- strictly amateur -- but I do understand where you are coming from. The father of a good friend of the family encouraged me to keep playing as an adult amateur -- he was one himself -- and it made a world of difference to me.
Kevin, thanks for hosting Marvin today--his words are those that belong in so many areas. Marvin, even if I've read a piece before, it never fails to touch me!
Go Chippewas! A mans gift will make a way for him. I hope you and your Shiloh family will receive all new instruments to replace the ones that were recently stolen. Have a great week!
Hi, Kevin - I followed The Old Silly over here from his Free Spirit blog - which I have followed and loved for years. I bought Between the Storm and the Rainbow when it first came out, and still read it - so inspiring! It's kind of like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book - only a great mixture of blog post with everything from humor, spiritual/inspirational, to thought-provoking, to interview with great artists/minds. I highly recommend it to anyone!
Love your blog, Kevin, I'll have to check out your books, too!
Thanks everyone for all the great comments and thank you Marvin for being such a great guest. This was a very interesting feature and a lot of fun to do.
Sounds like an interesting read Marvin. Hard to remember that blogs have only really taken hold within the past decade or less even. I hope your book does wonderfully well.
Having read two of Marvin's books so far I can vouch for the fact that he is an excellent writer and knows how to spin a good story. This piece from the book was something I could identify with having been thru similar cirmcumstances and being about the same age as Marvin. Good to hear about this book and thanks Kevin for hosting Marvin.
Magdalena, thanks for the kind words. I got serious about blogging, oh ... about 6 years ago, when it occured to me that it was not some passing fad. Bloggers are the modern day journalists and essayists, hmm? And Free Spirit enjoyed such success that my publisher actually proposed the idea of publishing an anthology of the 'best of the best' posts. Pretty cool.
Elizabeth, having followed your GREAT blog and writing advice/coaching posts, I KNOW that you understand the importance of Discipline. :-)
Arlee, thanks so much again for your support. As two guys with a lot in common, the admiration is mutual, my friend!
Okay, Marvin, your blog excerpt made me cry. It reminded me of the wonderful people who sowed love and wisdom into my young life too. I didn't appreciate them either.
I'm glad you got to tell this man how important he was in your life. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with the world. You're making a difference.
Kathy, thank you for the warm words. You know, as a writer, I know I have written an emotional scene well if, after having read it dozens of times before, it can still wet my eyes when I read it yet once more. I always tear up at the end when I re-read this piece, so I guess I wrote it well enough. And that man deserves it, as I can see you know full well mentors like him do. I'm glad for you that you had good teachers in your life, too. 'Tis a blessing, hmm?
Kevin, really like your blog, it looks like you write some really great kid's lit! Thanks for this fine feature on The Old Silly - I'm a longtime Free Spirit reader and fan, I've got ALL of Marvin's books. I'll check out your children's books too--got a couple of young relative birthdays coming up. ;-)
Thanks to all of you for visiting my blog and for all the kind words you had for my books. Once again, a big thank you to Marvin for being such a fun and entertaining guest.
Today I'm delighted to welcome author/educator, Kathy Stemke, to my blog.
Kathy: I’m soooo excited to be here, Kevin.
I'm so glad to hear it. Any particular reasons for the excitement?
Kathy: Within the next couple of weeks my first printed picture book, “Trouble on Earth Day,” will be available for purchase. I’ve been waiting for over two years for this incredible event to happen.
What’s it about?
Kathy: It’s about friendship, helping others and helping the Earth.
Why will kids like it?
Kathy: They will fall in love with the adorable characters, enjoy learning about recycling, and get lost in the exciting story of two new friends.
What makes your book different than other picture books on the market today?
Kathy: As I said before it is a wonderful story and it has 22 pages of songs, discussion questions, worksheets, games, activities, and recycling projects to do at school or at home.
Can you give us an example of one of the songs?
Kathy: Sure, Kevin. Here’s one verse of Shelby’s Recycling Song.
Tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb
Shelby squirrel saved and saved, Saved and saved, saved and saved, Shelby squirrel saved and saved, She used her things again.
Can you give us an idea of the worksheets and activities you offer in the book?
Kathy: There are word searches and matching activities as well as recycling games and silly compound words. Here’s a darling coloring sheet that kids can get from my blog. While you’re there, you can also sign up for my free monthly newsletter, Movement and Rhythm. http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on your new book and thanks for stopping by today.
Today, in a departure fro the kid-lit realm, I am happy to be hosting Marietta Taylor, who will be talking about a very important aspect of writing - maintaining your own voice. Marietta, please tell us your story.
I am a member of a writer's critique group. For the most part I enjoy the group. However, there was one session that really rubbed me raw like a sandpaper burn. I was having some devotional work critiqued. They were written from the perspective of the Proverbs 31 woman. I thought I had a pretty cleaver idea since much had been written about her and how women could be like her, but nothing was written from her perspective.
One of the other writer's told me my work wasn't believable to her because it wasn't written in what she called a “true Jewish voice”. She proceeded to give me the name of a Christian romance writer. She instructed that I should read this woman's books and the pattern my “voice” after hers. That really got under my skin. And it stayed there for a while.
I actually stopped working on this book because of her criticism. I just recently picked it back up to review and decide if I was going to continue. I may actually change some of it, but I'll tell you what I'm not going to do. I'm not going to mimic another author's voice. As a writer, I need to be authentic to myself. Voice is who I am as a writer. It is how I uniquely communicate my message to my readers. If I try to mimic someone else, it will come across as not being authentic.
While I understand that we can learn a great deal from other writers, I'm not a believer in being a copycat. I don't mind being influenced by another writer's strong voice. I just don't want to steal it and try to pass it off as my own. At the end of it all, I've got to be me. And I think that's important for every writer. Each one has their own unique voice. They attract readers based on communicating with their own voice. One of the things we as writers keep hearing is “Find your voice”. Once you do, go with it. I think it's the strongest part of your identity as a writer.
Readers can connect with me in the following ways:
Thank you, Marietta and Kevin, for shinning a light on this topic. I agree, a writer must develop his own voice. Yes, an author should slant their voice to fit the genre and particular situation.
Best wishes, Please join me on my book tour June 13th-July6th.
Nice post. I completely agree with Marietta about the importance of finding and writing in one's own voice.
People do tend to be influenced by the writers they read and sometimes that might, unconsciously, creep into their writing. It only makes the work seem like a poor duplicate or sound contrived.
Great point Mari. Above all a writer must trust his or her own instincts and judgement - something that it takes courage and many years to develop. A good critique group is fantastic, but a writer should be free to take what helps and discard the rest. Any critique that is too didactic or black and white is not helpful.
Thanks Magdalena for stopping by. I'm getting better at "keeping and discarding". when i first joined I felt like I had to "keep" all the advice. Now I see
I have the setting in Boston and Southern California, so my voice has to be reflected with the particulars of each region without sounding like I'm stereotyping characters. Its a fun balance that needs to be struck. A little research goes a long way.
Mari, I agree that writers need to have their own voice.
Interestingly, in the copywriting field, it's recommended to actually copy/type the content of successful copywriters as an exercise. It's suppose to gear your brain for that type of effective writing.
While critique groups are essential, it's up to the author to know which input is helpful and which isn't.
Mari, this post struck me as SO true and it was really inspirational to hear your experiences about staying authentic to your own writing voice. Thank you so much for sharing!
You’ve taken the initial steps to begin your book marketing journey. The first rung on your marketing ladder is to create a quality product, in the case of an author, that would be a book. You need to create an engaging story, be part of a critique group, make sure the manuscript gets edited/proofread, and have a knock-out cover.
Creating the book might be considered Research and Development under the Marketing umbrella, and the foundation of a marketing strategy.
The second step or rung on the marketing ladder is the actual book promotion: creating a platform and brand for you and your book. This is accomplished through visibility which includes: creating a website, adding content to your blog on a regular basis, doing article marketing on a regular basis, and garnering guest blog spots on quality sites, among other strategies.
Once all the above is underway and your book is going to be available for sale, even if it’s for pre-sale, now is the time to go on a virtual book tour.
Plan a Book Tour
Virtual book tours can be an effective promotional strategy, and you can initiate one on your own, or pay a publicist or book promotion marketer (tour service) to do it for you. Obviously, depending on your financial situation, you will need to decide which will work for you.
The advantages of hiring either a publicist or tour service is their wider audience reach. If the service is a quality one, it will have quality sites for featuring you and your book. When choosing a publicist or tour service find out exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. You might also ask around for recommendations.
I know of three reputable book promotion services:
You can check them out or do a search for “book promotion,” or “virtual book tours.”
On the other hand, if you’re intent on initiating and managing your own tour you will need to post messages in all your social networks asking for bloggers to participate. If you are active in your groups, and have been paying-it-forward, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Try to aim for bloggers who have followers in your target market. While most writers belong to writing groups, try to expand your reach to groups and bloggers who actually have readers who will be interested in your book.
For example if your book is for the middle grade crowd or children who read chapter books you might look for bloggers who are involved in parenting groups, grandparent groups, teacher groups, etc.
You should begin this process at least a month or two (two is better) before you want to have your tour. It may take a while to get all the hosts on board, decide who will feature what, have reviews prepared, answer interviews, prepare a press release, and so on. Give yourself enough time so you’re not rushing.
Once the Hosts are Booked
For the tour of my children’s middle-grade fantasy book Walking Through Walls, as each blogger accepted my request for hosts, I created a list of their names, the dates I’d be on their sites, and what would be presented on each host’s site: a book review, an interview, an article (with the title), or a combination.
A note here: Offer a variety of content during your tour. While your initial thought
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You researched and planned a unique and engaging book tour. Your hosts are booked, the schedules are prepared, and you chose on-the-mark prizes to give to random winners who will take the time to comment on the tour stops.
But, whether you created and are managing your own book tour, or you’ve hired a publicist or book touring service, there are a few additional touring tips you should consider in order to be a gracious guest and effective promoter:
• Have all your promotional material readily available, including pictures of you and your book cover, reviews, a synopsis, and excerpts. The same goes for any articles you’re providing. Make your guest spot as easy for the host as possible; this means emailing your host any content agreed upon in a timely manner. Give your host plenty of time to prepare his/her post for you. Many bloggers like to pre-post their posts; having the content early will be helpful.
• Be sure to make note of each site you will be on and the date you’ll be featured. I have a daily calendar book that I enter all important information into. I also got a monthly desk calendar that I leaned against the wall next to my computer – the bigger the better. But, but you can use any form of calendar or schedule, as long as it will work for you.
• Prepare and publish a press release that lists all the information for your tour. You will need to post your tour schedule on your sites, and ask your hosts if they would post it on their sites also. I took advantage of Donna McDine’s Dynamic Media Release Services. Donna did a great job; the release was professional and effective. I highly recommend her services.
• Promote each tour stop on your social networks.
• It’d also be a good idea to send a reminder to each host a couple of days before his/her day. It may happen that one or two hosts will forget and that reminder will be very helpful in keeping your tour on track.
• The day of each guest spot, be sure to visit the site throughout the day to answer any questions from visitors who take the time to comment, and thank them for stopping by. It’s important to also thank each of your hosts in the comments area. You should also send each host a thank you email, after the spot.
• In addition to thanking each host (during and after the tour), let them know that you would be happy to reciprocate.
• Finally, go back to each tour stop daily to see if there are any additional comments. If there are, respond to them and add the visitors’ names to the list you should be using for the contest.
Note: Anticipate things coming up and the tour possibly going off track here and there. While everyone of your hosts has every intention of following through, sometimes things happen. Just go with the flow, shrug or laugh it off.
Winding it Up
After your tour, send an email to the prize winners to let them know they won and include which prize they won. You should also create a post naming the winners. Finally, be sure to follow through and send the winners their prizes.
For a week-by-week, step-by-step, comprehensive article about a book tour, you can check out Mayra Calvani’s article: “Demystifying Vi
Today, I have the pleasure of featuring the talented author Karina Fabian as part of her virtual book tour for Mind Over Mind. Karina has graciously prepared a guest post for us:
I Like Ideas By Karina Fabian
I like ideas.
That's the best part of writing for me--messing with ideas, whether they be about people (which includes mythical creatures) or about situations. "What if" is a better plaything for me than Xbox or a soccer field or any game Matel ever made.
The wilder the "what if," the better. What if zombies were just another household pest? What if exterminators specialized in the undead? What if they made a reality TV show out of training them? (Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator, (http://zombiedeathextreme.com).
Sometimes, the what if centers around a character: What if someone in our time really did get telepathic powers--but he couldn't control them? What if he was just a kid and no one believed him? (Poor Deryl is my main character in Mind Over Mind, a fantasy about how he claws his way back to sanity with an intern who at least pretends to believe him.)
Sometimes, "what if" isn't enough; then I go find new toys: established legends and clichés, scientific articles and current events. I pile them like blocks, mash them together like play-dough, and generally fiddle with them until something new emerges. Most of my DragonEye, PI stories star a dragon detective and his magic-slinging nun partner and the crimes they solve are usually based in some kind of legend or legends that collide with reality in our world. The next book, Live and Let Fly, is a hodge-podge of super-spy stories and clichés from movies and books. In fact, when it comes out in April, I'm going to have a contest to see who can name the most.
If you're not seeing ideas all around, you, then you aren't looking--or you aren't looking with a sense of fun. Don't be afraid to play with the mundane. And don't be afraid so "stealing" someone else's idea. In my workshops, I can present three elements to a room of ten people and each will come up with a unique spin or approach.
So go on--run wild. Be free! The playground of ideas is immense and there are enough toys for everyone!
~~~~~~~~~
Great post, Karina, and I agree with you - ideas are all around us, we just have to pay attention!
Okay, now let's learn a bit about Karina's new book, Mind Over Mind and about Karina herself:
A description of Mind Over Mind:
Deryl Stephen’s uncontrollable telepathic abilities have landed him in a mental health institution, where no one believes in his powers.
But when Joshua Lawson, a student of neuro linguistic programming, takes part in a su
2 Comments on I Like Ideas by Karina Fabian, Author of Mind Over Mind, last added: 9/16/2011
Today’s guest post from Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer, is part of the virtual book tour for her newest book marketing guide, Virtual Book Tour Magic.
Whether you’re writing articles or doing interviews, a virtual book tour is your opportunity to shine in front of a targeted audience of potential book buyers.
Here are some tips for creating killer content that will showcase you and your book:
Don’t underestimate the amount of time that it will take to create the content for your tour, and start as early as possible. You may find it easier to block out several days and get a lot of articles done at once, or at least get the rough drafts done for polishing later.
First, make a list of potential article topics and feature stories. For nonfiction books, use your table of contents for ideas.
It’s a good idea to vary the type of content, with how-to articles, interview articles, book excerpts, feature articles, book reviews by tour hosts, audios and videos.
Find out if your hosts prefer a particular word count. You may find article guidelines on their websites, observe the length of other articles on their site, or just ask. About 400 to 700 words is typical.
Read your hosts’ blogs to get a feel for the content and style of the blogs you’ll be writing for.
Write your best stuff and proofread carefully.
Add a short introduction to the beginning of the article, explaining that it’s part of your virtual book tour and linking to the tour page. Your tour host may expand on this introduction.
To increase the odds of getting traffic to your tour posts from search engines, use important keywords in the title and the article. My favorite tool for finding keywords is the Google Keyword Tool.
Include a call to action at the end of your articles, with a link to where readers can buy the book.
For audio interviews, find out if your host prefers to send you a list of questions or if it’s best for you to write the questions. Provide the interviewer an introduction and a conclusion that contain information about your book and where to buy it.
Plan to send articles or interview questions to your hosts at least 10 days in advance and schedule this on your calendar. Be sure to include your book cover image and photo.
To learn how to organize your own successful virtual book tour, check out my new Virtual Book Tour Magic guidebook for authors.
Book Tour Special: Order Virtual Book Tour Magic by December 12 and you’ll get an invitation to an exclusive book tour Q&A session with Dana on December 15.
Rita Antoinette Borg was educated in New York and now resides on the Mediterranean island of Malta. She performs storytelling and creative writing workshops in schools across the country and works as a freelance writer for local magazines and newspapers. Ms. Borg has published four picture books aimed at early readers as well as an anthology of short stories for older children. Her books have been recognized by the Malta National Annual Literary Awards. Her book “Don’t Cross the Road, Holly!” was chosen as the year’s best Children’s Book in English. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators.
Little Meg finds the outside world a bit too loud and far too scary! So, she’s going to stay inside her safe white shell, thank you very much. But then the Howl breaks into the barn and steals Mother Hen! What is she supposed to do, still holed up in that egg of hers? She can’t run and she certainly can’t fly. Well, never get between a chick and her momma, cause this little bird’s got a can-do spirit and a whole lot of courage that she didn’t know she had before!
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Today, I am very pleased to present the award-winning author Carolyn Howard-Johnson who is sharing her work in progress with us, just in time for Halloween here’s...
Today’s guest post from Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer, is part of the 
What a great idea for a children’s story. I love the premise. Oh, and I love the cover art too!