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Guardian Angel Announces MAY 2014 Releases
Inside a Snail Shell
Academic Wings
Author-JennaKay Francis, Illustrator-Jillian Crider
Have you ever wondered what’s inside a snail’s shell? A jaunty story in rhyme. Educational pages, too.
Never Say Boo to a Frilly with Rainbow Birds & Tasmanian Devil Dance
Academic Wings
Author- Margot Finke, illustrator-Aysin Eroglu
When an Aussie Tasmanian Devil, Rainbow Birds and a Frillneck Lizard find themselves inside the same rhyming book, watch out for educational FUN.
Once Upon an Eyeball - How the Nose Knows Roses The Sum of our Parts Series
Academic Wings
Author Bill Kirk, Illustrator- Eugene Ruble
This book is a bonus set of two anatomical rhymes in one book, describing the basic structures and functions of the eye and the nose in a way that is easy to understand.
Robbie and Katie get a Hairy Scare
Health& Hygiene
Author Lea Schizas, Illustrator Eugene Ruble
Watching the stylist cut their oldest sister’s hair, the twins giggle until the receptionist says, “Hair is DEAD.” Big mistake!
Congratulations one and all! Cheering you on for your continued success :) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineAward-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
For this month's Virtual Book Tour, I am happy to be hosting the talented, and very, very busy Lea Schizas. Lea is the author of Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Them
Lea Schizas is an award-winning author and editor, a short story competition winner, living in Montreal with her husband Jimmy and five children. She describes herself as “finally woke up after a 23-year self-induced coma taking care of the family, and rediscovered my passion for writing.”
She is the Founder and Editor in Chief of two Writer’s Digest 101 Top Writing Sites since 2004 and recipients of several Preditors and Editors Awards: Apollo’s Lyre, an online writer’s Zine: http://www.apollos-lyre.com/; the online writing critique community The MuseItUp Club, http://museitupclub.tripod.com/;
-Founder of The Muse Online Writers Conference, http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/
-Founder of The Muse Marquee, http://themusemarquee.tripod.com/
-Founder of The Muse Book Reviews, http://themusebookreviews.tripod.com/
-Reviewer for the award-winning site AllBooksReviews.com
-Editor for Double Dragon Publishing
-Submissions Editor for Red Rose Publishing.
She is the author of the Young Adult paranormal suspense/thriller “Doorman’s Creek”, co-author and editor of the nonfiction writing reference book “The Muse On Writing” (http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonwriting ) and the fantasy “Aleatory’s Junction” (http://aleatorysjunction.tripod.com/ ), and author of “The Librarian Who Wasn’t”, a short story appearing in the EPPIE award-winning Anthology “Twisted Tails II”, and an article published in the book, “Hollywood Experts” a Silver Foreword award winner.
In 2009, she has been offered three new contracts:
Libby the Odd Squirrel and Robbie and Katie Get A Hairy Scare
both contracted by Guardian Angel Publishing and 4RV Publishing has offered her a contract for I Don’t Want A Haircut
You can read more of Lea’s bio and accomplishments at:
http://leaschizaseditor.com/
Lea, tell us a little bit about Bubba & Giganto.
Bubba hates it when his dad gets a contract for a new project. That means uprooting the family from one city and moving to another. Attending a new school is a major pet peeve of his. His smart alecky nature attracts the bullies in every school he’s attended.
On the first day of school, Bubba bumps into this rather large student. Fearing a confrontation, he wears his tough guy attitude and waits for the punches to begin. Remarkably, the new student apologizes, and Bubba and David (aka Giganto as Bubba eventually nicknames him) become best friends.
Bubba and Giganto try out for the high school soccer team, and that’s when trouble begins. Bubba knew eventually he’d meet the bullies of the school, and he was right.
In the first initial weeks, Bubba learns about a death that occurred the previous year; faces the bullies on several occasions; helps Giganto practice soccer before tryouts; and challenges the bullies to a scrimmage.
Little does Bubba know Giganto holds a secret - one that will place Giganto in a deadly situation.
Can you believe it? The first month of the year is just about gone. But, it’s okay, we have a great February, full of great author articles, interviews, and reviews.
If you want to learn about poetry, writing and marketing, we have a just the writers to provide the information. Be sure to stop each day.
Our February 2010 Author and Book Tour:
1st Dianne Sagan is hosting Vivian Zabel
2nd Karen Cioffi is hosting Margaret Fieland
3rd Kathy Stemke is hosting Dana Donovan
4th Lea Schizas is hosting Heidi Thomas
5th Vivian Zabel is hosting Lea Schizas
6th Nancy Famolari is hosting Dianne Sagan
7th Margaret Fieland is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
8th Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Stephen Tremp
9th Helena Harper is hosting Dallas Woodburn
10th Liana Metal is hosting Maggie Ball
11th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Nancy Famolari
12th Gayle Trent is hosting Mayra Calvani
13th Mayra Calvani is hosting Elysabeth Eldering
14th Marvin Wilson is hosting Heather Paye
15th Stephen Tremp is hosting Marvin Wilson
16th Darcia Helle is hosting Helena Harper
17th Martha Swirzinski is hosting Gayle Trent
18th Heidi Thomas is hosting Martha Swirzinski
19th Dana Donovan is hosting Liana Metal
20th Dallas Woodburn is hosting Debra Eckerling
21st Linda Suzane is hosting Janet Ann Collins
22nd Debra Eckerling is hosting Darcia Helle
23rd Heather Paye is hosting Karen Cioffi
24th Maggie Ball is hosting Kevin McNamee
25th Kevin McNamee is hosting Linda Suzane
26th Janet Ann Collins is hosting Kathy Stemke
Be sure to stop by each day - we have some great and useful articles.
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
http://karencioffi.com
Ah…a new year... and I get to begin it with the privilege of hosting Lea Schizas.
Lea Schizas…what can I say? Lea is a doer, giver and teacher. She is an award winning author and editor, and generously gives of her time to help writers learn the craft. I admire this wonder woman and am honored to be involved in her writing world.
Lea has many creditials, but I'll focus on a few: Lea is the Founder and Editor in Chief of two Writer’s Digest 101 Top Writing Sites since 2004 and recipients of several Preditors and Editors Awards: Apollo’s Lyre, an online writer’s Zine: http://www.apollos-lyre.com; the online writing critique.
And, for those who aren’t aware of it, Lea is the founder and organizer of The Muse Online Writers Conference. I’ve attended the past two years, and it would take its own article to tell of all the benefits that writers can gleam from this FREE week long conference. Be sure to register for this year’s – it’s held in October. Click on the link: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/2010MuseConferenceRegistration/
If you'd like to learn a bit more about the conference go to:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/2009/11/the-muse-online-writers-conference-2010-registration-is-open/
For a more frequent writing boost, there's Lea's blogsite, The Writing Jungle (http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com). It's a great resource for us writers. Lea shares her experience and knowledge to help us hone our craft.
And, Lea's most recent endeavor is Pen Perfect Associates (http://penperfectassociates.blogspot.com).
This site offers great articles on writing topics – it is a wonderful, and more importantly, useful resource for writers. And, if you’re in need of an editor, you needn’t look any further…Lea is a working editor.
In addition to all this, Lea has two books available:
Doorman's Creek
Publisher: eTreasures Publishing
ISBN: 0974053740
ISBN: 13: 978-097405374
Here's a description of Doorman's Creek:
When Kyle Anderson and his two buddies decide to explore a cave hidden within Doorman's Creek, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton... and an unknown entity, throwing them right into the path of a serial killer. Faced with a sudden gift of visions into past and present disappearances, Kyle must now track down who the murderer is before another family member gets killed.
According to Lea: My YA paranormal suspense thriller was actually written as a screenplay when I first began my career and then I added descriptive details, background and settings, and the five senses to make it into a book. Most of my manuscripts begin like screenplays. Love to hear my characters talking first.
You can get your copy at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0974053740?tag=thevirtualc08-20&camp=213761&creative=393545&linkCode=bpl&creativeASIN=0974053740&adid=05RWJX4HJYZQAKF1BWMF&
Next up is:
Bubba and Giganta: Odds Against Us
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com
ISBN: 978-0-9797513-6-3
Synopsis of Bubba and Giganta: Odds Against Us
<
I'd like to thank Carma Dutra of
Carma's Window for bestowing on me this lovely award - I'm honored. Please be sure to stop by Carma's site and check out what she's up to.
According to the One Lovely Blog Award rules, I need to choose 5 other blogs to receive this wonderful award.
I wanted to make this post purposeful as well as pass this award on, so I am offering the award to sites I visit regularly and learn a great deal from.
Okay, here we go:Pen Perfect Associates (Lea Schizas - writing)
Sharing with Writer (Carolyn Howard Johnson - writing)
Kid Lit (writing)
Author Marketing Experts (Penny Sansevieri)
Book Marketing (John Kremer - he's offering FREE weekly marketing teleseminars through most of 2010)
These sites are really worth clicking on, they provide some of the best information on writing and marketing.I'll notify these sites, but I'm not sure if they'll have the time to pass the award on...
Karen Cioffi
Fairy tales, no matter how young or old you are, captivate an audience. The 'Once Upon A Time' beginnings told you some moral and dilemma would unfold. Readers love and continue to enjoy these tales, disappointed when they come to "and they lived happily ever after" part.
But how many writers out there have considered or used an outline from a fairy tale to come up with your own storylines? For example, let's take The Three Little Pigs:
3 little pigs = 3 upcoming musicians
wolf = their agent who swindles them at some point of their earnings
straw hut = their small apartment
brick house = their mansion when they make it big
You've now used a fairy tale to come up with your own storyline by altering the characters, their setting, and added a motive for a conflict with the antagonist-the agent. Let's dig deeper.
The three musicians are childhood friends or brothers a la 'three pig' theme. They've been playing as a band since high school. During college an agent signs them up and takes them on a tour. The boys are inexperienced in finances and trust their agent explicitly. During the story, however, seeds are dropped that this agent is a bit on the shady side prompting the readers to wait for the bomb to drop eventually on the boys. Although the readers have an inkling what's going to happen, the questions keeping them posted to the book are:
- How will the boys react?
- What will they do?
- What's going to happen to the agent?
- What's going to happen to their musical careers?
- Will the band ever make it?
Readers love drama, action, happenings that take protagonists to a lower level of no return, especially when they can identify with a crisis relevant to their own life. That's not to say we need to be musicians to understand the characters plight, but as general people we've had someone who may have disappointed us in one way or the other. When you can connect a social issue or relevant emotional event to a reader, enough so they can place themselves in your character's shoes, then they are drawn deeper into your story world.
Using the same fairy tale above, you can come up with literally tons of good storylines to expand and use.
*-3 spinsters on a road trip to get away from the stress of work
-1 man comes into their lives
-1 cheap hotel fling with one of them causes a rift between the ladies
-1 secret the man is guarding will have these women on the run
*3 lawyers defending 3 men for the same crime
-1 lawyer bribes a witness to lie for his client
-1 house holds the key to this crime
-1 twist near the end will have the witness charged with the crime
As you can see from the examples above, one simple fairy tale has now the potential for three different storylines, characters, and settings.
So...Once upon a time when I had nothing to write about, I sat down and remembered my childhood fairy tales...
And my page filled with story ideas...
And my Muse lived happily ever after.
Author's Bio: Lea Schizas is an award-winning author and editor, Submissions Editor for Red Rose Publishing, and founder of two Writer's Digest Top Writing Sites since 2004 and recipients of several Predators and Editors awards, The MuseItUp Club and Apollo's Lyre. She is the author of the Young Adult paranormal/thriller "Doorman's Creek", and the middle grade novel, "Bubba and Giganto: Odds Against Us." She is also the editor and co-author of "The Muse On Writing" a writer's reference book, and the fantasy novel "Aleatory's Junction".
Lea Schizas along with Carolyn Howard-Johnson are founders of the annual Muse Online Writers Conference where over 2000 Attendees and Presenters take part each year.
For more information on Lea Schizas, link here:
http://editingservices.tripod.com/
http://www.leaschizas.com
By:
Karen Cioffi,
on 10/18/2009
Blog:
Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi
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Wow, what a week. I can't begin to convey all the information, advice and tips that were zooming around this conference.
The Muse Conference is an amazing concept. I will plug it from now until next year's is at our doorstep. It is an astounding opportunity for writers to learn their craft, or a new one, get advice and tips, network, and move forward in their careers.
Before this week I didn't realize that Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson actually thought of disabled writers who can't attend conference in person and writers who can't afford to go to them when they considered joining forces to attempt this wonderful and arduous undertaking. This type of altruistic act is a blessing for those in these categories. It allows us to partake of the knowledge and experience of wonderful writers, authors, editors, marketers, and publishers. And, it gives us the opportunity to get professional critiques of pieces of our writing within some of the workshops offered.
But hold on, if this isn't enough, you are given the opportunity to PITCH YOUR WORK!
I couldn't be more thankful and appreciative of Lea and Carolyn's time, effort, expense, and the obvious caring that goes into these amazing conferences.
So, what am I actually saying here? Simple: Sign up for next year's Muse Online Writers Conference as soon as you can!
Registration opens in November; I'll post a link here when it's available.
And, while it is absolutely FREE, if you can afford to please help out with the conferences by donating whatever you can - even a dollar is something!
Did you find it as fantastic as I did? I'd love to know.
Well, that's it for now,
Karen
Yesterday, I received a wonderful award from Lea Schizas at The Writing Jungle – the One Lovely Blog Award.
I have to say I was totally surprised and honored. I’m relatively new to the business of writing and promotion so being included among Donna McDine, Katie Hines, Nancy Famolari, and Carolyn Howard-Johnson is thrilling.
As Lea mentioned in her blog, “It’s truly touching when some acknowledges your work…” I feel the same way.
Now, as an awardee, I’m responsible to pay it forward. For those individuals I choose, just follow the instructions below.
The rules are simple:
1) Accept the award, and don’t forget to post a link back to the awarding person.
2) Pass the award on.
3) Notify the award winners.
Two people I would have immediately chosen for this award is Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson. These two ladies definitely inspire and motivate me. Lea always makes me laugh, and is always so helpful; I don’t know how she does all she does. And, Carolyn always goes above and beyond. In addition, they work tirelessly to put together the Muse Online Writers Conference and offer it for FREE! These are two women I certainly admire and trust.
Okay, now for my choices of the women who inspire and motivate me in some way:
Kathy Stemke: Kathy is someone I can say, I knew her when. I had the privilege of critiquing her mss. I knew she’d have no problem finding a publisher. Kathy is a talented writer and I’m happy to call her my friend. It’s great to watch Kathy become all she can be.
Helena Harper: I reviewed Helena’s book, Family and More – Enemies or Friends and greatly admire her writing. Helena is a wonderful writer and goes the extra mile. She reviewed my book and posted the review in numerous sites for me. I truly appreciate it.
Heather Paye: Heather is a new member to VBT – Writers on the Move and she is only 15. There is an expression that youth is wasted on the young; well, this isn’t true of Heather. She if the most enterprising, determined, and enthusiastic young person I’ve ever known. She jumped into our group with both feet and does a great job as a host and a participating member. I’m very impressed by Heather Paye and pleased to have her in our group.
Next, I award this to all the members of VBT – Writers on the Move. Each member is talented, and they each give of their time and put forth effort to promote the other members. Being part of a participating group that is ongoing takes commitment – these members definitely have what it takes. I’m honored to be part of this wonderful group and they each inspire and motivate me.
Karen
It's hard to believe June is here already.
VBT - Writers on the Move is happy to add some new members to the June 1st Schedule:
Harry Gilleland is hosting Linda Asato
Karen Cioffi is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Kathy Stemke is hosting Liana Metal
Lea Schizas is hosting Helena Harper
Nancy Famalari is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Vivian Zabel is hosting Joyce Anthony
Margaret Fieland is hosting Mayra Calvani
Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Dorothy Massey
Joyce Anthony is hosting Marvin Wilson
Helena Harper is hosting Gayle Trent
Dorothy Massey is hosting Anita Yasuda
Liana Metal is hosting Harry Gilleland
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Kathy Stemke
Virginia S. Grenier is hosting Karen Cioffi
Gayle Trent is hosting Lea Schizas
Mayra Calvani is hosting Nancy Famalari
Marvin Wilson is hosting Vivian Zabel
Anita Yasuda is hosting Margaret (Peggy) Fieland
Linda Asato is hosting Virginia S. Grenier
Be part of our new Mystery Site Give-Away and have a chance to win a prize. This month the prize is a book. Sorry, can't tell you the title, it's a secret. Just visit the hosts' sites and leave a comment. YOU MAY WIN!
Here's the February 01 schedule.
Several 4RV Pubishing authors are involved: Elysabeth Eldering, Lea Schizas, Crystalee Calderwood, Ransom Noble, and Vivian Zabel.
Just click on the Hosts' name and it will bring you directly to the site.
Deborah Ramos is hosting Sally Murphy
Dianne Sagan is hosting Margaret Fieland
Harry Gilleland is hosting Pam Devor
Karen Cioffi is hosting Elysabeth Eldering
Kathy Stemke is hosting Joyce Anthony
Lea Schizas is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Nancy Famalari is hosting Deborah Ramos
Suzanne Lieurance is hosting Dianne Sagan
Vivian Zabel is hosting Harry Gilleland
Dehanna Bailee is hosting Karen Cioffi
Margaret Fieland is hosting Kathy Stemke
Ransom Noble is hosting Lea Schizas
Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Nancy Famalari
Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Suzanne Lieurance
Joyce Anthony is hosting Vivian Zabel
Sally Murphy is hosting Ransom Noble
Pam Devor is hosting Dehanna Bailee
Be sure to drop by and visit with these talented authors.
See you in blog world,
Karen
By:
Karen Cioffi,
on 1/5/2009
Blog:
Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi
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Vivian Zabel honored me with the Prémio Dardos - or Darts Prize. Thank you, Vivian.
The Prémio Dardos is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.
From what I can gather, the origin of the Prémio Dardos began in Portugal or Brazil and this is the closest rendition of the original intent available:
1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been selected for this award. So, I am passing the torch to:
Terri Forehand
Carma Dutra
Kathy Stemke
Lea Schizas
Joy Delgado
Suzanne Lieurance
Karina Fabian
Margot Finke
Simon Rose
Deboran Ramos
Dehanna Bailee
Dainne Sagan
Harry Gilleland
Nancy Famolari
Margaret Fieland
Well, we're starting a brand new year with a great tour. Please note: Cheryl Pillsbury and Yolanda Jackson's blog urls will be posted in a couple of days.
Here is the schedule of each host and their guest:
Deborah Ramos Cheryl Pillsbury http://www.aarmoryofaardvarks.com
Dr. John F. Murray Yolanda Jackson http://drjohnfmurray.blogspot.com
Dianne Sagan Elysabeth Eldering http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Harry Gilleland Joyce Anthony http://harrygillelandwrites.blogspot.com
Lanaia Lee Rosanna Ienco http://lanaialee.blogspot.com
Joy Delagado Deborah Ramos http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot
Lillian Cauldwell Dr. John F. Murray http://lilliancauldwell.blogspot.com
Karen Cioffi Dianne Sagan http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
Kathy Stemke Harry Gilleland http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Linda Ballou Lanaia Lee http://lindaballou.blogspot.com
Lea Schizas Joy Delagado http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com
Patricia Crandall Lillian Cauldwell http://patriciacrandall.blogspot.com
Nancy Famalari Karen Cioffi http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com
Rosemary Chaulk Kathy Stemke http://rosemarychaulk.blogspot.com
Sharon Poppen Linda Ballou http://sharonpoppenauthor.blogspot.com
Suzanne Lieurance Lea Schizas http://suzannelieurance.com
Vivian Zabel Patricia Crandall http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com
Boyd Hipp Nancy Famalari http://boydhipp.blogspot.com
Dehanna Bailee Rosemary Chaulk http://www.thebackroomat.dehanna.com
Margaret Fielan Sharon Poppen http://www.margaretfieland.com
Ransom Noble Suzanne Lieurance http://www.ransomnoble.wordpress.com
Luigi Falconi Vivian Zabel http://luigifalconi.blogspot.com
Dwight Rounds Boyd Hipp http://dwightcrounds.blogspot.com
Anna Maria Prezio Dehanna Bailee http://prezio.blogspot.com
Crystalee Calderwood Margaret Fieland http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com
Rosanna Ienco Ransom Noble http://rosannaienco.blogspot.com
Elysabeth Eldering Luigi Falconi http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
Joyce Anthony Dwight Rounds http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/
Cheryl Pillsbury Anna Maria Prezio
Yolanda Jackson Crystalee Calderwood
Please don't forget to stop by and visit with these wonderful authors/writers. I know each tour I learn a little something new about the guest authors. And have a healthy and happy holiday season.
See you in blog world,
Karen
Well, we're off again.
This is our third tour and it starts December 15th. Below is the schedule of Hosts and their Guests. We hope you drop by to see what's going on.
Host: Dr. John F. Murray / Guest: Elysabeth Eldering
http://drjohnfmurray.blogspot.com
Host: Dianne Sagan / Guest: Joyce Anthony
http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Host: Harry Gilleland / Guest: Rosanna Ienco
http://harrygillelandwrites.blogspot.com
Host: Lanaia Lee / Guest: Dr. John F. Murray
http://lanaialee.blogspot.com
Host: Joy Delgado / Guest: Dianne Sagan http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com
Host: Lillian Cauldwell / Guest: Harry Gilleland
http://lilliancaldwell.blogspot.com
Host: Karen Cioffi / Guest: Lanaia Lee
http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
Host: Kathy Stemke / Guest: Joy Delgado
http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Host: Linda Ballou / Guest: Lillian Cauldwell
http://lindaballou.blogspot.com
Host: Lea Schizas / Guest: Karen Cioffi
http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com
Host: Patricia Crandall / Guest: Kathy Stemke
http://patriciacrandall.blogspot.com
Host: Nancy Famolari / Guest: Linda Ballou
http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com
Host: Rosemary Chaulk / Guest: Lea Schizas
http://rosemarychaulk.blogspot.com
Host: Sharon Poppen / Guest: Patricia Crandall
http://sharonpoppenauthor.blogspot.com
Host: Suzanne Lieurance / Guest: Nancy Famolari
http://www.suzannelieurance.com
Host: Vivian Zabel / Guest: Rosemary Chaulk
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com
Host: Boyd Hipp / Guest: Sharon Poppen
http://boydhipp.blogspot.com
Host: Dehanna Bailee / Guest: Suzanne Lieurance http://www.thebackroomat.dehanna.com
Host: Margaret Fieland / Guest: Vivian Zabel
http://www.margaretfieland.com
Host: Ransom Noble / Guest: Boyd Hipp
http://www.ransomnoble.wordpress.com
Host: Luigi Falconi / Guest: Dehanna Bailee
http://luigifalconi.blogspot.com
Host: Dwight Rounds / Guest: Margaret Fieland
http://dwightcrounds.blogspot.com
Host: Anna Maria Prezio / Guest: Ransom Noble
http://prezio.blogspot.com
Host: Crystalee Calderwood / Guest: Luigi Falconi http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com
Host: Rosanna Ienco / Guest: Dwight Rounds
http://rosannaienco.blogspot.com
Host: Elysabeth Eldering / Guest: Anna Maria Prezio
http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
Host: Joyce Anthony / Guest: Crystalee Calderwood
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/
Please come back on the 15th to visit with my guest, author Lanaia Lee.
Karen
A resident of Montreal, award-winning multi-genre author and editor Lea Schizas describes herself as a late bloomer who “finally woke up after a 23-year self-induced coma taking care of the family, and rediscovered my passion for writing.” She is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of two Writer’s Digest 101 Top Writing Sites of 2005 & 2006 and recipients of the Preditors and Editors Most Useful Writing Sites Award: Apollo’s Lyre and The MuseItUp Club. She's also the founder of The Muse Online Writers Conference, The Muse Marquee, and co-founder of Coffee Cramp eZine. Her published works include The Rock of Realm, Doorman's Creek, Aleatory's Junction, and The Muse on Writing, among other books for children. Because of her supportive, helpful sites and groups for writers, Lea is affectionately referred to as 'Mother Hen'. Her book review site, Muse Book Reviews, caters to authors of most genres.
Lea's books...
When Kyle Anderson and his two buddies decide to explore a cave hidden within Doorman's Creek, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton... and an unknown entity, throwing them right into the path of a serial killer.
Faced with a sudden gift of visions into past and present disappearances, Kyle must now track down who the murderer is before another family member gets killed.
What if you were hit with the realization you were of royal lineage…to another realm? This is exactly what fourteen-year old Alexandra Stone has to face in the Young Adult fantasy novel ‘The Rock of Realm’.
In everyday life we face dilemmas, obstacles, and situations where a decision needs to be made. Whether we choose the right or wrong path, only time will tell. In Aleatory, the residents are used to strange occurrences, to newcomers traveling through but never returning. But for these newcomers, Aleatory’s Junction will prove to be more than just a fork in a corner out of town.
ISBN: 1-55404-400-6Genre: Fantasy/SF eBook Length: 354 Pages Print: 502 PagesPublished: October 2006Imprint: Double Dragon Publishing
Print Book Available Here
Vampires, werewolves, zombies… all legendary creatures hunting their preys, all containing their own personal tales and backgrounds.
But the most evasive story to be told is that of Lord John Erdely from the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, Transylvania.
Lord John Erdely lived in the 16th century and date of death cannot be confirmed since no body has ever been found. It is rumored, but no documents support this theory, that he dealt in black magic to suppress the ongoing collaboration of the churches to bring a unified religion to all people, a Greek Catholic practice.
It is also rumored he may have used black magic to contain his servants, to blind and deafen them from words spoken to them while on errands for the Lord within the village of Cornifu. Villagers became increasingly suspicious of Lord Erdely when family members went missing.
Enter the present time…
All visitors staying in Cornifu Hotel are surprised with a mystery invitation for a one day excursion to Erdely Castle. Befuddled but amused at the same time, they accept, unaware of the events to follow.
Join our characters as each discovers secrets and mysteries that will change their lives forever.
To purchase Lea's books, visit her website.
Subscribe to Lea's Monthly Ebook Newsletter!
"For a yearly subscription of ONLY $10.00, you get twelve issues of Monthly eBook Newsletter - with bonus issues scattered throughout the year. Some of the links are: AGENTS - PUBLISHERS - REVIEW SITES - PROMO SITES - MAGAZINES - ASSOCIATIONS - and more. You'll also get writing articles and an opportunity to showcase your own bragging rites."--Lea Schizas
Lea also offers critique services for children's picture books and novels.
Picture books under 1,000 words: $30
Longer works: $2 per page.
Exciting news today...
Thanks, Jennifer!
Now it's my turn to nominate some wonderful blogs. Here are my nominees:'
That Girly Girl's Journal-- BLAH, BLAH, BLAH: a heaping helping of sassy, a small side of sweet will entertain, enlighten, and delight as she shares her everyday journey on the way to writer stardom.
In Jody's Live Journal entries she treats you to the inside scoop on her writer's journey--which is especially exciting with the release of her new book, The
GollyWhopper Games, an amazing adventure story. Don't miss the chance to peek over her shoulder as reveals her secrets.
On Kevin's blog you'll discover one of the most amazing guys I know--an illustrator/writer that knows no limits when it comes to creativity, work stamina, and niceness. He's always ready to lend a helping hand to others on their literary journeys. Now he's preparing for his own TV show!
Her BLOG CENTRAL contains links to Book of the Week, Children's Book Biz News, Picture Book of the Day, and links to other blogs she likes to read. Anastasia provides an amazing wealth of writerly material. And you can sign up to receive her blogs fresh in your mail box 5 days of the week--for free. What a deal!
At the MUSE UNLEASHED, Lea provides an open forum for writers to post their news, their insights, and their concerns. She has created a wonderful support network for writers spanning the globe. She also offers some great freebies!
I'm sure you'll enjoy visiting these blogs. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage--and maybe a few chocolates as well--sit down and put your feet up for a while.
*****
Rules for next recipients of the Brilliante Weblog Premio are as follows:
1. The award may be displayed on a winner's blog.
2. Add a link to the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate up to seven other blogs.
4. Add their links to your blog.
5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on in the comments section of their blog.
"Anyone who is a parent with a child that has begged, hollered, and begged some more for a pet will enjoy Crash and Marcelo, the little boy who gets his wish. The glee and joy in his cute little face is described vividly by author Mayra Calvani.
Reading “Crash”, a child and a parent discover the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Marcelo also discovers that naming his new family member is not as easy as he thought. Many ideas come to his head, none really fitting in with the cute Golden Retriever.
The name he finally picks surprises his parents. But as you read, you realize this is the PERFECT name... This is a great book to buy for your child, you know, the one who is begging and hollering and begging some more for a pet. It will teach and prepare them for the responsibilities surely to come when a pet finally comes gift-wrapped." --Lea Schizas, Muse Book Reviews
I would like to thank Lea for such a great review and also to recommened to all of you Lea's affordable promotional packages for authors. For only $5 she'll advertize your book on her high-traffic site for one whole month! Really, where can you find such inexpensive promotions? I just bought several ads for my books. You may see them here:
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/MissionStatement.htm
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/News%20and%20Info.htm
For only $8, she'll add your book to her Bookstore for a whole year!
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/Muse%20Bookstore.htm
Go to her site and check it out!
Jungle Tiger. . .
Grrrrr!!
Grrrrrr!!
Come BLOG with me this week
Invited writers are offering writing wisdom, rants, + lots of opinions and fun.
This is a No Holds Barred Blog-Fest.
ME. . . a shy Jane. Looking for Tarzan or a contract: whichever I find first!!
Tarzan . . . ??? YIKES! Keep looking.
So join me.
Take this opportunity to gather in Lea's Writing Jungle and Blog 'til you Drop!Website -- Blog -- "Musings"(Comments and Questions Welcomed)
Be sure to stop by Lea Schizas' BLOG FEST at The Writing Jungle http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/
Starting the week of March 29, she is hosting a large group of children's writers. They'll be sharing snippets of their stories and characters as well as tips on writing.You won't want to miss it. Plus, there will be prizes awarded to some of the lucky visitors who post comments. I'll be stopping in at the Blog Fest...why not join me!
By:
Mayra Calvani,
on 8/30/2007
Blog:
Mayra's Secret Bookcase
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
violins,
children's books,
writing contests,
picture books,
christmas,
dolls,
amy moreno,
mayra calvani,
the doll violinist,
abc's children's picture book competition,
Add a tag
My story, The Doll Violinist, is a finalist at the 3rd Annual ABC's Children's Picture Book Competition!
What makes this competition different is that while the finalists are chosen by judges, the winner is chosen by online public vote. In other words, YOU the reader, get to choose the winner—that lucky author & illustrator team who will walk away with a publishing contract!
The Doll Violinist is a heart-warming Christmas tale set in Victorian Europe about a little orphan girl who dreams of becoming a violinist, and features illustrations by talented artist Amy Moreno (
http://www.amycullingsmoreno.com/).
The two week voting period starts September 16, 2007 and will continue through midnight September 30, 2007. You may vote ONCE a day for the duration of the contest, if you wish. The winning author / illustrator team will be announced October 8, 2007.
People who vote for
The Doll Violinist will be automatically entered in a drawing and prizes will be as follows:
1st Prize: An enchanting Belgian antique doll in Brussels lace
2nd Prize: $50 Amazon gift certificate
3rd Prize: Beautiful zirconium & sterling silver ring (size 8)
4th Prize: A print copy of Mayra’s latest paranormal thriller, DARK LULLABY
5th Prize: A print copy of ANGEL IN A BUBBLE (children’s picture book)
All you need to do is vote for
The Doll Violinist (anytime between Sept. 16th-30th),
then send me a message to
[email protected] and write ‘
You got my vote’ on the subject line. You must send me a message in order to enter the drawing, so please don’t forget!
The winners will be announced on this blog on October 1st, 2007.
But there's more...! Amy Moreno will be giving away one custom-made pen and ink rendering of YOUR house to a lucky winner. Check her blog,
Cachibachis, for her own rules on how to be eligible for this rendering.
Please help Amy and I win that publishing contract!
September 18th NEWS! Listen to my radio interview with Lillian Cauldwell at Internet Voices Radio:
http://www.internetvoicesradio.com/Arch-LillianCauldwell.htm*** About my story, The Doll Violinist, and how it came about….
The Doll Violinist takes place in Christmas in the late 1800’s and it is about a little orphan girl named Emma who escapes every day from the orphanage to look at a doll that resembles her mother, who is now in heaven. The doll is holding a violin, just like Emma’s mother used to. Emma dreams of becoming a violinist one day, just like her mother.
The tale starts five days before Christmas with five dolls on display, and, to her dismay, as Emma comes to the shop each day, one doll is sold. On Christmas Eve, the doll violinist is the only one left. The story also has another character, the stern and seemingly cold shopkeeper, who doesn’t want Emma standing by the shop. Of course, there’s a reason, and it’s not that Emma is dressed in rags, but that Emma reminds her of her own dead daughter. The story has a quiet mood while offering suspense, and of course, it has a heart-warming, happy ending.
This story has a long history! It is inspired by a real-life tale my Spanish grandmother used to tell me when I was a kid. It is actually based on something that happened to her. When my grandmother was a little girl, her father, a very hard and stingy man, owned a shop. One Christmas, her father brought a beautiful doll to the shop and put it for display on a shelf. When my grandmother saw this doll, she became instantly mesmerized. In her innocent, little girl’s heart, she had hopes her father would give her the doll as a Christmas present. Each day she would come to the store to see if he doll was still there. Of course, her father never gave her the doll; he sold it. She was crushed and could never forget that.
That story must have made a deep impression on me. I never forgot it as well. Two years ago, after years of mental simmering, I put the story to paper. Initially there was no violin in the story; I added that element later to make it more unique.
During the last two years, the story has gone through various titles, a critique group, two editors, and dozens of agents and publishers. Despite all the rejection letters, I had--and still have--deep faith in it and really believed this is a story all children, especially young girls who play the violin, would love to read.
Then last year the story got an Honorable Mention Award at the 75th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. There were 19,000 entries, so it was quite a validation for me. When I learned about the ABC's Children's Picture Book Competition, I felt compelled to give it a shot.
Please mark your calendars on the 16th of September, when the finalist stories will be displayed online for everybody to read and vote! Voting ends on Sept. 30th, so you have two whole weeks to vote!
My story will be accompaigned with a beautfiful illustration by talented artist Amy Moreno. Amy has perfectly captured the essence and mood of the story.
May the best story win! :-)
*****
Violin, My Muse...
Violin… The word brings such vivid images to my mind. A slender and graceful soloist performing on stage, her eyes closed with delirious ecstasy. The mysterious, dark, gaunt figure of Paganini, his long thin fingers racing up and down the fingerboard with demonic, preternatural speed. Tartini reclining in bed while handing the violin to the devil himself. Sherlock Holmes playing a tune in his small flat on 221b Baker Street.
The sound which comes forth from the violin stirs different emotions deep within my soul—sublimity, sweetness, passion, sadness, fear. Sibelius’ concerto is dark and mysterious; Beethoven’s is spiritual and noble; Brahms’ is earthly and passionate; Tchaikovsky’s is grand and dramatic.
It’s curious how, unlike other instruments, the violin seems to possess a dark, sinister quality. Surely no other instrument in history has been the ‘victim’ of such lore and legend. The violin is light and darkness. It has two faces, two personas. This is what makes the violin so intriguing. At the same time, it is associated with the feminine. I’m not referring to the shape and sound of the violin, but to the feelings it evokes on their owners. I’ve read that men violinists see the violin as a female companion, while women see it as an extension of themselves.
Another thing I’ve come to realize is that most people have intense emotions about the violin—they either love it or hate it. Interesting enough, for someone who hasn’t an affinity for music, the violin can be the most horrific, tortuous instrument to listen to.
I was a late starter. I began taking violin lessons in my mid thirties. Just as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde woke up one day and decided to become a lawyer, I woke up one day and decided I wanted to play the violin. For somebody like me, who had never had any kind of musical education, it was a great challenge. Four years since then, I can only say I don’t know how I could have lived without my violin for so long. A wonderful new dimension has opened in my life. Enveloped in music, surrounded by etudes and books, I wallow in the daily practice of this magnificent instrument, this marvel of ingenuity. But, most strange of all, this new dimension has extended to my writing as well. The violin has stirred my imagination and unleashed my creativity in ways that I never experienced before. A little orphan girl who wishes to become a violinist begs me to write her Christmas story; amateur teenaged violinists whisper in my ear that they wish to be the protagonists of my new mystery; a fragile, mentally unbalanced young violinist shares with me her horror tale, assuring me that her story would make a bestseller…
Always near my computer, my violin beckons me to hold it when I’m stuck in a scene or passage, as if only one embrace, one stroke, are enough to lift the dark cloud from my mind. And always in the background is the violin music, my muse and inspiration. I hope this gift will continue to be bestowed upon me for many years to come.
***This article originally appeared on Blogcritics.org
Hi all,
Talented artist Amy Moreno just finished doing the last touches on my logo. Isn't it lovely? I'll use this logo for this blog and for my children's book website (still in the designing stages).
Amy and I are also collaborating on another project--a picture book titled THE DOLL VIOLINIST. This is a heart-warming story set in the Victorian times.
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Lea, I don't know how anyone finds time to breathe while raising 5 kids, much less write! You are one busy and talented lady - an inspiration to all.
Kevin, thanks for sharing Lea's story with us.
Thank you for hosting me today, Kevin.
And Darcia, I've said it once and I'll say it again...when you love what you do there is time for anything. :) Thank you for taking the time and commenting. I really appreciate it.
Wow, Lea sure accomplishes a lot. Her books sound great, too.
Lea, I'm in awe of you -- where do you find time to sleep? Many, many thanks for all you do -- I wouldn't be writing fiction if it weren't for you and the muse conference.
Peggy
Lea, you're a wonder. I wish you could bottle your, what seems like, never ending energy--I'd buy a bottle or two, or a hundred. :)
I wish I had my own office to work in also!
Lea is one busy girl. Maybe she doesn't sleep. That's how she does it. But it helps to have your own place to go to write. Have a great weekend.
Stephen Tremp
At the 12-state library conference (MPLA conference, this year held in Oklahoma City, next year in Billings, Montana)earlier this week,several librarians were interested in Bubba's message about bullying. Hopefully their interest will become orders.
I love Lea, I love all that Lea does for the writing community, and I love Lea's book "Bubba and Giganto."
I agree with Lea, to keep writing and editing and etc. the way she does, you have to love it. Getting into your characters is "hopefully" a way for all of use to stay out of the asylum.
Great post, Kevin
Some day I'm going to fly to Canada, follow Lea around for a day, and figure out how to squeeze the last drop out of a few precious hours.
I want to thank Kevin for hosting me today and for everyone taking the time to add a comment.
Time is relevant. Passion is crucial.
Remember that we have only one chance on this earth. So let's make the best of it.
Here's wishing everyone tons of success with their own writing.
Lea, I always enjoy reading about your busy life. You are amazing. Bubba and Giganto is a great story that should appeal to teens experiencing some of the things that Bubba and Giganto face.
Wishing you the best.
Thanks for the great interview via, Lea. The woman is amazing.
Lea, I really don't know how you do it all, but don't stop. I know you've got many more places to go.
All my best,
Cheryl
Thanks for the great interview Lea, and thanks to everyone for all the comments.
Kevin
What an inspiring interview. If Lea can do it, I can certainly try. Thanks! Great timing for this book. I'm glad it's on the market.
Karen
Wonderful interview! It's so nice to learn more about your Lea.
Wow Lea, you are amazing! Thanks for the dose of inspiration this morning.
Are you sure you are not getting up in the middle of the night and sleep writing? That would explain a lot. Much luck and success with your book, Lea.