Spoke with bookseller today at BN North Charleston, SC and she loved the books! Sent the three in print to their office in NY today to see if they approve them for on the shelf in stores. Keep your fingers crossed!
I will be working with a group of young writers at this camp on Thursday, June 13th. The facilitator just confirmed the scheduling!
Many of you that have seen my pages know that Jesse was with us 16 years. It was a year ago that we had to put him to sleep. This week at Pawleys Island I had the chance to enjoy a new baby in our family, Luna. She is 9 weeks old and a rescue pupDaschund/Maltese. Beautiful little girl. She along with Howie who has been with the family longer, reminded me of how much a part of the family our animals are! To everyone who has a pet, enjoy the peace and unconditional love they give you.
http://elaineoustonauthor.com/2012/07/04/the-secret-of-atalaya/
Elaine Ouston’s latest fantasy book, Captured –The Mystery of Nida Valley, has just been released. It is the second book in a series about a hidden valley full of ancient animals, dinosaurs, and much more.
Tell me about your book:
The Mystery of Nida Valley – Captured is book two in the Mystery of Nida Valley series. It is a story of adventure, magic, time-travel, and intrigue, with an educational element thrown in. Set in a hidden valley where dinosaurs (like the winged Pterosauradon that the children learn to ride) and giant, ancient creatures roam, it is an enchanting tale of a group of teens who discover it is their destiny to help preserve these animals and stop an evil group from exploiting the valley for financial gain. A synopsis is at the end of the interview.
Did you always want to be a writer?
I was always interested in writing, and it was one of the career choices my high school career guidance officer suggested. The other was art. I choose art, and studied graphic art. I worked in that profession for many years – working for advertising agencies, newspapers, and running my own advertising design business. During that time, I studied creative writing and marketing so I could offer my clients a complete service – design, art, copywriting and marketing. I wrote advertising copy, press releases, and company profiles, etc. When I took a step back from that life, I turned to my long held dream of becoming a writer. I went back to university and competed a Master of Letters in creative writing.
What was your first attempt at fiction for children?
I wrote a short animal adventure novel for my grandchildren using the animals of Britain and Australia. The aim was to teach them about similarities in the living habits of British animals to Australian animals. That story is now published as Lost in a Strange Land. I was hooked on writing for children at that point, but it wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I was able to devote time to my writing. The result was the first book in the Mystery of Nida Valley series, published in 2011.
Why fantasy?
I have always had a love of fantasy fiction and after the phenomenal success of Harry Potter, it seemed to me that many children had the same love. The megafauna story, The Mystery of Nida Valley, was perfect for this genre.
How did a story about very real, extinct Australian animals become a fantasy story?
I asked a group of children what they knew about these creatures and discovered that they had no knowledge of them. Their interest in hearing about the animals fueled my desire to write the story. Some of the questions the children asked during our discussion shaped the story. For instance, ‘Did they live with the dinosaurs?’ and from a very cute four year old, ‘Were there dragons too?’ So I decided to include the three groups, megafauna, dinosaurs and mythical animals. It is a strange mix and it was
Looking for ways to address the Common Core standards of using more digital text in the classroom while using evidence to discuss and evaluate? Check out my science and social studies based children’s e-books priced at $4.88 from http://synergebooks.com/bio_edwards.html. Email me for Smart notebooks with ready to use activities: [email protected] or visit my author site for lesson ideas for each book: www.writingaboutnature.webs.com.
Adora the Albino Alligator has won second place in the children’s category of the 2011 Sharp Writ Book Awards.
Hi All! I have a permanent link which will take you to my feature on the website www.highlightedauthor.com. I will be featured this week with mention of my latest children’s book, Pirates at Pawleys. Check it out and let me know what you think! http://highlightedauthor.com/2012/01/1092/
I remember standing in my classroom of third graders and hearing the news. My mind was numb! How could this happen in America? My sense of security had been lost and has never been fully regained. No blame laid except on the shoulders of those who attempt to harm. The lives of those lost will remain in our hearts and prayers forever.
Book 2 of the Carolina Cousins Mystery series for upper elementary is now available.
School will be starting soon for DD2 students and teachers in SC. It is with mixed feelings that I embracet this rainy day on the island. Having the chance to renew in such a peaceful setting is priceless. I hope I have plenty of mental pictures to get me through those long days in the city where there seems to be little rest for the weary.
An online bookstore for kids is launching the first of my books for middle school/young adult readers today: http://magicblox.com/books/laurel-and-delphinus-save-florida-coral-reefs. Happy Reading!
This is Gumby, a rescued Loggerhead sea turtle who is currently a patient at the SC Aquarium. Just recently I was privileged to visit the animal hospital located downtown Charleston, SC. The sight of one particular animal broke my heart. Yes, it was Gumby. Taken as a hatchling and kept in unsuitable conditions, this loggerhead sea turtle cannot even swim due to metabolic bone disease. He simply floats on top of the water seemingly without much interest in life.
Living near the coast and being a part of many sea turtle releases, the sights in the hospital made me sad and angry. Many of these animals are there due to human negligence. WE must educate everyone to the dangers and consequences of trashing our beaches and of taking in animals for which we are unable to provide adequate care.
Join my sister and me as we support the Sea Turtle Hospital. We will donate half of the profit from sales of our e-book, Old Faithful a Loggerhead Turtle’s Story to the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium. Old Faithful is a handicapped turtle herself.
Take the time to visit the Sea Turtle Hospital, buy our book, and then tell your friends to help spread word of this offer to others. Thank you for helping to make a difference. Follow sales information from my blog at: http://rhondasedwards.wordpress.com/
Thanks for Caring About Nature
When taking classes for my MA in English, I fell in love with a lot of writers. Their words reawakened my dream to become a published writer. Thoreau happens to be one of my favorite. Let these words of his wash over you and take them in for consideration:
Now that I have more than 25 likes I have a shorter link: http://www.facebook.com/booksbyrhondasedwards
The surrounding lakes made quite a foggy morning, yet the sun perservered. The beauty of nature should never be taken for granted.
Welcome to my updated blog site. Please feel free to share comments and/or ask questions.
Questions, comments, and things you enjoyed about my books are always welcome here!
very nice blog.http://www.dpmicro.net