Hi there again world, it's me. I know, I've been busy with getting ready for our faires (which are coming along nicely.
I know I don't get too many hits on this blog, but thought I would share what happened to me today and yes, I am going public. What this company did is not cool/Kosher/Professional and I will not be returning.
For this blog sake, I'll strike out the name of the company.
So very disappointed - Be warned of The Optical House : I am really very disappointed. I've been going to The Optical House for years and when I was quoted for my glasses, they quoted me $319. When I got there a week later, they informed me no, it's $420. I asked about my VSP discount and they told me that they already discounted me. I went to my HR dept and they printed me out the paperwork informing that I was supposed to get a 20% discount on my glass frames, but I didn't see it on the receipt. I went all the way back to Wakefield again today and they informed me that the discount was already on the glasses (no where is that stated by the way) and that the guy misinformed me when he quoted me. I will NOT be returning to the Optical House, and be warned if you do get quoted for glasses to get it printed out in writing.
You have been warned by yours truly - here in little MA.
You know folks do read my blog right? Oh, am I writing to myself? I guess I am...make a comment if you want.
Rant over.
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Devils in the Details – Part 2
After a long period of what seemed an eternity, the old cat lady finally went outside of the house. She hardly ever did this, as she was mostly a loner and just had her "boys" with her.
Joe was the first to wake from his cat nap, and notice that she was out of the house. He licked his fur twice to make sure he was clean, and then went to wake the other guys up.
Joe went over and nudged Arthur with his cold nose, but his companion didn't want to wake up. Arthur just curled his brown tail up and turned over to go back to sleep. Joe then decided he had to take a chance, and took out his razor sharp claws and thought about using them on Arthur, but he quietly rolled his friend over the best he could and then licked his friends belly with his tongue instead. "Meow!" Arthur said loudly and jolted from his sleep. Joe then pointed to the chair with his left paw, Arthur saw too that the old lady had gone out. Joe nodded his head, blinked his gray eyes, and then went to wake the other cats up.
They all were finally up, except one. They didn't know the first cat's name, they just knew him as "Cat". He was the meanest cat you ever saw, always snatching up the food first, He also swatted his claws if you came to close to him. He just wanted to sleep all the time. So, they were surprised to find him awake and of course first at the food bowl.
Frank decided he was the closest to Cat, so he nudged the food bowl towards him. Cat was a little surprised by this gesture and all the cats being up at the same time. He blinked his green eyes at all the rest of his companions. Joe pointed his paw to the door, and the chair being empty. Cat just sat still for what seemed for a long time, just curling his tail up and down, trying to think of what they should do.
All of a sudden, Pete jumped up onto the counter top. The rest of the cats were surprised, as Pete was usually the laziest of them all. He poked his paw through the open drawer, and found a piece of paper, almost to hard to read. The rest of the cats were wondering how he was going to get that piece of paper out of the drawer, after all, Pete did have his claws removed, as he liked to claw the furniture up, darn cat lady. He poked his paw in, then poked the other paw in, and nudged with his nose to get the drawer all the way open. The drawer opened up enough to where Pete could reach that piece of paper with his mouth.
Mike was the only one who could actually still read human language, something in the transformation didn't quite go all the way through to him, and of course, he was the smartest of the bunch. He knew that if he was sweet to the old lady, she would be sweet back to him. Pete jumped down from the counter top, and laid out this note in front of Mike.
Mike read the note twice to himself. It looked more like a recipe than anything else. "Cookies for cats by Delores Kittyhawk" Mike read the recipe again but then noticed a note at the bottom of the page.
"A glass of milk will release the cats back to men, so never give them milk" it read. No wonder they never were given milk!
Mike went over to the refrigerator and stared at it for what seemed to be a long time. He now knew that he had to get that fridge open or they would be stuck as cats forever! He sat there, blinking his blue-grey eyes, swatting his tail and staring at the refrigerator door pointing his paw to it, and meowing as loud as he could. The rest of the gang followed him to the fridge. Pete finally understood what he was trying to do, he was trying to open up the fridge! But how?!? Pete jumped up again onto the counter top, then jumped again to the top of the refrigerator hoping that it wasn't locked, or frozen from the inside. He looked down from the fridge, and it looked like a long way down, but he shook his whiskers and nudged the door open with one paw, and then the other paw. He meowed loudly twice. Tim knew that was his signal to try on the bottom and knew that he had to open it up from the bottom end too! Together they wrestled with the door of the fridge, and finally the door was opened up. There inside the fridge was one glass bottle of milk, half full. They nodded in agreement that they would all take turns drinking the milk that would turn them back to men.
Pete jumped to the section of the fridge that had the glass bottle on it. He wrapped his tail around the bottom of the jug of the bottle and pushed the top of the bottle with his paw so that it would tip over and spill milk into a puddle onto the floor. Cat just blinked his eyes at the tenacity of all of his companions. Frank nudged Cat over to the puddle of milk to try it first, after all he had been there the longest. Cat looked at this puddle of milk, looked at his companions, and looked at the chair and blinked his eyes again. He nudged Mike first to try it and see what happened.
Mike took a little lick of the milk, it tasted sweet and buttery, and felt warm inside. The warmth spread through his body, and his eyes started to get blurry. Meanwhile, not wanting to wait, the other cats joined in, all except Cat.
Cat looked at all the cats drinking the milk, and noticed one was missing. So he padded off throughout the house, and found Tim still sleeping on his bed. Cat picked Tim up by the scruff of his neck and brought him to the kitchen laying his head in the milk. Tim quickly lapped up the milk, as he was thirsty.
All of the men were back to their original state, except Pete had no fingernails, and Joe had more hair on his chest. They noticed that Cat was still himself, and not changed. There wasn't one lick of milk left. Cat just turned back to his chair. Joe spoke first, "You're all right Cat, I guess you are gonna stay with the old lady."
Cat just blinked his eyes and went back to sleep, while the rest of the men cleaned the house, and left by foot.
FIN
Devils in the Details- the Cat Lady
She sat quietly in her rocking chair knitting away. Each time her needles clicked, the rocking chair moved back and forth. Her cat was curled up on the other chair which was covered with his black hair; he looked up at her and yawned to show his white shiny sharp teeth.
"Yep, cat, this is the life, ain't it?" she sighed back at him, and he just stared back at her, and went back to sleep again.
Needles clicking softly, the rocking chair moving back and forth, back and forth.
Ring, Ring-------Ring, Ring-------Ring, Ring---went the telephone in the other room. The old woman with the dark eyes and white haired bun that was on the top of her small head, looked at the cat, and sighed knowing full well the cat couldn't answer it, and she didn't exactly have that thing called voice mail. "I’m a comin’, I’m a comin’", she said loudly as she put her needles down into her knitting bag along with the gray yarn she was working with and went to answer the phone.
"Yes, hello?" she said as loudly as she could. "What? Hold on honey, I gotta get my hearing aid in." She put the receiver down, and put her hearing aids into her hairy ears. "Hello, oh hello honey, sorry 'bout that, I can't hear nothin' without my hearing aids."
"That's okay, ma'am, nothing to be sorry about," said a nice young male voice from the other line. He sounded young anyway you never did know how old they were. "I'm from the Boom Broom Bust the Dust Company, and we were wondering if you needed to have someone come to your house to clean it up for you, the cost is so low, it's too good to pass up."
She looked around at her much disheveled house; there was dust everywhere, cat hair everywhere and a lot of dirty dishes piled up. She knew that this kind offer was too good to pass up.
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival: For two days, come be transported back in time at Ye Olde Commons located at 120 Northside Road in Charlton, MA during August 16th and 17th of 2014 where we'll have an Action Packed adventure filled with Live Jousting, Turkey Legs, Knights and Red Riding Hood! From 10:30 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 to 12 and kids ages 4 and under are free! Parking is also FREE! We are still taking vendors in for this event! If you are interested, please e mail us at [email protected]! For more information on that event, please see our website at Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival
In the meantime, my book "Journey to Jazzland" was just featured recently here: Grey Wolf Author so I hope you get to check it out, and there is ONE last chance to win for TOMORROW March 31st The giveaway of the Hard cover from my Publisher Flying Turtle Publishing on their Facebook page here; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flying-Turtle-Publishing/273468430538?sk=app_289264554441128!
Okay, that's all the news I got - oh yes, and I'm working on writing the plot for Silver Kingdom - heh heh heh - it's gonna be a doosy! :D
Author Ana Koza lives with her husband and sons Ari and Eli in San Diego, California. She was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. Interested in writing since she was in school , Ana is now writing two future books for children which she expects to publish later this year. More information about Ana and her books can be found at her author web site www.kidintheclouds.com. Her books are available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com and atbook stores .
Genre: Children's BookPublisher: Book Baby
Release Date: August 19, 2013
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book Description:
Around the world teaches kids about different culture and what make us unique and special. The book will give shot of each characters' lives and they will give us a glance of their country.
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Author Ana Koza lives with her husband and sons Ari and Eli in San Diego, California. She was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. Interested in writing since she was in school, Ana is now writing two future books for children which she expects to publish later this year. More information about Ana and her books can be found at her author web site www.kidintheclouds.com. Her books are available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com and at book stores.
Author Links -
Website www.kidintheclouds.com.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ana-Koza/e/B00HX8RXAM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
In the meantime, YOU can WIN a Hard Cover copy from my publisher! YEAH! All you need to do is go to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flying-Turtle-Publishing/273468430538 and click Giveaway. This is all through the month of March so go check that out!
1) This is primarily for all children's picture book authors ONLY! NO Porn or Swear words will be allowed! All posts must be G to PG13 rated!!!
2) You must have your own blog to also post about the book(s) and authors that are also included. Please leave the link of your blog so we can follow the post(s).
3) You must be willing to share the post and TWEET the post to help promote not only your book but the others that are also included in the blog hop.
4) My twitter handle is @giazzpet https://twitter.com/giazzpet and my Facebook page for my picture book is http://www.facebook.com/journeytojazzland
5) We need the name of your book, age range that the book is for, and if possible your website or any other places folks can go and find your book online or in stores.
6) Deadline to sign up for this will be February 18th!!! The only unavailable date I have at the moment is February 14th as I am obligated to do a guest post for another author (NOT children's picture book related).
NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with Mr. Kremer and I do have the authority to delete you from the blog hop should you not want to follow the simple rules. I will also share and re-tweet posts as often as I can.
But it isn't just the hotel that is creepy, the whole town seems a little odd until she makes friends with a strange boy, a Witch, and a chain-smoking spirit guide who help her adjust. Life couldn't get any more complicated … could it?
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 6/9/2016
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 5/27/2016
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JacketFlap tags: life in general, Journey to Jazzland, Abbadia Mare Festival, Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, Add a tag
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Wow, is it summer already? Well, almost anyways. I just have been so busy with life in general, that I almost forgot about this blog (yeah, almost).
So, here's what's going on:
My picture book Journey to Jazzland is getting revised and is being formatted at the moment according to my publisher. This version will have new things like an interview with the characters, a fabulous forward by a famous jazz bassist (and yes, I'm going to tease you all and not give his name out yet...), and some other things! Hopefully, the book will be out shortly and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll share the news as soon as I know!
Our events are coming up shortly!
Yikes! 53 days to go before we do Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival at Hammond Castle located at 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA which will be on July 16th and 17th from 11 am to 5 pm each day! We all love this event as we get to play in a real Castle! (Yeah!) Hammond Castle Museum!
There is parking available at Stage Fort Park (Gloucester charges $15 per vehicle) but free busing to and from the Castle will be provided!
Then next up for us is Silver Kingdom Festival which will be at Ye Olde Commons, which is located at 120 Northside Road, Charlton, MA. Dates for that event are August 20th and 21st from 10:30 am to 5 pm each day! You can even get advanced tickets online! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2509434 is the link!
Phew, oh and Charlie turns 12 today - yeah the crazy kid. So tall now and of course we need new shoes (yep, growing like a weed as they say).
Okay, that's all the news for now! Should hopefully post again soon before faire!
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 8/3/2015
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Hi everyone,
So sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been a little a lot busy what with putting on two shows this year and working full time, trying to plug my picture book (which is in process of being revised), and now...
Well, as of Friday, I lost my temporary gig that I was working at for 4 months. I guess I should have done more research on the temporary agency that placed me, I should have Google'd them, shouldawouldacoulda right? Sigh, now I find out as of Friday that my temp gig is done (over, finito, gone, caputsky) and what do you know, the agency (that I will not name here) is NOT listed with unemployment....
Wait, what? Huh? I called first thing this morning to my contact through said agency (which again, being professional that I am will not name but boy am I so very tempted).
So, the agency I worked for, I finally reached and he told me another name/website that did look legit but that didn't sound correct so I tried that...what do you know...it didn't work again...so, I called hubby to find out exactly who was paying me the last couple of months, and what do you know, it was another name (?) wow... So, I tried that and that worked.
Now the agency I was working for is insisting that I send them an updated resume? I think NOT. I am not that stupid to go through this twice!
Lesson learned: Do ALL your research on any/all job leads you may have as they may NOT be a valid company to work for.
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 3/25/2015
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Good Morning!
Spring has sprung, and
we are entering summer reading soon!
Today we are featuring...
Award Winning Author,
Wendy Nystrom!
Wendy's newest book, Amongst the Clouds,
is a wonderful spring edition with a glorious
trip among a mysterious iridescent cloud,
with James and his magical Icelandic friends!
James and Syvok 4th adventure has a new mystery floating about.
James is curious to explore the iridescent cloud.
All the colors of a rainbow glow, surely there are adventures to sow.
Come along and meet new friends! Dragons, cats, troll, and more,
lots of fun is in store. Join the adventures up in the sky
and help the wizard find her magical key
. Come and see what the iridescent cloud hides!
You can grab Amongst the Clouds on
Amazon or Barnes and Noble today!
You can learn about Wendy's other books in her series
by following her in the linked locations below!
Wendy is published with Anchor Group Publishing.
You can find more from Anchor Group at:
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 3/22/2015
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- warning this is a little rant/vent -
These last few weeks for me has been well, interesting to say the least. I can't even write about what is going on with me in my current work situation yet, but it's getting rather frustrating is an understatement.
However, I still seem to muddle through the job and when I come home, I need to stress about how to get my book "Journey to Jazzland" sold this year. According to my publisher, no sales have been done since December of 2014.
I am trying my best to get the book out there, and I'm certainly willing to try new/fresh ideas here. I am even contacting Music groups now to see if there is any interest in selling my book in their catalogs, but I practically ran out of books and it costs $$ to buy more books, and I need to make the dough to get more books.
I know, I'm not complaining that this is the end of the world, I know that food, rent/mortgage/kid/life comes first. I know that my car needed to get an oil change and thankful that I did get one. It's just one thing after another.
I know life goes on, and my book has sold, and I am forever grateful to the folks who have supported me on this "journey". I know that as a first time picture book author, I have done pretty well, and I just have to keep going.
I know, this takes time. Time. Tick...tick....tick...2 years later - sigh.
I hope that if you did go buy a copy of my book, "Journey to Jazzland' you could leave a review on Amazon.com! http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Jazzland-Gia-Volterra-Saulnier/product-reviews/0985149280/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_five?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 2/1/2015
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Sorry, I guess I've been a little busy posting other stuff and since tonight is the big game (yay the football game yippee) and boy doesn't have school tomorrow and Hubby just had surgery (timing is fun huh? )
In the meantime, my book "Journey to Jazzland" now has 25 positive reviews up on Amazon, but not sure what that equals in sales and there was even an independent bookstore that sent me a letter (of which I sent an e mail to, but yet to get a response from) that didn't sell my book and if I don't come to VT (and by the way I live in MA so that's like a 4 hour drive just to get to this said store) they will donate my book to charity? Really? I sent it to them by request with my own money - sigh - lesson learned - should have kept it to sell on my own accord...grrrr.
We are doing two festivals this season: Abbadia Mare at Hammond Castle this July and then we go on again for Silver Kingdom Festival in Charlton, MA and yes, we're searching for vendors - but we'll post more information on our other blogs soon about that.
Anyway, sorry I haven't posted in a bit - miss all my friends - hope I get to see you this year, it's been way to long - and yes, we're having another snow storm tonight and tomorrow so be safe in New England kids!
Gvds out
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 12/22/2014
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JacketFlap tags: family, Fiction, trains, Faires, End of the Year, good friends, Italian Holocaust, Add a tag
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This will be my last post for this year. Crazy to think that we're coming to the end of 2014. I lost a lot of good friends this year and I will miss them forever. My book is doing pretty well, and I've met some really great author buddies and learned so much more about what I need to do to promote it.
The faires went well this season, all three of them. Things got hectic, but we couldn't have pulled it off without our fantastic and amazing cast and crew (you know who you are).
I've been more brave about sharing my older short fiction with you all and you've been either kind or really like my short stories, and I've actually got some of my short fiction published in Innovate Magazine (and another one just got published this week) The link is here: Innovate #8
This is another fiction piece, but this time it's based off a real story - my dad's story. I changed the names and I'm not sure if my timing is correct, but I think I'm pretty close.
Here we go - Enjoy!
Train Trio
As I happen to be an Italian Jew and not that any people are aware that there was the Italian part of the Holocaust - This piece is based off of a True story - my dad and his family left Italy when my dad was 7 and my Uncle was 3 with my Nonna (Grandmother in Italian) only to meet my Grandfather in Switzerland somewhere on a train with passports for all three. I'm sure at that time; she had to think quick on her feet as Mussolini was just still in power. This is a "fictionalized version of the truth" since I wasn't there, I am not sure exactly what they were thinking or doing, and this piece will be in Honor of my dad.
Now, mind you, my father and his family had it pretty easy during this time since my Grandfather was at one time a General for the Italian Army (I’m not sure how far up his rank was), and probably knew some people to talk to get his family safely to Switzerland at that time. I realize there were other Jews that were not so lucky and this piece will also be a reminder to their honor and their families.
* A little long even for me*
*Also, this piece will most likely have some light profanity in it to keep with the pace - maybe a little graphic as well*
*Also, this piece will most likely have some light profanity in it to keep with the pace - maybe a little graphic as well*
*names have been changed to protect my father and my Uncle*
Characters of Train Trio:
Bianca- mother of two little boys
Vincenzo - age 5
Marino - age 3
Rondo - father of same little boys
Conductor Saulnier - Conductor of the Train
Uncle Antonio - Uncle who lives in France
Aunt Lucia - Uncle Antonio's wife
May 1939
Milan, Italy
Bianca -
I was hoping to hear from Rondo, it has been so long. I did not expect this letter today but yet, here I am reading it. I am trying my best not to wake the boys up from their sound sleep, but this letter from Rondo is filled with fear. I can feel myself trying not to cry as I read the line "You must pack everything, take the boys and then take the train in France to meet me June 12th and then meet me in Switzerland. I will be there with Antonio and Lucia to help with the boys, just make sure that you bring your passport for you and the boys. If the conductor asks, you just tell him you are visiting your family." I find myself wiping a tear from my cheek as I hear my name being called by my oldest boy.
"Mama?" The young boy looks so innocent, so young yet so sweet, "Why are you crying mama?"
"It's nothing." I say proudly and as strong as I can be, "Go wake Marino up, we need to talk altogether, and I'll make breakfast."
"Hey Marino, little brother, it is time to wake up!" Vincenzo calls down the hallway "Mama wants us to eat breakfast and talk."
"Mama!" Marino wakes up with a start "Vincenzo woke me up!"
"Yes, well, it is time to wake up, so come downstairs and eat some breakfast with us, melon and eggs, your favorite!" I say loudly folding the letter up neatly and putting it in the drawer.
Marino and Vincenzo came to the table still in pajamas as the eggs start to fry in the pan. I cut up the melon but am still thinking about what Rondo had said in the letter - "Ow!" I cry out loud as I look at my finger that now has a small slice with blood on it.
"Mama!" Vincenzo calls to me, "Are you okay mama?
"Yes, yes, I'm fine" as I wipe my finger off on a kitchen towel knowing that soon I will need to pack all of it up in boxes somewhere. I am not sure how to bring up the fact that we all need to pack our things, our belongings, our valuables, and our life - up in boxes. The eggs are finally cooked well enough and I slice the melon so pink and ripe on the plates for the boys. "Eat up." I say to them wiping another tear from my cheek.
"Mama, why you cry?" Marino still does not seem to have his words right yet.
"It's why are you crying, silly!" Vincenzo does his best to correct him.
I take the letter out of the drawer and unfold it, I know that both boys don't know how to read yet, but they know what a letter is.
"A letter! A letter!" Marino cries.
"Who is it from Mama?" Vincenzo looks over my shoulder out of curiosity.
"It is from your papa who is visiting Uncle Antonio and Aunt Lucia" I say "He writes to say that he loves us, but that we are in terrible danger."
"Danger?" Marino is startled with this new word, he tries his best to announce it, but it comes out Dah Gher.
I decide not to correct him, "Yes, we need to pack up all of our belongings and go on a train to meet Papa in Switzerland. Uncle Antonio and Aunt Lucia will be there too."
Marino drops his fork on the floor, which I usually scold him, I just calmly pick it up and put it in the sink this time around. Vincenzo tries his best to put on a brave smile.
"As long as we're together mama, that's what counts right?" He asks with a sparkle in his eye.
I try not to cry again, and I have nothing else to say but "Right."
Early June 1939
Vincenzo -
Mama will be mad if I can't pack my stuff all by myself, I need to find my red truck. I know I left it there, oh I see it's in the box with all my other toys. Marino needs help too, I should help him, but I need to finish.
"Mama!" I hear Marino my little brother calling down the hall and Mama is on the phone with Papa trying to talk about what time the train is going to be at the station, I run down the hall.
"Shh!!! Mama's on the phone Marino, do you need help?" I ask him trying to be a good boy for Mama. Marino points to his blanket on the bed, "I need my blanket but I can't reach it."
"Oh Marino, yes you can, watch me." I climb up with the step stool in place and grab the dark green blanket. "See, it's not that hard. Now we just need to put it in the box, with all your other toys, okay?"
Marino looks confused, but does as I tell him.
Mama gets off the phone, "What was all the fuss about?"
"Oh, nothing, I helped Marino get his blanket off the bed." I say beaming with pride.
"Good boy Vincenzo, thank you for helping Marino, now go back to packing your own things and I'll help Marino with his, okay?" she smiles but I see tears behind her eyes.
"How's Papa?" I ask.
"Papa is fine, now just go!" she starts to get that voice, I know not to ask any more questions and finish up packing.
Early June 1939-
Bianca -
I do hope we have everything packed and ready, I hope the movers don't break any of our things. The boys at least seem excited; it's more of an adventure for them. I have the passports for the boys and one for myself; I just hope that Rondo remembers what platform I'm supposed to meet him on.
Conductor Saulnier-
Oh these people with the kids! I almost tripped over the bags! "Madam," I say as kindly with my 'conductor voice' as I can, "do you need assistance?"
"Oh yes, please, that would ever be so kind of you." she says looking at her two boys closely making sure they are not getting into further trouble, "Marino, please, stop running, we're about to board the train any minute now."
I help her with her baggage on to the train and help her to her seats with the two young boys. I smile when she gives me a few Francs for my troubles, I know I am not supposed to take it, but I put it in my right pocket for my lunch later on my shift.
Characters of Train Trio:
Bianca- mother of two little boys
Vincenzo - age 5
Marino - age 3
Rondo - father of same little boys
Conductor Saulnier - Conductor of the Train
Uncle Antonio - Uncle who lives in France
Aunt Lucia - Uncle Antonio's wife
May 1939
Milan, Italy
Bianca -
I was hoping to hear from Rondo, it has been so long. I did not expect this letter today but yet, here I am reading it. I am trying my best not to wake the boys up from their sound sleep, but this letter from Rondo is filled with fear. I can feel myself trying not to cry as I read the line "You must pack everything, take the boys and then take the train in France to meet me June 12th and then meet me in Switzerland. I will be there with Antonio and Lucia to help with the boys, just make sure that you bring your passport for you and the boys. If the conductor asks, you just tell him you are visiting your family." I find myself wiping a tear from my cheek as I hear my name being called by my oldest boy.
"Mama?" The young boy looks so innocent, so young yet so sweet, "Why are you crying mama?"
"It's nothing." I say proudly and as strong as I can be, "Go wake Marino up, we need to talk altogether, and I'll make breakfast."
"Hey Marino, little brother, it is time to wake up!" Vincenzo calls down the hallway "Mama wants us to eat breakfast and talk."
"Mama!" Marino wakes up with a start "Vincenzo woke me up!"
"Yes, well, it is time to wake up, so come downstairs and eat some breakfast with us, melon and eggs, your favorite!" I say loudly folding the letter up neatly and putting it in the drawer.
Marino and Vincenzo came to the table still in pajamas as the eggs start to fry in the pan. I cut up the melon but am still thinking about what Rondo had said in the letter - "Ow!" I cry out loud as I look at my finger that now has a small slice with blood on it.
"Mama!" Vincenzo calls to me, "Are you okay mama?
"Yes, yes, I'm fine" as I wipe my finger off on a kitchen towel knowing that soon I will need to pack all of it up in boxes somewhere. I am not sure how to bring up the fact that we all need to pack our things, our belongings, our valuables, and our life - up in boxes. The eggs are finally cooked well enough and I slice the melon so pink and ripe on the plates for the boys. "Eat up." I say to them wiping another tear from my cheek.
"Mama, why you cry?" Marino still does not seem to have his words right yet.
"It's why are you crying, silly!" Vincenzo does his best to correct him.
I take the letter out of the drawer and unfold it, I know that both boys don't know how to read yet, but they know what a letter is.
"A letter! A letter!" Marino cries.
"Who is it from Mama?" Vincenzo looks over my shoulder out of curiosity.
"It is from your papa who is visiting Uncle Antonio and Aunt Lucia" I say "He writes to say that he loves us, but that we are in terrible danger."
"Danger?" Marino is startled with this new word, he tries his best to announce it, but it comes out Dah Gher.
I decide not to correct him, "Yes, we need to pack up all of our belongings and go on a train to meet Papa in Switzerland. Uncle Antonio and Aunt Lucia will be there too."
Marino drops his fork on the floor, which I usually scold him, I just calmly pick it up and put it in the sink this time around. Vincenzo tries his best to put on a brave smile.
"As long as we're together mama, that's what counts right?" He asks with a sparkle in his eye.
I try not to cry again, and I have nothing else to say but "Right."
Early June 1939
Vincenzo -
Mama will be mad if I can't pack my stuff all by myself, I need to find my red truck. I know I left it there, oh I see it's in the box with all my other toys. Marino needs help too, I should help him, but I need to finish.
"Mama!" I hear Marino my little brother calling down the hall and Mama is on the phone with Papa trying to talk about what time the train is going to be at the station, I run down the hall.
"Shh!!! Mama's on the phone Marino, do you need help?" I ask him trying to be a good boy for Mama. Marino points to his blanket on the bed, "I need my blanket but I can't reach it."
"Oh Marino, yes you can, watch me." I climb up with the step stool in place and grab the dark green blanket. "See, it's not that hard. Now we just need to put it in the box, with all your other toys, okay?"
Marino looks confused, but does as I tell him.
Mama gets off the phone, "What was all the fuss about?"
"Oh, nothing, I helped Marino get his blanket off the bed." I say beaming with pride.
"Good boy Vincenzo, thank you for helping Marino, now go back to packing your own things and I'll help Marino with his, okay?" she smiles but I see tears behind her eyes.
"How's Papa?" I ask.
"Papa is fine, now just go!" she starts to get that voice, I know not to ask any more questions and finish up packing.
Early June 1939-
Bianca -
I do hope we have everything packed and ready, I hope the movers don't break any of our things. The boys at least seem excited; it's more of an adventure for them. I have the passports for the boys and one for myself; I just hope that Rondo remembers what platform I'm supposed to meet him on.
Conductor Saulnier-
Oh these people with the kids! I almost tripped over the bags! "Madam," I say as kindly with my 'conductor voice' as I can, "do you need assistance?"
"Oh yes, please, that would ever be so kind of you." she says looking at her two boys closely making sure they are not getting into further trouble, "Marino, please, stop running, we're about to board the train any minute now."
I help her with her baggage on to the train and help her to her seats with the two young boys. I smile when she gives me a few Francs for my troubles, I know I am not supposed to take it, but I put it in my right pocket for my lunch later on my shift.
Marino-
What fun! The train is so big! I can't believe we are going on this wonderful adventure! A new place! I have heard so much about this new home, I hope that it is as grand as I have been told it is. Mama still looks sad, I try not to pester her, I know that it will make her sadder. I sit in the seat after the Conductor seats us. I want the window seat - wow, look at all these trains! Neat! I poke my big brother in the shoulder, "Vincenzo look at all these trains!"
My brother nods and smiles but looks at Mama to make sure that she is okay. I just keep staring out the window.
Vincenzo
Mama is trying so hard not to cry, I'm afraid of saying anything to her to make her cry. I just keep Marino busy with talking about the trains and our adventure. I know that Papa is at the other end of the train ride and I will be happy to see him again.
Bianca-
We are finally on the train, I wonder when that Conductor will take our tickets, it seems like forever. I wonder if I can get the boys food, or if they are hungry. I completely got so caught up in today, I almost forgot to give the boys breakfast. I thought it would be nice to just eat out at a cafe rather than unpack everything again.
Conductor Saulnier-
"Tickets! Please take out your tickets and Passports please!" I do my fast walk down the aisles. I meet again with the nice lady and her two young boys. "I need your Tickets, please." I say again with a smile to make her at ease, she seems unsure, tense, and a little sad.
What fun! The train is so big! I can't believe we are going on this wonderful adventure! A new place! I have heard so much about this new home, I hope that it is as grand as I have been told it is. Mama still looks sad, I try not to pester her, I know that it will make her sadder. I sit in the seat after the Conductor seats us. I want the window seat - wow, look at all these trains! Neat! I poke my big brother in the shoulder, "Vincenzo look at all these trains!"
My brother nods and smiles but looks at Mama to make sure that she is okay. I just keep staring out the window.
Vincenzo
Mama is trying so hard not to cry, I'm afraid of saying anything to her to make her cry. I just keep Marino busy with talking about the trains and our adventure. I know that Papa is at the other end of the train ride and I will be happy to see him again.
Bianca-
We are finally on the train, I wonder when that Conductor will take our tickets, it seems like forever. I wonder if I can get the boys food, or if they are hungry. I completely got so caught up in today, I almost forgot to give the boys breakfast. I thought it would be nice to just eat out at a cafe rather than unpack everything again.
Conductor Saulnier-
"Tickets! Please take out your tickets and Passports please!" I do my fast walk down the aisles. I meet again with the nice lady and her two young boys. "I need your Tickets, please." I say again with a smile to make her at ease, she seems unsure, tense, and a little sad.
The passes me the tickets for all three of them and shows me her passport. I see now why she was so tense. I remember the few Francs that she gave me before.
"I'm visiting family in Switzerland." she says to me as she adds another few francs in my palm.
I nod with understanding, my family had to protect themselves too, what with this Dictator coming into Italy, and no one stood a chance.
"I see." I say, and put the money with my other amount in my right pocket; oh I will have a fine lunch today! Piazza de la Rizzo here I come!
Switzerland - June 12th, 1939
Rondo-
I can see the train approaching, I try not to get too excited or agitated with my brother and sister in law. I tap my brother on the shoulder. "Antonio, here comes the train! We must be swift! We cannot take any chances!"
Antonio just gives me a shrug and says "No worries, my brother! You worry too much! Lucia will handle the boys and you and I will handle the luggage, it's all under control."
Lucia agrees with him, "Yes, Rondo, just be patient, you will see, everyone will be fine."
Bianca-
We approach the final stop, the final destination, our new temporary home until we reach America. I am still unsure about everything, but know that we got here safely with the boys. I see Rondo, Antonio and Lucia at the station and I smile for the first time in what seems like an eternity. I know now that everyone will be okay and we will be together again.
- Fine-
*edited the piece for location - I did check the dates - my dad was born 1932 and was 5 when they left Italy to go to Switzerland. I hope this brings some sort of clarification even though my father (to this day) does not talk about this and if I ask him about it, he tells me it was not as dramatic as I think it was.
"I'm visiting family in Switzerland." she says to me as she adds another few francs in my palm.
I nod with understanding, my family had to protect themselves too, what with this Dictator coming into Italy, and no one stood a chance.
"I see." I say, and put the money with my other amount in my right pocket; oh I will have a fine lunch today! Piazza de la Rizzo here I come!
Switzerland - June 12th, 1939
Rondo-
I can see the train approaching, I try not to get too excited or agitated with my brother and sister in law. I tap my brother on the shoulder. "Antonio, here comes the train! We must be swift! We cannot take any chances!"
Antonio just gives me a shrug and says "No worries, my brother! You worry too much! Lucia will handle the boys and you and I will handle the luggage, it's all under control."
Lucia agrees with him, "Yes, Rondo, just be patient, you will see, everyone will be fine."
Bianca-
We approach the final stop, the final destination, our new temporary home until we reach America. I am still unsure about everything, but know that we got here safely with the boys. I see Rondo, Antonio and Lucia at the station and I smile for the first time in what seems like an eternity. I know now that everyone will be okay and we will be together again.
- Fine-
*edited the piece for location - I did check the dates - my dad was born 1932 and was 5 when they left Italy to go to Switzerland. I hope this brings some sort of clarification even though my father (to this day) does not talk about this and if I ask him about it, he tells me it was not as dramatic as I think it was.
Happy Holidays everyone!! Stay safe and see you next year in 2015!
0 Comments on Happy ho ho ho and all that jazz - and another fiction piece as of 12/26/2014 3:26:00 AM
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 12/14/2014
Blog: (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Interview, Picture Book, Copyright, Feelings, Gracie's Secret, Add a tag
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Tags/Labels:
Children's Books, Children's Fiction, Fiction, Children's Book Author, Lorelie Rozzano, Gracie's Secret, virtual book tour café
Rafflecopter:
Blogger HTML:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpg
" height="266" width="400" />http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpgTitle: Gracie’s
Secret
Author Name: Lorelie
Rozzano
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--900CNvuJ5I/VG_uBYVIXcI/AAAAAAAAF2s/82iNCKR1yYE/s1600/Lorelie%2B1%2Boutside%2Bcmyk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--900CNvuJ5I/VG_uBYVIXcI/AAAAAAAAF2s/82iNCKR1yYE/s1600/Lorelie%2B1%2Boutside%2Bcmyk.jpg
" height="320" width="320" />http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--900CNvuJ5I/VG_uBYVIXcI/AAAAAAAAF2s/82iNCKR1yYE/s1600/Lorelie%2B1%2Boutside%2Bcmyk.jpgAuthor Bio:
My name is Lorelie Rozzano and I'm a recovering addict. Seventeen
years ago I took the most difficult walk of my life –
through the doors of a local treatment centre. I found inrecovery, what I’d
been looking for in alcohol and drugs. Finally, my skin fit! I'm an
author, mother, wife, grandmother, foster parent, sister, family
counsellor and daughter. Growing up in an alcoholic home I understand
first-hand, the importance of a healthy family. I began working at
the Edgewood Treatment Centre for addiction in 1998 and have had the
privilege of working with both patients and their families. I'm
passionate about helping others whose lives like mine, have been
affected by addiction. In the past few years I've created a blog,
Jagged Little Edges –
living in a world of hope, and written three fiction books:Gracie’s Secret,
Jagged Little Edges, and Jagged Little Lies. My hope is that the
honesty found in my books and and on my blog, will help those dealing
with unhealthy behaviours and addiction. After all, I truly believe
if I can get clean, anyone can. I'm currently working on book three
in the Jagged series
Author Links - The link for any or all
of the following...
Facebook |
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorelie-Rozzano/506483446066023?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorelie-Rozzano/506483446066023?fref=ts
Twitter
Linkedin |
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/lorelie-rozzano/64/282/326">http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/lorelie-rozzano/64/282/326
Goodreads |
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7022903.Lorelie_Rozzano">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7022903.Lorelie_Rozzano
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/Lorelie-Rozzano/e/B00BG3CPPS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1410895476&sr=1-3">http://www.amazon.com/Lorelie-Rozzano/e/B00BG3CPPS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1410895476&sr=1-3
Book Genre: Children’s
Ficton
Publisher: Edgewood
Publishing
Release Date: July 29,
2014
Buy Link(s):
http://www.amazon.com/Gracies-Secret-Lorelie-Rozzano/dp/0993740901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409186470&sr=8-1&keywords=gracies+secret">http://www.amazon.com/Gracies-Secret-Lorelie-Rozzano/dp/0993740901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409186470&sr=8-1&keywords=gracies+secretBook Description:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MME0NwYg85Y/VG_tyq5_CCI/AAAAAAAAF2k/VLKct6gHskk/s1600/GS-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MME0NwYg85Y/VG_tyq5_CCI/AAAAAAAAF2k/VLKct6gHskk/s1600/GS-400.jpg
" height="320" width="320" />http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MME0NwYg85Y/VG_tyq5_CCI/AAAAAAAAF2k/VLKct6gHskk/s1600/GS-400.jpgMeet Grace. At nine years old she has a
big secret. Grace knows first-hand that life can be difficult. Her
parents aren't very happy. Their arguing is giving her a stomach
ache. She spends a lot of time alone, worrying. Are her parents
problems her fault? Had she done something wrong? Grace pretends
everything is fine, but it's not. She feels helpless and has learned
that making things up is easier than telling the truth. One big
question haunts her every day. Will her family ever be happy again?
This book is perfect for a child with a
difficult home life. Divorce, addiction, mental health issues and
more can cause children to feel alone, anxious and afraid. Gracie's
Secret addresses this by showing kids they aren't alone, and that
they can feel better. With a workbook section for kids to understand
their own issues and a message that talking to a safe person will
help, Gracie's story can help kids cope.
Excerpt:
"Grace wished she could take
Cameron and run far away. She held him close and hummed, hoping to
cover the noise of their parent's yelling so he could fall asleep.
Her stomach was hurting again.
The raised voices below them were
joined by a crash. She plugged her ears.
Her bedroom was so dark she thought it
might swallow her up.
Grace closed her eyes, trying to stay
calm as she imagined what was going downstairs. Her eyes blinked back
open, not able to stay closed. She remained upright in bed for most
the night."
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpg
" height="213" width="320" />http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q57onji6RQ8/VG_tlueecnI/AAAAAAAAF2c/10bdm6Qxl58/s1600/Lorelie-Rozzanno-Tour-Banner.jpghttp://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1d8dec70209/" id="rc-1d8dec70209" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway
">
November 22 - Introduction at http://www.vbtcafe.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">VBT Café Blog
November 25 - Guest Blogging at http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Mythical Books
November 27 - Spotlight at http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Coffee, Books, & Art
November 27 - Guest Blogging at 3 Partners In Shopping - Nana, Mommy, & Sissy Too!
November 27 - Interviewed at http://the-avidreader.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">The Avid Reader
December 2 - Review athttp://www.debbie-jean.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" title="">Debbie Jean's Blog
December 2 - Review & Interview at http://thebookloverslounge.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">The Booklovers Lounge
December 4 - Review & Guest Blogging at http://coffeebeanzone.wordpress.com/book-spotlight/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">SimpliRead
December 9 - Review & Guest Blogging at http://www.fictionzeal.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Fiction Zeal
December 11 - Reviewed at http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Deal Sharing Aunt
December 13 - Reviewed at http://www.giazzworld.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Giazz World
December 15 - Reviewed at http://www.pratr.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock!
December 17 - Reviewed at http://mullenarmyfamily.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">My Life, Loves and Passions
December 19 - Review & Guest Blogging at http://www.teaandabook.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #945fc3; line-height: 7.80000019073486px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tea and Book
Interview:
1) Please introduce yourself:
My name is Lorelie Rozzano. I am an author, mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, foster parent, counselor, business owner, sister and friend. I live on Vancouver Island, in Canada. My passion is helping others to make the necessary changes to live a happy and healthy life.
2) What is the title of your Picture Book?
Gracie’s Secret.
3) What is your Picture Book about?
Gracie’s Secret is about a nine year old girl who is growing up in a difficult family situation. She feels bad and wonders if her parent’s arguing is her fault.
4) What inspired you to write your Picture Book?
Three children who had lost their mother inspired me to write this book. As adults we often want to spare our children emotional discomfort. Kids who can’t talk about their feelings will develop unhealthy behaviors around them. In the right environment children want to talk about their feelings. When there is tension in the home, kids feel responsible and develop a sense of shame. This book is a great opportunity for families to connect and heal.
5) Did you do the illustrations or did you have someone do it for you?
I did not do the illustrations. My gift is writing, not drawing. The illustrations were done by Natalia Starikova and they are adorable!
6) As far as selling your book, do you have the book in stores or just online?
Gracie’s Secret is in Edgewood’s outpatient offices around Canada and in Seattle. It is also on line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Create Space. If you would like a copy or want to know more about the book, please contact me at 1 800 683-0111.
7) Do you find that parents are getting this book for their children or grandchildren?
Parents and grandparents both are getting this book to read to their children/grandchildren. Many grandparents today play a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren. I've heard that reading this book to their children, is helping the parents too.
8) What makes this book different from other books out there on the marketplace?
This book is not a children’s fairy tale, and that makes it different. Gracie’s Secret deals with the tough issues and topics that children are growing up with, in families across North America.
9) Many children do go through divorce (I know that from personal experience myself), why this topic to discuss?
As a child who grew up in a difficult family situation, I know first-hand the benefit of healthy family systems. Parents can often be distressed and unaware of the impact the families problems are having on their child. Children may exhibit symptoms of family stress by bed wetting, stomach aches, night terrors, acting out, having troubles paying attention in school, bullying, withdrawing and/or experience a general sense of feeling unwell.
10) Plug your book here:
This book is perfect for a child with a difficult home life. Divorce, addiction, mental health issues and more can cause children to feel alone, anxious and afraid. Gracie's Secret addresses this by showing kids they aren't alone, and that they can feel better. With a workbook section for kids to understand their own issues and a message that talking to a safe person will help, Gracie's story can help kids cope.
Please visit my blog for more information. http://www.jaggedlittleedges.com
Interview:
1) Please introduce yourself:
My name is Lorelie Rozzano. I am an author, mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, foster parent, counselor, business owner, sister and friend. I live on Vancouver Island, in Canada. My passion is helping others to make the necessary changes to live a happy and healthy life.
2) What is the title of your Picture Book?
Gracie’s Secret.
3) What is your Picture Book about?
Gracie’s Secret is about a nine year old girl who is growing up in a difficult family situation. She feels bad and wonders if her parent’s arguing is her fault.
4) What inspired you to write your Picture Book?
Three children who had lost their mother inspired me to write this book. As adults we often want to spare our children emotional discomfort. Kids who can’t talk about their feelings will develop unhealthy behaviors around them. In the right environment children want to talk about their feelings. When there is tension in the home, kids feel responsible and develop a sense of shame. This book is a great opportunity for families to connect and heal.
5) Did you do the illustrations or did you have someone do it for you?
I did not do the illustrations. My gift is writing, not drawing. The illustrations were done by Natalia Starikova and they are adorable!
6) As far as selling your book, do you have the book in stores or just online?
Gracie’s Secret is in Edgewood’s outpatient offices around Canada and in Seattle. It is also on line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Create Space. If you would like a copy or want to know more about the book, please contact me at 1 800 683-0111.
7) Do you find that parents are getting this book for their children or grandchildren?
Parents and grandparents both are getting this book to read to their children/grandchildren. Many grandparents today play a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren. I've heard that reading this book to their children, is helping the parents too.
8) What makes this book different from other books out there on the marketplace?
This book is not a children’s fairy tale, and that makes it different. Gracie’s Secret deals with the tough issues and topics that children are growing up with, in families across North America.
9) Many children do go through divorce (I know that from personal experience myself), why this topic to discuss?
As a child who grew up in a difficult family situation, I know first-hand the benefit of healthy family systems. Parents can often be distressed and unaware of the impact the families problems are having on their child. Children may exhibit symptoms of family stress by bed wetting, stomach aches, night terrors, acting out, having troubles paying attention in school, bullying, withdrawing and/or experience a general sense of feeling unwell.
10) Plug your book here:
This book is perfect for a child with a difficult home life. Divorce, addiction, mental health issues and more can cause children to feel alone, anxious and afraid. Gracie's Secret addresses this by showing kids they aren't alone, and that they can feel better. With a workbook section for kids to understand their own issues and a message that talking to a safe person will help, Gracie's story can help kids cope.
Please visit my blog for more information. http://www.jaggedlittleedges.com
0 Comments on Gracie's Secret - part of the Virtual Book Tour and my review as of 12/14/2014 7:30:00 AM
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 11/16/2014
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JacketFlap tags: winslow farm, Winslow Shire Renaissance Faire, short fiction, cats, dogs, donkeys, Add a tag
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More short fiction - I guess you all have inspired me to keep writing or posting my short fiction on my blog. This again is another FICTIONAL piece and I enjoyed writing it. I wouldn't mind comments on what your thoughts are - even if it is editing the piece to make the piece flow better - but I liked this one too.
Winslow Meeting of the Minds
Fictional piece about a place we once had an event at – Winslow Farm Sanctuary located in Norton, MA
"Ahem" said Turtle the three legged cat...."I said AHEM!" Sitting up on the stairs she licked her front paws and stared into the crowd of cats and the one dog she loved to hate..."Pandy...please can you stop for one minute with the pine cone? There is no one here right now."
Pandy, or Pandemonium the Border collie that liked to play with the pine cone, silently stared at Turtle and sighed softly.
"Okay, Stardust, go ahead, make your statement before we have to deal with the humans." Turtle hopped over to her bench by the fire pit.
Stardust, the white donkey nodded his head and looked around the fire pit to be sure all the animals that could make it were there.
"Hello my friends and my fellow 4 legged creatures. I would like to just say thank you for making it to our yearly meeting before the crazy humans get here this weekend." Stardust stared over at Pandy again who was getting ready to chase the pine cone, to which she hid under the bench.
Stardust continued, "As most of you know the humans have decided to run a fundraiser to help us out here at the farm."
Cotton the baby goat piped up "Um, what's a fundraiser?"
Sturbridge the baby sheep piped in "Shh, let him finish, then we can ask questions."
Stardust nodded wisely to Cotton and Sturbridge "I will answer your question now Cotton, because that is a good one, but all the other questions should be after I talk, okay?"
Cotton and Sturbridge just nodded quietly and listened to Stardust who answered "A Fundraiser is where humans get together and spend some of their money in order to help the farm and to help feed us and keep us nice and safe," he continued "therefore, it is up to us to be on our best behavior - that means you too Spirit - to make sure that everyone here has a safe time."
Spirit the black mane tan horse looked Stardust in the eye, he didn't like being told what to do or how to act, but respected Stardust for his words.
"There will be a lot of humans here that we don't know and some we have met before but the rules remain the same. Which means, stay out of the way of human feet if they are coming towards you. If food goes on the ground, smell it first before eating it, and whatever you do, stay away from those sharp pointy things I think the humans call swords."
"Daisy, I know you just had your ducklings, so make sure that the humans see you first before you let your little ones out. Jessibel and I will have the back area to be sure that the horses are behaving which means that Moonie and Pumpkin will have to keep an eye on Waterford."
Pumpkin nodded her head in agreement "Yes, he's a stubborn big pig that one."
"Okay, I think that's about it, let's get ready for a great event and don't forget to get your picture taken even if it's with a human."
Nicco the cat raised his paw "Yes, Nicco?" Stardust asked
"Are we allowed to be petted by the humans?"
Stardust answered "If you like to be petted, that's fine, but if you don't want to be petted, just walk away slowly so the humans know not to pet you."
"Are there any other questions or comments?" Stardust looked around at the crowd of animals looking at him. "Yes, Pandy, please go ahead."
Pandy spoke softly but enough so you could hear her "I have heard that some of these humans like to wear sharp pointy outfits too, so I would suggest not to play tug with them."
"That’s great sage advice, Pandy. Does anyone else have something to say?" Stardust looked around at the crowd of animals, "Yes, Nicco, what is it now?"
"I just want to say that all the cats already have their guardian vendors already picked out, and that we've decided to split up this year, 20 of us will stay up front and 20 of us will be in the back, but not the kittens, as they are too little." said Nicco as she started to quietly lick her paws.
"That's a great idea Nicco, thank you, anyone else?" Stardust looked again at all the animals and saw the farm owner coming from the other direction.
"Okay, let's get in our spots and get ready for the Winslowshire Festival"
- fine-
Pandy, or Pandemonium the Border collie that liked to play with the pine cone, silently stared at Turtle and sighed softly.
"Okay, Stardust, go ahead, make your statement before we have to deal with the humans." Turtle hopped over to her bench by the fire pit.
Stardust, the white donkey nodded his head and looked around the fire pit to be sure all the animals that could make it were there.
"Hello my friends and my fellow 4 legged creatures. I would like to just say thank you for making it to our yearly meeting before the crazy humans get here this weekend." Stardust stared over at Pandy again who was getting ready to chase the pine cone, to which she hid under the bench.
Stardust continued, "As most of you know the humans have decided to run a fundraiser to help us out here at the farm."
Cotton the baby goat piped up "Um, what's a fundraiser?"
Sturbridge the baby sheep piped in "Shh, let him finish, then we can ask questions."
Stardust nodded wisely to Cotton and Sturbridge "I will answer your question now Cotton, because that is a good one, but all the other questions should be after I talk, okay?"
Cotton and Sturbridge just nodded quietly and listened to Stardust who answered "A Fundraiser is where humans get together and spend some of their money in order to help the farm and to help feed us and keep us nice and safe," he continued "therefore, it is up to us to be on our best behavior - that means you too Spirit - to make sure that everyone here has a safe time."
Spirit the black mane tan horse looked Stardust in the eye, he didn't like being told what to do or how to act, but respected Stardust for his words.
"There will be a lot of humans here that we don't know and some we have met before but the rules remain the same. Which means, stay out of the way of human feet if they are coming towards you. If food goes on the ground, smell it first before eating it, and whatever you do, stay away from those sharp pointy things I think the humans call swords."
"Daisy, I know you just had your ducklings, so make sure that the humans see you first before you let your little ones out. Jessibel and I will have the back area to be sure that the horses are behaving which means that Moonie and Pumpkin will have to keep an eye on Waterford."
Pumpkin nodded her head in agreement "Yes, he's a stubborn big pig that one."
"Okay, I think that's about it, let's get ready for a great event and don't forget to get your picture taken even if it's with a human."
Nicco the cat raised his paw "Yes, Nicco?" Stardust asked
"Are we allowed to be petted by the humans?"
Stardust answered "If you like to be petted, that's fine, but if you don't want to be petted, just walk away slowly so the humans know not to pet you."
"Are there any other questions or comments?" Stardust looked around at the crowd of animals looking at him. "Yes, Pandy, please go ahead."
Pandy spoke softly but enough so you could hear her "I have heard that some of these humans like to wear sharp pointy outfits too, so I would suggest not to play tug with them."
"That’s great sage advice, Pandy. Does anyone else have something to say?" Stardust looked around at the crowd of animals, "Yes, Nicco, what is it now?"
"I just want to say that all the cats already have their guardian vendors already picked out, and that we've decided to split up this year, 20 of us will stay up front and 20 of us will be in the back, but not the kittens, as they are too little." said Nicco as she started to quietly lick her paws.
"That's a great idea Nicco, thank you, anyone else?" Stardust looked again at all the animals and saw the farm owner coming from the other direction.
"Okay, let's get in our spots and get ready for the Winslowshire Festival"
- fine-
Note, Winslowshire Festival for the Animals ran in 2008-2011 and is no longer happening. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is a real place with real animals and is in Norton, MA - gvds
0 Comments on Winslow Meeting of the Minds - FICTIONAL PIECE as of 11/16/2014 7:43:00 PM
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 11/10/2014
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Okay, here is the final installment of the Cat lady story I wrote - I hope you all enjoy it! Again, this is purely fiction.
Nine Years Later
While reading the morning paper and drinking his morning coffee, Joe came to page 3 and almost spit out his coffee.
"On the quiet 666 Forest Lane, Ethel Yaga was found dead in her home with what the investigators have found there was no one in the house. Sources say that her house is worth $500,000.00 even though it has cat hair completely all over it. Investigators tell us that only one small black cat was found in the house. Ms. Yaga lived a very long life and died at age 92. Ms. Yaga was famous for her cat cookies from the local pet store Montegue Pets"
"Oh my God! I remember that house!" Joe said out loud to himself and saw people starting to stare at him, he just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket. He dialed Frank first.
"Hey Frank!" Joe was trying really hard not to yell, he knew his friend still had issues hearing from the 'incident'. "Frank, Hey how are you doing? Yeah? Well, I got some good news! Yes, I do! Oh man, did you check out The Montegue today, go and get it, page 3 my friend, page 3!"
After a slight pause, Joe continued, "No, Frank, it's all there in black and white man, what do you think of that!"
While reading the morning paper and drinking his morning coffee, Joe came to page 3 and almost spit out his coffee.
"On the quiet 666 Forest Lane, Ethel Yaga was found dead in her home with what the investigators have found there was no one in the house. Sources say that her house is worth $500,000.00 even though it has cat hair completely all over it. Investigators tell us that only one small black cat was found in the house. Ms. Yaga lived a very long life and died at age 92. Ms. Yaga was famous for her cat cookies from the local pet store Montegue Pets"
"Oh my God! I remember that house!" Joe said out loud to himself and saw people starting to stare at him, he just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket. He dialed Frank first.
"Hey Frank!" Joe was trying really hard not to yell, he knew his friend still had issues hearing from the 'incident'. "Frank, Hey how are you doing? Yeah? Well, I got some good news! Yes, I do! Oh man, did you check out The Montegue today, go and get it, page 3 my friend, page 3!"
After a slight pause, Joe continued, "No, Frank, it's all there in black and white man, what do you think of that!"
Joe took another slight pause "yeah! I think you are right Frank, we should all meet up there, and I’ll call the rest of the guys! See you in a few!" Joe shut his phone off, and quickly gulped the rest of his coffee while calling all the rest of the gang.
The phone rang only twice for Arthur’s place "Arthur, its Joe! Yeah, man, I'm good, you? Been a while, huh?" Joe scratched his head to wonder why he hadn't called all his friends from that time, but this was a good a time as any. "So Arthur, did you read today's paper? Yeah, page 3 man, I can't believe it's been nine years since we were there. What do ya say that we meet there today...aw, come on! Mel will take care of the baby for a few hours, seriously, come on, it's been to long since I've seen you."
Joe took a deep breath while Arthur answered in the positive, "Yeah?!? Cool, man, we'll see you in a few! Hey can you call Pete? I gotta call Mike and Tim too! Sure! I don't mind that at all, I'll call Mike and you call Tim! It'll be nice to see you; we'll grab a few brews after too to celebrate!" Joe hung up the phone smiling starting to remember all the good times they had.
As he dialed Mike's number or at least the last number he had for him, he wasn't sure if he would still be at this number. There was no answer after 10 rings, that guy never even bought any new gadgets or cell phones to keep in touch with the rest of the world he had once been a part of.
Joe dialed the only other number he could think of the top of his head "Hey Mrs. McPherson, how are you?" A slight pause, "I know it's been a long time Mrs. McPherson, but it's Joe, Joe Gandy, I used to be really good friends with your son Mike." After a long pause he said over the phone, "Oh, really? I didn't know that, well, I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry for bugging you." He hung up the phone saddened that he would never see Mike again, so now it was important that this mission be completed, if not for Mike's sake!
About 20 minutes later, Pete, Tim, Arthur, Frank and Joe all met on Forest Lane right in front of the house. It was still as eerie as they all remembered from 9 years ago.
Pete was the most grateful of seeing the guys all again, but noticed someone was missing, "Hey Joey, where's Mikey?" Pete asked in his loud boisterous voice.
"You all won't believe this, but I just got off the phone with his mom a few minutes ago and Mike is gone." Joe sighed.
"What do you mean gone? Like gone fishing?" Pete cackled a little bit not knowing the sadness that was raised in Joe's big blue eyes. "Oh crap man, I didn't know you meant like gone, no longer with us." Pete gave Joe a big friendly shoulder hug.
"His mom said something about him throwing up cat hair and not eating anything or drinking anything for days at the end."
Tim looked at Pete and shrugged his shoulders, "So now what Joey, what's the plan here? I mean why do you want us all here to remember this witch that turned us all into cats!"
"You remember Cat right? He was in the paper too as the only living creature, the least we can do is try to give him some milk to turn back into a human again." Joe was so sure of this time it would work.
"I am NOT going back into THAT HOUSE!!!!" Arthur was so scared of that house after all that had happened, "And God help me, I'm glad that witch is dead!"
"Yeah, and what if the cops come?" Said Pete quietly, not really wanting to go back into the house either.
"Well, you all probably don't remember, but I stole a key on the way out, so we can get in no problem. If the cops come, we'll tell them we're cleaning the house, just like the old days." Joe always came up with a plan, the score, the sales pitch. "Come on! It'll be just like the old days, and it'll be fun!"
Arthur still looked at Joe with his big brown eyes and tousled his thick black curly hair with his fat fingers. "I still don't like it Joe, I mean, why do this after all this time?"
Joe just looked at Pete for help, his wing man, even after all this time.
"Come on Art, just do this the last time for Joey and for Mikey!" Pete smiled back at Joe and gave him the wink of his black shiny eyes.
"Oh man, I can't believe I am doing this!!!" Arthur drudged up some courage and realized that he was doing this only for Mike's memory, after all they had been really good friends at one point, and he did help him move his trailer back then. "Oh all right, I'm comin!"
"That's the Art I remember!" Pete punched Arthur on the shoulder like he used to many years ago.
Joe then took out his wallet all tattered and torn, finding the old rusty key that he had to wipe down with his jeans to see if it would still fit the house door.
The phone rang only twice for Arthur’s place "Arthur, its Joe! Yeah, man, I'm good, you? Been a while, huh?" Joe scratched his head to wonder why he hadn't called all his friends from that time, but this was a good a time as any. "So Arthur, did you read today's paper? Yeah, page 3 man, I can't believe it's been nine years since we were there. What do ya say that we meet there today...aw, come on! Mel will take care of the baby for a few hours, seriously, come on, it's been to long since I've seen you."
Joe took a deep breath while Arthur answered in the positive, "Yeah?!? Cool, man, we'll see you in a few! Hey can you call Pete? I gotta call Mike and Tim too! Sure! I don't mind that at all, I'll call Mike and you call Tim! It'll be nice to see you; we'll grab a few brews after too to celebrate!" Joe hung up the phone smiling starting to remember all the good times they had.
As he dialed Mike's number or at least the last number he had for him, he wasn't sure if he would still be at this number. There was no answer after 10 rings, that guy never even bought any new gadgets or cell phones to keep in touch with the rest of the world he had once been a part of.
Joe dialed the only other number he could think of the top of his head "Hey Mrs. McPherson, how are you?" A slight pause, "I know it's been a long time Mrs. McPherson, but it's Joe, Joe Gandy, I used to be really good friends with your son Mike." After a long pause he said over the phone, "Oh, really? I didn't know that, well, I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry for bugging you." He hung up the phone saddened that he would never see Mike again, so now it was important that this mission be completed, if not for Mike's sake!
About 20 minutes later, Pete, Tim, Arthur, Frank and Joe all met on Forest Lane right in front of the house. It was still as eerie as they all remembered from 9 years ago.
Pete was the most grateful of seeing the guys all again, but noticed someone was missing, "Hey Joey, where's Mikey?" Pete asked in his loud boisterous voice.
"You all won't believe this, but I just got off the phone with his mom a few minutes ago and Mike is gone." Joe sighed.
"What do you mean gone? Like gone fishing?" Pete cackled a little bit not knowing the sadness that was raised in Joe's big blue eyes. "Oh crap man, I didn't know you meant like gone, no longer with us." Pete gave Joe a big friendly shoulder hug.
"His mom said something about him throwing up cat hair and not eating anything or drinking anything for days at the end."
Tim looked at Pete and shrugged his shoulders, "So now what Joey, what's the plan here? I mean why do you want us all here to remember this witch that turned us all into cats!"
"You remember Cat right? He was in the paper too as the only living creature, the least we can do is try to give him some milk to turn back into a human again." Joe was so sure of this time it would work.
"I am NOT going back into THAT HOUSE!!!!" Arthur was so scared of that house after all that had happened, "And God help me, I'm glad that witch is dead!"
"Yeah, and what if the cops come?" Said Pete quietly, not really wanting to go back into the house either.
"Well, you all probably don't remember, but I stole a key on the way out, so we can get in no problem. If the cops come, we'll tell them we're cleaning the house, just like the old days." Joe always came up with a plan, the score, the sales pitch. "Come on! It'll be just like the old days, and it'll be fun!"
Arthur still looked at Joe with his big brown eyes and tousled his thick black curly hair with his fat fingers. "I still don't like it Joe, I mean, why do this after all this time?"
Joe just looked at Pete for help, his wing man, even after all this time.
"Come on Art, just do this the last time for Joey and for Mikey!" Pete smiled back at Joe and gave him the wink of his black shiny eyes.
"Oh man, I can't believe I am doing this!!!" Arthur drudged up some courage and realized that he was doing this only for Mike's memory, after all they had been really good friends at one point, and he did help him move his trailer back then. "Oh all right, I'm comin!"
"That's the Art I remember!" Pete punched Arthur on the shoulder like he used to many years ago.
Joe then took out his wallet all tattered and torn, finding the old rusty key that he had to wipe down with his jeans to see if it would still fit the house door.
Oh ever so slowly, Joe turned the key and just so softly the door cracked open. The house was just as they remembered it from the very beginning. Dirty, dishes piled up, knitting needles in the basket by the rocking chair filled with cat hair.
Cat just stared at all of the guys walking in the door. He got up out of the chair and immediately started rubbing himself against Pete's leg.
"Heya Cat! How you been?!?" scratching the black cat behind the ears as he knew that was his favorite place to be scratched. "You want some milk buddy? You know the old lady is gone now right?"
Pete went to the kitchen and took the milk out of the refrigerator and poured the milk out for Cat. Cat followed all the guys into the kitchen seeming to be hungry for the milk.
Cat just stared at the milk and then after what seemed an eternity looked at each of the guys. He swished his tail and started drinking the milk ever so slowly.
Then after what seemed to all the guys watching a miracle happening, Cat slowly changed back into himself. His hands were just huge and his legs just seemed to go on forever. After a few long moments in time, he smiled at all the guys.
"Hey, wow, I never thought I would be myself again, even after all this time." The guy just sounded so smooth, so familiar to them. "What, you don't recognize me?"
"Mike?!? Is that you? I thought you left with us!" Mike just smiled and laughed.
"Nah, Cat tricked me, he turned his milk on purpose so he could go home to my mom and pretend he was me!" Mike just smiled at the memory.
Pete’s mouth was agape "Oh my God! What about your mom? She thinks you died!" Pete was just so shocked at seeing his friend again after what he had heard and seen.
"Aw, my mom will be fine, after all, we didn't get along very well, and well, Ethel was good to me as a pet. So I just let her think that it was Cat."
"Hey Mike, I think that old bat left all the money to the cat, and now you are...well you?" Joe was trying to figure out what to do next.
"Ah Joe, man, I'm good for money, don't worry about it, I'm going to stay here in the house, clean it up a bit."
Joe was a little disappointed but knew that his friend was right. "Come on, you guys all want to grab a few brews before we head home?"
"Yeah!" The guys all chimed in at once.
"Nah, I can't drink beer now" said Mike with a somber face, "It's been a very long time, and I don't want to take any chances."
Joe knew he was right. "All right, but we have to all make a pact to come back to this house once a year to have a party to celebrate!"
Mike liked this idea, "Yeah! We can call it the Cat Party!"
- fine-
This is the final to the other two Cat lady stories that I wrote. I hope you all enjoyed them! - Gia
Cat just stared at all of the guys walking in the door. He got up out of the chair and immediately started rubbing himself against Pete's leg.
"Heya Cat! How you been?!?" scratching the black cat behind the ears as he knew that was his favorite place to be scratched. "You want some milk buddy? You know the old lady is gone now right?"
Pete went to the kitchen and took the milk out of the refrigerator and poured the milk out for Cat. Cat followed all the guys into the kitchen seeming to be hungry for the milk.
Cat just stared at the milk and then after what seemed an eternity looked at each of the guys. He swished his tail and started drinking the milk ever so slowly.
Then after what seemed to all the guys watching a miracle happening, Cat slowly changed back into himself. His hands were just huge and his legs just seemed to go on forever. After a few long moments in time, he smiled at all the guys.
"Hey, wow, I never thought I would be myself again, even after all this time." The guy just sounded so smooth, so familiar to them. "What, you don't recognize me?"
"Mike?!? Is that you? I thought you left with us!" Mike just smiled and laughed.
"Nah, Cat tricked me, he turned his milk on purpose so he could go home to my mom and pretend he was me!" Mike just smiled at the memory.
Pete’s mouth was agape "Oh my God! What about your mom? She thinks you died!" Pete was just so shocked at seeing his friend again after what he had heard and seen.
"Aw, my mom will be fine, after all, we didn't get along very well, and well, Ethel was good to me as a pet. So I just let her think that it was Cat."
"Hey Mike, I think that old bat left all the money to the cat, and now you are...well you?" Joe was trying to figure out what to do next.
"Ah Joe, man, I'm good for money, don't worry about it, I'm going to stay here in the house, clean it up a bit."
Joe was a little disappointed but knew that his friend was right. "Come on, you guys all want to grab a few brews before we head home?"
"Yeah!" The guys all chimed in at once.
"Nah, I can't drink beer now" said Mike with a somber face, "It's been a very long time, and I don't want to take any chances."
Joe knew he was right. "All right, but we have to all make a pact to come back to this house once a year to have a party to celebrate!"
Mike liked this idea, "Yeah! We can call it the Cat Party!"
- fine-
This is the final to the other two Cat lady stories that I wrote. I hope you all enjoyed them! - Gia
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 11/2/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Devils in the Details, Fiction, cats, short story, Cat Lady, milk, Add a tag
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Devils in the Details – Part 2
Fiction piece by Gia Volterra de Saulnier
After a long period of what seemed an eternity, the old cat lady finally went outside of the house. She hardly ever did this, as she was mostly a loner and just had her "boys" with her.
Joe was the first to wake from his cat nap, and notice that she was out of the house. He licked his fur twice to make sure he was clean, and then went to wake the other guys up.
Joe went over and nudged Arthur with his cold nose, but his companion didn't want to wake up. Arthur just curled his brown tail up and turned over to go back to sleep. Joe then decided he had to take a chance, and took out his razor sharp claws and thought about using them on Arthur, but he quietly rolled his friend over the best he could and then licked his friends belly with his tongue instead. "Meow!" Arthur said loudly and jolted from his sleep. Joe then pointed to the chair with his left paw, Arthur saw too that the old lady had gone out. Joe nodded his head, blinked his gray eyes, and then went to wake the other cats up.
They all were finally up, except one. They didn't know the first cat's name, they just knew him as "Cat". He was the meanest cat you ever saw, always snatching up the food first, He also swatted his claws if you came to close to him. He just wanted to sleep all the time. So, they were surprised to find him awake and of course first at the food bowl.
Frank decided he was the closest to Cat, so he nudged the food bowl towards him. Cat was a little surprised by this gesture and all the cats being up at the same time. He blinked his green eyes at all the rest of his companions. Joe pointed his paw to the door, and the chair being empty. Cat just sat still for what seemed for a long time, just curling his tail up and down, trying to think of what they should do.
All of a sudden, Pete jumped up onto the counter top. The rest of the cats were surprised, as Pete was usually the laziest of them all. He poked his paw through the open drawer, and found a piece of paper, almost to hard to read. The rest of the cats were wondering how he was going to get that piece of paper out of the drawer, after all, Pete did have his claws removed, as he liked to claw the furniture up, darn cat lady. He poked his paw in, then poked the other paw in, and nudged with his nose to get the drawer all the way open. The drawer opened up enough to where Pete could reach that piece of paper with his mouth.
Mike was the only one who could actually still read human language, something in the transformation didn't quite go all the way through to him, and of course, he was the smartest of the bunch. He knew that if he was sweet to the old lady, she would be sweet back to him. Pete jumped down from the counter top, and laid out this note in front of Mike.
Mike read the note twice to himself. It looked more like a recipe than anything else. "Cookies for cats by Delores Kittyhawk" Mike read the recipe again but then noticed a note at the bottom of the page.
"A glass of milk will release the cats back to men, so never give them milk" it read. No wonder they never were given milk!
Mike went over to the refrigerator and stared at it for what seemed to be a long time. He now knew that he had to get that fridge open or they would be stuck as cats forever! He sat there, blinking his blue-grey eyes, swatting his tail and staring at the refrigerator door pointing his paw to it, and meowing as loud as he could. The rest of the gang followed him to the fridge. Pete finally understood what he was trying to do, he was trying to open up the fridge! But how?!? Pete jumped up again onto the counter top, then jumped again to the top of the refrigerator hoping that it wasn't locked, or frozen from the inside. He looked down from the fridge, and it looked like a long way down, but he shook his whiskers and nudged the door open with one paw, and then the other paw. He meowed loudly twice. Tim knew that was his signal to try on the bottom and knew that he had to open it up from the bottom end too! Together they wrestled with the door of the fridge, and finally the door was opened up. There inside the fridge was one glass bottle of milk, half full. They nodded in agreement that they would all take turns drinking the milk that would turn them back to men.
Pete jumped to the section of the fridge that had the glass bottle on it. He wrapped his tail around the bottom of the jug of the bottle and pushed the top of the bottle with his paw so that it would tip over and spill milk into a puddle onto the floor. Cat just blinked his eyes at the tenacity of all of his companions. Frank nudged Cat over to the puddle of milk to try it first, after all he had been there the longest. Cat looked at this puddle of milk, looked at his companions, and looked at the chair and blinked his eyes again. He nudged Mike first to try it and see what happened.
Mike took a little lick of the milk, it tasted sweet and buttery, and felt warm inside. The warmth spread through his body, and his eyes started to get blurry. Meanwhile, not wanting to wait, the other cats joined in, all except Cat.
Cat looked at all the cats drinking the milk, and noticed one was missing. So he padded off throughout the house, and found Tim still sleeping on his bed. Cat picked Tim up by the scruff of his neck and brought him to the kitchen laying his head in the milk. Tim quickly lapped up the milk, as he was thirsty.
All of the men were back to their original state, except Pete had no fingernails, and Joe had more hair on his chest. They noticed that Cat was still himself, and not changed. There wasn't one lick of milk left. Cat just turned back to his chair. Joe spoke first, "You're all right Cat, I guess you are gonna stay with the old lady."
Cat just blinked his eyes and went back to sleep, while the rest of the men cleaned the house, and left by foot.
FIN
Again, this was a short fictional piece I wrote. None of this story is true.
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 10/30/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Fiction, cats, LiveJournal, cookies, Cat Lady, Devils in the Details, News In Books, Add a tag
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This is a short story that I wrote many years ago on LiveJournal that just got republished recently for The News In Books but I thought I would also share my short stories on my blog.
This is FICTION - none of these characters actually exist except in my head. Please also know that this is poor man copyrighted - please feel free to share my work, but with my permission.
Devils in the Details- the Cat Lady
By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier
March 7, 2014
She sat quietly in her rocking chair knitting away. Each time her needles clicked, the rocking chair moved back and forth. Her cat was curled up on the other chair which was covered with his black hair; he looked up at her and yawned to show his white shiny sharp teeth.
"Yep, cat, this is the life, ain't it?" she sighed back at him, and he just stared back at her, and went back to sleep again.
Needles clicking softly, the rocking chair moving back and forth, back and forth.
Ring, Ring-------Ring, Ring-------Ring, Ring---went the telephone in the other room. The old woman with the dark eyes and white haired bun that was on the top of her small head, looked at the cat, and sighed knowing full well the cat couldn't answer it, and she didn't exactly have that thing called voice mail. "I’m a comin’, I’m a comin’", she said loudly as she put her needles down into her knitting bag along with the gray yarn she was working with and went to answer the phone.
"Yes, hello?" she said as loudly as she could. "What? Hold on honey, I gotta get my hearing aid in." She put the receiver down, and put her hearing aids into her hairy ears. "Hello, oh hello honey, sorry 'bout that, I can't hear nothin' without my hearing aids."
"That's okay, ma'am, nothing to be sorry about," said a nice young male voice from the other line. He sounded young anyway you never did know how old they were. "I'm from the Boom Broom Bust the Dust Company, and we were wondering if you needed to have someone come to your house to clean it up for you, the cost is so low, it's too good to pass up."
She looked around at her much disheveled house; there was dust everywhere, cat hair everywhere and a lot of dirty dishes piled up. She knew that this kind offer was too good to pass up.
"Yep, I could use a good cleanin'" she paused slightly and then said, "But I don't have much money."
"Well, how much do you have?" The young man answered greedily, hungry for a sale, a chance to show what his new company could do for this nice old lady.
The old woman smiled, she knew that she had him on the hook now. They fall for it every time, she thought, paused again, took a deep breath and said "Oh I got enough to live on, if that's what you mean." she said in a hushed tone.
"Uh, I didn't mean anything by it, really, I didn't..." he sounded apologetic now, "I could give you a good discount of cleaning your entire house for just $100.00."
The old woman looked at her cat, her open smile showed she was missing numerous teeth but the kindness was still there, and answered the young man "Well, I don't have even that much, how about you come over here, and we'll talk about it when you get here. My address is 666 Forest Lane. Do you know where that is?" She put on her sweetest voice when she got this far.
"Um Yes, ma'am, I think I do, isn't that down the street from Saint Anthony's Church?" he said trying not to sound too greedy, too snarly, and too cunning.
"Why yes, that's right, the church is on the corner, and I'm the little gray house on the left." She smiled again. She knew that she had him on his toes, his grandma or momma must have taught him some manners. She smiled knowing that she was going to have more company, more than just old cat.
"Sure, I know it well, I can be there with my crew in about an hour or so." he said as gently as he could. He knew that he would have to call all the guys to tell them that they had their first sale! He was so proud of getting this lead all by himself, even though they had told him to be careful.
"A crew?" she was curious now, "How many folks are in your crew? You never mentioned nothin' about a crew."
The young man hesitated for a minute to count "Oh, there's just 6 of us all together, all of us went in on this business, and here we are now." He was so proud of his friends that he knew since High School, they had been buddies from the get go. He also knew that they would be ecstatic to hear that they had just landed this potential lead, the potential to really show the world what they could do for the community.
6 young men, wow that is good she thought to herself. "That ain't a problem with me, do you all like cookies? I can bake up a quick batch right now."
"That is too nice of you really, sure, I guess we could use some cookies, I'll tell the guys." he said.
"Alright" she said, "I just need to know your names when you come to the door, so I can let you in."
"Sure, I'm Joe, and I'll have Frank, Pete, Mike, Tim, and Arthur." he said, "We'll be there in an hour or so."
"Okay, I'll be here." she said and hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to start making her cookies.
The old woman smiled at the cat, and sat back in her chair. The cat looked up at her with his curious look to him.
She smiled back at her furry friend and said..."Don't worry cat, I'll come up with better names than just Cat to keep you company. We just have to wait an hour for them to get here."
She then went back to her knitting, rocking on her chair back and forth, back and forth. He curled up and went back to sleep, knowing full well he had made the same mistake last year.
-Fin-
"Well, how much do you have?" The young man answered greedily, hungry for a sale, a chance to show what his new company could do for this nice old lady.
The old woman smiled, she knew that she had him on the hook now. They fall for it every time, she thought, paused again, took a deep breath and said "Oh I got enough to live on, if that's what you mean." she said in a hushed tone.
"Uh, I didn't mean anything by it, really, I didn't..." he sounded apologetic now, "I could give you a good discount of cleaning your entire house for just $100.00."
The old woman looked at her cat, her open smile showed she was missing numerous teeth but the kindness was still there, and answered the young man "Well, I don't have even that much, how about you come over here, and we'll talk about it when you get here. My address is 666 Forest Lane. Do you know where that is?" She put on her sweetest voice when she got this far.
"Um Yes, ma'am, I think I do, isn't that down the street from Saint Anthony's Church?" he said trying not to sound too greedy, too snarly, and too cunning.
"Why yes, that's right, the church is on the corner, and I'm the little gray house on the left." She smiled again. She knew that she had him on his toes, his grandma or momma must have taught him some manners. She smiled knowing that she was going to have more company, more than just old cat.
"Sure, I know it well, I can be there with my crew in about an hour or so." he said as gently as he could. He knew that he would have to call all the guys to tell them that they had their first sale! He was so proud of getting this lead all by himself, even though they had told him to be careful.
"A crew?" she was curious now, "How many folks are in your crew? You never mentioned nothin' about a crew."
The young man hesitated for a minute to count "Oh, there's just 6 of us all together, all of us went in on this business, and here we are now." He was so proud of his friends that he knew since High School, they had been buddies from the get go. He also knew that they would be ecstatic to hear that they had just landed this potential lead, the potential to really show the world what they could do for the community.
6 young men, wow that is good she thought to herself. "That ain't a problem with me, do you all like cookies? I can bake up a quick batch right now."
"That is too nice of you really, sure, I guess we could use some cookies, I'll tell the guys." he said.
"Alright" she said, "I just need to know your names when you come to the door, so I can let you in."
"Sure, I'm Joe, and I'll have Frank, Pete, Mike, Tim, and Arthur." he said, "We'll be there in an hour or so."
"Okay, I'll be here." she said and hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to start making her cookies.
The old woman smiled at the cat, and sat back in her chair. The cat looked up at her with his curious look to him.
She smiled back at her furry friend and said..."Don't worry cat, I'll come up with better names than just Cat to keep you company. We just have to wait an hour for them to get here."
She then went back to her knitting, rocking on her chair back and forth, back and forth. He curled up and went back to sleep, knowing full well he had made the same mistake last year.
-Fin-
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 10/17/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, Promoting Picture Books, Tests, Add a tag
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Years ago, I used to go to open jazz or blues jams in MA area with my flute, and every time before they started, they would do a sound check of the Mic. "Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three" . I'm not really sure how that works actually. Either the mic is working or it's not. I suppose the T words make the sounds really pop and see if they work or not.
I'm not having much success looking for a day job in MA area. I just colored my hair a lot darker to see if that might help me. I'm not sure it will or not. I might have to review the way I am interviewing as well.
I also thought I should start helping promote other Picture Book Authors, Illustrators, Publishers and so forth by creating a Fan page on Facebook at Promoting Picture Books Fan page - so feel free to join us there by promoting your picture book! I also decided that I need to create a new blog to help push books. Maybe this is fate staring me in the face.
I also know that my RenPerfMerch page is doing rather well, now I just need to figure out a way to make money from it.
Things are rather tight at the moment and I'm trying to do this one day at a time thing. In the meantime, we're already sending out applications for Silver Kingdom Festival Silver Kingdom Festival - the dates for that will be August 15th and 16th.
We're still waiting on Hammond Castle for next year's dates, but do keep late July open. As soon as we get word, we'll let you all know!
I know life is full of tests. Sometimes I don't do well at tests. Sometimes I totally fail those tests, but that's how I learn from them. Sort of like life. You always are learning, testing, failing, succeeding and growing. At least I hope so.
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 10/6/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Journey to Jazzland, doing, MA, homework, Boston, Dreaming, Add a tag
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You know, I don't mind dreamers, in fact, I sort of wish I was more like them more often. As a matter of fact, I used to dream or day dream all of the time, but I now know as I get older and wiser, that dreams are one thing, and doing is another.
In my youth, I used to play my flute in the Boston, MA subways (yep, that was me a very long time ago) and there was this guy who I played with who had all kinds of great dreams. We'd create a CD together, we'd record and tour the country, we'd be #1, we'd have all original music, yada yada yada...yeah, none of that came true. Well, for me anyway, I'm not sure what he's doing these days.
I know it's great to have these dreams, but what's more important is to actually go out and DO them. I know it takes courage to actually do it, but if I can get out there to get my book published and I seriously never ever thought it would ever be published, I DID it!
You do need to do your homework. Figure out if the book store really exists, not just look at a website. See what other kinds of books they sell, look at where they are located. Make friends and think outside the box if you need to.
I'm still dreaming that the book will turn into a #1 Best Seller, but I know that will take time. I also decided not to do more than what I can actually handle. I'm no spring chicken anymore, but I want to keep on this "Journey" as long as I possibly can.
Thanks for your support and keep on dreaming!
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 9/9/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Virtual Book Tour, School time, Journey to Jazzland, Flying Turtle Publishing, picture book promotion, Jazz Education Network, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: Virtual Book Tour, School time, Journey to Jazzland, Flying Turtle Publishing, picture book promotion, Jazz Education Network, Add a tag
So the boy started school yesterday. Yep, he's now in Fourth grade. Yeah, I can't believe it either. I mean, the kid is almost taller than me at age 10. Sigh, it's tough to be short, but he is a good kid.
It is a tough transition for me as my work hours are now later due to the fact that his school doesn't start until almost 9 am. However, I do have to say that I do like the flexibility that this new job gives me, even though I don't have time to be online while I'm there.
In the meantime, I just contacted http://www.jazzednet.org/ and they seem VERY interested in the book and willing to not only review the book but possibly have me apply to do a clinic at a future conference! (Wowee!)
Oh right, there's the money factor - so it might have to wait, but still it is really tempting.... (Oh sorry, I was in dream mode there for a second)
My publisher Flying Turtle Publishing Flying Turtle informed me that they are going to be doing another Book Tour for "Journey to Jazzland" along with "My Peace Place" sometime in October. I'll try to keep you all updated on that.
I also have been thinking about doing another Picture Book Blog Hop since it was pretty successful the last time. If you are a picture book author and want to participate, please do let me know. Deadline to enter in will be September 27th - I want to start doing it the month of October (for Halloween) :)
DM me or write a comment below if you want in!
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 8/31/2014
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JacketFlap tags: music, Amazon, jazz, Music teachers, Journey to Jazzland, Authorly, Mass Jazz, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: music, Amazon, jazz, Music teachers, Journey to Jazzland, Authorly, Mass Jazz, Add a tag
Now that the Faire/Festival season has finally finished for us (PhinnVolt Enterprises), I can go back to concentrating on my picture book that got published last July.
So to switch back to "Journey to Jazzland" http://journeytojazzland.com , I've been trying to come up with other ideas to get more sales and leads on reviews for the book.
I tried contacting a few Jazz blog websites and was very lucky to be featured recently on Mass Jazz on page 13 so go check that out if you live in MA. My next trick is to see if I can find a local or even better a celebrity that plays jazz to read and review my book.
Also, this weekend, my husband and I are hoping to work on the voice work for the App soon to come by Authorly that will hope to help push the book.
I do know that someone in England actually bought the book too, so I guess this means the book has finally become international.
Cover for Journey to Jazzland
It will be exciting to see the finished product! As soon as it is out, I will let you all know!
In the meantime, the book now has 18 positive reviews up on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Jazzland-Gia-Saulnier-ebook/product-reviews/B00FNGOX18/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 - so I'm very happy about that!
If you know a child that loves music or know a music teacher, this is a perfect addition to their library!
Let's go to Jazzland!
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 7/22/2014
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 5/19/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Abbadia Mare Festival, Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival, Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, Hammond Castle, New Hampshire Renaissance Faire, Ye Old Commons, Red Hood, Add a tag
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Ah it's festival season here in New England and we were able to make the rounds at least one day at NHRF (New Hampshire Renaissance Faire) for the 17th of May.
For us, we're getting ready for Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival which is coming at the end of June (28th and 29th) in Tilton, NH at the historic Black Swan Inn. We have 10 to 11 vendors and lots of entertainment and great food planned for the weekend.
In the meantime, the press release for Abbadia Mare Festival went up yesterday and we have now 3 months to go for that! We always get excited to storm Hammond Castle and that's coming July 19th and 20th of 2014! Abbadia Mare Festival
Last but not least, we're getting ready for Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival in Charlton, MA coming August 16th and 17th and we'll actually have Jousting and Turkey Legs! So far, we have 24 vendors that will be there along with tons of action packed stuff along with our plot idea of Red Hood! Silver Kingdom Festival
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 3/30/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Giveaway, Journey to Jazzland, Flying Turtle Publishing, Abbadia Mare Festival, Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival, Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, Grey Wolf Author interview, Add a tag
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Sorry I haven't posted here for a bit, I do apologize, but I found a full time position which is really close to my place and so far, so good - however I'm not able to go online during the day as much as I was when I was out of work.
So, this means I have to post when I can. In the meantime, we're starting to get ready for our three events:
Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival: Which is coming June 28th and 29th in Tilton, NH - we're still looking for vendors, so if you are interested please send us an e mail to [email protected]. This family fun event will be with Knights, Music, food, hand made crafts and merriment! Tickets will be $10 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 5 to 12. Kids ages 4 and under will be free! Parking will also be free!
Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival: Yes, we're going to be storming Hammond Castle again in July of 2014 - the weekend of July 19th and 20th! This is an amazing venue with a real castle! Hammond Castle which is just beautiful if you haven't seen it up close! We'll have Knights, Maidens, singing, bards, belly dancing and hand made crafts! Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 - 11 and kids ages 4 and under will be free. Parking will. be located at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, which is an additional $15 to park. The website for more details is Abbadia Mare Festival
Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival: For two days, come be transported back in time at Ye Olde Commons located at 120 Northside Road in Charlton, MA during August 16th and 17th of 2014 where we'll have an Action Packed adventure filled with Live Jousting, Turkey Legs, Knights and Red Riding Hood! From 10:30 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 to 12 and kids ages 4 and under are free! Parking is also FREE! We are still taking vendors in for this event! If you are interested, please e mail us at [email protected]! For more information on that event, please see our website at Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival
In the meantime, my book "Journey to Jazzland" was just featured recently here: Grey Wolf Author so I hope you get to check it out, and there is ONE last chance to win for TOMORROW March 31st The giveaway of the Hard cover from my Publisher Flying Turtle Publishing on their Facebook page here; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flying-Turtle-Publishing/273468430538?sk=app_289264554441128!
Okay, that's all the news I got - oh yes, and I'm working on writing the plot for Silver Kingdom - heh heh heh - it's gonna be a doosy! :D
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 3/8/2014
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JacketFlap tags: Ana Koza, Childrens books, Amazon, Virtual Book Tour, Around the World, Add a tag
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This is a guest post by Ana Koza of a few picture books seen here at http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2014/02/childrens-book-tour-by-ana-koza.html
The idea of writing children’s books was born coincidentally at the same time I began reading to my own children.
When I began writing Around the World, my ideas of how to approach the book were scattered. So I decided to take a day to put the entire story regardless of flow and context on paper and began the process of piecing it together. The story eventually came together like glue even though I had to re-write it more than 20 times!
My friends and family have helped immensely with the process of writing. When I completed the first draft of the book, I read it to my kids and my friend’s kids to get their opinion. Kids will always give you their honest opinion! Their feedback inspired more content and I felt it was time to being the publishing process.
Genre: Children's BookPublisher: Book BabyRelease Date: August 19, 2013
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book Description:
Around the world teaches kids about different culture and what make us unique and special. The book will give shot of each characters' lives and they will give us a glance of their country.
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Release Date: December 13, 2013
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book Description:
A wonderful book for ages 1-7 year of year. A boy named Tommy often forgets to say the magic words, but then he realizes how important those words are. Let Tommy remind us about those words in a fun and magic way!
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Release Date: December 13, 2013
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book Description:
A wonderful book for ages 1-7 year of year. A boy named Tommy often forgets to say the magic words, but then he realizes how important those words are. Let Tommy remind us about those words in a fun and magic way!
Author Ana Koza lives with her husband and sons Ari and Eli in San Diego, California. She was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. Interested in writing since she was in school, Ana is now writing two future books for children which she expects to publish later this year. More information about Ana and her books can be found at her author web site www.kidintheclouds.com. Her books are available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com and at book stores.Author Links -
Website www.kidintheclouds.com.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ana-Koza/e/B00HX8RXAM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 2/27/2014
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JacketFlap tags: blogging, promoting, Journey to Jazzland, Abbadia Mare Festival, Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival, picture book promotion, Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival, Add a tag
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You know, since I have been mostly a promoter for the Faires (and oh yes, I'll be plugging those today on this blog - you have been warned ;)) that we do here in MA and NH area, I've been finding that it's very similar to promoting my picture book "Journey to Jazzland" (oh like you didn't see that coming!)
When I created Renaissance Performers and Merchants Facebook page I realized that this was a great way to help promote others in that field that needed to share where they were located or what they were selling. Today, the fan page is almost at 5,560 fans! (Insane!)
Then, when I created the blog Renaissance Performers and Merchants blog site to feature either performers or merchants, I never thought that it would be that popular, and now it has over 62 thousand hits!
So, this month I read a blog post on promoting books through blogs, and I took it one step further by creating a Facebook event to help promote children's picture books! I got 18 other authors to join me in featuring MY book as well as their books (so really, it's a win - win situation), plus Facebook and Twitter (Tweets with hashtags the # symbol) so that helped boost my book into more of a public views eye and hope that it created some momentum to get more sales of my book.
I'm not saying that this is for everyone, but it really does help get the word out there, so go find other authors similar to what you are doing and join groups to help promote your book! I don't mind doing it as long as the book is G to PG 13 rated (Have to keep that in mind since my book is for kids!).
In the meantime, we are now doing THREE events:
- Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival : 354 West Main Street, Tilton, NH - coming June 28th and 29th. Hours will be 11 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets will be $10 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 5 - 12. Kids ages 4 and under will be FREE. FREE Parking but busing to the venue and back. More information to be coming shortly! Black Swan Inn Ren Facebook page
- Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival: 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA to benefit Hammond Castle Museum - coming July 19th and 20th. Hours will be 11 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for kids ages 5 - 11 and kids ages 4 and under will be FREE. Parking WILL be located at Stage Fort Park for an additional $15 per vehicle but FREE busing will be provided to and from the venue! http://www.abbadiamarefestival.com
- Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival: 120 Northside Road, Charlton, MA (a portion of the full priced ticket will be going to Wounded Warrior Foundation) - coming August 16th and 17th (my birthday weekend - ahem). Hours will be 10:30 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 - 12 and kids ages 4 and under will be FREE. Free Parking! Silver Kingdom Festival
I am planning on doing another promotional feature for Picture book authors for the month of March so stay tuned for that!
Oh and last but NOT least, I just got a BIG bite out of a bookstore in Attleboro, crossing fingers and toes, but I might do a book signing there, so stay tuned!!! :D
0 Comments on Helping promote others can be a way for you to promote your book too as of 2/27/2014 11:26:00 PM
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 2/19/2014
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So a few weeks back I wrote a blog to help promote other children's picture book authors : Loving Picture Book Authors Sweet to Retweet and created an event on Facebook which got 18 authors willing to share their books along with mine, and here we go for the list!
- Miro Miro by Saoirse O'Mara - A picture book in German that is also now translated into English - Miro Dragon : Here is a little blurb:
"Once upon a time, there was a small dragon that was barely bigger than a child’s hand. His scales glowed in a radiant red and there were two tiny, peaked, yellow horns on his head. His name was Miro. Miro lived in Drakonia, the magical land of dragons.
Dragons of all colours and sizes lived in Drakonia but Miro was by far the smallest. He went to the dragon school every day like all the other dragon children and learned to fly, to breathe fire, to swim and to hunt. Or so he should. But Miro was afraid. He was afraid of heights, of water, of burning himself, of bigger animals and even of his own shadow from time to time.
One day after a swimming lesson in which Miro had refused to participate, his teacher called him. He watched the small dragon for a long time. Finally, he said with a booming voice, ‘Miro, I don’t know what to do with you. You are no dragon but a wimp! Go out into the wide world and conquer your fears before you come back to school.’
Before Miro even had a chance to understand what his teacher had meant, a strong whirlwind grabbed him.[...]"
Amazon link is here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074JANOS
- Fiddle and Dee and the Bedtime Band : Lindsay Brant Brumwell by Lindsay Brant Brumwell - Amazon link is here Fiddle and Dee and the Bedtime Band Here is a little bit about the book "
"Fiddle and Dee are two brother bunnies with HUGE imaginations. They believe that anything is an adventure if they just make it so. Sometimes their imaginations get them into trouble, or cause them to become worrisome. Together, the two brothers can conquer their fears, meet new friends , and embark on new adventures throughout their forest home and beyond.
Fiddle and Dee and the Bedtime Band is about hearing the noises of the night and being frightened by them, only to discover they really aren't that bad at all. That the noises can actually be soothing, and can bring on peaceful sleep and nice dreams.
This book is Book 1 in The Adventures of Fiddle and Dee series, so stay tuned for more bunny fun!"
- Amazing Matilda by Bette Stevens - Bette A. Stevens and here is the book website Amazon link for Amazing Matilda . Here is a fantastic review : "
Renee Hand (award-winning adult andchildren’s book author of interactive mystery series. Renee reviews for theNew York Journal of Books. ) 11/16/2012
- Amazing Matilda, A Monarch’s Tale, [written and illustrated by Bette A. Stevens] is a beautiful tale about a monarch butterfly during the stages of her metamorphosis. Caterpillar is eager to grow up and fly, but the wise words from other animal friends encourages her to be patient, one day it will come. Not knowing what her fate will be, she listens to her friends and hears of their youthful trials and the lessons they have learned. As time passes, her instincts take over and soon she begins to physically change.Children of all ages will be able to relate to monarch’s plight in some way. The tale will also inspire readers to not only follow their dreams, but to encourage others to do the same. One’s dreams are never too bit, but with the support of friends and family, as well as with patience and determination, anyone can reach their goal. The sky is the limit.This story is a true gem and one that will inspire children for years to come."
- Author Rhonda Patton has a bunch of picture books available on Amazon - here is the link that shows you most of her books available- Rhonda Patton's picture books on Amazon Her website is the croak 500
- Little Miss History (series) by Barbara Ann Mojica - Little Miss History series on Amazon Little Miss History website
- The Wonderful World of Color Olors by Nina Carothers - Amazon link for Color Olors series
- Buddy's Dream by Corine Dehghanpisheh Amazon link for Buddy's Dream and her blog is here Books by Corine D
- I'm Proud to be Natural Me by Marlene Dillon Amazon link for I'm Proud to Be Natural Me I'm Proud to Be Natural Me website
- Turtle Wish by Murielle Cyr Amazon link for Turtle Wish Blurb from Amazon "Hatchling bursts through the walls of her shell into a brand new world. Hungry hawks bombard her siblings and she must somehow forge her way alone to food and safety. Her urge to belong is deep and she finds herself in dangerous situations with total strangers. Trusting others is the key to her survival but it can also be her downfall."
- The Wiggly Squiggly Princess by Alissa Dix (Maureen) Amazon link for Wiggly Squiggly Princess
- and last but not least - my own picture book Journey to Jazzland Jazzland website and Journey to Jazzland Amazon link
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 2/14/2014
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I am personally super stoked about this feature as I have been working tirelessly to get the idea of JAZZ back into the main stream and I think that my picture book "Journey to Jazzland" has been getting the idea of jazz into the minds of kids and this author Eric Bronson has wrote a novel about the "King of Rags" - Scott Joplin!
Here is his Guest Post about the book and about Jazz and Publishing!
Guest Blog - Eric Bronson
As the Titanic slowly sank just over 100 years ago, the band played on. One of the last numbers passengers heard before their death was Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band."
It's a perfect image for the Romantic Age: the ship that could not sink, pride, greed, glory, and in the end, a ragtime number. A dance macabre, as the philosophers call it, "the dance of death." It's tragic, yes, but beautiful too. All the more so when you know something of the story behind the song.
Music publishing has always been a tricky business. Nothing ever is entirely original, everything comes from something. Where did the legendary songwriter Irving Berlin get his idea for "Alexander's Ragtime Band"?
One story is that it came from Scott Joplin, the king of ragtime composers. Joplin was black, and that was also tricky business in the early 1900s. He had just composed a ragtime opera, "Treemonisha." The opera addressed serious themes about education, poverty, and racial injustice. No one would dare publish something so controversial. So Joplin, a Midwestern hero of the underworld, took it to New York City. He found Berlin and played for him his favorite piece, "A Real Slow Drag." Berlin wasn't overly impressed.
When Joplin later heard "Alexander's Ragtime Band," he heard his own music and was crushed. Berlin vehemently denied the charge. The music was his own. After all, Berlin owned the copyright.
Probably we'll never know the true story. Joplin was sick after all, he was known to be getting more and more paranoid about his music. What we're left with is a poor black musician accusing a respected, successful white composer of plunder.
Berlin wasn't overly put off by the accusation. His song was played in the first-class lounge of the Titanic, after all. And Joplin? He died soon after, poor, broken, buried in an unmarked grave in New York City.
If it were up to me, I'd have us give Joplin his share of the praise Berlin has so rightly deserved. I'm reminded of the Henri Cazalis poem the classical composer Camille Saint-Säens famously set to music. "The Dance Macabre," ends with a fitting message for Black History Month.
"Oh what a beautiful night for the poor world! Long live death and equality!"
_______________________________________________________________________________
February 2 - Introduction at VBT Café Blog
February 3 - Guest Blogging at Brooke Blogs (something related to Black History month!)
February 3 - Guest Blogging at 3 Partners In Shopping!
February 3 - Reviewed at Our Wolves Den
February 4 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
February 5 - Interviewed at The Hungry Freelancer
February 6 - Guest Blogging at deal sharing aunt
February 7 - Guest Blogging at Bookalicious Traveladdict (Joplin died young and Ragtime was said to have died with him. Do you think that Ragtime still had an influence on later musicians and singers like Sinatra etc.)
February 10 - 6 Besties at BK Walker Books
February 11 - Guest Blogging at J.P.'s Blog (Anything about music. Maybe how ragtime music inspires us today.)
February 12 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
February 13 - Spotlight at Bikers With Books
February 14 - Guest Blogging at Giazzworld (Guest blog topic - Jazz and publishing)
February 14 - Reviewed & Interviewed at The Author Chat Show with Lynda D. Brown (Waiting on time)
February 17 - Guest Blogging at Ghost Rider Book Promotions
February 18 - Guest Blogging at Black Coffee, Brown Cow (Sharing Your Love Of Music With Children)
February 19 - Interviewed at The Avid Reader
February 20 - Reviewed at AG Lang Writes
February 21 - Interviewed at Mythical Books
February 24 - Interviewed at Yah Did Radio 6:30pm EST (30 minute live interview)
February 25 - Spotlight at Black Lilac Kitty
February 26 - Reviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
February 27 - Reviewed at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
February 28 - Author Fun Facts & Favorite Recipe at Writing Innovations Ezine
February 3 - Guest Blogging at Brooke Blogs (something related to Black History month!)
February 3 - Guest Blogging at 3 Partners In Shopping!
February 3 - Reviewed at Our Wolves Den
February 4 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
February 5 - Interviewed at The Hungry Freelancer
February 6 - Guest Blogging at deal sharing aunt
February 7 - Guest Blogging at Bookalicious Traveladdict (Joplin died young and Ragtime was said to have died with him. Do you think that Ragtime still had an influence on later musicians and singers like Sinatra etc.)
February 10 - 6 Besties at BK Walker Books
February 11 - Guest Blogging at J.P.'s Blog (Anything about music. Maybe how ragtime music inspires us today.)
February 12 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
February 13 - Spotlight at Bikers With Books
February 14 - Guest Blogging at Giazzworld (Guest blog topic - Jazz and publishing)
February 14 - Reviewed & Interviewed at The Author Chat Show with Lynda D. Brown (Waiting on time)
February 17 - Guest Blogging at Ghost Rider Book Promotions
February 18 - Guest Blogging at Black Coffee, Brown Cow (Sharing Your Love Of Music With Children)
February 19 - Interviewed at The Avid Reader
February 20 - Reviewed at AG Lang Writes
February 21 - Interviewed at Mythical Books
February 24 - Interviewed at Yah Did Radio 6:30pm EST (30 minute live interview)
February 25 - Spotlight at Black Lilac Kitty
February 26 - Reviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
February 27 - Reviewed at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
February 28 - Author Fun Facts & Favorite Recipe at Writing Innovations Ezine
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I want to thank Eric Bronson for writing this post, I think it's extremely important to keep jazz alive!!!
Also, don't forget if you are a picture book author and have a blog to join us on the Picture Book Blog hop and the deadline to sign up for that is the 18th!!! Ping me if you want more details on that!
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 2/4/2014
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What is it about picture books that kids love? Oh so many things! We as parents really love that children just want to soak up with reading a good or even a great book with lessons or just for fun! My favorite children's picture book (if I had to choose just one) would be "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein The Giving Tree link on Amazon.
They love the colors, the sounds, the magic that a book can bring to a child is just amazing, and I am just lucky enough to be included now in that spectrum of children's picture book authors.
My picture book "Journey to Jazzland" Journey to Jazzland is doing rather well, and just received another 4 star review up on and is now available : Journey to Jazzland Amazon link, New England Peddler, Flying Turtle Publishing, Berklee Bookstore Boston, Hitching Post Gift Shop and a few other places!
I decided to start a Blog Hop in part due to John Kremer's fantastic blog post Should you join the sweet retweet blog hop and help other children's picture book authors (especially self published and smaller independent published children's picture book authors out).
Please make sure you also include this button: 
(To add the button please put this code in your HTML: http://bookmarketingbestsellers.com/should-you-join-the-sweet-retweet-valentine-blog-hop/" target="_blank">
" />
)
So here are the rules: 1) This is primarily for all children's picture book authors ONLY! NO Porn or Swear words will be allowed! All posts must be G to PG13 rated!!!
2) You must have your own blog to also post about the book(s) and authors that are also included. Please leave the link of your blog so we can follow the post(s).
3) You must be willing to share the post and TWEET the post to help promote not only your book but the others that are also included in the blog hop.
4) My twitter handle is @giazzpet https://twitter.com/giazzpet and my Facebook page for my picture book is http://www.facebook.com/journeytojazzland
5) We need the name of your book, age range that the book is for, and if possible your website or any other places folks can go and find your book online or in stores.
6) Deadline to sign up for this will be February 18th!!! The only unavailable date I have at the moment is February 14th as I am obligated to do a guest post for another author (NOT children's picture book related).
NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with Mr. Kremer and I do have the authority to delete you from the blog hop should you not want to follow the simple rules. I will also share and re-tweet posts as often as I can.
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By: Gia Volterra de Saulnier,
on 1/29/2014
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LITTLE BIRD PUBLISHING HOUSE
MEDIA PACK
TITLE: THE GLOW
AUTHOR: HELEN WHAPSHOTT
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 1st 2014
AUDIENCE: YOUNG ADULT
THEME: PARANORMAL – GHOSTS, WITCHCRAFT and FRIENDSHIP
SYNOPSIS: What would you do if you saw a ghost? Would you ignore it hoping it would fade away, or would you go up to it and see if it needed your help?
When Thirteen year old Megan Webb discovers she has been gifted with The Glow, so called because it gives off a light, like a candle in a dimly lit room attracting ghosts, spirits, and others who belong to the supernatural and paranormal world, she has to learn to come to terms with seeing the world in a whole new way.
And if this wasn't enough to deal with during the delicate years between childhood and adolescence, her parents makes the shocking decision to move her away from everything and everyone she knows to live in a creepy hotel inherited by a late aunt.
But it isn't just the hotel that is creepy, the whole town seems a little odd until she makes friends with a strange boy, a Witch, and a chain-smoking spirit guide who help her adjust. Life couldn't get any more complicated … could it?
AVAILABLE FORMATS: e-Book on http://www.Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com and Paperback available from http://www.Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. (It will be available for other retailers after October 2014)
REVIEW COPIES: We are delighted to offer free PDF review copies or paperback review copies under certain circumstances [email protected]
INTERVIEWS and BLOG APPEARANCES: Helen is delighted to participate in interviews, spotlights and giveaways. Please contact the author directly at Helen Whapshott [email protected].
BIOGRAPHY: Helen was born in Aldershot in the year of 1980. She survived the infant, junior and senior schools of Cove. Helen started her working life in a bakery before deciding catering wasn’t really for her that she wanted to work in the care industry.
After attending Farnborough College of Technology, where she did her diploma in nursery nursing she took on a variety of roles that included being a Nursery Nurse, a Special Needs Teaching assistant, a support worker for people with special need and a care assistant in a nursing home.
She’s worked as a Health Care Assistant at a local hospital for eight years and also works as a bank carer at a children’s hospice in surrey.
She has five wonderful nephews, a lovely niece, two very understanding parents and extremely patient brother and sister.
Helen has always loved stories, ever since her Mum used to read Hans Christian Anderson and Roald Dahl to her at bedtime. When she learnt to read by herself she couldn't get enough of books becoming a big fan of authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s, Sherlock Holmes stories, as well as Neil Gaiman and Ben Aaronovitch.
With a love of reading came a love of creative writing. She recalls how her first hit was, “How The Kangaroo Got It’s Hop, at infant school when I was six, but I missed out on seeing my classmate’s enjoyment because I was off several weeks with the mumps; when I got back the hype had died down. A disappointment I've never really gotten over! Being able to share my creations this time and is a dream come true.”
CONTACT:
Please contact either
Helen Whapshott at
or
Kitty Rackham at
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Since I've been a new author, I can't help but promote other new authors. This one is from UK and I hope that I've helped her in some small way. I wish Ms. Whapshott the best of luck here in the States even though her book is available in UK (which by the way, my picture book is also available on Amazon UK ;) - Gvds
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