new posts in all blogs
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: #IWSG, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 16 of 16
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: #IWSG in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
It's the first Wednesday of the month and I'm delighted to announce the awesome #IWSG co-hosts for February 2016...
Allison GammonsTamara NarayanEva E. SolarRachel PattisonAnn V. Friend!
This month I'm focusing on....
Definition: noun
1.the quality of being authentic; genuineness. To live one's life with authenticity is to be true to one's self and to let your talents bloom. Don't compare yourself to others, for that will certainly stall you in your quest for success. Can we live a life with authenticity beyond the scope of our professional talents? Of course we can. It's important to strive to live a life of pure genuineness in all that we do. From the simplest most mundane tasks to the more complicated tasks in our lives, if we strive for authenticity it will put a spring in our step and our hearts desire will soar.
Here's to your authenticity!!
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Kicking off and getting back into the groove of blogging is the monthly post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group - #IWSG.
A great big round of applause for our co-hosts....
L.G. KeltnerDenise CoveySheri LarsenJ.Q. RoseChemist KenMichelle Wallace
and don't forget to visit the #IWSG participants through their links at....
and be sure to check out the announcement of the anthology winners!
What better way to celebrate #IWSG then with a word of encouragement...
A simple act of giving a few words of encouragement go a long way. When you share your positive words of someone's accomplishments or struggles, watch them stand a wee bit taller when you offer your encouragement.
Something as simple as saying...
"good job"
"I'm here for you"
"I like how you are developing this scene, may I offer a suggestion"
will often change a person's self-doubt to a positive. Try it, today and everyday and brighten someone's day!
Thanks for visiting and commenting. You have certainly brightened my day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Welcome to the last installment of 2015 for the Insecure Writer's Support Group - #IWSG.
A great big shout out to t
he awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG will be Sandra Hoover, Mark Koopmans, Doreen McGettigan, Megan Morgan, and Melodie Campbell!
Don't forget to visit fellow #IWSG at...
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html This month (or should I say every month) I'm dealing with my insecurity of holding a book launch signing event. I'm taking baby steps in overcoming my fear of envisioning an empty room with crickets chirping with little old me standing in the front of the room. I feel like a shrinking violet with my heart practically pounding out of my chest and sweat pouring down my back. I'm mentally begging for someone to show up besides my husband and daughters. Please Lord don't let me wither away!
Now it's time to strap on my big girl boots and get over myself. I've placed my initial outreach to four different locales for a book launch signing event to occur. I'm patiently or should I say impatiently waiting to hear back. Even though my latest children's picture book,
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters is due for release this month, I'm forecasting an event for January 2016 after the hubbub of the Christmas season. I'll keep you posted!
A bit about #IWSG...
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officiallyInsecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Another month has flown by and it's time for the writer's in the Insecure Writer's Support Group to post about our insecurities.
In the words of our fearless leader, Alex Cavanaugh...
When posting for IWSG day, remember to stay on topic – either post about your insecurities, struggles, or challenges or post something of encouragement for other writers. Most important – be sure to visit other IWSG members! This day is about coming together for support and encouragement.
The co-hosts for November are:
We need co-hosts for December 2 and January 6! If you can co-host, please let me know.
Please visit fellow #IWSG members today!
Thanks and let’s rock it on November 4!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, I'd like to chat offering words of encouragement. I know I have allowed myself one too many times to second guess my path of writing when I don't get a good old, "way to go!" from someone that is riding the roller coaster ride of writing and publishing.
A simple act of giving a few words of encouragement go a long way. When you share your positive words of someone's accomplishments or struggles, watch them stand a wee bit taller when you offer your encouragement.
Something as simple as saying...
"good job"
"I'm here for you"
"I like how you are developing this scene, may I offer a suggestion"
will often change a person's self-doubt to a positive. Try it, today and everyday and brighten someone's day!
Thanks for visiting and commenting. You have certainly brightened my day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Pre-Order Today
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
1.the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face
difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear;bravery.
Becoming an author takes an immense amount of courage. It's one thing to write our stories, it's a whole other thing to share our writing with our critique groups and eventually to an editor, agent or publisher.
To me it's like releasing my children to school for the first time. It's heart wrenching watching our children go off on their own for the first time. Our writing is much like our "babies" being released into the world. Self doubt often creeps in, but don't let it wash away your courage.
For without courage, your words will never be published.
Wishing you much courage and success on the roller coaster ride of publishing!
Don't go yet... Take a gander at the new book trailer for my latest children's book...
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
Coming December 2015!!
Wishing you a grand day!
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Wow! It's September 2nd! Where the heck did the summer go? Welcome to another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group...
The awesome co-hosts for the the September 2 posting of the IWSG will be Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover, Christine Rains, and Heather Gardner! Please take a gander at each of their wonderful blogs and show your support by leaving comments and of course the other participants links can be viewed at www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html.
This month I'd like to chat about nurturing yourself. With all the pressures of work, home, family, friends, etc., do you take the time out to nurture your body and soul?
For the longest time I would put my needs last (like so many) and would take care of everyone else. And where did that get me! Absolutely nowhere, except absolutely exhausted, both mentally and physically. And when this happens I feel like a frazzled Bugs Bunny!Over the course of the last several years, I'm proud to say I don't say "yes" to every request or need so fast. I typically count to ten silently and ponder quickly if saying "yes" would be in my best interest. I've become more of a 50/50 to others needs. Not that I don't love my "circle" ~ I feel it's important to see them fly on their own.
Make sure your priority is healthy eating, exercise and plenty of sleep. This way you nurture what inspires you... the choices are endless... writing, art, knitting, photography, etc. You name it the sky is the limit.
Like my Nana would always say, "happy mama and daddy, happy family!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
I can hardly believe it's August 5th and it's our 26th wedding anniversary! The roller-coaster of life has certainly kept things interesting all these years and I wouldn't want to be on this ride with anyone else but my hubby, Tom. Love you sweetie!
Now onto #IWSG!
The awesome co-hosts for the the August 5 posting of the IWSG will be Nancy Gideon, Bob R Milne, Doreen McGettigan, Chrys Fey, Bish Denham, and Pat Garcia!
My writing has taken the backseat for quite some time now, but thankfully my fifth children's book is due to be released December 2015 and I'm working on the marketing plan as we speak. But as for writing anything new, it's been nothing, nada, zip! I'm not going to beat myself up about it, but rather take care of myself both physically and mentally to help re-spark my writing bug!
I hope you are all doing well and inspiration continues to flourish through you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 7/1/2015
Blog:
Write What Inspires You
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Donna McDine,
AJ,
Insecure Writer's Support Group,
Charity Bradford,
#IWSG,
Allison Gammons,
S.A. Larsen,
squamous cell skin carcinoma,
Tamara Narayan,
Tanya Miranda,
Add a tag
I'm delighted to back with celebrating the Insecure Writer's Support Group the first of the month after several months of hiatus.
Applause all around for the awesome co-hosts for the the July 1 posting of the IWSG will be Charity Bradford, S.A. Larsen, AJ, Tamara Narayan, Allison Gammons, and Tanya Miranda!
I wish I could say my hiatus was for something fun like traveling the world and hitting lottery.... alas it was not to be.
Much to our shock the doctor's discovered that my husband developed squamous cell skin carcinoma on his eyeball, inside his lower eyelid and eye socket. After three surgeries and plenty of down time, my husband is now back to work after a little more than two months of recovery time. Thankfully the brilliant surgeons were able to save his eyeball and with extensive reconstructive surgery he is just dealing with a lazy eyelid and a bit of blurry vision this time. I urge you all the protect yourself and your loved one's from the harmful sun. I'm not saying not to enjoy the great outdoors, but be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats!
Now, how do I get back into the groove of my writing and book promotion? I feel like I've lost a tremendous amount of progress in both categories. I've been taking the time over the last few days to get myself reorganized and plan on getting my July newsletter out before the July 4th holiday.
Does anyone have any suggestions in not loosing one's mojo when dealing with a family crisis without exhausting one's self? I blogged a couple of times and actually released my June newsletter, but otherwise I took the easy way out and put my writing and book promotion on the back burner. My day job was and still is a fantastic support during my husband's health crisis and I'm eternally grateful for The Salvation Army, where I began work in January of this year.
Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading! Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award First Place Historical Fiction and Story Monster Approved 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6 & Older and New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 4/1/2015
Blog:
Write What Inspires You
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Rachna Chhabria,
Tonja Drecker,
#AtoZChallenge,
#IWSG,
Alex J Cavanaugh,
Fundy Blue,
Suzanne Furness,
Toi Thomas,
Authenticity,
Donna McDine,
Donna Hole,
Add a tag
Today is a double feature! To kick off the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge we are featuring the letter "A"
and I'd like to focus on Authenticity.
Definition: noun1.the quality of being authentic; genuineness. To live one's life with authenticity is to be true to one's self and to let your talents bloom. Don't compare yourself to others, for that will certainly stall you in your quest for success. Can we live a life with authenticity beyond the scope of our professional talents? Of course we can. It's important to strive to live a life of pure genuineness in all that we do. From the simplest most mundane tasks to the more complicated tasks in our lives, if we strive for authenticity it will put a spring in our step and our hearts desire will soar.
Here's to your authenticity!!
Now on to #IWSG. It's the first Wednesday of the month and I'm delighted to announce the awesome co-hosts for April...
Suzanne Furness, Tonja Drecker, Toi Thomas, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, and Donna Hole This month I'm continuing to break out of my shell of isolation and I'm engaging more with visitors to my blog and visiting blogs and commenting. I've been making more connections and it's it an honor to meet so many new people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
I invite you to cruise on over to #IWSG and visit with me today as I chat about... "Book Festivals: A Must Have for Your Book Marketing Toolbox" at...
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2015/03/book-festivals-must-have-for-your-book.htmlThanks for your interest, I look forward to chatting with you, once I return from work!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 3/4/2015
Blog:
Write What Inspires You
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
book drive,
Donna McDine,
children's book drive,
Insecure Writer's Support Group,
#IWSG,
Alex J Cavanaugh,
Chemist Ken,
Shannon Lawrence,
Suzanne Sapseed,
Add a tag
It's time to celebrate, it's already March 4th and you know what that means... Spring is on it's way! Yippee!
To celebrate even further, it's the first Wednesday of the month and it's #IWSG day!!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSGThe awesome co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the IWSG will be Chemist Ken, Suzanne Sapseed, and Shannon Lawrence!
For my post this month, I'm not chatting about my writing insecurities, I'm chatting about a cause near and dear to my heart...
Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book.
This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.
I invite those interested in donating to contact me directly at [email protected].
In my opinion, "the bare essence of learning to read opens up the world of exploration to a child. Across the curriculum it is imperative children grow in their reading capability so success in their classes can be had. Without the fundamentals it is very difficult to progress successfully."
"I believe in ‘paying it forward.' That one book donation may be all it takes to make a difference in a child’s life. By encouraging the love of reading in our young muses their look of wonder as they bubble with excitement on their next reading journey swells my heart."
I urge you to join me in my quest to ignite curiosity in children through reading by donating to the Rockland County Department of Social Services book drive.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you!
P.S. I will comment back to visitors and visit with fellow #IWSG members once I return from work today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Wow! It's February 4th already! I've been participating in #IWSG for several months now and the support has been amazing. Thank you!
The awesome co-hosts for the February 4 posting of the IWSG will be Gwen Gardner, Dolorah, Sarah Foster, and M. Pax!
I'm going off topic from writing this time around and I'm focusing on fundraising efforts for childhood cancer. Please read the story below of Mickey Reeves from my community who is now battling his way through cancer for the second time.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
Team Mickey
Helping to Hold The Hand of A Child Fundraiser
Any child can have cancer. Nothing you do or say, not even love, can stop it. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, financial status, or the age of a child.
It was 2008, when Mickey was 10, he began exhibiting concerning symptoms and in January of 2009, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. He would endure radiation and chemotherapy and more surgery to stop a massive GI bleed. He would lose the entire use of his left side and learn how to walk again. He would receive blood and platelet transfusions as a side effect of the chemotherapy. He would endure intensive rehabilitation.
Eventually over time, he fell back into the normal swing of things. After home tutoring, he returned back to school in the 8th grade and in true Mickey fashion continuously made honor roll. His strength and determination has been incredible. Mickey is now a junior at Tappan Zee High School. Last year he and his family learned there was a new growth and they have been managing his healthcare and again we stand united to support him in his courageous battle against brain cancer.
Can you help us out? If you are a business please make a generous donation of food, gift certificates or services. If you are a family or individual please make a generous donation of money or buy some raffles for some spectacular prizes.
On Sunday March 8, 2015, 2pm, we, the friends of Mickey Reeves, will hold a fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus in Blauvelt, New York. The event will feature an afternoon of live music, with a couple of talented bands, Dead Mile Dance and Sum of The Others. There will be many opportunities to win amazing raffles and prizes. Food, beer, wine and sodas will be served.
We have reunited again to continue our journey and we need your support. No man, woman, or family is an island, we live in a community where people pitch in to help when things get rough.
Prayer is powerful and your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
If you are not local and would like to contribute please visit...
http://www.gofundme.com/teammickey ~ No sum is too small!
Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Welcome 2015 and to the first 2015
post of the Insecure Writer's Support Group!
I have always been a planner by nature and I've come to discover I'm allowing myself to be stuck in the planning and not forging forward with my writing. I'm working hard at breaking this "old and bad habit" by staying true to my dreams and focusing on my writing before email, book promotion and social media networking, etc.
How about you, what are you doing daily to achieve your writing dreams?
Wishing you an inspirational and productive 2015!
Interested in staying up to date of my writing world and special offers, join 506 parents, teachers, and publishing colleagues and receive two FREE e-Books... "The Story Behind the Book" and "Marketing Tips e-Book"...
iContact Email Marketing You Can Trust ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading! Connect with Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 12/4/2014
Blog:
Write What Inspires You
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Donna McDine,
L Diane Wolfe,
Joylene Nowell Butler,
#IWSG,
Alex J Cavanaugh,
Guide to Publishing and Beyond,
J L Campbell,
Lynda R Young,
Michelle Wallace,
Susan Gourley/Kelley,
Add a tag
I'm doing the Snoopy Dance again
in celebration of being part of the prestigious publication...
Insecure Writer's Support Group
Guide to Publishing and Beyond
Now Available!!!
And it's FREE!!!
Synopsis:
Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don'ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.
Download links:
Kobo
Smashwords
Goodreads
Be a part of the IWSG:
Website – Facebook Group – Facebook Critique Circle Group
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
The awesome co-hosts for the December 3 posting of the IWSG will be T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!
"To Blog or Not to Blog...Is Anyone Reading?"
by Donna McDine
With another year coming to a rapid end and reflecting on 2014 and that I've been blogging since 2007, it's mind-boggling to me seven years have flown by since my first blog post and three months since I've joined #IWSG. Yikes, where has the time gone!
From early on in my writing career I have read about the importance of building one's platform through various methods with blogging being an essential part of those efforts. The central focus of my blog is the children's publishing world, whether it be about my journey or that of my colleagues.
Overall, I am Snoopy dance pleased with my traffic stats...averaging 475-625
visitors per day, but I'm always disappointed on the lack of comments.
I am in awe of fellow bloggers who achieve high comment numbers and often wonder how they do it.
I know one of the key parts is commenting on other blogs, which I need to get back into the groove of doing. As of late, I've been focusing more on my W-I-P than surfing blogs and commenting. It's definitely a balance I'm striving for, but without finishing my W-I-P what's the point of blogging in the first place?
If you visited and read this far, I'd like your advice on how to engage and promote one's blog.
Be sure to leave your blog URL so I can visit and comment at your blog.
Thanks a bunch for visiting and hopefully commenting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author Ignite curiosity in your child through reading! Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
For the past year or so it has been my quest to get out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I took baby steps at first, one to never where dresses (except for special events and when I worked in corporate America, which feels like a hundred years ago) I started wearing sundresses on vacations and then it expanded to wearing sundresses for no special reason. For those that know me, I have always been a jeans and capri girl, so yep I've stepped a wee bit out of my comfort zone. Then on vacation in the Dominican Republic I went zip lining. It was exhilarating to say the least.
With my blood pumping and the desire to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I focused professionally and jumped into researching book fairs and teacher conferences and applied for participating to several area events. Recently I participated in the Collingswood Book Festival and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza. Both events targeted a different audience and to compare the two, would be liking comparing apples to oranges. The Collingswood Book Festival focused on families in attendance and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza focused on teachers.
Connections were made at both… At the Collingswood Book Festival I had the opportunity to meet several authors I have never met before and we have made a delightful connection which we continue to expand on. Great big waves to (in no particular order)… Christina Paul, Brad Hecht, Lynmarie McCullough, Louis Romano, Mark C. Collins, Scott Alboum, Karen Scheuer and Dianne Salerni.
At the 19th Annual Literacy Extravaganza a special thank you goes out to Dr. Michael Shaw and Deborah Studnitzer for their coordination of this amazing literacy event focused on the common core standards and beyond… I met over 60 teachers and had the opportunity to engage with them at my book signing table. I'm honored to meet each and every one of you! A special shout out to Jennifer Rankin of Barefoot Books, I look forward to staying in touch for the grand opening of your new store in Pearl River, NY and Marcy Schickler of PS 307, whom I met in 2010 at the very same literacy conference. Lovely to see you again, Marcy!
Wishing you an inspirational day and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
Don't forget to check out my announcement RE: purchase one of my books and enter at a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 6...
http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/2014/11/enter-at-chance-to-win-fire-hd-6-table.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist 
