That's right. Vivian Zabel, author and publisher at 4RV Publishing will be visiting with us tomorrow, September 1st, and then again on Thursday, September 3rd.
We'll have great information and advice on writing and publishing, so be sure to stop by.
Also, don't forget to take part in VBT - Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-Away!
If you leave a comment on the mystery host's site, you'll WIN a great book or a one day guest spot on the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite.
The September tour schedule is in the August 24th post at VBT - Writers on the Move.
Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained! Stop on by.
Karen
Yesterday, I received a wonderful award from Lea Schizas at The Writing Jungle – the One Lovely Blog Award.
I have to say I was totally surprised and honored. I’m relatively new to the business of writing and promotion so being included among Donna McDine, Katie Hines, Nancy Famolari, and Carolyn Howard-Johnson is thrilling.
As Lea mentioned in her blog, “It’s truly touching when some acknowledges your work…” I feel the same way.
Now, as an awardee, I’m responsible to pay it forward. For those individuals I choose, just follow the instructions below.
The rules are simple:
1) Accept the award, and don’t forget to post a link back to the awarding person.
2) Pass the award on.
3) Notify the award winners.
Two people I would have immediately chosen for this award is Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson. These two ladies definitely inspire and motivate me. Lea always makes me laugh, and is always so helpful; I don’t know how she does all she does. And, Carolyn always goes above and beyond. In addition, they work tirelessly to put together the Muse Online Writers Conference and offer it for FREE! These are two women I certainly admire and trust.
Okay, now for my choices of the women who inspire and motivate me in some way:
Kathy Stemke: Kathy is someone I can say, I knew her when. I had the privilege of critiquing her mss. I knew she’d have no problem finding a publisher. Kathy is a talented writer and I’m happy to call her my friend. It’s great to watch Kathy become all she can be.
Helena Harper: I reviewed Helena’s book, Family and More – Enemies or Friends and greatly admire her writing. Helena is a wonderful writer and goes the extra mile. She reviewed my book and posted the review in numerous sites for me. I truly appreciate it.
Heather Paye: Heather is a new member to VBT – Writers on the Move and she is only 15. There is an expression that youth is wasted on the young; well, this isn’t true of Heather. She if the most enterprising, determined, and enthusiastic young person I’ve ever known. She jumped into our group with both feet and does a great job as a host and a participating member. I’m very impressed by Heather Paye and pleased to have her in our group.
Next, I award this to all the members of VBT – Writers on the Move. Each member is talented, and they each give of their time and put forth effort to promote the other members. Being part of a participating group that is ongoing takes commitment – these members definitely have what it takes. I’m honored to be part of this wonderful group and they each inspire and motivate me.
Karen
Author of Spider in Our Mailbox, Linda Asato is a member of VBT - Writers on the Move and it's my pleasure to host her today and again on Friday, the 3rd. Linda joined our merry band for the June tour so it's great learning all about her and her work.
We'll learn more about Linda on Friday. Today, let's find out about Spider in Out Mailbox. I love the cover!
Title: Spider in Our Mailbox
Author: Linda Asato
Illustrator: Ryan Shaw
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
Released: May 2009
ISBN 13: 978-0-9818685-5-4
Here is a review from Vivian Zabel of 4RV Publishing:
Children love stories about family, animals, and other creatures, especially when they can learn things at the same time. Linda Asato tells the tale of a little girl who checks the mail every day – allowing children to learn the days of the week, and sees a spider in the mailbox (number one). The second day, she sees two crows (number two). Each day the types and number of creatures changes, but the spider remains. Each day, the girl runs to tell her busy mother what she saw.
Lessons to learn are counting to seven and the days of the week, learned in a fun way.
Ryan Shaw brings Asato’s delightful story to life with his bright illustrations.
To learn more about Linda go to:
Linda's site: http://lindaswritingweb.yolasite.com
Publisher: http://4rvpublishingllc.com
Don't forget to stop back on Friday, the 3rd, to learn about Linda Asato, the author.
See you in blog world,
Karen
It's my pleasure to host Lori Z. Scott. Lori and I are members of the Facebook Red River Writers group. Lori is the author of the Meghan Rose series of children's books. In a wonderful interview, Lori gives us some insight into how she got started, writing tips, and her sources of inspiration.
Without any further delay, here we go:
How did you get started in writing?
My writing journey is somewhat atypical. I taught elementary school for nine years before retiring to raise my kids. During this hiatus from teaching, I got into writing. It started when I saw a flyer for an amateur science fiction/ fantasy writing contest. I entered and won second place. Encouraged by my success, I tried MOPS International story writing contest…and WON! After that, I tried most anything that caught my fancy—short story fiction contests, personal essays, poetry, and devotions. When I wrote my first children’s story for a contest, I discovered my true love. Plus, all my years of teaching gave me an edge in the children’s market. Many poems, puzzles, and short stories later, I penned my first full children’s chapter book, which eventually led me to a contract with Standard Publishing for the Meghan Rose series.
Where did Meghan Rose come from and how has her series impacted your writing?
This is a long story I have told many times. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher started reading the Junie B. Jones books in class. Since my daughter liked them, I picked up a few copies.
I enjoyed the humor in those books, but didn’t like the name calling, grammar slips, and bad attitudes. Then Meghan started acting and talking like Junie B., and I started looking elsewhere. I thought there had to something better—a book that was just as funny, but had a better role model. I simply SCOURED the Christian bookstores and talked to MANY store managers begging to find THAT BOOK. They carried Bible stories, devotional books, and picture books for that age group, but no chapter books.
At the time I did all this searching, I had already started publishing children’s stories, poems, and puzzles for magazines that I mentioned above. So when my daughter finally got fed up with my hunting and said, "Mom, you're a writer. If you can't find what you want, then YOU write it for me!!!!!!!!!" I did. I wrote the book I couldn’t find—a book just for her. I put in everything she wanted—an interesting story filled with giggles and characters worth rooting for—and everything I wanted—good moral values (but with nothing preachy about the story at all). (I hate preachy, I love amusing.)
I was preparing a VBS program to pitch at a writing conference when my bookstore conversations came back to mind. Almost on a whim, I wrote up a proposal for a whole series based on the book I wrote for my daughter. After all, I knew there had to be an untapped market because I WAS part of that untapped market.
How does your experience as a teacher help your writing?
One big advantage to being a teacher is that I’ve worked extensively with my target audience. I understand the challenges they face, the jokes they enjoy, the way they talk and act, and how they play. I believe that understanding gives my writing authenticity. I know the kids I’m writing for…and that better equips me to reach and entertain them.
The Meghan Rose series is geared for an age group that has shared a huge part of my life. I taught primary grades (K, 1, 2) for nine years before retiring to raise my own kids, and now I’m back in the classroom full time. I’ve also worked with kids this age on a volunteer basis as a leader for VBS, Sunday school, AWANAS, Pioneer Club, and Team Kids at church. In addition, I helped with an Outdoor Education camp, worked at a children’s museum, and ran an after school art club.
The teacher in me also enjoys extending my stories. That’s one reason why I included activities and discussion questions at the end of each book. I put even more ideas, games, and jokes on my web site, www.MeghanRoseSeries.com .
Please, tell us more about those extensions.
Those came about as a desire to bring the lessons home. I mean, how many times have you as a mother read a book and thought, “There’s a good lesson in here” but didn’t know how to draw your child into a discussion about it? That’s why I included questions for parents or teachers to use after they read the story, so they can capitalize on each book’s underlying message. And the activities are all for the kids. They love extending the story experience by creating their own volcanoes or whatever. I also put a ton of other ideas for parents and kids on my website under the BLAM (Brilliant Little Activities to Make) link.
So each book has an underlying message? Tell us about that.
I wanted the stories to do more than entertain. I wanted them to have takeaway value. Each book’s message is very subtle but still evident throughout the book. While Meghan Rose on Stage! talks about discovering your talents, it’s ultimately about friendship. Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants explores the idea of patience. Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret address inner beauty and kind words. But none of it is preachy. It’s heavy on the humor and very, VERY light on the lesson…yet neither quality is lost on the child.
As an author who has written for both adults and children, what can you tell us about the similarities and differences between writing for the two groups?
All good stories share certain elements. No matter what the target audience age, stories must have a compelling (or at least entertaining) plot with believable characters. In addition, writing must be tight, well-crafted, and engaging. Dialogue has to move the story forward. And humor almost always sells.
Also, the takeaway value of a story is important. I have seen both adult and children’s stories tackle complex topics, such as death. Writers may use different words, images, or viewpoints, but both help their readers empathize or cope with the issue.
One difference between writing for children and writing for adults is the complexity of the story. Simply stated, an adult novel can tackle a major plot and several subplots whereas a story for young children works best with one central focus.
Another area of difference can be found in writing technique. Children’s authors often employ tricks not often found in adult writing, including writing in rhyme (like Chicken Soup with Rice), using alliteration (as in A my Name is Alice), writing in patterns (as in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) writing a circle story (as in If you Give a Mouse a Cookie) and grouping events in sets of three (as in Goldilocks and the Three Bears).
In some sense children’s stories hold an edge over adult stories, for a well written children’s story transcends age. Many adults regularly read (and treasure) books geared for children. C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia is a prime example. In fact, I regularly choose to read YA novels over adult novels.
What resources have you used over the years to help hone your writing skills? What resources do you use now?
The best move I made as a new writer was to join a local writing group. That group not only gave me support and encouragement, it pointed me to potential markets, helped me critique my work, and kept me motivated. I also took a free online writing course, which proved helpful, and joined an online writing group.
Writing for magazines is great for honing skills. It forces you to write tight, meet deadlines, and (often) address a theme. I also enjoy short writing exercises. You can often find these challenges online for free. It’s a great way to wake up the muse...and fun! Sometimes these exercises will even lead to a publishable piece of writing.
Can you give us some insights into your childhood?
Sure. My favorite childhood activity (besides sports—I especially loved volleyball) was drawing. Though I never took formal art lessons, I devoured those “How to Draw” books. I still love to doodle. In fact, I can draw with both hands at the same time! (It’s a cool trick kids love.)
I grew up with three sisters. Our television only got two channels—maybe three on a good day—so we spent a lot of time playing together. They are still my favorite people, and I used the names of their children for characters in the Meghan Rose books.
My mom said I had an imaginary dog that sat on top of the refrigerator, although I don’t remember it. However, my own daughter has a roomful of imaginary friends, so it’s possible! My character Meghan Rose carries that same strong imagination with her.
In second grade, I colored the entire surface of my desk at school. My teacher didn’t appreciate my stunning artwork and made me clean all the desks in the room. That’s just the type of thing my character Meghan Rose might do…and the exact thing Mrs. Arnold (Meghan Rose’s teacher) would do.
In high school, I wrote “The Adventures of Super Cat” cartoon up and down the margins of my science notebook. Super Cat still inspires me…he turned up in my winning MOPS entry, in my first children’s short story publication, and in the Meghan Rose series. Maybe someday my illustrator, Stacy Curtis, will make Super Cat (and the villainous Poultry Gang) into a comic book series! Wouldn’t that be something?
As a kid, I was always making up lame jokes. In the Meghan Rose series, my character Ryan reflects that joking side of me. I also make up the jokes on my web site and explain to kids how they can make up their own jokes.
I love fun words! My dad used to recite “Jabberwocky” to us, as well as other crazy songs and rhymes. You see some of that word play reflected in the jump rope chants Meghan Rose makes up.
What suggestions would you give to a seven or eight year old who was interested in writing their own story?
Simply put, GO FOR IT!!
On a more practical note, here are some ideas to get you going:
First, THINK LIKE A WRITER. Writing is simply telling something. So lists, emails, poems, jokes, a report, a birthday card—these are all forms of writing. Some forms help us keep track of our thoughts. Others help us express our feelings, entertain, or learn new things. If you view writing as a valuable activity, you’re on the right track!
Second, COME UP WITH IDEAS to write about. The best ideas come from your own life. What is a regular day like for you? What foods do you like or dislike? What frightens you? These things can all serve as story starters. I would love to write a story sometime about all the different flavors of gum at a store, and what one flavor I would really like to try (chocolate)! Be funny too. Everyone loves to laugh.
Third, USE YOUR COMMON SENSES. You know…sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Including such details in a story makes a difference. For example, which do you find more interesting? “We ate cake” verses “We ate chocolate cake covered with creamy frosting and those brown sprinkles that crunch in your mouth (taste/sight/touch). Michael’s mom plopped a big scoop of soft vanilla-scented ice cream on top of my cake, so my first bite tasted icy cold and warm-crumbly all mixed together (smell/touch/taste).”
Fourth, HAVE FUN with it! My children and their cousins like making up stories during long car rides. Each kid has a notebook and pencil; each starts a story, writing about three sentences. When everyone is ready, each passes his story to the person on his right, who reads the story and then adds three new sentences. The process continues until someone writes THE END. Each story is then read out loud. The kids laugh A LOT at all their crazy creations. (You can actually tell when someone stopped their part of the tale and another started.)
Fifth, SHARE your writing. Half the fun of writing is sharing your thoughts with someone else. Read your story to a stuffed animal, your dog, the fish, your parents, the piano, an old shoe…whatever handy thing you can pin down long enough to hear your tale.
Which brings me to the final point…READ, READ, READ! The more you read, the better writer you are likely to be!
Where do you get the inspiration for the humorous parts of the books?
Most of that comes from my upbringing. My dad was always coming up with puns and jokes. He made them up on the spot, and they were hilarious! I can’t tell you how many hours we spent laughing around the dinner table. I think dad influenced all my sisters. Plus I grew up on a steady diet of comic books. Peanuts and Garfield were my favorites, and later Calvin and Hobbes. And we’d also watch comedy on television, especially The Carol Brunette Show.
That said, some of my inspiration just comes from everyday life. My kids crack me up. They both have a great sense of humor.
Where can readers learn more about you and the Meghan Rose books?
They can visit my website Meghan Rose Series. My award-winning illustrator, Stacy Curtis, designed it. It offers jokes, puzzles, and activities for kids and great ideas for teacher and parents (on Mrs. Arnold’s BLAM page). It also introduces the books and characters, provides links to book reviews, and gives ordering information. I posted a retold fairy tale reader’s theater that gives visitors a good feel for the style of humor found in the books at www.meghanroseseries.com/teachers_LittleRed.asp .
The books have been on the market for a year. How have they fared? And are there more on the way?
I think they’ve been well received. All four have consistently stayed on Amazon’s top 25 bestsellers for Standard Publishing. Plus I was recently invited to showcase them at the Christian Book Expo in Dallas, Texas. I got to be on stage opposite Michael Berenstain! (And all I can say about that is WOW. My books were in good company and I feel very humbled!)
As far as more books goes, I can’t tell you too much because they are not under contract yet! That’s up to God and the editors at Standard. But I will tell you this…I drafted the next three books in the series…and as much as I enjoy the first four books in the series, I like the next three even better! The characters’ personalities shine stronger than ever. Meghan’s friend Kayla is a complete side-stitching HOOT. I laugh even thinking about the punch lines she delivers. And I introduce a new character named Sophie, a perfect foil to all of Meghan’s clever plans.
Boy, you have your work cut out for you finishing up three more in the series. Thanks so much for visiting with us - it's been great!
Thank you, Karen, for letting me visit with you.
Go to Lori's site and be sure to check out the Meghan Rose series.
Stayed tuned, in a few days I'll post the May 1st touring schedule for VBT - Writers on the Move.
See you in blog world,
Karen
I’m back with Part 3 of How to Improve Your Website. I know this was suppose to be posted a week or so ago, but we’ve been implementing new and improved strategies at VBT – Writers on the Move and time just slipped away.
Since your ultimate goal is to sell your product or service I’ll start with the Call to Action. Every page of your website should have a call to action with ‘buy now’ buttons. And, when it comes to ‘buy now’ buttons, classy beats flashy every time. These buttons should be at the top and left of your pages since readers usually start reading there. Remember, you don’t have to hit your readers over the head; you need to draw them in by providing valuable information, something they need or want. You can also draw in readers by providing freebees, possibly an ebook. And, don’t forget, good action colors are red, orange and yellow.
Another aspect of your site is imagery. I know in the first post of this series I mentioned the importance of creating a desired affect, well the use of 3D imagery should be included. In the myriad of research and studies that are done, it’s been determined that a 3D image is more effective for selling than flat imagery. To see if there was any validity to this determination, I did my own test. I have been promoting my book with a flat image, but after learning about this new information I took a picture of my book with it standing up and open. Well, this new data is correct; the 3D image is much more appealing than the flat image. So, when able use 3D imagery.
Now that you’ve improved your site, how do you bring traffic to it? One marketing strategy is viral marketing. Viral marketing is an internet term taken from the old ‘word of mouth’ strategy. With the computer age, the ‘word of mouth’ term needed to take on a global quality and be more descriptive of the results it can afford, thus viral marketing.
So, how does viral marketing work. This is very simple: I have a product or offer a service that others need or want. I write informative articles on the topic and offer freebees – this peaks my readers’ interest. They think it’s worthwhile and tell their friends via the internet. Their friends tell their friends and so on and so forth. Allowing reprint permission on my articles and including an Email a Friend button on my posts this information can spread like wild fire! With the click of a button my articles can travel the world. This is what makes viral marketing so effective.
An excellent example of viral marketing in action is Penny Sansevieri’s articles. I’m a huge fan of Penny’s marketing articles. She is the creator of Author Marketing Experts. When I read one of Penny’s articles I usually find it so informative I want to pass it on to the readers on my sites. This is viral marketing. By allowing reprint permission Penny not only reaches me, she reaches my readers and their readers (if they chose to reprint it also). This ultimately leads visitors seeking the kind of information Penny is providing back to her site. So, she’s not just getting visitors, she’s getting visitors who are interested in her products and services.
This type of viral marketing is just one of many. Other forms of viral marketing can be video clips, flash games, ebooks and so on. The amount of marketing information available seems to be unending. The time needed to read it all seems to be unending also. I’ll periodically provide posts sorting some of this information out.
Se1e you in blog world,
Karen Cioffi
Thank you Karen for honoring me with this award. You were one of the first people I met on my writing journey. It was your encouragement that gave me the courage to persue my dreams.
Karen, you have had a positive effect in many many lives!! You truly have a servant's heart. That's why I'm confident that you will be very successful in your writing career.
Your friend,
Kathy
Karen, thank you so much for thinking of me for this award. You are a very inspirational person and I've been blessed to meet you. I've linked back to this post from my own blog as I've now passed this award on to others.
All the best
Helena
Kathy and Helena,
Thanks so much for the kind words. It was certainly my pleasure to give you this award!
Karen