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On the African savanna Elephants are gentle giants that have an incredible impact on the ecosystem. Once Upon an Elephant by Linda Stanek debuts this week, and the amazing facts about elephants are sure to make any child want to know more about how they can help this important animal.

Learn how this book came to life from the author Linda Stanek:

It’s funny how researching one thing can lead to something else. While working on a book for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium about their baby elephant, Beco, elephant expert Harry Peachey mentioned the words “keystone animal” to me. Keystone animal? I was embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know what that was. When he explained that these are animals so critical to maintaining their ecosystems that without them, other species would die, I was shocked. This was important stuff! How did I not know about it? If didn’t know about this, then who else didn’t know as well? And what an important concept to share those who would inherit this fragile Earth—our children.

That was the beginning of Once Upon an Elephant. What if, I thought, elephants were only “Once Upon a Time?” It was a heartbreaking thought. And if they did, indeed, become extinct, what else might become once upon a time as well?

After writing this manuscript, I shared it with my friend, Harry and got his thumbs-up. Then, I sent it to a handful of publishers. Within two weeks (which is quicker than lightning, in publishing-time) Arbordale made me an offer. And even more quickly, I accepted.

Two days later, I got an offer for Once Upon an Elephant from another publisher. “Drat!” my sister said. “You could have an auction!”

But I was satisfied. I knew that Arbordale produces beautiful books. And, I appreciate that they place their books not only in bookstores, but in museum, aquarium, and zoo gift shops as well—where interested readers are likely to be found. When they signed Shennen Bersani to illustrate it, I was even happier. She crafted the amazing images to make this book complete, allowing me to share with children the concept of the keystone animal, and my love of elephants.

Learn more! Teaching activities, quizzes and other printable activities are available on the book’s homepage, check it out!

Enter to win your own copy of Once Upon an Elephant on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Once Upon an Elephant

by Linda Stanek

Giveaway ends February 29, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Ah . . . April, the season of rejuvenation. It’s such a wonderful time of year for areas where it’s Spring. I have a sycamore tree right outside my house and it’s full of buds! Along with such a wonderful time of year, I have the pleasure of featuring author Brigitte Thompson.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Brigitte, she is the founder and President of Datamaster Accounting Services, LLC. She has been active in the field of accounting since 1986 and is a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the Vermont Tax Practitioners Association.

A prolific writer, Brigitte is the author of several business books, contributing author and freelance writer specializing in accounting topics.

Her business has been featured in best selling book by Paul & Sarah Edwards, The Entrepreneurial Parent, and in Mompreneurs Online by Patricia Cobe & Ellen Parlapiano.

In addition to having a thriving business and being a published author, Brigitte lives in, what sounds to me like an ideal spot, the Green Mountains of Vermont. She lives there with her husband and three children.

But, there's much more to this accomplished woman. Brigitte took her accounting know-how and wrote an invaluable book for writers, Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers.

Check out the synopsis for this must-have writer’s tool:

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers addresses issues writers face daily such as how to
deduct travel expenses, determine taxable writing income, and claim home office deductions.

Navigating through the recordkeeping required for a small business owner can be difficult. This
book is written exclusively for those of us who earn money by writing. It includes useful
information to help interpret the complexities of our federal tax code and proven techniques to
reduce taxable income.

Throughout the book we have included tips from both new and seasoned writers. In the Tips for
Success feature writers share the wisdom they have acquired over time. In the Writer’s Block
feature you will discover specific questions writers have submitted which, when answered, help
clarify points made about that topic.

You will also find that each part of this book works together to assist you in forming your overall
business plan. Each chapter steps through a comprehensive plan that works as a building block
towards a successful writing business.

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Now, as an author and freelance writer I know how many questions cross our minds as we earn a living, or even supplemental income, from writing. Well, Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers will answer all those questions.

But, don’t take my word, here are three amazing reviews:

A practical manual that covers far more than its title not just bookkeeping but many other
business aspects of running a freelance writing business in the U.S. I had to find all this out
from trial and error this book will give you a great head start.
    Shel Horowitz, author of Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers

Becoming a freelance writer is really exciting, and it can be easy to get caught up in getting
your business off the ground. But many creative types do their bookkeeping basics on the
fly, or not at all.

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers explains how to track your expenses, file for
taxes, and organize your business in an easy-to-understand way. More importantly, it helps
freelancers understand that keeping the financial aspect of their business organized is just
as critical to success as that first big article published in a national magazine.
    Amy Forsta