What is JacketFlap

  • JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans.
    Join now (it's free).

Sort Blog Posts

Sort Posts by:

  • in
    from   

Suggest a Blog

Enter a Blog's Feed URL below and click Submit:

Most Commented Posts

In the past 7 days

Recent Comments

Recently Viewed

JacketFlap Sponsors

Spread the word about books.
Put this Widget on your blog!
  • Powered by JacketFlap.com

Are you a book Publisher?
Learn about Widgets now!

Advertise on JacketFlap

MyJacketFlap Blogs

  • Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.

Blog Posts by Tag

In the past 7 days

Blog Posts by Date

Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
new posts in all blogs
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: breakfast, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 13 of 13
1. F is for Frankie's Perfect Home by Beverly Stowe McClure - A to Z 2015 Challenge



Title:                           Frankie’s Perfect Home
Written by:                 Beverly Stowe McClure
Illustrated by:             Alexander Morris
Soft cover:                   15 pages
Ages:                           4-8
Publisher:                    Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Print ISBN 13:            978-1-61633-162-7
eBook ISBN 13:          978-1-61633-163-4
Published:                   June 2011
Print Price:                  $9.95
eBook Price:                $5.00

Frankie Armadillo has had enough of his cramped living quarters and sneaks off into the night. Determined to find the perfect home he treks from place to place. Starting out in a hole beneath a house, to tunnels beneath trees, to deserted barns, and more; no place meets his expectations. Scared, hungry, and cold Frankie Armadillo continues his quest for what he believes will be the perfect home.

Will Frankie realize that “there is no place like home?” or will he find a place to call his own?

“Frankie rested for a minute. “I can’t give up now, I need a place to sleep.” So he lifted his chin, slipped out of the log, and stepped into the softest soil that squeezed right through his toes.”

Journey along with Frankie Armadillo on an adventure like non-other and discover what Frankie comes across and learns what he knew all along.

Beverly Stowe McClure brings to life the world of Frankie Armadillo in a delightful imaginary way that the reader almost forgets Frankie is not human. Frankie’s Perfect Home is sure to be a wonderful addition to your home or school library for the youngest of children.

Learn more about Beverly Stowe McClure’s versatile career at  
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with
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

0 Comments on F is for Frankie's Perfect Home by Beverly Stowe McClure - A to Z 2015 Challenge as of 4/7/2015 7:04:00 AM
Add a Comment
2. Middle Grade Contemporary - Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure

I first met Beverly when I embarked on my writing career in 2007 and we have remained connected ever since. Not only do I enjoy Beverly's style of storytelling I have enjoyed and continue enjoy our personal connection. It is my hope some day to meet in person. For now I will have to rely on cyberspace and email exchanges to stay connected. 

Congratulations Beverly on your latest MG novel! Without further ado, I'm proud to share the book and bio information for Star of the Team and Beverly Stowe….

Applause, applause…



STAR OF THE TEAM
MG contemporary

Blurb:

A girl.
A dream.
An accident.
A dream shattered.

Eleven-year-old Kate Taylor dreams of being the star of her basketball team, Angels. When Kate’s tooth is knocked out at one of the games and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can’t play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate’s dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she’s the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.

Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate’s plans?

Links:

Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/18r6ox4

Bev’s Bio:

Most of the time, you’ll find Beverly in front of her computer, writing the stories little voices whisper in her ear. When she’s not writing, she takes long walks and snaps pictures of clouds, wild flowers, birds and deer. To some of her friends, she is affectionately known as the “Bug Lady” because she rescues butterflies, moths, walking sticks, and praying mantis from her cats.

For twenty-two years Beverly taught children in grades two through five how to read and write. They taught her patience. Now, she teaches a women’s Sunday school class at her church. To relax she plays the piano. Her cats don’t appreciate good music and run and hide when she tickles the ivories.

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->

Bev, it's a pleasure hosting you today! Doing the Snoopy dance in celebrating your latest accomplishment!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author


Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with
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 Farvorite 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

0 Comments on Middle Grade Contemporary - Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
3. Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure

teamA girl.

A dream.

An accident.

A dream shattered.

Eleven-year-old Kate Taylor dreams of being the star of her basketball team, Angels. When Kate’s tooth is knocked out at one of the games and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can’t play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate’s dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she’s the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.

Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate’s plans?

PURCHASE AT:

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/k5y1mky

 

Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/18r6ox4bev

Most of the time, you’ll find Beverly in front of her computer, writing the stories little voices whisper in her ear. When she’s not writing, she takes long walks and snaps pictures of clouds, wild flowers, birds and deer. To some of her friends, she is affectionately known as the “Bug Lady” because she rescues butterflies, moths, walking sticks, and praying mantis from her cats.

For twenty-two years Beverly taught children in grades two through five how to read and write. They taught her patience. Now, she teaches a women’s Sunday school class at her church. To relax she plays the piano. Her cats don’t appreciate good music and run and hide when she tickles the ivories. 

http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com


2 Comments on Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure, last added: 10/20/2014
Display Comments Add a Comment
4. A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat by Beverly Stowe McClure

pirate-blockade-runner-cat-200x300A perfect, not too spooky, ghost adventure that kids will enjoy is the latest novel from award-winning author Beverly Stowe McClure.

Erik Burns is stuck in South Carolina with his mother and Aunt Molly after he finds a black lace bra in the glove compartment of his dad’s car. Whoops! Kept away from all his friends and the sport he loved to play in Texas, Erik is willing to do whatever it takes to get back home.

When Starry and Stormy Knight, a set of weird twins that live down the block, try to convince Erik that people have seen a light radiating from the deactivated lighthouse and a ghostly pirate ship prowling the harbor, he wants nothing to do with it. But when he witnesses these occurrences, he can’t deny the proof before him. That’s when he hatches a plan to help the ghosts rest in peace in exchange for a personalized haunting that will send his mother rushing back home to Texas so Erick can get his life back.

Beverly and I are in the same critique group, so I had the pleasure of watching this story unfold before it was published. Talented in the areas of contemporary and historical fiction, I am always amazed by how diverse her ideas are while staying true to her fan base. A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat should be another big winner for her. Why? Because in a nutshell, no matter what Beverly is writing, she knows what relates well to her readers.

In this story, Erik has been uprooted. Not only is he away from all his friends and baseball, he’s pretty ticked his dad hasn’t tried to contact him since the move. Those emotions work their way into the unfolding stories of Major Stede Bonnet, Blackbeard, and the ghost residing in the deactivated Morris Island Lighthouse. Not only that, Erik’s mom is trying to get him to befriend a couple of odd twins, when all he wants is to be reunited with his friends in Texas.

This paranormal middle grade/tween novel has a lot to offer. A great read any time of the year, it will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween.

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

File Size: 410 KB
Print Length: 265 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing (January 9, 2013)
ISBN 978-1-77127-219-3
Available in numerous digital formats. Visit the publisher’s website for more information.

 

I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

 

Pirate banner


7 Comments on A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat by Beverly Stowe McClure, last added: 10/30/2013
Display Comments Add a Comment
5. First Chapter Review: A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat by Beverly Stowe McClure

TC&TBC

Today starts the virtual book tour for Beverly Stowe McClure’s A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat. My first chapter review of this middle grade/tween paranormal is part of that tour. The author had sent me a copy of this book when it was first released.  It’s high time I read it.

pirate-blockade-runner-cat-200x300BLURB: Thirteen-year-old Erik Burks’ life is falling apart. When he discovers a lace bra in the glove compartment of his dad’s car, his mom leaves his father and drags Erik from being king of the hill in Texas to the bottom of the pits in South Carolina. No Dad, no baseball, no friends, just Starry Knight (a girl who reads minds) and her equally weird brother, Stormy, the twins that live down the block.

Just when Erik thinks life can’t get any worse, while hanging out at the beach one evening, he and the twins notice lights radiating from the lighthouse. The only problem is the lighthouse was deactivated years ago. Stranger still, a ship materializes in the moonlit harbor. Curious, the twins and a reluctant Erik investigate and discover the ghost of a blockade runner, a phantom cat, and a pirate who prowls Charleston Harbor, all searching for rest.

A former nonbeliever in the existence of ghosts, Erik cannot deny the proof before him. And he has a revelation: The ghosts may be the answer to his desire to return home. Erik soon makes a deal with the ghosts. He’ll help them find what they’re looking for so their spirits can rest in peace. In return, the ghosts will scare Erik’s mother so she’ll be on the next flight back to Texas. Star thinks his plan stinks, but Erik wants his life back, even at the cost of his mother’s sanity.

COVER: This publisher has a lot of great covers, but I have to admit this is one of my favorites. The color, the fonts, the images, they all work together nicely. Kudos to the cover artist.

FIRST CHAPTER: Erik is feeling sorry for himself. His mom has uprooted him and moved to South Carolina where he’s got no Dad, no baseball, and no friends. There are those two freaky twins, Stormy and Starry Knight, but Erik is not having a grand time. He’s kind of tired of hearing about the light coming from the lighthouse–which is not likely since the lighthouse was deactivated years ago. Then when what looks like a ship appears, he’s had enough.

KEEP READING: I had the privilege of seeing this story in the pre-published stage, so I have to admit I knew I would keep going. What McClure has always done well is capture the emotions of her characters. Here’s this thirteen-year-old boy with a great life and great friends in Texas, maybe even a girl to admire, and suddenly he’s pulled from all that and brought to South Carolina where all he has is a set of freaky twins to hang out with. His mom keeps telling him he’s going to love it, but Erik isn’t convinced. Change can be hard for children, especially a move away from friends, and McClure captures that so well with Erik.

The ending of this chapter hints at what is to come, even if Erik isn’t ready to buy into anything yet. This makes for a smooth transition into the next chapter, as Erik walks home and contemplates what Stormy and Starry are telling him about the lights and the ship. I’m definitely eager to continue. I don’t know what additional edits have been performed since I first read this book, but everything I’ve read from this author has been fantastic.Beverly Stowe McClure photojpg

Pages  240

ISBN  978-1-77127-219-3

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Beverly Stowe McClure, a former teacher, is now enjoying a second career: writing. She never planned to be a writer, but in the classroom she and her students did such fun activities in art and science that she decided to write about some of them. Luckily, a few magazines liked what she sent them, and her articles have appeared in Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Ladybug, Focus on the Family Clubhouse, Jr., and others. Nine of her stories have been published as books, the latest one a MG/Tween eBook: A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat. She also has two stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies.

Beverly enjoys discovering her ancestors in her genealogy research. She plays the piano. (Thank you, Mom, for making encouraging me to practice.) She takes long walks where she snaps pictures of wildlife and clouds, and of course she reads, usually two books at a time. She teaches a women’s Sunday school class. Watching baseball (Go Rangers) is another of her favorite activities. Retirement is fun.

You can learn more about Beverly Stowe McClure at http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com or follow her blog at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com.

 

Pirate banner


4 Comments on First Chapter Review: A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat by Beverly Stowe McClure, last added: 10/8/2013
Display Comments Add a Comment
6. Review of LISTEN TO THE GHOST, By Beverly Stowe McClure


Title: Listen to the Ghost

Written by: Beverly Stowe McClure

Soft cover: 159 pages

Ages: 12 & up

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

ISBN: 1-933353-51-1

Publication: 2003

Reviewed by Donna McDine

Jade Dalton is at the threshold of her eighteenth birthday and is to spend summer vacation at her grand-parents home in Charleston, South Carolina with her brother, David and her best girlfriend, Elaine. Strange occurrences happen to Jade, from musical sounds at night to pink mists.

"Out of the corner of her eye, Jade caught movement. Ha! I see you. She swung around. She blinked. She blinked again. She rubbed her eyes and stared in awe at a faint pink mist hovering over the fireplace mantel on the far wall."

Over time, events and auras are seen by all and a journey of past truths is the path Jade must take to put the spirit to rest. As the summer progresses it is revealed through the resident ghost, Phoebe, that the lives of Jade, Matt and her ex-boyfriend Kurt are intertwined with the past. To be able to fit all the pieces together, Jade is more determined then ever to solve the mystery and reunite past loves, so that all involved can continue on their path...whether it be in this life or the afterlife.

Beverly Stowe McClure places you in the midst of the action from the get go. And her expertise brings you along for Jade Dalton's mysterious journey with the feeling that you are there and you can't help but cheer the heroine on. Visit Beverly at: http://www.beverlystowemcclure.com.

Donna is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and is a member of the SCBWI and The National Writing for Children Center. Using her children, extended family, and their friends as inspiration, she consistently studies the children's magazine markets for submittal of articles and short stories. Donna also continues to participate in children and young adult writing workshops and critique groups on an ongoing basis to sharpen her writing skills.

Visit her at: http://www.authorsden.com/donnamcdine or http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

1 Comments on Review of LISTEN TO THE GHOST, By Beverly Stowe McClure, last added: 1/28/2010
Display Comments Add a Comment
7. Rebel in Blue Jeans by Beverly McClure


rebelinbluejeans_cover1_webRebel in Blue Jeans is a YA contemporary/romance story written by my friend, Beverly Stowe McClure, author of several YA novels including Listen to the Ghost – also reviewed on this blog.

Rebel in Blue Jeans is the story of nearly seventeen-year-old Rebel and how she learns to cope with her mother’s seperation from her father. Rebel and her father stay on their Texas ranch while Rebel’s mother travels around the country with her new rock musician boyfriend. Naturally, Rebel is angry and confused.

Luckily for her, she has two of the best friends a girl could ever hope for in Will and Sully, Rebel’s companions throughout her childhood. A tad bit overprotective, they are kind, loving and generous in their relationships and are a refreshing view of young men.

Not surprisingly, Will has feelings for Rebel but she is not sure what it is she wants anymore. She ends up on a date with a guy both Will and Sully warn her about and in a tense and fairly frightening scene, the guy, without too much resistance, gets Rebel drunk at a party. He then takes her into a bathroom, removes her dress and nearly date rapes her. Rebel is able to fight him off and flee.

McClure is courageous in her attempts to present a realistic world view in her book. Rebel’s father drinks every night to cope with the loss of his wife. Teenagers drink at a party and Rebel succumbs to peer pressure. But then we meet the mother’s boyfriend’s rock band and the musicians refrain from substance use, not what Rebel had expected.  What I like about Rebel’s story is that she learns her lesson, quickly and cognizantly. That McClure recognizes how very difficult it is to be a teenager. Teenagers need to surround themselves with a good support system, such as Will and Sully, and they need to be open to understanding the issues the family faces. Rebel comes out a much better person in the end, having dealt with her parent’s marriage ending.

The author recommends this novel for ages 12 and up, but I would caution parents on this. My nearly eleven-year-old tried to read it and didn’t want to after the first several chapters. She said she wasn’t old enough yet, and she is very mature for her age. Her recommendation is for 14 and up. But you know your child best, and whether they could handle reading the party scene and the intensity of Rebel’s emotions in dealing with her mother’s abandonment.

When I was 12 I was reading adult fiction. There really wasn’t this whole category of Young Adult novels. As a teenager and under the circumstances I lived in, I would have gravitated toward McClure’s books and found in them support for what I faced.

Rebel in Blue Jeans  is fast-paced and full of adventure and romance. A quick and exciting read.

      

1 Comments on Rebel in Blue Jeans by Beverly McClure, last added: 2/4/2009
Display Comments Add a Comment
8. Secrets I Have Kept by Beverly Stowe McClure - A Review

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Secrets I have keptTitle: Secrets I Have Kept
Written by: Beverly Stowe McClure
Soft cover: 169 pages
Ages: 12 & up
Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
ISBN: 1-59088-487-6
Publication: January 2006

Jennifer Barret finds herself on the run after her father is kidnapped. Her trust in people she knows is tested to the limits with every step she takes in an attempt to uncover the reason for her father’s kidnapping. Along the way she discovers all is not as it appears. Does she go on instinct, or her unexpected connection with Casey, a young man she stumbles upon as she hides from the apparent kidnapper?

“Pausing, she glanced across the water and could just make out the figure of a young man sitting by the fire, playing a guitar and singing.”

What is the connection between her father’s scientific research, Dr. Morgan’s quest for the secret location of the flowers, and his changed appearance? Jennifer’s mind swirls with possibilities, until…

Your heart will surely pound in your chest with each suspenseful page you turn. Secrets I Have Kept will have you cheering for young love and all the possibilities it brings.

Find out more about Beverly Stowe McClure at beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com or rebelinbluejeans.wordpress.com.

***********
Donna McDine Learn more about McDine’s writing at www.donnamcdine.com and sign her guest book to receive a FREE ebook, Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews, compiled by Donna M. McDine.

, , ,

0 Comments on Secrets I Have Kept by Beverly Stowe McClure - A Review as of 1/1/1990
Add a Comment
9. On the Spotlight: Beverly Stowe McClure


In Beverly's own words...

"When I was in eighth grade, my teacher sent my poem “Stars” to the National High School Poetry Association, and I was soon a published author inYoung America Sings, an anthology of Texas high school poetry. Forty years later, I sent an article on fire safety to Happiness magazine, and it was published. In between, I went to high school, played clarinet in the band, was a majorette, and graduated. Then I got married to Jack and had three sons, David (an angel in heaven), Rex, and Scott. I attended college, graduated with a teaching certificate, and had a fourth son, Kelly. I taught children in elementary school for twenty-two years. Writing was the farthest thing from my mind.

"Before I knew it, my sons were grown and married. Now I have five granddaughters (one also an angel in heaven), two grandsons, two great-grandsons, and a great-granddaughter. (I married very young.)

We live in the country. Our house cat, Sugar, lets us feed her and clean up after her. Sometimes deer come to our pond to drink, and an occasional raccoon family pays a visit. A roadrunner sometimes looks in our door.Blue jays, cardinals, house finches, sparrows, field larks, red-winged blackbirds, woodpeckers, and other birds enjoy dining on the seeds I put out. Country life is great. We’re both retired, Jack from firefighting, me from teaching. We like to travel. I co-teach a women's Sunday school class. To relax, I play the piano, try to make flowers grow under the hot Texas sun with little water, and have discovered many interesting ancestors in my genealogy research.
And I write most every day.
God bless."

Check out some of Beverly's books!




Rebel in Blue Jeans
What's a girl to do when her mother runs away with the drummer in a rock band? Click here for more.










Listen to the Ghost
Jade Dalton is on a quest to discover the truth not only about her ghost but about herself, as well. The story takes place in Charleston, SC, where, according to legend many old houses have a resident ghost. Click here to read a synopsis and excerpt.






Caves, Canons, and Crinolines
The year is 1863. Vicksburg, Mississippi is under siege. This is the story of one girl and her family's day-to-day struggle to survive a changing way of life during the War Between the States.



Visit Beverly's website to learn more about her and her young adult books!

Check out her interview at Teensreadtoo or listen to her audio interview at BlogTalkRadio.

2 Comments on On the Spotlight: Beverly Stowe McClure, last added: 5/21/2008
Display Comments Add a Comment
10. An Interview with YA Author Beverly Stowe McClure


Beverly Stowe McClure is the author of the YA Paranormal Listen to the Ghost. It was published in 2003 by Twilight Times Books.

 listentotheghost.jpg

Listen to the Ghost is about a 17 year old girl, Jade, who is haunted by a young woman, Phoebe, in Jade’s grandparents’ Victorian home in Charleston, South Carolina. Four teenagers are staying in the house for the summer while the grandparents are gone. Jade is an artist and displays her work in the local art fair; she has brought her bestfriend Elaine along with her and Jade’s older brother is in charge.

Phoebe the ghost will be a restless wandering spirit for all eternity if Jade does not find the linking wedding rings lost on Phoebe’s wedding day. A day that ended in tragedy.

Jade is also recovering from a painful breakup, and McClure does a wonderful job of crafting a tender new love story as Jade falls for the fourth teenage house sitter, Matt, one of her older brother’s friends. To make the situation more complicated, the ex-boyfriend appears later in the story as an obsessed and dangerous stalker.

Listen to the Ghost is a fun romantic ghost story. The dialogue flows clear and natural and the characters all have depth to them. Jade is not only an artist but also an athlete. But I have to emphasize fun ghost story. If you are looking for scary or realistic in terms of common knowledge about how ghosts haunt and the experiences people have when haunted, you will be disappointed with the book. While there are elements of what is known to happen in a haunting — the cold sensation, footsteps, chime-like noises, the other elements are more comical than anything else – the ghost throws food, she appears as a pink cloud, she can take on human form and speak.

The story held me though because McClure does provide us with the interesting mystery of the linking rings and the marriage that never was because of the tragedy that unfolded. And while at times the characters speak and act as if they are significantly older, they are likable and interesting. I would do anything to have teenagers like these ones in my house; they clean up, get up early in the morning, and are amazingly responsible and level-headed. The ideal of what we all hope our teenagers would be when on their own. 

I recommend the book for younger teenagers or those looking for a clean, safe teen paranormal romance. There is a lack of technology in the characters’ lives, no cell phones, home computers, lap tops, etc but it retains a contemporary feel to it. And it is well-written and well paced.

Beverly Stowe McClure is from Texas. She was an elementary school teacher for 22 years and mother to four sons. She is a great-grandmother.

Other published works:

Caves, Cannons and Crinolines- a civil war YA historical fiction available in trade paperback in 2008

Secrets I Have Kept – YA adventure story, available as e book or paperback

Rebel in Blue Jeans- YA fiction available as an e book from Twilight Times

I am very lucky to have Beverly in one of my critque groups and she is kind enough to answer some questions for me: 

1) When did you start writing to get published?

I started writing around 1990 when I took a writing course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

2) You won “Conservation Teacher of the Year” in 1988?

In Texas we have districts for Soil and Water Conversation. Each year the state holds contests for students. Older students write essays, while the younger children make posters on some form of conservation. The best posters win ribbons. The districts also select a Conservation Teacher of the Year. In 1998, our Wichita S.W.C.D. chose me. I felt honored and still have my engraved plaque.

3) How would you suggest someone begin writing to get published?

I think this would be up to each individual. What works for one person might not work for another. But for most everyone, I believe you should learn as much about writing as possible. Read books about how to write young adult or picture books or whatever your preference is. Read books for enjoyment: fiction, nonfiction, books for all ages. Read more books. See what keeps you turning the pages? Then write what’s in your heart. Write your story. Have it critiqued. Make it the best you can.   

4) What advice would you give writers trying to break into magazines?

Read back issues of the magazines you’re interested in submitting to. Study their writers’ guidelines. Make sure your story or article is what they publish. Polish your short story. Make every word count because word limits are usually between 500 – 1000 words, maybe more or less, depending on the age of the readers of the magazine.

5) You said you’ve discovered many interesting ancestors in your genealogy research. Would you share with us about some of what you have found?

Well, a distant cousin I met in Tennessee informed me we were of royalty. (See my head swell.) She had traced our family back to King John, who signed the Magna Carta. Okay, that wasn’t so good since he was a very bad king. He tried to take the throne away from his brother, Richard 1 (Richard the Lionhearted), without success. But then Richard died, and John became the king. (My head shrunk a size.)

Then my cousin informed me we went back to Charlemagne. Now that was good, right? He was the first ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He’s well known in history. However, I discovered that probably half the world descended from Charlemagne, since he lived so many generations ago. (Head is back to normal size now.)

The best things I discovered in genealogy were old photos of my grandfather and great-grandmother and other family members.

6) How were you able to cope with the loss of your son (and a granddaughter)?

My faith in God is strong, and I know that someday I’ll see our son and granddaughter again. This doesn’t mean it was easy. We grieved. Every time I saw a baby, I was sad and wondered why. I still don’t know why; God does.

7) Why do you think you hated reading and writing as a child and how did that impact you as a teacher?

To this day, I’m not certain why I hated to read and write. Books were not a priority in our home, but my sister read, so I guess that’s no excuse. I did love to listen to “fairy tales” on the radio. Yes, this was before TV. I loved to play the piano, and I loved music and being a majorette in the band. Maybe I just didn’t have time for reading and writing.

My love for reading started when I read Dr. Seuss to my sons. Who could not love his stories? Then my students and I read Newbery winners. Wow! Such great writing. I wanted my students to enjoy reading instead of being like I was at their age—clueless to the excitement found in a good book. So we read together and discovered the joy of reading.

8) You say it took 12 years to really get something published, what do you think held your writing back from being published during that time? What was the key to changing that around?

In truth, my writing was bad at first. But I kept at it and improved until one day I sold an article. The key was never giving up and working hard.

Thanks, Beverly!!!

0 Comments on An Interview with YA Author Beverly Stowe McClure as of 1/1/1990
Add a Comment
11. Breakfast Patrol, in which I Am Not As Sneaky As I Thought

He didn't want the oatmeal, scrambled eggs, or other healthy items I offered.

"I want a donut," he said.

I put my hand on my hip. "Well, you can't have a donut for breakfast."

"Why not?" he asked. "You do."

Busted!

13 Comments on Breakfast Patrol, in which I Am Not As Sneaky As I Thought, last added: 10/3/2007
Display Comments Add a Comment
12. Inspiration: Breakfast with Marlenka // Inspiráció: Reggeli Marlenkával

In making art it is very important that you feel yourself great. This post is about this feeling great thing.
Az alkotáshoz az embernek jól kell éreznie magát az életben :), ez a bejegyzés egy ilyen jóérzés jellegû esetrôl szól.
Yesterday evening we got a suprise from one of our kind friends who has a nice café in Budapest. We started our day with this super delicious cake called Marlenka and some coffee. Thanks a lot Peter! :)
Tegnap este egy kis meglepetést kaptunk egyik kedves barátunktól, akinek nagyszerû kávézója van a városszívében (Kockás Báró).
Ma reggel a napunkat Marlenkával kezdtük, kiegészítve a szokásos kávéadaggal. Köszönjük szépen Péter! :)

0 Comments on Inspiration: Breakfast with Marlenka // Inspiráció: Reggeli Marlenkával as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
13. Sweet : young bear with toast & jam

Claire Louise Milne
web: www.clairelouisemilne.com

0 Comments on Sweet : young bear with toast & jam as of 7/9/2007 9:41:00 AM
Add a Comment