Often times I wonder where authors come up with their stories and my next several posts will be about where I come up with my ideas. Today, I'm profiling A Sandy Grave...
Beyond the enjoyment of a beach vacation I never gave much thought to marine life. Sure we’ve gone on the typical whale or dolphin watching tours and were always delighted to see these creatures come up out of the ocean. But I never truly paid attention to what some humans do to marine life, until the day I read a news article about a dead whale that washed up on shore of a California beach. What fascinated me about this article was the police needed to guard the whale, until the local marine biology institute could arrive to determine what the whale died from. The reasoning for guarding astounded me. Apparently, poachers would take the opportunity to steal the whale’s teeth to sell for artists to create scrimshaw on the teeth and then sell for a profit.
This particular article pumped up my creative writing juices and before I knew it, I was researching marine biology, Endangered Species Act, and the Mammal Protection Act. Then came the creation of the fictional storyline and characters. Once I knew how I wanted the characters to be instrumental in propelling the story along with my research, the two blended into a beach adventure with a learning aspect without preaching to the reader. Hence, A Sandy Grave was born. The title was created from points in the article and research.
Special offer...
Purchase one of my books and enter at a chance to win a... drum roll please..
Fire HD 6 Table - 6" HD Display, Wi-Fi, Front and Rear Cameras, 8 GB
Purchase via Write What Inspires You or at my website for autographed copies. Once purchased go to the Rafflecopter link below and enter receipt number, your name, email and title of book ordered. Contest ends midnight November 30th and winner will be announced and notified by December 2nd.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Interested in staying up to date of my writing world and special offers, join 502 parents, teachers, and publishing colleagues and receive my FREE Marketing Tips e-Book...
Thank you for visiting!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 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
<!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Linda F. Radke, Five Star Publications, Inc.
Phone: 480-940-8182
Royal Navy Press Gangs Children’s Book, Powder Monkey Earns Story Monster Approval
CHANDLER, AZ (August, 2014) – The judges of the Story Monster Approved program, which recognizes accomplished authors in the field of children's literature have spoken, and Powder Monkey by Donna M. McDine and illustrated by K.C. Snider has earned approval.
Author: Donna McDine
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616333843; 1616333847
Paperback ISBN: 9781616333850; 1616333853
eBook ISBN: 9781616333867; 1616333863
About Powder Monkey: Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his small size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.
About the Author: Donna McDine is a multi award-winning children's author. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Family Reading Partnership. Learn more about McDine’s writing career at www.donnamcdine.com and www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com. The colorful, kid-friendly Story Monster Approved seal attracts the attention of young readers much more than a sticker intended for adult scrutiny. Kids know when they see the Story Monster Approved patch it means children their own age enjoyed the book and are recommending they read it, too. How do they know that? Because after books pass the first round of rigorous judging – which is done by industry experts, the books are then judged by a panel of youth judges who must also endorse the books before they can receive the official seal of approval.
"Who better to judge children’s books than the children who read them?” explains Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., the same company that launched the Dragonfly Book Awards program, now in its fourth year. "Judging these books gives children a wonderful sense of importance and responsibility. Some of our judging coordinators have told us that students who usually don’t enjoy reading or have difficulty reading have gotten a much-needed boost due to their judging responsibilities and have requested to serve as judges again." Authors interested in having their books considered for Story Monster Approved designation should visit www.StoryMonsters.com and download an entry form. Books are divided into the following categories with distinctions made between fiction and nonfiction: Preschool to Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6.
###
Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved, 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 
I'm tickled pink to announce my whale poacher children's book, A Sandy Grave has achieved the Story Monster Approval award!!!
I'm doing the Snoopy Dance…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Linda F. Radke, Five Star Publications, Inc.
Phone: 480-940-8182
Whale Poacher Children’s Book, A Sandy Grave Earns Story Monster Approval
CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2014) – The judges of the Story Monster Approved program, which recognizes accomplished authors in the field of children's literature have spoken, and A Sandy Grave by Donna M. McDine and illustrated by Julie Hammond has earned approval.
Title: A Sandy Grave
Category: Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Donna M. McDine www.donnamcdine.com
Illustrator: Julie Hammond www.juliehammondart.com
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334543; 1616334541
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334550; 161633455X
eBook ISBN: 9781616334567; 1616334568
About A Sandy Grave: The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures to be had--especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?
About the Author: Donna McDine is a multiple award-winning children's author. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Family Reading Partnership. Learn more about McDine’s writing career at www.donnamcdine.comand www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com. The colorful, kid-friendly Story Monster Approved seal attracts the attention of young readers much more than a sticker intended for adult scrutiny. Kids know when they see the Story Monster Approved patch it means children their own age enjoyed the book and are recommending they read it, too. How do they know that? Because after books pass the first round of rigorous judging – which is done by industry experts, the books are then judged by a panel of youth judges who must also endorse the books before they can receive the official seal of approval.
"Who better to judge children’s books than the children who read them?” explains Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., the same company that launched the Dragonfly Book Awards program, now in its fourth year. "Judging these books gives children a wonderful sense of importance and responsibility. Some of our judging coordinators have told us that students who usually don’t enjoy reading or have difficulty reading have gotten a much-needed boost due to their judging responsibilities and have requested to serve as judges again." Authors interested in having their books considered for Story Monster Approved designation should visit www.StoryMonsters.com and download an entry form. Books are divided into the following categories with distinctions made between fiction and nonfiction: Preschool to Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6.
###
Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineAward-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.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
The virtual book tour for my whale poacher children's book, A Sandy Grave flew by! It's hard to believe the end has come of traveling through cyberspace. Cheryl Malandrinos of Pump Up Your Book organized a terrific tour and she was with me every step of the way. I highly recommend Cheryl and Pump Up Your Book for your book promotion efforts!
Thank you, Cheryl…you are amazing!!!
Now without further ado I'm pleased to announce the winner of the $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card…. Carla Bosch!!! Congratulations!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Carla, I emailed you privately for your snail mail address.
Thank you one and all for your interest in my latest children's book, A Sandy Grave and for visiting me throughout the tour. Your time is appreciated!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineAward-winning Children's AuthorConnect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers 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
A Sandy Grave Virtual Book Tour Schedule
Visit today and enter at a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card!Monday, April 21
Wednesday, April 23
Thursday, April 24
Friday, April 25
Pump Up Your Book and Donna McDine are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.
Terms and Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
- This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
- Winners will be contacted via email on April 28, 2014.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for your time and interest!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineAward-winning Children's Author
Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
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
A Sandy Grave Virtual Book Tour Schedule
Visit today and enter at a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card! <!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
Monday, April 7
Tuesday, April 8
Wednesday, April 9
Thursday, April 10
Friday, April 11
Monday, April 14
Wednesday, April 16
Thursday, April 17
Friday, April 18
Monday, April 21
Wednesday, April 23
Thursday, April 24
Friday, April 25
Pump Up Your Book and Donna McDine are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.
Terms and Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
- This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
- Winners will be contacted via email on April 28, 2014.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for your time and interest!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineAward-winning Children's AuthorConnect with Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
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
The adventure continues for three girlfriends, Leah, Nicole and Hayley as they attempt to uncover the truth about the whale poachers at the beach. Enjoy the virtual book tour of A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine.
Be sure to enter at your chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Details below the tour schedule.
Thank you for your time and interest!
A SANDY GRAVE TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, March 3
Tuesday, March 4
Wednesday, March 5
Friday, March 7
Monday, March 10
Tuesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 12
Thursday, March 13
Monday, March 17
Wednesday, March 19
Friday, March 21
Monday, March 24
Tuesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 26
Thursday, March 27
Friday, March 28
Tuesday, April 1
Wednesday, April 2
Thursday, April 3
Friday, April 4
Monday, April 7
Tuesday, April 8
Wednesday, April 9
Thursday, April 10
Friday, April 11
Monday, April 14
Wednesday, April 16
Thursday, April 17
Friday, April 18
Monday, April 21
Wednesday, April 23
Thursday, April 24
Friday, April 25
<!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
Pump Up Your Book and Donna McDine are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
- This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
- Winners will be contacted via email on April 28, 2014.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
