Jen's Blog

2011-07-31T10:18:00.001-04:00

Check out the review of A Star in the Night on Susanne Draizic's blog. She gave great reviews of the book , including K.C. Snider's illustrations. When you visit, be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win a FREE AUTOGRAPHED copy of the book. Just click here for Susanne's blog! Good luck and I'll see you there.

A Star in the Night featured in Susanne Drazic's Christmas in July

2011-07-03T12:51:00.001-04:00

This July, fellow blogger Susanne Drazic is having a Christmas in July blogging party! Stop on by and check it all out. There's giveaways, guest posts, book reivews and more. Later this month my book, A Star in the Night (illustrated by the talented K.C. Snider) will be featured. When A Star in the Night is featured on Susanne's blog, leave a comment under her post at http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/. with a link to your Fb or Tweet about my book and you could win a free autographed copy! DO NOT COMMENT YET. You must wait until she features A Star in the Night. I will provide another link when the time comes. So stay tuned....

This post is also published on the official A Star in the Night Blog

Dialogue Advice from Author Shelby Patrick

2011-06-17T07:34:00.000-04:00

****Blog Owner Note: The content following is solely the content and opinion of Shelby Patrick alone, and not that of blog owner Jennifer Gladen***

I Have Spoken…

By Shelby Patrick

One of the many elements to writing fiction is to use good dialogue. I have been told countless times, by my editor and other publishing professionals, that my characters’ dialogue is pretty good. You can’t have an enticing story if the cast can’t even produce two sentences that sound natural and exciting. Writing dialogue is not the same as talking to another person. For instance, when you meet someone, this might be how it goes: “Hello, how are you? I’m not doing too bad myself. How is the family? How was school…work…etc.?”

Hmm, a bit tedious and boring, if you are reading that, unless it somehow enhances the storyline or its speakers. If it doesn’t, there’s no place for dialogue like that in your piece of fiction. Keep it snappy and enlightening. You want to keep the reader engaged, not turn them away or make them nod off in the middle of your chapter.

So how do you go about keeping readers involved with your characters when they speak?

• Create a memorable character by allowing him/her to use witty banter – come-ons, put downs, sarcasm, etc. Example from my own book, When Angels Sing: :”Following me down here was a stupid idea, Jen. Do you realize I could lock the door and and no one would ever know? If you disappeared now, they would just go out looking for your kidnapper . . . again.”

• Make sure the speaker is always clear; don’t frustrate your reader so that they aren’t even sure who is talking. Find some way to personalize the dialogue so there is no confusion. For example: The bouncer reached for Susan’s arm but Luke slapped him. “Shame on you, Jacques, no one touches my girl but me.”

• Sometimes thoughts or speech patterns get interrupted. Don’t be afraid to leave someone’s dialogue hanging, such as: “Zack, I don’t know how to tell you this…” Anna shifted her feet and looked down at the floor.

• Give at least one of your characters a good sense of humor and show it in his words.

• Descriptions and feelings can sometimes be conveyed through dialogue with other characters.

• Don’t make all your characters sound the same. One may speak with a stutter or a foreign accent, sound more educated than the rest, or show more emotion.

• Don’t tell us how a character feels. Instead, show us through his choice of words. For example, instead of saying “I’m angry! How could you do that?” Try something like: “ That is the stupidest thing I have ever seen you do."
One good rule of thumb here. Characters rarely ever say what they feel. When is the last time you read a romance and the man and woman declared their love right away, or a thriller when the killer is revealed through his dialogue in the first chapter? You have to keep the reader guessing and entertained. They may know what the characters are thinking, but chances are the other characters in the story won’t, so don’t push the dialogue too fast and ruin any suspense building up.

Good luck!

-------------------------

Shelby has self-published two creative writing exercise books, Dark Recesses of the Mind and Forbidden Knowledge, a short horror and science fiction collection entitled The Fear Within, and a supernatural thriller, When Angels Sing.

WHEN ANGELS SING came out in December 2010. The main male character, Blaze Kerrigan, is a typical young guy but with one peculiar problem – he has a psychic link to a serial killer. So when Jenna Michaels shows up at his door unannounced and bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead fiancée, it’s Blaze’s job to keep her safe, especially when the body count starts to rise.

To see the trailer for WHEN ANGELS SING, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPop7HH5slc

All of Shelby’s titles can be purchased at amazon.com.

Shelby Patrick
http://www.shelbypatrick.com/
http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/

** Find Shelby Patrick on Twitter (@shelbypatrick) or Facebook **

Book Review: A Wish and a Prayer

2011-06-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

Book Review by Author and Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine Jennifer Gladen

Look for this review at My Light Magazine's Book review section as well as Bluebell Books!

A Wish and a Prayer
By Beth Bence Reinke

ISBN-10: 9780982642313
ISBN-13: 978-0982642313

Blurb: When Jason's parakeet flies out the window and is lost, he wishes on various objects in hopes of bringing his pet home. But is there something better than wishing? A story that gently teaches children the difference between wishing and praying.

Review: A wish. A Prayer. What's the difference? Are the two the same? In Beth Bence Reinke's book, A Wish and a Prayer, Jason soon finds out that the two couldn't be more different. When Jason's parakeet accidentally flies out of his window, Jason does everything he can to get him back. He searches for him in the park, and he calls him with the parakeet's special tweeting song. He even tries wishing the parakeet back for an entire week.

It isn't until Jason realizes he's been looking in the wrong places that he finds his parakeet. While he's been turning to wishing on a clock and candles to find his bird, he soon discovers these actions will not help him find the parakeet. But when he offers a faithful prayer to God for the bird's return, he awakes to that familiar tweeting song only his parakeet can sing.

This is a great story on the difference between wishes and prayers, a lesson every child should learn.

Where to get A Wish and a Prayer:

Amazon
4 RV Publishing

Read about Beth Bence Reinke and her books on her blog!
Read about the illustrator here.

Bluebell Books: One Pelican at a Time

2011-06-01T17:36:00.000-04:00

I've shared a book review of Nancy Stewart's "One Pelican at a Time"with Bluebell Books. I contribute to a book review column titled "Children's Playground."

To see the review, please visit and comment at: Bluebell Books: One Pelican at a Time: "A children's book review by Author and Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine Jennifer Gladen."

Enjoy the review. If you'd like your book included, send an email to jennifer_gladen5@msn.com for details.

Meet the Fascinating Dallas Woodburn!

2011-05-18T12:38:00.001-04:00

I am thrilled to welcome Dallas Woodburn to the blog. Teachers, be sure to check out her Write On! For Literacy. Be sure to read all the way through as she has some great stories to share with us.

Dallas, weclome. Please tell us a little about yourself!

I am the author of two short story collections and a forthcoming novel, represented by Foundry Literary + Media in New York City. I have written more than 80 articles for publications including Family Circle, Writer’s Digest, The Writer, CO-ED, Motherwords, Health & Home, and The Los Angeles Times; I am also a staff writer for the websites GradtoGreat.com and TweenParent.com. My short fiction has been published in the literary journals Cicada, Monkeybicycle, Palaver, flashquake, and The Hudson Valley Literary Magazine. I graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2009 with a B.A. in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship, and I also studied Creative Writing for a semester at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. My website is www.writeonbooks.org and I frequently update my blog with writing tips and announcements: http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com.

How long have you been writing?

It’s funny, but looking back it’s difficult for me to remember a time before I loved to write! I learned to read when I was four years old, and I gobbled up books. Like many kids, I made up stories; I was compelled to write my stories down. I think this was largely due to the fact that my dad is a writer. Every night, my parents would read me bedtime stories, and every morning I would come downstairs and see my dad writing. As a result, I was very aware that someone had written the books I so loved to read. And I decided that I wanted to be someone who writes books for other people to enjoy.

My dad is my biggest fan and is the first person who reads my work – his feedback and encouragement are invaluable. I remember when I was little, he would let me type out stories on his computer once he had filed his column for the day – how special that was! I am incredibly blessed that my parents and teachers were so encouraging of my love of writing from a very young age. Also, when I was in the first and second grade I was lucky to have an amazing teacher, Diane Sather, who encouraged my love for writing. I remember she had me read one of my stories to the class. I got such a burst of joy from sharing what I had written with others. It never crossed my mind to just write for myself.

What started you writing for publication?

I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple on My Nose, when I was in fifth grade. Pimple is proof that with a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance – and, yes, a lot of support, too – a small idea can snowball into something bigger than you ever dreamed. My snowball began as a snowflake when I applied for and received a $50 grant from my elementary school to write, publish and sell a collection of my short stories and poems -- but I think here's what set my proposal apart: I would use the profits to repay my grant, so the school could offer an extra one the following year. My first printing, done at a Kinkos copy shop, was modest: twenty-five staple-bound forty-page books. Actually, they were more like thick pamphlets, but no matter – to me, they were books, my books, the most beautiful books I had ever laid eyes upon. J.K. Rowling wasn’t more proud of her first Harry Potter hardcover edition.

My fellow students and teachers, bless them, acted as if Pimple was at the top of the New York Times Best-Seller List. The first twenty-five copies promptly sold in a couple of days. Can you imagine what a turbo-boost this was to a fifth-grader’s self-esteem? I was pursuing my dream, but I wasn’t pursuing it alone – my family and friends and teachers were right there with me. So I went back to Kinkos, ordered twenty-five more books – and soon sold all those as well. After three more trips to Kinkos, where the workers now knew me by name, I searched out a publishing business and ordered a few hundred glossy-covered, glue-bound, professional-looking Pimples. My little forty-page dream evolved from a snowball into a blizzard, with newspaper and radio interviews; appearances at literacy events all around California; even a “Dallas Woodburn Day” at the Santa Barbara Book Fair. I still have to pinch myself, but Pimple has sold more than 2,200 copies and I repaid two school grants.

Looking back, I was fortunate to dive into this career at such an early age because I wasn't afraid or self-conscious about my writing. I think as we get older, we tend to lose that child-like pride and confidence in ourselves and our work. I published my first book when I was in fifth grade. I wasn't afraid of rejection, so I sent my book out to anyone and everyone I thought might read it. Sure, I didn't hear back from a lot of them. But I did score reviews in The Los Angeles Times, Girls' Life Magazine, Cosmo Girl Magazine, and others. Many terrific doors were opened for me because I wasn't afraid to hear the word "no."

You’ve created an organization called Write On! For Literacy. What does that entail?

In a recent national assessment conducted by the National Literacy Institute (NLI) of fourth-grade students, 13% reported never reading for fun on their own; an additional 16% only read for fun once a month. I think this is a travesty. Reading has brought me so much excitement, confidence and has opened so many doors for me, including a tremendous college education and a career that I love.

Writing and reading have given me so much fulfillment and self-confidence, and opportunities that I never would have been given otherwise – like traveling to New York to be a guest on The CBS Early Show when I was writing a column for Family Circle magazine. I feel other kids should be exposed to writing and reading as well, to encourage their self-confidence and self-expression. When I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose, in fifth grade, the teachers in my elementary school asked me to talk to their classes, and then I spoke to other classes throughout the school district. I still enjoy talking to kids about writing. At the beginning of my talk, I ask the kids if any of them are interested in writing, and usually a few shy hands raise. In contrast, at the end of my talk when I ask the same question, a lot more hands raise. The students told me they didn’t know that kids could be writers. They thought they had to wait until they were adults.

I started "Write On! For Literacy" in 2001 to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, a means of self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing. My website www.writeonbooks.org features writing contests, book reviews, fun writing prompts, and more. I also hold an annual Holiday Book Drive to collect and distribute new books to disadvantaged kids -- more than 10,000 books have been donated to date.

If one of our readers wants to sponsor a local holiday book drive for your organization, what should he or she do?

That would be wonderful! Write On! would love for you to start a Holiday Book Drive chapter in your area! It can be as large or small of an effort as you have the time and energy for. Many chapter leaders begin book drives by inviting friends and relatives to get involved, and then broaden their efforts to area schools, churches and community groups. I have found in my own efforts that often people in the community want to get involved with literacy endeavors, but aren't sure how -- when they hear about the Holiday Book Drive, they are very excited to help out.

If you are interested in starting a Holiday Book Drive chapter, please e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com and I will add you to our chapter list. I can also send you flyers to help spread the word and get the ball rolling!

What was your main goal when you started your website, www.writeonbooks.org?

With my website I wanted to create a place where young writers can go to find resources and inspiration, as well as connect with other young writers. I started the site to coincide with my latest endeavor, which is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes anthologies of stories, poems and essays written by young writers for young audiences. The goal is to give young people a much-needed outlet for expression and connection, while also hopefully inspiring a love of reading in youth. As a young writer, sometimes it can be hard to get people to take you seriously and get editors to even read your work. I believe that young people have a voice and opinions and a life perspective that just as important as the voice of adults. Moreover, there are so many books for young people that are written by adults – but who knows what its like to be a kid better than a kid herself? I am eager to read submissions from young writers -- they can e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com or visit my website www.writeonbooks.org for more information.

Do you have a set time when you write, or just whenever you get the urge?

I try to write every single day – I am most productive and happy when I have an established routine. Even if I don’t feel like writing, I tell myself to write for just fifteen or twenty minutes, and usually by the end of that time I am in the groove and write for longer. My goal is to write 1,000 words every day. I am a night owl, so it is not unusual to find me at my computer writing after midnight, when the world is quiet and I am alone with my thoughts.

Who is your favorite author?

Oh, I have too many favorite authors to count! I love Harper Lee, J.D. Salinger, and F. Scott Fiztgerald. I also adore Lorrie Moore and Salman Rushdie. Aimee Bender is not only a fantastic writer, she is also a phenomenal teacher – I was lucky enough to have her as a Creative Writing professor at the University of Southern California, where she helped me take risks and grow enormously as a writer.

Have you ever had writer's block, and if so how do you get rid of it?

One of the best things for me to do when I am facing writer’s block is to step back from the story and get away from the computer a bit. I love to go volunteer at schools and teach writing activities to kids. This is one of my favorite activities – it gives me great joy and fulfillment. Whenever I am feeling discouraged or creatively drained, going to schools and speaking to students inevitably recharges my batteries and gets me excited about writing again. So much energy and enthusiasm! It’s contagious!

I also frequently post tips for busting through writer’s block on my blog, http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com.

What do you recommend to aspiring authors?

Write every day, read as much as you can, and enjoy the process! As John Wooden says, “The journey is better than the inn.” In addition, publishing my books has taught me not to be afraid to take risks, and to take the initiative when you have an idea and make it happen yourself rather than letting fear and doubt make you wait. Because, why wait? Take small steps towards your dreams, and small steps can snowball into amazingly big opportunities!

How do you invent your characters?

Usually my characters start with a kernel of a personal experience or emotion that I am going through, and then pretty quickly this spins away from me and becomes a character separate from myself. Even if the eventual story is going to be written in third person, I usually like to write at least a couple pages in first person from the character’s perspective to get a sense of his or her voice. I don’t censor myself during this process – I just let the words flow freely and see what voice develops for the character.

Some authors say that they feel as though his or her characters are real, do you feel this way, and what do you think about this?

The best characters become real for me. The main character in my first novel is incredibly vivid and really guided the story, especially at the end. The story is written in first person, and a really neat thing happened – it started to feel like she was guiding the story and I was just writing what she was telling me.

Do you have anything in the works?

Yes, lots! I have started to write another novel, which I’m in the early exciting stages of – writing and waiting to see where the story will lead me. I'm also a staff writer for the websites GradtoGreat.com, TweenParent.com, and Listen magazine, a publication that encourages kids to make smart choices and stay away from drugs and alcohol. I’m having fun working on play scripts and submitting them to festivals. I’m also the coordinator for the Young Writers Program of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference – I really enjoy interacting with other young writers, and I hope to expand the Young Writers Program and continue to be involved with the conference for many years to come.

What would you say is the neatest thing you know?

I am continually impressed and inspired by the resilience, beauty, and generosity in people. Also, by the human ability to change and grow and thrive despite adversity and setbacks.

What was your favorite part about writing your book?

Sometimes the actual process of writing can be tedious and difficult, but I love the satisfaction of having written. And I love being able to share what I’ve written with others, and to hear from people who have read my work and been touched or inspired by something I have written. I believe writing can connect people and foster understanding, and that is what I hope to do in my career.

Do you like to write in complete silence or does it have to be noisy?

I like a little bit of background noise, whether it is music on my computer or the quiet hum of conversations around my at a coffee shop.

Keyboard or pen?

I used to be strictly a keyboard girl, but lately I’ve been writing freehand in big spiral notebooks in coffeeshops. I’ve found writing with pen and paper makes me feel less inhibited and more creative. In the evening, I go home and transcribe everything from my notebook to the computer, and do my first round of editing as I type things in. The process is working well for me right now.

What do you think is the hardest part about being an author?

Rejection is something that ever author has to deal with. As a writer, I joke that I could wallpaper all four of my bedroom walls with all the rejection letters I have received from editors! The important thing is not to take it personally. For whatever reason, you or your writing just wasn’t a right fit for that publication at this specific time. That doesn’t mean that they won’t love the next piece you send to them! When I get a rejection letter, I first read the comments to see if there is any advice I can glean or ways I can improve for next time. Then, I submit my story or essay or article somewhere else. It took me more than a year to find my literary agent. A year of rejection, rejection, rejection – until finally, I found my perfect match. My agent understands my writing and has faith in my career. I just had to have the patience and perseverance to find her!

What were the circumstances surrounding your decisions to become an author?

Writing is my passion – I feel most alive when I am writing and sharing my writing with others. I can’t imagine what I would be doing if I were not pursuing a career as an author! I also feel very blessed that my parents are incredibly supportive and encouraging of my dreams.

Some people say that you need to live life before you write a book, do you think that it’s experience that writes a book or imagination?

I think it’s a combination of both. I definitely think you are never too young to be a writer. As a child, I wrote stories based on things I was dealing with and thinking about at the time – everything from pimples to race issues to magical stuffed animals coming to life. I think the book is incredibly relatable to kids because I was a kid myself when I was writing it – that said, many adults enjoy it, too.

In my fiction writing, I tend to combine experience and imagination by taking a setting I know well or an experience that happened to me, and fictionalizing it. I imagine how a situation could have unfolded differently, and write about it.

The first article I had published was for Justine magazine, a publication for teens, and it was a true-life account about how I was “sweet sixteen” and had never been kissed. The editors loved my honest voice and the piece resonated with a lot of readers. I have always tried to see my young age as an advantage in my writing, rather than a disadvantage, because it allows me to write about things like teen issues with a great deal of authenticity. As a teen writing for a teen publication, I wrote an article that I would want to read!

I would encourage other writers to put themselves in this mindset – what insights and lessons does your particular background and experiences give you? How can you use these traits as an advantage in your writing life?

T is for Signs of TROUBLE

2011-04-23T10:06:00.001-04:00

Signs of Trouble by Janet Ann Collins
Illustrated by Jack Foster

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-111-5; 1616331119

eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-112-2; 1616331127

Blurb:

Children with learning disabilities get separated from their Special Education class on a field trip and use what they’ve learned to get reunited with them. The included activities can help children learn safety rules, understanding of people with special needs, basic reading skills, and creative writing skills.

Review:

Signs of Trouble is an adventurous story about two girls, a special ed student and her partner, who get separated from their group. With a communication mix-up and a trip to the bathroom, the girls discover they are...gulp...lost!

During this edge-of -the-seat story, we follow the characters as they face a real life test on what to do if you are lost. Do they go with that strange lady who offered to help them find their group? Do they go looking for their group? Should they try to find the group meeting place on their own?

With some quick thinking and a creative solution, the girls find a way to draw attention to themselves and get the help they needed.

This is a delightfully written story that all children can relate to. I loved at the end of the book there are a large variety of academic activities. More fascinating fun with author Janet A Collins!

Where to get Signs of Trouble:

Guardian Angel Publishing
Amazon

About Janet A Collins:

Janet Ann Collins is a retired teacher who used to work at California School for the Deaf, Was a substitute teacher in many Special Education classes, and raised three foster sons with special needs in addition to her birth daughter.

She was a freelance feature writer for a newspaper in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a columnist for the Antique Auction Explorer and her work has appeared in dozens of other publications. Collins is the author of two other books with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Peril of the Sinister Scientist and Secret Service Saint.

About Jack Foster:

Jack Foster, children’s book illustrator, has illustrated more books for Guardian Angel Publishing, SHOO CAT!, Klutzy Kantor

You can see more of Jack’s work and leave him a comment at www.jacktoon.blogspot.com

S is for Seuss

2011-04-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Now that we've dealt with the topic of rejection, I'd like to offer some inspiration. Just because your manuscript is rejected, doesn't mean it lacks merit. It could be quite good.

His book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street , was rejected 28 times before being published. In fact one well known comment was "“This is too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling.” Wow! But he persisted. With persistence comes payoff. He later went on to write more classics such as The Cat in the Cat , Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

So when that next rejection comes along, thing Seuss!

New Awards for My Blog

2011-04-21T23:19:00.000-04:00

You'll see two new awards for my blog awarded by Jingle :

The Talented Writer Award

And the Blogger Buddy Award.

Thanks Jingle!

R is for Rejections

2011-04-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

As Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine, I had run into times where I've had to reject a manuscript. It's the thing I like LEAST about running the magazine. However, if the magazine is to improve and accomplish it's goal to spread the Catholic faith to our readers, we must be selective.

As writers, how should we handle rejections? The professional thing to do would be to take the editor's advice - if any is offered (see Why You Get Form Rejections) and resubmit elsewhere. Unless the editor asks for a resubmission, I would avoid it. If you are fortunate enough for this request, be sure to refresh the editor's memory by simply stating, "Per your request I have addressed the issues and am resubmitting...".

It rarely helps to defend your manuscript once it is rejected. Yes, you will be remembered by the editors - but not the way you hope.You don't want to be remembered for negative behavior and risk appearing unprofessional.

The best thing to do is run the manuscript through your critique group - yes YET AGAIN, reassess your markets, and submit elsewhere.

The effort will pay off. That manuscript will be ready for that one right publication. Then it and you will be remembered for your writing skill - not your reaction to a rejection.

Q is for Quality Submissions

2011-04-19T22:28:00.000-04:00

When submitting to an editor of a magazine or a book publisher, it is important to produce quality submissions to avoid an immediate rejection. When sending your manuscript, after ensuring it is ready, be sure to prepare a cover letter - even if you are submitting through electronic communication. The cover letter maintains a professional quality to your submission. Be sure it includes the title, what it's about, and how it fits in with the publication.

When writing the manuscript, keep the publishing company's guidelines in mind. What is the suggested age level? Word count?Topic or theme? No matter how well written the manuscript is, it will be rejected if it doesn't meet the guidelines.

Before submitting your work, it should have gone through several rounds in a critique group. This helps catch spelling, grammar and syntax errors. If an editor has to correct too much,he or she will pass on the manuscript.

Keeping all these tips in mind will help you produce a quality manuscript - one that is hopefully on its way to publication.

P is for Program: Jennifer Wylie's contribution to a Short Story Program

2011-04-19T05:56:00.021-04:00

Encouraging the love of reading.

by Jennifer Wylie

I am really excited about my first short story series. Tales of Ever is part of a new short story program being put out by Echelon Press.

Electric Shorts is a pilot program for reluctant readers. Each series contains six short stories presented once per month as electronic downloads (eBooks), much the same as a television series. Tales of Ever is a fantasy series written for young adults (13-17 year olds). The first instalment, Banished, debuted March 1st, a new instalment will be available the first tuesday of the month ending in August. At only $.99 each, the short stories are affordable for all walks of life.

I was lucky enough to have a mother who was an avid reader, and became one myself at an early age. I've now passed the love of reading onto to my own children. Tales of Ever is full of action and written to captivate even the most reluctant readers. I'm hoping to share the joy of reading with many young adults.

One of my favorite parts of a new work is creating the world it takes place in. Sometimes the differences between 'our world' and my invented world are few, mostly the differences being magic or what beings are there. But not always.

My new short story series also has a new world. It is drastically different from what we could consider 'normal'. Needless to say, I'm having the most fun EVER (excuse the pun) creating this world as well. Though technically, Ever is not a world, but a place. I wanted Ever to be bizarre, crazy, and also wild and dangerous. Part of its deadliness is that nothing is normal or known. At least not to someone from earth. My character does her best to describe the crazy world she has been banished too, and I have a great time coming up with her descriptions of things. For example when she lands in Ever she falls on the border between two drastically different environments, a desert and a jungle. “The sand is pink. Not the washed out pink of granite, but clashed-really-bad-with-my-hair bright pink.” The jungle she describes as “one colored by some crazy kindergarten kids, maybe.”

I'm very excited the series will be six stories long. Misha, my main character, stays in the Rainbow Jungle for the first two shorts, however in the 3rd she travels to the Tall Forrest. I'm sure many interesting things will happen there! The second of the series, Fire Girl, was released April 5th and the third, Shadow Boy will come out May 3rd.

I hope you all enjoy the worlds I create! Happy reading and thanks so much for having me today!

Series: Tales of Ever

#1 Banished

by Jen Wylie

Short Story 0.99

Published March 1 2011 by Echelon Press

Series Blurb:

Welcome to Ever.

Ever, a deadly realm where feared, powerful and dangerous magical beings are banished. Though very large, it is not a world but a magically created prison. You can’t break through its circular boundary. Who, or what, made Ever? I’ve no idea. They were powerful, and cruel. That is all I can tell you.

Ever is like and unlike every other world. Nothing is safe. Safety is a dream. Ever is a nightmare. Few survive their first day. Nothing is what it seems. If something appears safe, it isn’t. If something appears dangerous, well it is, but probably more so than you think.

Ever has no sun, no moon, no stars at night. Time is told by the ever changing color of the sky where portals open, dropping new inhabitants, or new terrors. Time does pass. Don’t worry, you won’t get old. You won’t live that long.

The landscape changes without reason form dessert to jungles. The flora isn’t safe at any time. There is food, if you can find it without getting eaten yourself. Most plants and animals are poisonous. So is the water.

Are you afraid? You should be. This is the end. It gets worse of course. Remember the portals? Do think angels come through? Rarely the innocent do. Mostly, it is people of evil, people too powerful to kill. Their magic works here. The creature’s are worse.

Do you understand? Well you will eventually, or you’ll die. There is no escaping Ever. Ever.

Banished Blurb:

My life was normal. It sucked, but it was normal. At least until I got this new power. I can control fire. It would be cool if it wasn’t so dangerous and if I knew how to use it. Pretty much my sucky life took a nose dive once I got it. Yup, everything gone. I suppose I should be thankful some uncle I never heard of took me in. Turns out the whole family isn’t normal and my power is a lot more dangerous than I thought. I thought things couldn’t get any worse. I was wrong. They banished me to Ever.

If I’m lucky, I might survive my first day.

Fire Girl Blurb:

Surviving Ever may not be easy, but somehow I’m managing. So far. Luckily I’ve made a new friend, Jadus. He’s not exactly human, but he’s teaching me how to survive here. Even though I’m tired, I’m hungry and I miss home, he makes life bearable. Despite the not human thing I think I may be falling for him. Unfortunately Ever isn’t the place for romance. Now I have to deal with a barbarian king and a crazy shape-shifting witch on top of the everyday dangers. With each day that passes it becomes more important I learn to control my fire powers. If I can’t I might lose everything; any hope of finding my dad, Jadus…my life.

Available at:

Omnilit: http://www.omnilit.com/product-banished-519511-234.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/44865

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Banished-Tales-of-Ever-ebook/dp/B004Q9TX4A

B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Banished/Jen-Wylie/e/2940012206961/?itm=1

Bio:

Jennifer Wylie was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.

Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.

Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories. Sweet light is her debut novel to be published in 2011.

Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her husband, two boys, Australian shepherd a flock of birds and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.

My website: http://www.blogger.com/goog_59444937

My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/

O is for One Pelican at a Time

2011-04-18T05:40:00.003-04:00

One Pelican at a Time

by Nancy Stewart
Illustrated by Samantha Bell

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-138-2; 1616331380
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-139-9; 1616331399
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-140-5; 1616331402

Blurb

Bella and Britt love living by the beach. When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do. But when their old friend, the crooked beak pelican, becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.

Review:

One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart is an inspiring story about two friends, a crooked beaked pelican and an oil spill. Bella and Britt discover the damage an oil spill caused in the Gulf of Mexico one afternoon. With a sense of urgency, the girls look for a way to help save the beach and the animals, but are told there's not much a child can do.

However, when their old friend, the crooked beaked pelican gets harmed by the oil, the girls knew they had to do something. With some smart, quick, thinking they find help for the pelican and in the process learn the many steps it takes to fix a big problem like an oil spill.

Author Nancy Stewart handled this big issue with great style. In addition to the story, she offers resources for more information on the event of an oil spill. Illustrator Samantha Bell's artwork complimented the story well with colorful, bright, and realistic illustrations.

One Pelican at a Time is an all around great book.

Get a taste for yourself in the trailer below:

Where to get One Pelican at a Time:
Guardian Angel Publishing
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

About Nancy Stewart:
After having been an elementary school teacher, a consultant with New Options Inc. in New York City, and a university professor of education, Nancy now writes children’s books full time. She, her husband, and three sons lived in London for eight years where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

Nancy travels extensively through out the world, most particularly Africa. She is the US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education. She and her family live in St. Louis and Clearwater Beach, Florida. Nancy is the author of two other Bella books, Bella Saves the Beach and Sea Turtle Summer. Both will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Visit Nancy at http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/ as well as her blog at http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

About Samantha Bell

Samantha Bell lives in the upstate of South Carolina with her husband, four children, and lots of animals. She’s a homeschooling mom by day and a writer and illustrator by night. Her poems, stories, articles, and illustrations have been published both online and in print. Please view her online portfolio at
http://www.samantha-bell.com/ as well as her art lessons for children at http://www.art-made-easy.com/

N is for NANOWRIMO

2011-04-16T05:08:00.002-04:00

What did I say? NANoWRIMo? It's an acronym for National NOvel WRIting MOnth. This is a month long event designed to get writers moving. For different reasons, a write may have story, or novel idea in our heads but can't seem to get it out. Often what's causing the writer's block is fear. Are we going to get it wrong? Will it work out? Will the novel say what I want it to say?

Pretty soon, we're stuck and we're not writing anything. One of the goals of NANOWRIMO is to get you writing - without the worry of editing, word counting, plotting, or even making sense at this point. They give you a month to write 50,000 word novel in November.You go to the website and upload to their system your word counts. They go into full detail here about the entire process. The best part is the website has many resources to support your effort including, blogs, motivational postings, forums to connect with other writers, tips, etc. I did it a few years ago and was successful.

So this November, stop on by the NANOWRIMO site and give it a try.

M is for Marta’s Gargantuan Wings

2011-04-15T05:00:00.002-04:00

Marta's Gargantuan Wings
By: J. Aday Kennedy
Illustrated by: Eugene Ruble

Published by Guardian Angel Publishing
www.guardianangelpublishing.com
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-093-4; 1616330937
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-094-1; 1616330945

Blurb:

Reluctant readers will devour the humorous and thought provoking tale. A Pegasus that resembles

a mule, a witty monkey that defends him and a hateful bird teach children looks aren’t important.
What makes someone appear strange or different could be what makes them able to save the
day.

Review:

Marta's Gargantuan Wings is a wonderful story about friendship and values. What is important in a person? Is it our looks, success, or beauty? Or is it more than that.

In this inspiring tale, Marta, a brown, spotty pegasus with gargantuan sized wings, is hurt when Aljor, her beautiful blue friend insults her. Soon, the lovable Marta begins to believe what Aljor says about her. Her best friend, Stajon the monkey tries to cheer Marta up by going for a fly in the sky. But while flying they discover a fire - and Aljor is hurt and needs help.

This is a great story not only about friendship, but about values. Do we only help the people who are nice to us all the time and forget about the ones who hurt us? Or are we to be Christ-like and turn the other cheek, especially when someone is in danger.

The detailed illustrations by Eugene Ruble fit the story well and captured the characters.

This is a great read that many children will enjoy.

Get your copies here:

Guardian Angel Publishing

and

Amazon

About Jessica Kennedy

J. Aday Kennedy, the differently-abled author, is an award winning, multi-publishedauthor of inspirational/Christian articles and essays for adults and of children’s literature. As a ventilator dependent quadriplegic, she is making her dreams come true one story at a time. As a speaker, Aday entertains, instructs, motivates and inspires audiences of all ages. She has two picture books, Klutzy Kantor and Marta’s Gargantuan Wings, published by Guardian Angel Publishing. To learn more about her and her writing, visit her website and blog.

About Eugene Ruble

Eugene E. Ruble’s 40 years of art encompasses: graphic art and design, freelance illustration, and cartooning, working with publishers, corporations and individual clients. Ruble teaches caricature art, cartooning, painting and basic drawing classes at St. Louis community centers, public schools, YMCAs and colleges. He also illustrates children’s books. Look for his books at Guardian Angel Publishing. Eugene is a 30-year Distinguished Member of the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.

L is for Let it All Out

2011-04-14T06:06:00.000-04:00

When trying to get down some story or plot ideas the best way to get things moving is to let it all out. Before I get too deep into a writing project, I brainstorm it all out. I write down ideas I came up with when the story idea hit me, but I also am open to more ideas. Sometimes this is where the best ideas, twists, and surprises pop up.

I get either a blank piece of paper - or a new word document if using the computer and then just write. I write the general story idea, character ideas, plots, settings, traits, background information, etc.

You will likely come up with more than you will need. But that is fine. It's the beginning of that manuscript's file. Many times you will find treasures hidden deep inside your brainstorming experiences.

So remember - when you're coming up with a new idea - especially if you're stuck on something: Let it All Out!

K is for Klutzy Kantor

2011-04-13T05:00:00.001-04:00

Klutzy Kantor

By Jessica Kennedy
Illustrations by Jack Foster

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-051-4; 1-61633-051-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-052-1; 1-61633-052-X

Published by: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.GuardianAngelPublishing.com

Blurb:
Everyday Kantor Pegasus practices solving riddles. A tricky leprechaun attempts to outsmart him by giving him a next to impossible riddle to solve.To end his clumsy ways he must solve it. Children learn the benefit of practice and to focus on their strengths.

Review:
Klutzy Kantor is a funny, witty book about the value of practicing to reach your goals. When Kantor the pegasus tires of flying into trees and bumping into other creatures, Kantor deciedes he doesn't want to be klutzy anymore. When he learns he must solve a riddle from the cunning, undefeated Cobbledom for his wish to be granted, he begins to prepare. Kantor practices and practices with his friends until he is ready. But when Cobbledom presents the toughest riddle Kantor ever encountered, Kantor begins to get nervous. Will his practice pay off?

Jessica Kennedy captures well Kantor's emotions as he battles Cobbledom. "Think Kantor, think," I found myself silently cheering. The adage "Practice makes perfect" applies here. I think children in all areas of life - sports, school, extra curricular activities, and hobbies can learn a lesson from the determined Kantor. To achieve your goals, you must practice.

Jack Foster's illustrations are the icing on the cake. His artwork is colorful and detail oriented. He captures the characters well in each lively illustration.

The book trailer for Klutzy Kantor includes the original song "Go Me" :

To get your own copy of this entertaining book, visit:

Guardian Angel Publishing
or
Amazon

About Jessica Kennedy

J. Aday Kennedy, the differently-abled author, is an award winning, multi-publishedauthor of inspirational/Christian articles and essays for adults and of children’s literature. As a ventilator dependent quadriplegic, she is making her dreams come true one story at a time. As a speaker, Aday entertains, instructs, motivates and inspires audiences of all ages. She has two picture books, Klutzy Kantor and Marta’s Gargantuan Wings, published by Guardian Angel Publishing. To learn more about her and her writing, visit her website and blog.

About Illustrator Jack Foster:

Jack Foster, children’s book illustrator, has illustrated more books for Guardian
Angel Publishing, SHOO CAT!, Klutzy Kantor, and Murmur on the Oink Express.

Jack also illustrates for online magazines, Stories for Children and Guardian

Angel Kids. He spent many years as a political cartoonist for five Chicago area
newspapers but his cute style described as a Muppet-Disney mix, is kid friendly and just right for children’s books. You can see more of Jack’s work and leave him a comment at www.jacktoon.blogspot.com

Joy of Writing - Part 2 - Awards!

2011-04-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

Another thing I love about writing and blogging - is the support from other writers. For example, I received a comment and an award from author/illustrator Diedre Eden Coppel stating she awarded my blog the Inspiring Blog Award. Thank you for the honor Diedre. Please stop by and check out her blog at: http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

Joys of Writing

2011-04-12T10:16:00.002-04:00

Writing has always been a part of me. Ever since I was little I wrote poems to my teachers, narratives of my life, or journals on just about everything ( which were always filled with drama). What do I love about writing? What are the joys of writing?

In fiction, you watch as your characters and story ideas develop into a full fleshed out manuscript - one that's hopefully off to publication.

Word play. Finding different ways to say things - getting creative with words and their uses.

Perfecting your piece - or editing. This fit my personality well. I enjoyed playing with the sentences that didn't sound just right until I had that light bulb moment when I knew the sentence revealed exactly what I wanted it to say.

The most joyful of all, though is to watch your work become a published piece of literature. Especially as a children's author - it is rewarding to see children laugh at things in the story or ask to hear it over and over again.

There are many other joys of writing that haven't been listed here. What are yours?

I is for Interviews

2011-04-11T23:21:00.002-04:00

One great way to promote your books is to appear in interviews. readers often want to hear about your new book, project, tips and fun facts. It helps them feel connected to you and in turn interested in your writing. More interest can turn into more sales.

What should you talk about during an interview?

An interview will ask you general questions about yourself or your writing. It is up to you how much or how little you share. Whatever you choose, try to include something your readers might identify with. Is there a silly habbit, favorite pet, top activity in your life in which some people might connect with. This is important because your reader can identify with you. It also encourages comments if your interview is on a blog.

When should you interview?
Anytime you can do an interview is beneficial - but it's even better to get them done after the hype dies down about your new book. The few months after the release it is easy for the book to get "lost" among the many new releases coming out. An interview at this time is a good way to remind readers about your book and the important tale you have to tell.

Now What?
Once your interview is completed, be sure to promote it and encourage people to read it and learn more about you. Let all your Facebook and Twitter friends know! Share the link with your e-mail list. Encourage people in your Yahoo or Google groups to visit and comment. If you're in a virtual tour or promotional group, be sure to encourage their visits as well. Visit other blogs and interviews and ask others to return the favor. The more people who visit the interview, the more people will know about you as an author and your book.

So - what was your favorite or most interesting question asked in a interview?

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D

2011-04-10T23:06:00.000-04:00

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D

Book information:

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D – dyslexia

(A rhyming picture book)

Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-101-6; 1616331011

eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-102-3; 161633102X

Blurb:

As a teacher’s aide, I discovered that many children, especially boys, have dyslexia or other types of learning disabilities. I wrote this PB with those problems in mind.

Horatio is a smart boy who can’t read. The thought of special Ed. freaks him out. “NO WAY!” But go he does, and surprising results follow .

This is fun to read. It shows that dyslexic kids CAN learn to read. It also encourages parents to diagnose early and find help. A parent/teacher guide offers clues, plus helpful links to more informative websites.

Review:

Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” is a humbling rhyming picture book about a tough topic. The “Big D” turns out to be Dyslexia, which is a common learning disability involving reading.

Author Margot Finke tells the tale with witty rhyme and illuminating words. In the picture book, Horatio runs into reading problems such as words clumping “into frightening herds” and his tongue jumbling “words without success”. This is just a sample of the wonderful mosaic of words Margot Finke presents in the story.

As a reader, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the emotions with Horatio as he dreaded the looming parent-teacher conference, learned what Dyslexia is and unwillingly attended “special class”.

Margot Finke handled the rhyming well in this smooth reading picture book. I barely noticed the rhyme as I rooted for Horatio to overcome the “Big D”. Horatio is a character I won’t soon forget.

I fully recommend this book for any child battling the “Big D”, but also for all children who can identify with reading problems. In addition to this wonderful story, more information and resources are listed at the end of the book on Dyslexia. As a parent and a teacher, I find this book a great addition to the bookshelf.

Where to get Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D”:

Amazon
GAP Page
Target
Autographed copies (BUY My Books)

More information on the book:

Reviews

Trailer

G is for Guardian Angel Publishing

2011-04-10T21:19:00.000-04:00

My first two picture books, A Star in the Night and Teresa's Shadow are published through a great publishing company called Guardian Angel Publishing.(also called GAP)

Guardian Angel Publishing is a children's book publishing company which publishes books for ages 2 through 12. There are picture books, rhyming books, musical books, e-books, print books and more recently books available through iTunes. As published on their home page, their mission is to "change the world on child at a time" through inspirational and faith filled books.

With all the competition reading has with video games and TV, Guardian Angel Publishing is keeping up with the times and technology in order to keep inspiring children to read.

A new division of GAP is the Guardian Angel Kids Magazine (also called GAK). The magazine expands on GAP's mission and provides a "healthy and safe entertainment for 2-12 year old children, featuring games and activities from our Guardian Angel books and characters." Recently, my story The Sleepover was published in the April 2011 issue on Health. The magazine not only features, stories and articles, but has interactive learning games, often based on popular book characters from GAP.

What do you think about this innovative, faith filled and fun publishing company?

F is for Frederico the Mouse Violinist

2011-04-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I reviewed a great new children's book titled Frederico the Mouse Violinist, by Mayra Calvani. This continues to be a favorite of mine of Guardian Angel Publishing. This great tale about Frederico learning to play the violin is an inspiration to musicians and those interested in the field of music. I can just see future musicians wrapping themselves up in a blanket and enjoying this wonderful story.

You've read my review before of this enchanting book. Here's what some others had to say:

"Truly a new classic in picture books! " -- Nancy I Sanders

"Frederico the Mouse Violinist struck a very special chord in my heart" --Nicole Weaver

Visit the links below for more reviews, information and how to purchase this great new book:

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/frederico.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Frederico-Mouse-Violinist-Mayra-Calvani/dp/1616331135

I

Ending the Story

2011-04-07T21:28:00.000-04:00

What should be one of the most important parts of a story or book you're working on? The ending. Many times, we can overlook the ending or not give it as much thought as the the plotting, editing or revising. But a good, solid ending may make or break your sale. You want that editor who is considering your manuscript to practically hear the "good ending" music playing in her head. It should be the big "pop" of your work.

Your ending shouldn't just be a "happy ending" but it should be a satisfying ending. We bring our characters through a long, life changing journey in which they should have learned something. We should have a strong sense of what they learned and why. Why was that lesson important? Does it make them a better person? Friend? Does it teach us something about ourselves or others? Can the readers relate to the story and connect to it?

In addittion, all or most loose ends should be tied up. We should be able to say, "That's why this happened in the beginning of the story." We should see everything in the story come together full circle.

This seems like a tall order, but if we're careful and plan our story out well, the ending will highlight the story. Like the rest of the manuscript, it takes time, determination and hard work. Then maybe the story will have that "pop" that an editor is looking for. It could just get you that acceptance.

D is for Dos and Don'ts of Dialogue

2011-04-05T21:43:00.001-04:00

Dialogue is an important part of any story or book. It moves the story along, gives pertinent information and makes the characters more interesting. But is there a time when dialogue is bad?

Yes! Dialogue can either make or break your manuscript - especially to a busy editor reviewing your work for publication. So how can you avoid the pitfalls of dialogue?

DON'T

Use dialogue as an uneventful exchange of words. For example:

Tom: Hi

Mary: Hi

Tom: What's new?

Mary: Nothing

Tom: Oh. OK

Mary: Why?

Tom: No reason.

Use too many fancy tags. "he said" and "she said" are almost invisible. If you add too many fancy tags at the end of dialogue, it can get distracting. For Example:

"I won the race," Jack exclaimed.

"How," Mike questioned, "Tim was way ahead of you."

"I had a burst of energy and passed him," Jake squealed.

Use tags that you can't speak. For example:

"I'm tired," sighed Amy.

"Me too," breathed Sarah.

Use dialogue in a smart way. Use it to move the story forward.
Use "invisible" tags such as "he said" and "she said"
Make hellos, goodbyes and conversation starters short. If you spend too long on them, the story will drag on.
And most of all - DO have FUN with it!

C is for Chapter Books

2011-04-04T13:53:00.001-04:00

Once our children learn how to read and have mastered picture books, they soon move on to chapter books. When we as authors write chapter books, we need to keep in mind the readers' interests, age levels, and reading ability to ensure their enjoyment of our adventure. Here is where we need more descriptive, colorful language so that our reader can "see" the characters and see the story play out in front of them.

The reader needs to be there right along with the main characters. Can they smell the salty sea air? Can they hear the buzz of the airplane over head? Can they feel the hot, grainy sand under their toes? Can they taste the chocolaty, sweet fudge pop from the Ice Cream Truck? Can they see the bright, blue, cloudless sky decorated with a flying seagull overhead?

We need to pay attention to the storyline and the direction the plot is taking. Is this a quiet, uneventful day at the beach with nothing much to move the story along? Or does some unidentified object wash ashore raising questions in the reader. Questions like: what is that object, Is this the beginning of a mystery, Is this a clue,
why does this show up now?

These are all things to think about as we venture into creating a satisfying chapter book. Good luck and I'll see you on the book shelf.

B is for Be There Bedtime Stories

2011-04-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

What's your favorite bedtime story? For many kids, hearing a bedtime story is a perfect end to the bedtime routine. It's also a great way to introduce your child to reading and books. The best thing about bedtime stories is the quality time you and your child, grand child or other family memeber spend together.

Sometimes, we can't always be there in person, however. Maybe you live across the country from your grandchildren. Maybe you're serving our country overseas. Whatever the obstacle might be, a company titled Be There Bedtime Stories has found a way for you to be there. They teamed up with Guardian Angel Publishing to help you read a bedtime story for your family member. You just purchase the e-book of your choice in their e-store, tape yourself reading the story to your children through your webcam (most laptops now have a built in webcam) and send it off in an e-mail to that special someone. And if you're in a generous mood, they have a program called ‘Be There Bright Stars Network’ in which you can donate a story to military families or children's hospitals for parents in need. What a wonderful program all around.

A is for A to Z Blogging Challenge

2011-04-04T09:20:00.000-04:00

I joined, albeit - a few days late- the April A to Z Blogging Challenge. I just learned about it and think this is a great way to blog more often than when the inspiration hits. The goal of the challenge is to post something every day on your blog except Sundays so that there will be 26 April posts - one for each letter of the Alphabet. To read more about the challenge click on the side banner or visit the A to Z blog. I will be doing this on two of my blogs: Random Thoughts About God and my Author blog.

The Random Thoughts blog will be themed. of course, on God and the Church. What a great mid-Lenten challenge!

My author blog will be themed on writing, writing for children, my books, book reviews, My Light Magazine and other similar topics.

Be sure to follow along and join in the fun! Don't worry if you're a day or two late - do what I did and roll up those sleeves and jump on in!

The April 2011 VBT Writers on the Move Tour

2011-03-27T21:50:00.000-04:00

Writers on the Move’s April 2011 Tour Schedule

It's that time already. Another month flew by. We are now preparing for the April 2011 tour. Please stop by and visit all the authors to see what they have to say. In following the tour I've learned about fascinating books, health tips, book activites, writing and promoting tips and so much more. So dive on in April first and see what everyone has to say.

APRIL 2011

1st Karen Cioffi is featuring Elysabeth Eldering

2nd Kathy Stemke is featuring Robert Medak

3rd Stephen Tremp is featuring Karen Cioffi 4th Margaret Fieland is featuring Jennifer Turner

5th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is featuring Martha Swirzinski

6th Nancy Famolari is featuring Jennifer Gladen

7th Debra Eckerling is featuring Virginia Grenier 8th Martha Swirzinski is featuring Mari Taylor

9th Heidi Thomas is featuring Kevin McNamee 10th Dallas Woodburn is featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson

11th Maggie Ball is featuring Kathy Stemke 12th Virginia Grenier is featuring Stephen Tremp

13th Kevin McNamee is featuring Nancy Famolari

14th Elysabeth Eldering is featuring Donna McDine

15th Marietta Taylor is featuring Shelby Patrick

16th Robert Medak is featuring Margaret Fieland

17th Donna McDine is featuring Heidi Thomas

18th Shelby Patrick is featuring Dallas Woodburn

19th Jennifer Gladen is featuring Jennifer Wylie

20th Jenny Turner is featuring Maggie Ball

21st Jennifer Wylie is featuring Deb Eckerling

Meet Martha Swirzinski

2011-03-23T18:21:00.000-04:00

Building Better Bodies and Brains with Martha Swirzinski, M.A

What is the one thing you can do for yourself and your child that will have the biggest impact on your body and brain? If you said exercise, you were right. We all know that getting your body moving is great for your health but did you know it is just as important for good brain health. That’s right, when you and your child get up and moving it actually helps increase learning.

Advances in brain research show that most of the brain is activated during physical activity. Eric Jensen, author of Brain Based Learning and Teaching, tells us that after 10 minutes of sitting our brain starts to shut down. The learner gets sleepy and learning declines. So what is one to do? Yep, that’s right get your body moving. Moving “increases blood vessels that allow for the delivery of oxygen, water, and glucose (“brain food”) to the brain” (Pica, Rae)

A few facts to ponder:

• “Aerobic exercise just twice a week halves your risk of general dementia. It cuts your risk of Alzheimer’s by 60 percent.” (Medina John)'

• “Being active grows new brain cells.

• Balance improves reading capacity.

• Movement can help reinforce academic skills for all students.

• Play can increase attention.” (Blaydes, Jean)

So, bottom line, make sure you and your children are active every day. It doesn’t have to be torture, make it fun. For a list of fun ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life with your children go to www.wholechildpublishing.com

An interview with Martha Swirzinski, M.A.

You’ve written a series of books tell me about the title of the series and what that means to readers?

The title Movement and More suggests that within the pages of the books we offer not just fantastic rhymes and great pictures but moving, interacting, thinking and socializing. Our books engage the whole child, all of the domains of child development.

You mention “our” books. Who is the other author?

I co-wrote these with Dr. Anita Tieman, a psychologist, who has spent many years working with children. She brings her expertise into the social and emotional aspect of these books.

You have three books. Leap…Laugh…Plop, Guess…Giggle…Wiggle and Kick… Catch…Buzzz. Can you tell me a bit about them?

These three books offer the ultimate mind/body connection. When children move both their bodies and minds are strengthened. Using entertaining rhymes and charming pictures, these fun and creative books offer multiple ways for your child to move. They also provide mind stimulating activities on each page. Each book brings the joy of movement together with the joy of reading. The pages of these books are filled with laughter, learning, movement and more.

More specifically: Leap…Laugh…Plop works on all of the locomotor skills

Guess…Giggle…Wiggle… has the children doing creative movement

Kick…Catch…Buzzzz.. addresses the manipulative skills

Will there be any more in the series?

Yes, as a matter of fact we are working on the fourth now, which will be specifically on the non locomotor skills.

How did you come up with this idea for a series of books?

I teach in a preschool

and have my Master’s degree in Kinesiology, so I’ve been involved with children and movement for over 15 years now. I wanted to come up with a way that parents, and teachers could incorporate the specific movement skills necessary for motor and brain development in an easy and fun way. Doing an activity isn’t always easy. Sometimes space, equipment or time may not be available. However, reading a book is fun, easy and doesn’t require much planning.

Where can readers find your books?

Our website is http://www.wholechildpublishing.com/

Thanks for visiting Martha! These books sound like a great way to teach kids to move! Please visit the next stops on the Virtual Book Tour:

March 23rd Jenny Turner is featuring Elysabeth Eldering

March 24th Jennifer Wylie is featuring Maggie Ball

Teresa's Shadow and A Star in the Night at a Local Craft Fair

2011-03-20T21:03:00.001-04:00

Teresa's Shadow and A Star in the Night went on sale at a local craft fair in Pennsylvania. I was excited to see a few other local authors/poets there as well.

Tons of fun was had by all! My table was one among many other fantastic crafts. There were hand made blankets, jewlelry and baked goods. Other than meeting some local authors, my favorite table was one that had hand made Rosary bracelets.

My girls came to help out. They helped set the table, hand out flyers and show the customers the books. We brought star shaped sugar cookies to match A Star in the Night. (illustrated by K.C. Snider) In the story, the main character, David, dreams about Mr. Rennetti's famous sugar cookies from Mr. Rennetti's bakery.

The real star of the day, however, was Teresa's Shadow (illustrated by Marina Movshina). We almost sold out! This book seems to have a natural draw to the readers. I often hear how the children identify with both Teresa - the little girl who finds a monster in her room one night, and Corky - the monster who finds himelf in a strange room one night.

The day was filled with browsing books, selling and signing books and sharing cookies. Thanks to everyone for coming out to see us! We had a blast and can't wait to do it again.

To order your copy of A Star in the Night or Teresa's Shadow, please visit:

A Star in the Night or Amazon

Teresa's Shadow or Amazon:

Spiritual Bouquet for Father John Corapi

2011-03-19T20:04:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

When we work for God, we make enemies. Sometimes physical, sometimes spiritual, and sometimes both. Father John Corapi is a courageous priest who preaches the truth of Jesus and the Catholic Church. His words are powerful, thought provoking and inspirational. He has turned many lives around, helped many lost souls find God – all by his words.

Recently, there was an attack launched against this faithful priest. The accusations are hurtful and untruthful. Below, Father Corapi explains the situation, taken from his website:

“On Ash Wednesday I learned that a former employee sent a three-page letter to several bishops accusing me of everything from drug addiction to multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women…All of the allegations in the complaint are false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned. “

--Father John Corapi http://www.fathercorapi.com/default.aspx

More information can be found at the above link.

Many Catholics, in the past and present, suffer persecution because of their beliefs. When one suffers, especially a leader in our faith, it is natural to want to relieve that suffering. In an effort to do this, I would like to offer Father John Corapi a POWERFUL and inspirational spiritual bouquet .

Here’s how to help: Pledge one, two , ten or however many prayers you wish for Father John Corapi and his suffering and all those involved, since it was Father’s request to “pray for all concerned.” Your prayers can be traditional prayers, personal intentions, Masses, Rosaries, chaplets, devotions, hours of Adoration, Lenten Sacrifices, fasting, etc. Once you make your pledge, offer up the prayers and know you’ve done a Spiritual Work of Mercy. I’d like to have the spiritual bouquet completed in time for Easter Sunday. It would be meaningful to present these on the day our Lord defeated death and saved us from our sins.

Thank you for your interest in helping this priest who has helped us all in our spiritual lives. May God bless you!

Jennifer Gladen

Children’s Author

Founder/Editor –in-Chief My Light Magazine

The March VBT Tour

2011-03-13T20:59:00.001-04:00

A little late in posting - but below is the March Book tour schedule . Come check out all these fantastic authors and their blogs

The Writers on the Move’s March 2011 Tour Schedule

1st Debra Eckerling is featuring Margaret Fieland

2nd Kathy Stemke is featuring Jennifer Gladen

3rd Nancy Famolari is featuring Jenny Turner

4th Margaret Fieland is featuring Jennifer Wylie

5th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is featuring Stephen Tremp

6th Heather Paye is featuring Mayra Calvani

7th Marvin Wilson is featuring Virginia Grenier

8th Stephen Tremp is featuring Mari Taylor

9th Karen Cioffi is featuring Kevin McNamee

10th Martha Swirzinski is featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson

11th Heidi Thomas is featuring Kathy Stemke

12th Dallas Woodburn is featuring Karen Cioffi

13th Maggie Ball is featuring Nancy Famolari

14th Virginia Grenier is featuring Donna McDine

15th Kevin McNamee is featuring Marvin Wilson

16th Elysabeth Eldering is featuring Shelby Patrick

17th Marietta Taylor is featuring Debra Eckerling

18th Robert Medak is featuring Heidi Thomas

19th Donna McDine is featuring Dallas Woodburn

20th Shelby Patrick is featuring Heather Paye

21st Mayra Calvani is featuring Robert Medak

22nd Jennifer Gladen is featuring Martha Swirzinski

23rd Jenny Turner is featuring Elysabeth Eldering

24th Jennifer Wylie is featuring Maggie Ball

Teresa's Shadow Featured on Kathy Stemke's Blog

2011-03-01T21:53:00.001-05:00

Please Stop by Author Kathy Stemke's Blog and learn more about my book, Teresa's Shadow. Learn about the book, where to find it and even get an excerpt. See it all here: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/2011/03/featured-author-jennifer-gladen.html

Meet Author Elysabeth Eldering

2011-02-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

Meet the latest author to stop by here on the Virtual Book Tour (VBT) : Writer's on the Move - author Elysabeth Elderling! Elysabeth stopped by here and left some advice!

Making a Name for Yourself

by Elysabeth Eldering

When doing a series or several books, you have to get out there and make a name for yourself. How do you that? Promote and market.

When my first book was published in 2008, I knew it was going to be a long road to make a name for myself. It's about marketing and promoting. Writing books does not an overnight success make.

This month starts my "busy season" of promoting and marketing. Homeschool conferences, book festivals, and other ways to promote my books. Between the middle of February and the middle of November, it seems there are several events going on every month that I could possibly participate in. I've got to pick the ones I feel will be the most beneficial in promoting my books. Events like the SC Geographic Alliance's Geofest are great ways to promote myself inexpensively (this one cost me a little bit of gas, an overnight stay and two meals) because the core group of attendees is comprised of social studies teachers and other geography related folks who are looking for new and innovative ways to promote geography and social studies.

The second week of May is travel and tourism week. Most Welcome Centers probably do something to promote travel and tourism during the week. I've lucked up in that the SC Welcome Center coming in from Georgia on I-85 promotes local businesses. This is strictly a promotional gig as opposed to a book festival or other event where I can sell my books. The advantage of this type of event is that I get to meet people from many other states who are traveling north. As long as I'm putting bookmarks and other info in the hands of the people, I'm promoting my books.

The more events I do, the more I should be making a name for myself, but what about repeat events? This is truly the way to make a name for oneself. People will look for you after you do an event one time. This happened during the Love to Learn Homeschool Information and Resource Conference in August of 2010; a lady came to my table near the end of the day and said she remembered me from the year before and was glad I came back this year. I'm doing that conference again this year. The Savannah Children's Book Festival is another repeat event, and the best part of this is that I'll have the opportunity to do school visits before the book festival and get paid for that, so if I can line up at least three school visits, that will pretty much pay for my trip or at least cover my hotel costs and a couple of meals.

The other way to promote is using inexpensive items as giveaways. Bookmarks are a wonderful way to promote and you can include so much information on the bookmark. Mine include three covers, my website, my blog, my email, my logo, my illustrator's logo and her website. Where do you get bookmarks that don't cost an arm and a leg? Online through gotprint.com. The last order I did was for 2500 bookmarks at the low cost of only $25 and some change plus shipping, which was under $13. It is worth every penny and the quality of these bookmarks is very high. I usually sign the backs of the bookmarks so the kids have something autographed. I keep a stack of 50 or 100 in my pocketbook to hand out when I'm out and about.

I also offer prizes and freebies that are book related or at least United States related for my workshop attendees (geared for the kids) that I pick up at Dollar Tree, Dollar General and through Oriental Trading. You will be remembered and start making a name for yourself if you get out there and promote and market your books and yourself.

Elysabeth's Bio:

Elysabeth Eldering is the award winning author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad (JGDS), 50-state, mystery, trivia series. She has been a traveler since birth, traveling with her family while her father served in the United States Army. Ms. Eldering has lived in several states and overseas. She calls South Carolina home these days stating she is "Southern by choice, not by birth." Elysabeth entered her first writing contest at the age of 41 and took second place for a children's mystery story, "Train of Clues," which inspired the JGDS series. The stories are written in a Jeopardy!® like style in that a game gives the kids clues but they don't have to answer in the form of a question. Each book highlights one state. There are supplemental study guides, which take the books cross curriculum.

For more on the series, visit the JGDS website

For updates on events and things book related, visit the JGDS blog

Elysabeth can be reached via email at eeldering@gmail.com for questions, comments or book orders

Be sure to follow the VBT Writers on the Move tour by visiting Jenny Turner who will be hosting Marvin Wilson (The Old Silly).

February Virtual Book Tour Kicks off!

2011-02-01T18:14:00.002-05:00

The Virtual Book Tour (VBT) is revving up again. The VBT is a blog tour featuring many authors to help spread the word about their books, writing and services. The goal is to increase visibility and readership. The authors work together as a team to accomplish this goal.

Starting today, February 1, 2011 follow along and learn about these authors, their books and their writing. I'm the first author featured, so visit Debra Eckerling's blog today to read all about my writing, tips and books.

What will you learn by following the VBT tour?
Taken from the VBT blog: "We’ll be trying to provide more value packed informational content so you can not only learn about the authors books and services, but also pick up tips and advice on writing, ghostwriting, marketing, and more."

Follow along through the month. Each day a new author will be featured on a blog.

February VBT Schedule

1st Debra Eckerling is featuring Jennifer Gladen
2nd Kathy Stemke is featuring Jenny Turner

3rd Nancy Famolari is featuring Jennifer Wylie

4th Margaret Fieland is featuring Nancy Famolari

5th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is featuring Mayra Calvani

6th Heather Paye is featuring Virginia Grenier

7th Marvin Wilson is featuring Mari Taylor

8th Stephen Tremp is featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson

9th Darcia Helle is featuring Margaret Fieland

10th Martha Swirzinski is featuring Kathy Stemke

11th Heidi Thomas is featuring Karen Cioffi

12th Dallas Woodburn is featuring Maggie Ball

13th Karen Cioffi is featuring Stephen Tremp

14th Maggie Ball is featuring Donna McDine

15th Virginia Grenier is featuring Shelby Patrick

16th Kevin McNamee is featuring Darcia Helle

17th Elysabeth Eldering is featuring Dallas Woodburn

18th Marietta Taylor is featuring Heidi Thomas

19th Robert Medak is featuring Debra Eckerling
20th Donna McDine is featuring Heather Paye
21st Shelby Patrick is featuring Robert Medak
22nd Mayra Calvani is featuring Martha Swirzinski
23rd Jennifer Gladen is featuring Elysabeth Eldering

24th Jenny Turner is featuring Marvin Wilson

25th Jennifer Wylie is featuring Kevin McNamee

Please follow along and be sure to leave comments!

A Star in the Night wins Catholic Writers Guild Seal Of Approval Award

2011-01-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 2011

Contact: Jennifer Gladen

Philadelphia, PA

www.jengladen.com

A Star in the Night wins Catholic Writers Guild Seal Of Approval Award

On January 18, 2011, A Star in the Night, written by Jennifer Gladen and illustrated by K.C. Snider, was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild (CWG) Seal of Approval (SOA) award. The award is given to fiction and non-fiction books which are consistent with Church teaching and are faithful to the Magesterium.

A Star in the Night is a story about Christmas and its real meaning. Is it all about the shopping, gifts, cookies and parties? Or is there something more David is missing?

As taken from the book’s blurb: “David makes his way home on Christmas Eve and sees this is no ordinary night. Accompanied by a shimmering star and some tough decisions, David encounters three experiences that will change his view of Christmas forever. Join David on his wondrous journey home. “

Just what are some people saying about A Star in the Night?

“A touching tale with a great Christmas message.”

--Cheryl C. Malandrinos , December 1, 2010

“Great book for the holiday season - true meaning of Christmas”

--Customer, Barnes and Noble.com

Jennifer Gladen is a children’s author, mother of three and teacher who lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She has written several children’s books, stories and articles, and started her own Catholic e-zine titled My Light Magazine. When not writing, teaching or mothering, she enjoys singing in her local parish choir on Sundays.

To purchase A Star in the Night, visit :
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
ISBN# 1616330554

To schedule an interview or to contact the author, send an e-mail to:
Jennifer_gladen5@msn.com

Book Review: Frederico the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani

2011-01-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

Frederico, the Mouse Violinist

by: Mayra Calvani

Illustrations: K.C. Snider

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-61633-114-6; 1616331143 Paperback

e-book: 13: 978-1-61633-125-2; 1616331259

Frederico the Mouse Violinist is a fascinating picture book about a mouse and a dream. Living in the workshop of the famed violin designer Antonio Stradivari, Frederico watches the talented designer craft spectacular violins. Wanting to learn more, at night he explored and learned to play the instruments. Little did he know, someone was watching and would surprise him with a special gift.

This was a heartwarming picture book to be enjoyed again and again. I like how the educational components tied in with the story, yet didn’t take away from it.

Illustrator K.C. Snider has done it again with colorful, engaging and realistic illustrations.

This is an all around fantastic book.

Click here or on the links above to purchase.

Interview with A Star in the Night's David

2010-11-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

I had a chance to talk with David, the main character in Jennifer Gladen’s Christmas book, “A Star in the Night” on Thanksgiving Day. Here’s what David had to say:

JG: Thanks for joining me David on this Thanksgiving Day. I won’t take up too much of your time since it is a holiday.

David: Thank you. I’m glad to be here.

JG: Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas Season. How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

David: (Smiling) We have so much fun. Mom, Dad, me and baby Jesse all visit Grandmom’s house. She cooks a huge turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and lots of cranberry sauce. At the end of the night, Grandmom gives me some early Christmas money. She does this every year.

JG: What do you do with the early Christmas money?

David: I love to go to the mall. Sometimes I even have enough money left to buy some of Mr. Rennetti’s Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve.

JG: That’s right. We read about those cookies in A Star in the Night. They sound yummy.

David: They’re the best!

JG: In A Star in the Night, you seem to have a companion on your way home. Tell me, what did you think about it?

David: What? Oh you mean that star. Yes, that was a beautiful star. I never seen anything like it before. I felt like it followed me home that night.

JG: You ran into some interesting people that Christmas Eve.

David: Yes, they were. And wonderful people who I’m grateful to know. You’ll have to read the book to learn more about them.

JG: That’s fair. We’re about out of time. Is there anything you’d like me to share with our readers?

David: Enjoy your Thanksgiving and be sure to share my story with your families.

JG: Okay, will do. Happy Thanksgiving. Now go on back with your family.

Please welcome my newest book, Teresa's Shadow

2010-11-24T21:46:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce another children's book of mine published by Guardian Angel Publishing ( www.guardianangelpublishing.com ).

Every child once in a while discovers a fear of the dark at bedtime or monsters at night. Some fear it all! This latest book, published October 2010 is about a currious little girl, Teresa, and a new friend, Corky. Teresa and Corky must face their fears and differences in order for Corky to make it home.

Teresa's Shadow can be found at:

Guardian Angel Publishing - http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/teresas-shadow.htm

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/1616331038/

Barnes and Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Teresas-Shadow/Jennifer-Gladen/e/9781616331030

A Star in the Night is born

2010-11-01T20:08:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to announce my first picture book, A Star in the Night is now available. Illustrated by the talented K.C Snider and published by none other than Guardian Angel Publishing just in time for Christmas, this heartwarming story will ponder what Christmas is about.

Meet and follow David as he makes his way home from the mall on Christmas Eve. With Christmas traditions floating through his mind, he has no idea what he's about to encounter. And it will change his view of Christmas forever. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own it today!

If you already have it and read it, feel free to post a review on Amazon. I'm holding a contest now - the first person who writes a review AND sends me an email/link to the review will receive a free autographed copy. In your e-mail please include the link, your name and address. Please note: the winnder has to be the FIRST review AND has to send me the e-mail. Write to jennifer_gladen5@msn.com Thanks and good luck!

Updates on My Light Magazine

2010-04-23T12:18:00.000-04:00

My Light Magazine, a Catholic children's free e-zine for children has some updates.

First - My Light is looking for a new Art Director and possibly an assistant.
Here's the info:

Be a Part of the My Light Team!

Art Director for My Light Magazine

JOB SUMMARY:

The Art Director at My Light Magazine is responsible for acquiring and coordinating illustrations for poems, stories and articles. Organizational skills and follow up skills are a must.

The Art Director realizes this, as other positions at My Light Magazine, are on a volunteer basis for now.

DUTIES:

• Recruit new illustrators

• Coordinate illustrators with manuscripts

• Follow up with illustrators who agree to illustrate a manuscript

• Send illustrations to Editor-in-Chief

• Perform other duties as needed

If interested, please contact Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Gladen at

mylightmagazine@msn.com or editor@mylightmagazine.com

Second: My Light recognizes the time and energy of all our volunteers should be honored and respected. That is why we are still striving to become a paying market. One way we hope to do this is to participate in the I Give program.

Supporters sign up at I Give.com and choose My Light Catholic Magazine as their cause. When they do this and shop via store links on I Give, a percentage of your purchases goes to My Light. Also - there's a way to support us without spending one dime! All you have to do is use the ISearchIGive search engine when you are signed in to I Give and My Light will receive 1 penny - sometimes more - per search you do. Here's an easy way to sign up and help us:

http://www.iGive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=47177&m=573204

Also - there's a special promotion going on now offering more help for the magazine. Click here for more details

The Third Annual Catholic Writer's Conference Online

2010-02-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

It's almost here! The Online Catholic Writer's Conference. Come and check it out!

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Karina Fabian
Phone: (805) 285-0108
E-mail: karina@fabianspace.com

Ann Margaret Lewis
Phone: (317) 755-2693
e-mail: annlewis@joesystems.com

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers Online Conference Provides Authors More Opportunities than Ever!

World Wide Web--In order to get published, writers need several things: knowledge, support and opportunity. The Catholic Writers Conference Online seeks to give writers all of those--for free!

Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the third annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before February 15, 2010.

Workshops and live online chats cover the gamut of writing topics from idea generation to marketing a published novel; traditional and self-publishing, article writing and fiction, and much more. "We have sixty subject-matter experts giving their time to teach others--from the fledgling writer learning about plot to the experienced author wanting to better market their works," said co-coordinator Karina Fabian.

In addition, ten prominent publishers (Catholic, Christian and secular) will hear pitches, giving authors an unprecedented opportunity to chat personally despite living hundreds or thousands of miles away.

The CWCO has also added small critique workshops, where writers can get information and advice specific to their writing.

"CWG's goal in creating these conferences is to help Catholic authors get published. In this economy, the online conference provides a great opportunity for Catholic writers to better their skills and jump forward in their writing careers. The cost is nil and the value is priceless. No Catholic writer should miss it," said CWG Vice President Ann Lewis.

Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

# # #

Graphics, interviews and further information available upon request.

Guardian Angel Publishing Releases New Magazine

2010-02-07T14:00:00.004-05:00

Guardian Angel Publishing (GAP), the publishing company which has three of my children's books under contract, recently embarked on a new adventure. They announced the debut of their online interactive magazine titled Guardian Angel Kids. Lynda S. Burch, publisher of the well-known Guardian Angel books, is also the publisher of the magazine. She named Jennifer Reed, founder of Wee-Ones magazine, as Editor-in-Chief. And Kevin McNamee was named Technical Director. A big congrats goes out to them.

The magazine has stories (some consisting of well-known GAP characters), activities, videos and tons of free stuff.

Go on over and try it out. If you're a fan of the books, I think you'll love the magazine.
Leave a comment - what do you think of this new mag on the market?

A Spiritual Bouquet to March for Life

2010-01-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

A Spiritual Bouquet to March for Life

Today, hundreds of thousands of people gathered to march on Washington DC for the annual March for Life. It occurs every year on the anniversary of the Roe V Wade decision legalizing abortions. March for life not only acts as a voice for the unborn, but also the elderly and all those facing end-of-life care and decisions.

As Editor-in-Chief of a Catholic Magazine, I was disappointed I couldn’t make the march this year. I still wanted to do something to show my full support for this cause as I watched on TV speakers, children, adults and others stand up for life.
In that moment I decided that prayers for these supporters and their cause will go a long way. They need the strength of the Holy Spirit to persevere for they are fighting for God and His children. Therefore, My Light Magazine decided we will present a spiritual bouquet to the March for Life Organization.

Please pledge your prayers in support of all the marchers in the March for Life. Send My Light your designated prayer and any short words of encouragement. Some great prayers are the Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Mass, etc.

We will collect all the prayer intentions and present them to the March for Life organization. Each pledge will be represented by an illustrated flower as part of the bouquet. We will list your name and your prayer pledge. If we have too many contributors, we will provide a list of all the prayer pledges along with a beautiful illustrated bouquet. Illustrator and My Light’s paper doll designer, Candace J Hardy will design the illustration for the bouquet.

The goal is if we can support the marchers with our prayers we are helping the cause. We are helping not only get their voices heard, but we are helping to save lives, including unborn children. Press release to soon follow.

To begin e-mailing your prayer pledges, send them to bouquet@mylightmagazine.com

SCBWI's Conference Blog

2009-08-05T09:33:00.005-04:00

I stumbled across this blog - the SCBWI conference blog. Though I will not be attending the Summer Conference in LA due to the fact I'm on the East Coast, I have benefited from the conference in New York and local confrences in my home state. If you're an SCBWI member, give this site a visit.

Many of you know I've been adding writing tips to my blog. The biggest tip I can offer you is to attend a conference now and then. Of course, you won't be getting anywhere if you don't write, but the fellowship, networking and learning from other writers at the conferences are definitely a plus.

Check out the blog at http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/

Keep On Writing

2009-08-02T15:12:00.003-04:00

I hit another writer's block. I knew I had something great stuck in my head - but how would I ever get it on paper? The advice that instantly pops into mind is "just write". But that is easily pushed aside by thoughts that say, "Why bother. It won't be any good. This is nothing like the other stories or books out there."

That's why I'm grateful for exercises given by our fellow writers. For example, on Laurie Halse Anderson's Facebook page she is giving writing prompts and a challenge to write continuously for 15 minutes straight all throughout August.

Just one of these prompts are pulling together a story I had in my head for ages. It is amazing what story elements develop as you write. You may not have it all planned out. Maybe you just have a thought or a situation in your head. But if you just write, you'll see elements pull together.

So, if you're stuck on a thought or worried you won't be able to write another word, try checking out exercises like those on Laurie Halse Anderson's page.

Jen's Writing Tip # 10: Join the Conference!

2009-07-15T12:02:00.002-04:00

That's right. There's no better way to make contacts, sharpen your skills and learn about the craft than to attend a writer's conference. I know, I know. The cash flow isn't there to attend as many as you'd wish. That's why I've been attending the Muse Online Writer's Conference the past few years. It's perfect for my situation. I can attend it from home and the best part is: it's free!

This year the conference runs from October 12, 2009-October 18, 2009, however the deadline to register is August 1, 2009. The director of the conference made it clear: NO EXCEPTIONS. So, if you'd like to attend the conference, head on over to the Muse Group and sign up - before August 1.

Jen's Writing Tip# 9 How Exciting!

2009-07-12T11:40:00.005-04:00

We all know great things happen in our stories and articles. We want our readers to pick up on it. Chances are, if they're following the story, they will pick up on the excitement.

As authors, we are tempted to put in expressive punctuation to emphasize our point. The most over used punctuation mark? The exclamation point. We use exclamation point to show excitement. Something out of the ordinary is happening. Or something wonderful, or scary. It is fine to use these powerful helpers sparingly. In fact, when used in moderation, it can make that line perfect.

However, we should be careful not to over use them. If you have a simple statement like, "Go find the dog," you should end that with a period. Could you imagine your sister or brother saying to you, "Go find the dog!" I have this vision of someone standing in front of me yelling loudly. Do we do that when we talk to each other ?

So how often should you use them? My advice would be one or two per manuscript, depending on the length. For anywhere between 500- 1000 words use one - maybe. Remember, you want that punctuation mark to do its job - show excitement. How exciting can something be if every other sentence ends with an exclamation point?

A Cure for Summer Boredom

2009-07-02T09:57:00.004-04:00

My friend Zebee at Laughing Zebra Children's Books has something wonderful in store for you this summer. Pretty soon those of us who have school-age children will find that the novelty of summer vacation is wearing off and boredom sets in. If that's true in your household, consider signing them up for this educational activity. There's something new each week. My friends over at Zebee's was kind enough to send me all the info.

Here's what they told me:

Just In Time to Beat Summer Time Boredom: Zebee’s Summer Zoo Camp is Almost Here!

Sign up today. Keep your child happily busy all summer long.

V Zoo, Cyber Space – July 1, 2009 -- Calling all parents, teachers and caregivers with children between the ages of 5 and 8. Do you need some fun educational activities for your children this summer? Can’t afford to send them off to a zoo camp? We have the answer. Starting July 6, 2009 we are holding a Virtual Summer Zoo Camp. It’s online and it’s totally FREE. All you have to do is sign up.

Eight weeks of Zoo animal fun!

July 6-12 Meerkat Mania

July 13-17 Leaping Lizards

July 20-24 Virtuous Vultures

July 27-31 Fascinating Frogs

August 3-7 Observant Okapis

August 10-14 Playful Penguins

August 17-21 Slithery Snakes

August 24-28 Amazing Antelope

We will be giving away some prizes too, all FREE.

What else will this summer camp have? There will be Games, Animal Trivia, Arts and Crafts and all kinds of Puzzles.

So what are you waiting for? Hop over to Zebee’s Summer Zoo Camp and sign up today.

Permission to Reprint:

Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: You may reprint this to help spread the word. We here at Laughing Zebra – Books for Children thank you

So there you have it. Something to do when your child says to you, "I'm boooored." Feel free to post a comment here about your experience once the camp starts.

My Light Magazine Names Non Fiction Editor

2009-06-20T15:59:00.002-04:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Media Contact: Jennifer Gladen

Editor, MY LIGHT MAGAZINE

Email: editor@mylightmagazine.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MY LIGHT MAGAZINE NAMES NON-FICTION EDITOR

Pennsylvania (June 15, 2009)– My Light Magazine, a Catholic centered online magazine for children, announces a new member of the My Light Team. Author Tracy Becker accepted the position of Non-Fiction Editor. She will assist in reviewing and editing non-fiction submissions including Bible stories, articles, profiles on saints and activities. Be sure to catch her monthly column titled “Year of the Priest”.

“If you’re thinking of submitting, please be sure to include a bibliography,” says Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen. “One important duty Tracy Becker will have is to verify the bibliographies.”

Tracy Becker received her education from the Institute of Children's Literature and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators. She has been writing for all ages for almost 15 years. Her work has appeared in Religion Teacher's Journal, Maryfaithful, and the Una Voce Columbus newsletter. She is currently working on 2 adult books and a children's Christmas activity book.

When asked how she felt about joining My Light, Tracy responded, “I am happy to be on the My Light Team!”

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen is also excited about My Light’s new addition. “Tracy has some great ideas for the magazine. We can’t wait to share them with everyone.”

The My Light Team looks forward to working with Tracy Becker. Non-fiction submissions can be sent to tracybecker@mylightmagazine.com with a bibliography.

Jennifer Gladen, Editor-in-Chief: editor@mylightmagazine.com

Jaclyn Morales, Assistant Editor: jaclynmorales@mylightmagazine.com

Carol Brook, Illustrator Coordinator: Carolbrooke@mylightmagazine.com

Diane Smit, Poetry Editor: Dianesmit@mylightmagazine.com

Website: http://mylightmagazine.com

###

END OF THE TOUR

2009-06-16T12:30:00.002-04:00

The Bounding for Books Blog Tour is over. Thanks to all the authors and illustrators who stopped by the blog. And thanks to all who left comments. This has been a fun tour and I hope you all learned something about these talented guests I've had here. Some have added nice writing tips which will get you far in the writing world. The most important thing to remember is be persistent. Read, revise....revise again (and again) and then find that MS a home.

Kim Chatel: A Talent for Quiet June 12, 2009

2009-06-05T12:53:00.006-04:00

Today we have talented author Kim Chatel join us! Her latest book, A Talent for Quiet, is more than a story about photography. It includes adjusting to new family relationships, trust, and learning. Kim Chatel incorporated many elements in this story to bring about a full sense of satisfaction by the time you are finished reading. I also enjoyed all the photography tips and information at the back of the book.

Kim Chatel is a Canadian born author, photographer and fiber artist. She is the author of three books for children, The Stone Beach (Eternal Press) Rainbow Sheep and A Talent for Quiet (Guardian Angel Publishing). Her interactive chapter book, Burgher and the Woebegone will be out soon from Guardian Angel Publishing. Kim now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter and assortment of animals.

Visit Kim’s Blog

And check out Chatel Village for loads of fun!

Click here for purchase information.

Be sure to visit Kim Chatel's blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a free ebook of A Talent for Quiet.

Thanks for stopping by Kim!

Meet Donna Shepherd

2009-06-05T12:19:00.006-04:00

Multi-talented author and singer Donna Shepherd joins us today and shares some info on her new picture book Dotty's Topsy Tale.

What's Ms. Shepherd all about? She's a woman of many talents. Check out her bio and you'll see what I mean:

Children’s and Inspirational Writer and Speaker, Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, and Christian Work at Home Moms, she has hundreds of articles and devotionals to her credit. Her devotionals and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Grandma in the World.

DOTTY'S TOPSY TALE

Dotty's Topsy Tale, the newest in the Topsy Tales series written by Donna J. Shepherd and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, features Dotty, a pink hippo that doesn't quite fit in. With help from her best friend, Chizzy, she finds she can be happy with herself no matter what her color. The book introduces a purple baby hippo, Violet, to gently explore the topic of discrimination. Suggested age for readers: 2-5.

What are others saying about this great book?

Dotty's Topsy Tale is a book that has all of the features our family looks for when shop for books. and is published by a great Christian publishing company that caters to families with younger children. It is highly recommended as a self-esteem booster and affirmer for kids and is part 2 of a sequel. It delves into the topic of discrimination and supports community-building values and living by a higher standard.

It espouses the value of change -- we don't always have to live the way we were raised to live, especially when that was based in untruth or ignorance. These are much needed topics of discussion for children to understand while they are young and developing a foundation for their character that will carry them through the rest of their living years in this world. In the face of all of the infamous leadership failures we've all witnessed in recent years, high-quality character development really needs to be at the top of the list of priorities for all educators in public, private, and home schools. Bravo, Donna! The illustrations are stunning due to Kevin's use of contrasting and complimentary colors. Our oldest is an aspiring artist and really enjoyed the pictures. This is our official review as we have added this book into our homeschool curriculum for 2009.

- Donna Johnson, WWAHM.com, JKidsCrew Butterfly Homeschool Journal (http://jkidscrew.tumblr.com/post/104695435/here-is-a-book-that-has-all-of-the-features-that)

Where can you find out more?

Topsy Tales -

Dotty's Own Blog:

GAP Page:
Blazing Trailers

Check this out:

Other books:

Topsy Turvy Land

Chizzy's Topsy Tale

OUCH! Sunburn

No More Gunk!

The Lonely Lightning Bug

Coming soon!

Poodle and Doodle

Bradybug

Sully's Topsy Tale

While Donna stopped by, I asked her a few questions:

>
Tell us more about Dotty's Topsy Tale.

In Dotty’s Topsy Tale, the main character, a hot pink hippo, deals with the issue of discrimination and the angst of feeling ‘different.’ This story encourages children to look beyond the color of a person's (or a hippo's!) skin. Kevin Scott Collier brings pure genius to the book with his vibrant illustrations, especially with the final one which sums up the message in a unique and wonderful way.

Where did you get your idea for the story? Did something inspire you?

One day while brainstorming with my daughter for ideas, she asked, "Isn't Dotty pink? What if she wanted to play with purple hippos? Would that be a problem?" I decided, yes, it would, but not for Dotty - only those around her, and more specifically, the grownups. Sweet Dotty cannot for the life of her figure out why skin color matters. After all, her best friend is green

What is the best trait about your main character? What is the worst?

Dotty? She's so sweet. She gets Chizzy in trouble in Chizzy's Topsy Tale, but not because she's mean – she's just a hippo in search of a snack. I can't think of a bad trait, except that she tries to sing in the upcoming Sully's Topsy Tale, and it's downright awful.

Describe the world through your character’s eyes. What do you see, hear, feel and think?

Dotty is very one-track minded. Hungry? Let's eat! Feeling playful? Doesn't everyone want to play with her? She lives in a jungle, so there's lots of activity, and in Topsy Turvy Land, everything is bright and colorful thanks to Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations.

Do you have any upcoming books or projects you are working on?

My next book is called Poodle and Doodle and is written from the point of view of a snooty poodle and the 'new dog' - a labradoodle she has to learn to get along with. Jack Foster is illustrating and it's under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing (G.A.P.) I'm posting pics and sneak peeks of the book at 'Oodles of Fun.

I’ve started offering tips on my blog to other authors. What is one can’t-live-without-tip you have for beginning authors?

As writers, we are blessed to be able to create. And as a children's writer, sometimes I'm really blessed, and the words I write are illustrated with pictures. It's so much fun to see my words come to life. I thank God every day for the joy of writing, and for allowing me the pleasure of seeing my words in print.

If you are an aspiring children’s writer, visit your local library or bookstore and read a variety of books for your target age group. Ask the children's librarian for recommendations. They know children’s interests and current trends in children's books.

And no matter which genre you’re interested in, write. Set your mind on a target audience, and then write for ezines or magazines. Write articles, poetry, or a novel. Just write. Then submit. It won’t get published as a file on your computer or a notepad tucked away in a drawer. Writing is fun, but hard work. But did I mention how I feel about it? It’s fun!

Thanks for visiting, Donna - and great tip!

Margot Finke and Rattlesnake Jam June 8th

2009-06-05T12:05:00.006-04:00

I have a treat for you today. Creative author Margot Finke joins us and shares all about her book Rattlesnake Jam. Margot's boy-appeal in Rattlesnake Jam is genius. Even if the thought of jam made out of rattlesnakes makes you squeamish, aren't you a bit curious about it?

Margot Finke has done it again. She mixed creativity, fun, and interest all in one book. And to top it off Kevin Scott Collier illustrated the book and filled it with lively, colorful illustrations. Checking out Rattlesnake Jam is a no lose situation.

I'm honored to share more info about Rattlesnake Jam:

Rattlesnake Jam

(Illustrated by award winner Kevin Scott Collier.)
Reading level: Ages 5 -10
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (G.A.P) - May 2008
** eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5 -
(BUY - Fictionwise, G.A.P, Author's Website., & more)
** Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9 -
(BUY - Amazon, B&N, Target, G.A.P, Author's Website & more)
A FREE Link to an AUDIO of Margot reading this book comes with every
Autographed soft cover copy purchased from her website
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8096754832384448296
==============================

"Rattlesnake Jam" is a rhyming romp for reluctant readers - especially boys!
Pa hunts rattlers, and Gran cooks them up into her gooey green rattlesnake jam. Good for whatever ails you, Gran sells her concoction to folks near and far. However, Pa yearns for rattler over rice, or maybe rattlesnake pie: but can he persuade Gran to cook them for him?
==============================
REVIEW:
Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children's picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There's only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam. disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam! ...
Collier's colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke's humorous rhyme perfectly. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom-a two or four line rhyme. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again.
--Mayra Calvani Midwest Book Review, June 2008

=============================

View fun musical Book Trailer + "Puzzle Slides" of other book covers on her Blog: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com

Margot's Website for Children's Books, Manuscript Critique Service, Writing Help + her "Musings" column : http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8096754832384448296

==============================
"Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind," Guardian Angel Publishing - illustrator K.C Snider, is due out soon. Ruthie and her family move far from their old home. The move gives Ruthie a change of personality, as well as a new address. Ruthie's horrible moods drive her parents crazy - Parent/teacher guide is included.
==================================

*** At the end of each week Margot will give away 3 FREE AUDIO links. Each link has Margot reading one of her stories + illustrations. These will go to the 3 readers who add that week's most unique comments.

Nothing Stops Noah

2009-06-05T10:45:00.010-04:00

Nothing Stops Noah
That is is the latest book by the talented team of author Shari Lyle-Soffe and illustrator Kevin Collier. Nothing Stops Noah is a charming book about never giving up. We join Noah in his adventure on a quest to earn money to buy his mom a gift. This book is tons of fun that will keep youngsters laughing till the end.

Where can you find this fabulous book?

It's on sale now at:

Amazon

Guardian Angel Publishing

Blazing Trailers

Shari shared some more information with us in an interview I did with her. Check it out:

Tell us more about your book.

My book is Nothing Stops Noah. Noah goes to work in his grandfather’s pet store to earn money to buy a gift for his mother. When Grandpa leaves him in charge Noah accidentally lets all of the animals escape. He must find a way to get them back in their cages before Grandpa returns.

Where did you get your idea for the story? Did something inspire you?

My mother used to lecture me with “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” It just seemed to fit a pet shop full of escaped animals.

What is the best trait about your main character? What is the worst?

His best trait is his determination, and his love for his mother. His worst trait is….not being totally honest about his ability to count.

Describe the world through your character’s eyes. What do you see, hear, feel and think?

Noah doesn’t see problems, he sees challenges. He believes in himself. He thinks he can do anything if he just keeps trying.

Do you have any upcoming books or projects you are working on?

I have two books coming out this year. A Horse Of Course is about a boy who gets a horse for his birthday and is certain he knows how to care for it. Shoo Cat! about a boy who wants a dog more than anything. Eventually he realizes he has some mistaken ideas about what would be a good pet.

I’ve started offering tips on my blog to other authors. What is one can’t-live-without-tip you have for beginning authors.

Read every book in your preferred genre that you can get your hands on.

Thank you Shari! Hey everyone - stop by Shari's Blog.

Leave a comment on http://www.sharilyle-soffe.com during the tour to be entered in a drawing to receive an autographed copy of Nothing Stops Noah in softcover.

Meet Rebekha and Joy Delgado

2009-06-03T09:18:00.009-04:00

What a treat we have for you today! Publisher, illustrator Joy Delgado joins us accompanied with loads of information about the book Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa is written by author Rebekha Delgado and illustrated by Joy Delgado. Welcome Joy and Rebekha!

Check out the trailer

Purchase Info:

LAUGHING ZEBRA BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa by Rebekha Delgado
Picture book ISBN: 978-0-9755454-1-6 $11.95
Activity Book ISBN: 978-0-9755454-2-3 $ 4.95
Teacher’s guide ISBN: 978-0-9755454-3-0 $ 8.95

What are others saying about Zooprise Party?

When Sally the zookeeper wishes Mori the okapi a Happy Birthday, Lito, the nosiest of all
the gerenuks, is listening at the fence between the two exhibits. Follow along as he gets Elvis
the king vulture to help him plan and pull off a surprise party for Mori. Will Mori be surprised?
How will all the animals in the zoo get to the party?

This book is the joint effort of author Rebekha Delgado and illustrator Joy Delgado. What started out as a family project, this entertaining picture book has taken flight! A fully bilingual,
English/Spanish, story that has an activity book and a teacher's guide to go with it, this trio truly goes beyond reading.

Intended as a read-aloud for small children or for older children to read it for themselves, it can be purchased at Amazon.com, Target,com and the publisher's website.3 To learn more about Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa and gets lots of free activities, visit http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/.

This is a very different book! I've seen some other bilingual books before, but none quite like Zooprise Fiesta. On each page of this fun story, you will find the English version on the lefthand side and the Spanish version of the same tale on the righthand side. It's a sweet little story and one that your kids will enjoy hearing over and over again. If you have bilingual children or are working on teaching either English OR Spanish as a second language, this book would certainly fit right in.

As a homeschooling parent, I was especially excited to see the accompanying books. The workbook is full of fun pages for children to fill in and do - all accompanying the story and making it "come to life". My eight year old daughter enjoyed reading the book, but she's spending much more time working through the sheets in the workbook. There are fill-in-the-blanks, coloring pages, matching, word search, crossword puzzles and more. She is having to refer back to the book to find answers to some of the questions, making this a very educational (yet fun) adventure. The Teacher's Guide contains great lead-in questions, lots of extra information about the zoo characters in the book, and both art and game ideas - enough to turn this book into a mini-unit-study.
Heidi Strawser – Reviews by Heidi

*******
A delightful and entertaining bilingual story of friendship is waiting to be discovered in Zooprise Party by Rebekha Delgado. Mori the okapi is celebrating a birthday, but no one seems to care--not even his nosy neighbor, Lito the gerenuk. What do Lito and Elvis the king vulture know that Mori doesn't?

This is a wonderful book that will be enjoyed by young people (ages 3 - 8) in many parts of the world. Told in English and Spanish, your child will learn about friendship and a variety of interesting animals. The author's love and knowledge of animals is obvious throughout the book as she assigns human traits to these zoo creatures whom your children will love and adore.

Illustrator Joy Delgado did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. Her attention to detail and the fun and lighthearted appearance of Mori and friends will be a big hit with young readers. And through most of the pages there is a wild rabbit hopping around. Though not mentioned in the book, I wondered if he/she has a story of his/her own to tell.

The text is large and clear so that children who are reading on their own will have no problem understanding the words. My girls (ages 7 and 5) picked up on the fact that each main character has his own colored text in the story, so that the words "Mori" and "okapi" always appear in purple, "Lito" and "gerenuk" in green, and "Elvis" and "king vulture" in red. This allowed them to relate which animal went with which name easily.

Also available is the Zooprise Party Activity Book, filled with crossword puzzles, color by number pages, search-a-words, and connect the dots, and mazes. There are also coloring pages that ask questions about the book and the back page has bookmarks for your child to cut out and share with friends.

There is also a Teacher's Guide that will help educators introduce children in Grades K - 3 to a variety of topics that coincide with the book. From Language Arts to Math and Science, this guide will provide educators with many ideas to help children learn about themselves, others, and animals. You'll find more activities, crafts, recipes, and animal facts at http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/index.htmlZooprise Party by Rebekha Delgado is a book that should be on every young reader's bookshelf, though I doubt it will stay there long because they'll be too busy reading it.Cheryl Malandrinos – Reviewer

******

About the Author

Rebekha always knew she wanted to spend her life working with animals. She never lost sight of that dream. She started her ‘career’ working with animals in elementary school by writing about them. One of her poems, ‘Wish’, was published in a national poetry contest. It is about wishing that she was a wolf, for only a day or two. In high school, she continued to write about animals and even entered her writing in local contests.

After high school she went to the University of Florida where she received her B.A. in Anthropology. She then attended the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo and earned her A.S. in Zoo Animal Technology. While she was there, she wrote Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa, and several other stories not published yet.

Upon graduation, Rebekha began working at an AZA accredited zoo in Orlando where she still works today.

NEXT STOP ON THE TOUR: Chatel Village!

BREAKING NEWS!!

2009-06-02T08:26:00.005-04:00

Author Mayra Calvani announced early this morning that the Spanish version of her book, CRASH! is now available. To learn more, visit her book's page at Guardian Angel Publishing.
Congrats Mayra. We wish you much success!

Want to learn more about Mayra Calvani? Her next stop is the Daily News in Chatel Village!

A CRASH! Course on Author Mayra Calvani

2009-06-01T08:10:00.010-04:00

The first day of the Bounding for Books Blog Tour is here. Author Mayra Calvani stopped by and shared all on her latest book CRASH!

Be sure to stop by her blog www.crashthepuppy.blogspot.com
and leave a comment. At the end of the tour one lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of the print version of CRASH.

Multi-genre author, reviewer, dog lover and animal advocate Mayra Calvani hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She's a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine and Suite101. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, playing the violin, interviewing other authors for her blogs and newsletters and watching too many reruns of Gilmore Girls and I Dream of Jeannie. She’s the author of the picture book, The Magic Violin, also published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She's also the Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com:
http://www.examiner.com/x-6309-Latino-Books-Examiner

Mayra Calvani's book, CRASH! is a must-read for dog fans. We follow along as Marcelo tries to pick out the "perfect" name for his new, furry friend. The colorful, realistic illustrations done by Anna PylypchuK completes the book. Many reviewers enjoyed the CRASH! as well.

Since I will be hosting such successful authors as Mayra Calvani on this tour, I'm asking each one of them some questions. Check out what Ms. Calvani had to say:

Jennifer Gladen (JG): Tell us more about CRASH!

Mayra Calvani (MC): Crash is a humorous and heart-warming story about a little boy and his
first puppy. The boy learns the responsibilities that comes with owning a dog, and finds out that choosing the perfect name for a puppy
can be a very hard job! Readers can find all about it at
www.crashthepuppy.blogspot.com. The book will be available in Spanish
soon. I’m also donating 50% of my royalties to a golden retriever
rescue and sanctuary.

JG: Where did you get your idea for the story? Did something inspire you?

MC: Yes. Several years ago we had to give away our first golden retriever
puppy because my daughter was allergic and got very sick. His name was
Crash. Writing the book was a healing experience and helped me come to
terms with his leaving. A book is a very powerful thing.

JG: Yes, it's sad to lose a pet. I'm glad writing the book helped heal you.
What is the best trait about your main character? What is the worst?

MC: The best? I’m loyal. The worst? I’m not as hardworking as I’d like.

JG: Describe the world through your character’s eyes. What do you see,
hear, feel and think?

MC: As Marcelo, the little boy in the story, the only thing I see, hear
and think about is CRASH!

JG: Do you have any upcoming books or projects you are working on?

MC: I have three other children’s picture books coming soon from Guardian
Angel Publishing. I’m also working on various works in progress in the
adult, young adult and children’s categories. In addition, I have
several finished manuscripts doing the publisher roundup. I keep
myself pretty busy!

JG: I’ve started offering tips on my blog to other authors. What is one
can’t-live-without-tip you have for beginning authors.

MC: ‘Leap, and the net will appear.’ You have to believe in yourself and
your dreams; you have to keep trying; you have to ‘just do it’. Don’t
talk about writing the novel or story. Just sit and write it. The only
person who can start the wheel moving is YOU.

JG: Excellent advice, Mayra. Thank you for visiting us! Good luck with all your projects!

Think you might want to buy CRASH? I have great news for you. Mayra Calvani is donating 50% of her author royalties to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary

Purchase info:

Crash!
by Mayra Calvani
Illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk
Guardian Angel Publishing
Tel: 314 276 8482
ISBN: 1-933090-54-5
April 2008
Paperback, 32 pages, $10.95
Picture Book, Ages 2-6

The Spanish Version is coming out this summer. Watch for it!

Links where you'll find Mayra:

*Pets and Their Authors: www.petsandauthors.blogspot.com

*Mayra Calvani is the Latino Books Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-6309-Latino-Books-Examiner

*Blog for Crash! www.crashthepuppy.blogspot.com

Crash! isn't the only place you'll see Mayra's love of animals. Check out these articles on dogs:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Finding-the-Perfect-Name-For-Your-Puppy&id=1252779

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Responsibilities-of-Owning-a-Dog&id=1252771

http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/great_online_resource_for_dog_owners

Bounding for Books Blog Tour

2009-05-30T11:37:00.007-04:00

We have an exciting two weeks coming up! The Bounding for Books Blog Tour is underway June 1, 2009. Follow along the tour. You'll hear from authors Mayra Calvani, Donna Shepherd, Kim Chatel, Margot Finke, Shari Lyle-Soffe and Jennifer Gladen. Learn more about these authors and their books published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

We also have a special guest along with us. Joy Delgado, publisher and illustrator of Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa

The tour includes:

Donna Shepherd, author of Dotty’s Topsy Tale, http://www.topsyturvyland.com/

Jennifer Gladen, author of A Star in the Night, http://www.jgladen.blogspot.com/

Joy Delgado, http://goingbeyondreading.blogspot.com

Kim Chatel, author of A Talent for Quiet, http://www.kimchatel.com/H1A_Daily_News/H1A_Daily_News.html

Margot Finke, author of Rattlesnake Jam, http://margotfinke.blogspot.com

Mayra Calvani, author of Crash!, http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/

Shari Lyle-Soffe, author of Nothing Stops Noah, http://sharilyle-soffe.com

What to expect:

Visit everyone's blog from June 1 through 14th! Every author will host another author three times a week during the tour, namely Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please be sure to check everyone's out. Some blogs are offering prizes:

Donna Shepherd - A copy of Topsy Turvy Land (print copy in the U.S. ; PDF outside the U.S.)

Kim Chatel - A signed copy of A Talent for Quiet

Margot Finke: At the end of each week Margot will give away 3 FREE AUDIO links. Each link has Margot reading one of her stories + illustrations. These will go to the 3 readers who add that week's most unique comments.

Shari Lyle-Soffe - A Signed copy of Nothing Stops Noah

Jen's Writing Tip #8: This, That and the Other Thing

2009-05-30T11:02:00.004-04:00

Looking to cut words in your manuscript to meet the word count? After you review it for unnecessary sentences, do a search through your document. Search for the word "that." It's a word we use without realizing it. Many times, it just clutters up the work.

For example:

It made Tammi mad that Alice took that book.

Aside from having unnecessary words in the sentence, it's also hard to visualize what is going on. Now take a look at the same sentence without "that." (Plus a better adjective in there couldn't hurt.)

Tammi scowled at Alice for taking the book.

See how the second sentence flows better? You also have a better visual of what's going on. In this case the sentences have almost the same word count, but again, it's more clear as to what is going on.

Here's an example on how eliminating "that" can shorten your sentences. There are often times more unnecessary words to accompany "that."

For example:

I found that reading the story reminded me of my childhood.

Which words would you cut to make the sentence more appealing? Now take a look below:

Reading the story reminded me of my childhood.

Which sentence did you enjoy reading more? Which one sounded more natural?

For your next manuscript, make sure that that is left out ;)

Jen's Writing Tip #7

2009-05-14T15:36:00.002-04:00

Watch "ly" words

We've heard it before. Editors don't like words that end in "ly". Sometimes they are necessary and even make your paragraph better, but most of the time they get in your way of a clean cut manuscript. I once was guilty of this writing sin. I had about 4 "ly" words in one paragraph. A critique partner pointed out how it slowed down the flow of the story. As I thought about it, losing all those words helped with the word count goal I tried reach. So before you hand in those manuscripts to your critique group or a publisher, read through that work. As you come across each "ly" word, see if your sentence can go without it.

Jen's Writing Tip# 6 Top Ten Questions to Ask Your Character

2009-03-20T09:30:00.005-04:00

When writing a story, it's important to know your character. It's been said you should know your character as well as you know yourself. One way to do that is to "interview" your character. You aren't going to use all the information you come up with, but you will have a rich background of information to choose from.

How do you interview a character? Put yourself in the frame of mind of your character. What would she say or do in response to the questions? Before you know it, your character might not be able to stop talking.

Here are my top ten questions I ask my character:

10. Where do you live?

9. Who is in your family?

8. Do you get along with your family?

7. Who is your best friend and why?

6. What do you think of school? Is it fun, boring, horrifying?

5. What is the best thing that ever happened to you? Worst?

4. What do you like to do when you aren't in school or with your friends?

3. What do you do when you get upset? Do you have a special place you go, or a routine you follow?

2. What do you think of boys/girls?

1. Tell me one interesting thing that your best friend doesn't even to know.

I'm sure you can come up with even more questions. Once you get an idea of who your character is, you might end up with pages of questions to ask them. That's okay. The more you know, the better your readers will enjoy your character.

Happy Writing!

Article featuring My Light Magazine

2009-03-13T22:35:00.004-04:00

Author Mayra Calvani interviewed me about My Light Magazine and my books that are under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing.

In the article, we discuss what My Light contains, our contents and our submission policies. Don't miss the book descriptions at the end about my upcoming picture books: A Star in the Night, Teresa's Shadow, and Angel Donor.

Click here to see the article on Suite 101.
You can also visit Mayra's blog here. Check out her pet blog also. You don't want to miss out on the fun over there!