Molly in the Shower: Kai Strand Shares Her Inspiration Behind Beware of the White

Hi! My name is Kai Strand and I'm a children's author. Now that I’ve been writing for a number of years I understand that inspiration is a fickle thing. It can tempt and taunt and tease you with half formed ideas or story lines so complex you’d need a map to get from beginning to end. Or inspiration can stay away completely and leave you chasing spiders in the empty cobwebs of your mind. Now that I know better, I know it isn’t always as easy as it was the first time.

My very first book started with a Molly.

I was showering, where I do my best thinking. I’d just finished reading the fourth book of the Harry Potter series, having plowed through all four in only a couple months. The fifth book wasn’t due out for at least six months and my mind was crying for more. CRYING! So as the hot water cascaded over me I thought, I should create my own world. That would keep me busy.

The first thing to pop into my mind was a made-up creature. A Molly. A transport animal, related to the mole, used as a trolley. Odd, I thought. Where would you use a Molly? Who would need a Molly? Moles are diggers, they live underground, so obviously a Molly would be a transport animal in the Underworld. And really, they’d only get you where you need to go. To the city. The peaceful underground city. The city of Concord.

And before I'd even run out of hot water, a novel was born. My third child had recently started Kindergarten, so I only had one child home with me in the mornings and my husband went hunting for a week. So I sat down at the computer and wrote. Obsessively. I would become so immersed in it the bus barn had to CALL the house to tell me the bus was out front trying to drop off my son. My two older kids (fourth and sixth grade) made a lot of peanut butter sandwiches and macaroni and cheese the week my husband was gone. He came home and I barely noticed.

Less than two months later, I had an 85,000 word Underworld adventure that I was convinced was the best story ever. The nine years between then and now shaved off 15,000 words and changed a lot within the story, but that is a story for another day (May 23 on Nancy Stewart’s blog to be exact, see my tour schedule for information). And now it truly is the best story ever (grin!)

Not all of my books start in the shower or pour from my fingers. Not all of my books take place in an alternate reality filled with fascinating creatures and Seuss-like buildings. And I seriously hope no other book of mine takes nine years to get to publication. But this book is most certainly my labor of love and I’m so excited to be sharing it with you at long last.

Please enter the raffle – below – for your chance to win book related prize packages which include unique gifts like the Molly pictured above or a framed drawing of a Traveler (another Underworld transport animal.) Be sure to follow my tour for chances to win Spontaneous Giveaways. Only virtual stalkers will be able to participate in all the fun. 

About Beware of the White:

As is tradition, Terra learns on the Saturday past her twelfth birthday that she is a Natures Spirit. It is her legacy to serve in the peaceful underground city of Concord. Learning she is named in a prophecy and being threatened by the leader of the death tribe…that part breaks tradition.

The Trepidus are the death janitors of the Underworld, responsible for delivering fatalities with a smile and cleaning up after themselves until Blanco, recent leader of the Trepidus, decides the day of reckoning for his species is coming. He begins organizing the creatures and leads them toward an uprising. The prophecy says there is one person who can stop him. Terra.

With Spirit of Security, Frank, protecting her, Terra attempts to complete her training and discover her Spirit talents. Together, they go on a rogue investigation to learn how to defeat Blanco. In the end, it comes down to a battle of the minds. The future of Concord is at stake. Will Blanco, the older, more experienced being win? Or will Terra, the young, new Spirit earn back the peace of the city?

Buy the book: 

MuseItUp Publishing

About the author:

Kai Strand writes fiction for kids and teens. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.

To find out more about Kai’s books, download companion documents, find links to her published short stories and discover all the places to find Kai both virtually and in person, visit her website: www.kaistrand.com. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to send her an email or visit her facebook page, Kai Strand, Author.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On the Spotlight: Meg the Egg, by Rita Antoinette Borg

 

Little Meg finds the outside world a bit too loud and far too scary! So, she’s going to stay inside her safe white shell, thank you very much. But then the Howl breaks into the barn and steals Mother Hen! What is she supposed to do, still holed up in that egg of hers? She can’t run and she certainly can’t fly. Well, never get between a chick and her momma, cause this little bird’s got a can-do spirit and a whole lot of courage that she didn’t know she had before! A tale of self discovery that speaks to all children’s fears of the unknown, Ms. Borg delivers a great read-aloud resource for parents and teachers alike. With an onomatopoeic construction that gives life to the story and encourages children to participate through repetition of words, noises, and actions, MEG THE EGG is the perfect story for beginning readers.

AMAZON – AMAZON KINDLE – BARNES AND NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rita Antoinette Borg was educated in New York and now resides on the Mediterranean island of Malta. She performs storytelling and creative writing workshops in schools across the country and works as a freelance writer for local magazines and newspapers. Ms. Borg has published four picture books aimed at early readers as well as an anthology of short stories for older children. Her books have been recognized by the Malta National Annual Literary Awards. Her book “Don’t Cross the Road, Holly!” was chosen as the year’s best Children’s Book in English. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK

Pump Up Your Book and Rita Antoinette Borg are teaming up to give you a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Here’s how it works: Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run from April 22 - May 17, 2013. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on May 20, 2013. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour. Good luck everyone! a Rafflecopter giveaway If the Rafflecopter form doesn’t load, you can visit the Meg the Egg tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/04/01/pump-up-your-book-presents-rita-antoinette-borgs%E2%80%99s-meg-the-egg-book-blast-%E2%80%93-win-25-amazon-gift-card-and-free-books/ for your chance to enter and win!

MEG THE EGG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 22^nd

Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, April 23

The Children’s and Teen’s Book Connection

Wednesday, April 24^th

The Writer’s Life

Thursday, April 25^th

As the Pages Turn

Friday, April 26^th

The Busy Mom’s Daily

Monday, April 29^th

LadyD Books

Tuesday, April 30^th

Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways

Wednesday, May 1^st

Classic Children’s Books

Thursday, May 2^nd

My Devotional Thoughts

Friday, May 3^rd

Review from Here

Saturday, May 4^th

Bea’s Book Nook

Monday, May 6^th

Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Tuesday, May 7^th

Paperback Writer

Wednesday, May 8^th

Read For Your Future

Thursday, May 9^th

Freda’s Voice

Friday, May 10^th

Lori’s Reading Corner

Monday, May 13^th

Books for Kids

Tuesday, May 14^th

I’m A Reader, Not a Writer

Wednesday, May 15^th

Literal Exposure

Thursday, May 16^th

4 the Love of Books

Friday, May 17^th

The Crypto-Capers Review

Meet Children's Author Starr Burgess

Mrs. Burgess worked as an elementary teacher and school counselor for a total of seven years. She has a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. Starr is busy working on her second children’s book: Counselor Dynamite Befuddles the Bullyville Crew. She currently resides with her husband, Clyde, and their daughter in Pflugerville, TX.

Thank you for this interview, Starr.  Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

I am a former elementary school teacher and school counselor. I live with my husband, Clyde, and our daughter in Pflugerville, TX. I have been working on writing books for five years and finally created the main character, Counselor Dynamite, whom I lovingly refer to as the pioneer super hero of schools.

Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?

This book is about Counselor Dynamite, who is the superhero of schools. The story takes place the day before Christmas break. Teachers and staff members are tired and running low on patience and the students are full of unbridled energy. Counselor Dynamite notices that something is amiss and quickly jumps into action knowing that if something isn't done soon, students, teachers and staff will never be the same once chaos is unleashed.

Why did you choose your particular genre?

I choose this genre because I worked as an elementary school counselor and had the wonderful opportunity to work with a diverse group of students. I learned that a lot of students had difficulty in the areas of conflict/resolution, problem solving, and boundaries.  As a result I began writing stories that are amusing but instilled and reinforced positive character traits. I know that many children connect with and hold superheroes in high regard so I decided to create the first superhero of schools, Counselor Dynamite.

Where do you write?  Do you have a favorite place?

I write in areas of my home where there is an abundance of natural light. My most favorite place to write is in my living room by the window.

What was your greatest challenge writing this book?

My greatest challenge was not in the writing of the book but in how to market the book.

Are you a disciplined writer?

I am somewhat of a disciplined writer, however most times I prefer the spontaneity of being in the moment.

Are you published by a traditional house, small press or are you self-published?

I am self-published.

Was it the right choice for you?

Absolutely! I appreciate the fact that I retain control of the creativity and direction of the writing and how Counselor Dynamite is portrayed.

How are you promoting your book thus far?

I am a vendor at the Texas Counseling Association conferences; I participate in author readings/book signings in book stores and private schools; I utilize social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and I work with an online book promotion company, Author & Book Promotions.

How is that going for you?

It’s going very well; I really enjoy meeting people with inspiring feedback and hearing about their ministry and journey.

Do you have another job besides writing?

Yes, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My private practice is LifeMenders Counseling.

Have you ever gotten an inspirational book-related moment at work and had to go run and write and it down?

No those moments usually come in the middle of the night.

Do your co-workers know they have a star among them?  What has their reactions been? I don’t know if my co-workers think I’m necessarily a star but I do believe they think I am a visionary and a go getter. My colleagues have been a great source of support; they have given me words of encouragement, purchased my book and supplemental guide, and promotional products from my product line.

If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?

Utilize as much social media as possible, in addition to an online book promotion service company such as Author & Book Promotion.

What’s next for you?

My next book will focus on bullying and will be available in the fall along with a supplemental guide which contains lessons plans and activities for children. In the near future I will be publishing more Counselor Dynamite books, I would love to go on a book tour, be a regular on a talk and/or radio show discussing challenges children face and parent resources, and eventually partner with companies and build the Counselor Dynamite brand, maybe one day turning the adventures of Counselor Dynamite into a cartoon for children.

Thank you for this interview, Starr. Can you tell us where we can find you on the web? Of course, my website is www.counselordynamite.com. Please also check out and like us on www.facebook.com/counselordynamite as well as follow me on Twitter.

20 Questions with Children's Author J.D. Holiday

The World of Ink Network will be touring author and illustrator J.D. Holiday’s children’s read along picture book, The Spy Game throughout January 2013. It's my pleasure to host J.D. on my blog today! You can find more info about her full tour here. 

Enjoy the interview!

About the Author: J.D. Holiday is the author and illustrator of four children's books. Picture books: JANOOSE THE GOOSE, THE SPY GAME, and Matt Shelley's Halloween Misadventure with Award-winning author, Christy Condoleo, and the chapter book for 6 to 8 year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE. J.D. Holiday is a co-host on It's Story Time, Gather 'Round with Christy Condoleo on Blog Talk Radio's World Of Ink Network: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork

 About the Book: Eddie would love to have a puppy to play with. A puppy would pull on a rope. Catch a ball and lick your face. But his Uncle brings Eddie an older dog named after a famous spy. What can you do with an old dog? It probably couldn't learn new tricks and the only thing this dog did was stare. It's what they find to do together that makes them the best of friends!

1. Thanks for the interview, J.D.! Could you tell us a little about yourself? 
I am J.D. Holiday. I'm the author and illustrator of three children’s books: Picture books are; Janoose the Goose, The Spy Game, & a chapter book for six to eight year olds, The Great Snowball Escapade. I have had a chapbook of short stories called, Trespasses published in 1994 and has had short stories printed in literary magazines and numerous articles about writing and publishing published. I host on radio show for kids on The World of Ink Network at Blog Talk Radio, It’s Story Time, which is a children's reading show. I'm also a wife, mother of one daughter and grandmother of a seven year old boy named, Luke. We live in Pennsylvania with our dog Dora.

2.      Describe your workspace.

It's an old piece of furniture, a bench the top flips down and you have a table. The keyboard and monitor are in the center with a lamp behind them, the computer tower on the left of it and the scanner/printer on the right. I also use a laptop which I use sitting on the couch in my living room watching TV.

3.      Do you have a favorite quote?

My favorite quote is "THERE are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other," by D. H. Everett. I find this quote more fascinating because of who Douglas H. Everett (1916 to2002) was. He was a practitioner and teacher of chemical thermodynamics which I even find hard to say. He wrote textbooks and published over 200 scientific papers about his work. His most important book, published in 1959, when I was eight years old,  was his Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics. Everett's hobbies were building scientific models mostly to illustrate. He was also a musician and talented painter. 

4.      What are you currently reading?

I love mysteries, and right now I am reading books by both Cleo Coyle/Alice Kimberly and Sandra Balzo: Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle and From The Grounds Up by Sandra Balzo.

5.      What is the best advice you've ever received?

I'd say it was, 'don't let how people treat you change the way you are and stop smiling.'

6.      If you could have coffee with anyone (living or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?

It was be my parents. I would love to ask them questions I don't know the answers to.  Even though, I was 19 when my father died and 20 when my mother died I felt like a child still in many ways. I would love to learn more about them as an adult myself.

7.      What are your top three favorite books and why?

To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, Madam, Will You Talk by Mary Stewart, and  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

8.      What was your favorite book as a child and why?

The Secret Garden. My second grade teacher read it to us at the end of every day.

9.      What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I stop and write anytime a story or part of a story come to me. The problem is I have to write it down right away or I forget it. I end up jotting notes down on any piece of paper, I can find and stick all the notes into a binder that I have to go through one by one as I type my manuscripts. I have tried to be more organized but I can't change this.

10.  Do you write full-time or part-time?

I write part-time going between writing and painting. About 4 hours a day.

11.  If you could do anything in the world, what would it be and why?

I guess it would be to make a couple of my manuscripts into movies.

12.  What is the craziest thing you ever did? This could be as a writer or any other time in your life.

Well, people who know me will say that I have never done anything in my life that was crazy, and I would agree. I have always felt that doing what I think is the right thing at all times was how I wanted to live my life.

13. Did you feel like a celebrity when you held your first published book?

No. It's funny to me now, but I was just so glad I was able to accomplish it finally.It was a long time in coming.

14. If you could have a star like on Hollywood Blvd, who would you want to have your star by?

I don't know if Harper Lee has a star on the Hollywood Blvd., but it she did, I would like it to be by hers. Her one story, To Kill a Mocking Bird meant a great deal to me. It was always clear that there were great injustices in the world and in that story it was never more clear.

15. Is there anything in your life you wish you could do over and why?

Yes, there are a few things I would like to have changed along the way. The problem is, if I could do that, would those changes have altered the course I'm on for the better? They might not have and I feel that things are very good for me today.

16. Who has been your biggest support or inspiration?

Early on, there wasn't anyone who supported my writing. No one thought it would be useful or a way for me to make a living. Though now, everyone in my family and close friends support me. And my grandson, Luke is my biggest support. I also know that if my father had been alive when I started writing, he would have been my biggest supported at that time, because he was a writer as well.

17. Could you share about any current writing projects?

Yes, I am working on pictures to a sequel to my first children picture book, Janoose The Goose called The Fall Feather Fair co-written with my grandson when he was 6 years old. Luke is now  7.  I am also working on a collection of short stories I have written, for adults called Short Stories and Other Imaginings For The Reading Spot.

18. What would be the best way for readers to contact you?

Everyone can find me at my site: www.thebookgarden.net which in connected to my Blog Talk Radio show, It's Story Time on The World OF Ink Network, or people can just go to the show's site at: http://itsstorytimeforkids.blogspot.com

At Twitter: http://twitter.com/JDHoliday

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/2/113703813948300028219/posts

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jdholiday/it-s-story-time/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByJDHoliday?ref=hl

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4320275-its-story-time-round-gather#

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jdholiday

Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/JDHoliday

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=janoosethegoose

19. Where can people find your book?

My books can be bought on Amazon and Barnes & Noble on line and ordered in bookstores.

20. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, thank you so much for having me here today.

Sincerely,

JD Holiday

  

Two Christmas Picture Books for Your Little Violinist

THE DOLL VIOLINIST
Author: Mayra Calvani www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com
Illustrations: Amy Cullings Moreno
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-185-6; 1616331852
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-186-3; 1616331860
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-187-0; 1616331879
For ages 3-7
Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together?
ABC's Children's Picture Book Finalist!
Honorable Mention Award in the 75th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition!
Purchase from Guardian Angel Publishing or Amazon.
Now in enhanced version with read-aloud sound for your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-doll-violinist/id560908783?ls=1

The Magic Violin
Author: Mayra Calvani http://www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com
Illustrations: K.C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-933090-49-8
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-933090-62-7
Ages 4-8
Purchase from Guardian Angel Publishing or Amazon!
Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it’s time for a magic dose of self esteem. A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman’s hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve. Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?

Zeppi’s Christmas gift for kids: FREE download on December 25th and 26th of books 1 & 2

The Adventures of Zeppi series    

A penguin named Zeppi makes a boy’s wish for a special friend come true. When young Alesdor finds Zeppi amongst the flowers in the garden, they adopt each other and grow in The Adventures of Zeppi series.
Zeppi and his friend have fun and discover a lot about friendship, tolerance and generosity. As Zeppi adapts to his new life with ecological-minded Alesdor, he will learn about taking care of the planet too.

Book 1 – New Friends

When Zeppi’s cage falls off a truck, he’s found by a kind boy named Alesdor, who teaches him that
compost piles are plant food and not penguin food.

 

Zeppi’s Christmas gift: FREE download on December 25 and 26:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Zeppi-Friends-ebook/dp/B0094KJK1C/

 

Check out the other books in The Adventure of Zeppi series:

Book 2 – Circus

Now living in Alesdor’s teepee in the garden, Zeppi is overjoyed when a circus parade comes down the street. It’s so much fun, until he realizes some animals are caged. Have his parents wound up in cages at the circus? Zeppi decides to find out.

 

Zeppi’s Christmas gift: FREE download on December 25 and 26:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Zeppi-Circus-ebook/dp/B009GMXIFM/

               

Book 3 – Learning

 

Penguins cannot speak human words. Will Zeppi the penguin learn to talk?  

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Zeppi-Learning-ebook/dp/B009QO0984/

 

Book 4 – Greenback Town

During a visit to his favorite toy store, Zeppi decides to snuggle between two plush penguins that remind him of his parents. But everything turns topsy-turvy when a wildlife protection officer wants to take him to the zoo.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Zeppi-Greenback-ebook/dp/B00ABEY9NE/

Book 5 – Cackle Island

Zeppi takes his first swim in the sea, when a storm comes up and takes him to an island inhabited by strange creatures.

Available begin January 2013.

 

 

 

 

Call for Submissions!

Call for Submissions:

You see it all the time in dedications and acknowledgements of books:  Words like: “To my dear husband, who has supported my writing all throughout the years in spite of the odds,” or “To my wife, who never stopped believing in me.”

But what happens when your ‘significant other’ doesn’t support your writing, either because he thinks you’ll never make it or because she thinks you’re wasting your time and efforts for nothing?

Writers often talk about their supportive spouses/partners, but seldom do we hear about the unsupportive ones—mainly because it is a cause of great sadness and shame to the writer.

I’ve heard of cases where a husband told her writer wife flat out, “You’ll never make it.” I even once heard a story about a husband who was so jealous of his wife’s ‘writing world,’ that he burned her manuscript. 

Though I don’t have a working title yet, I’m looking for 2,500-3,000-word (or longer) honest, poignant first-person accounts in the style of Chicken Soup for the Soul series. That is, true stories that are ultimately inspirational and show a great deal of perseverance and determination from the part of the writer in spite of the odds—in short, essays that will offer hope and moral support to writers who are experiencing a similar situation. The essays will be compiled into an anthology.

• Does your significant other totally ignore your ‘writing world’ or view it with contempt either because you’re not making enough money or because they feel jealous?
• Does he/she refuse to consider your writing as anything other than a ‘mere hobby?’
• Does he/she belittle or demean your ‘writer dreams?’
• Does he/she believe you’re wasting your time and should be spending that time in something more ‘valuable?’
• Does he/she make you feel guilty for those hours you spend writing?
• Does he/she say they understand, but then they put demands on your writing time and don’t respect it?
• Is he/she jealous of the time you spend writing at the computer?
• How does their behavior make you feel as a person and as a writer?
• To what extend do their criticism contribute to your insecurity, anxiety, and maybe even depression?
• How do you cope with their behavior?
• What keeps you writing and persevering in spite of all the odds?
• What would you like he/she to understand about you as a writer?

I talked about this idea with my agent and she’d be interested in representing this type of project providing I come up with a compelling set of personal essays. Of course, submissions will be treated in confidentiality and real names of people and places can be replaced with fictional ones.

Deadline:  March 1^st 2013 - EXTENDED TO MARCH 31st!

If you’re interested in submitting or if you have questions, you can drop me an email at: mayra.calvani@gmail.com.

You may pass on the information to people who you think might be interested.