Mark Terry's Blog - Posts Tagged "coyotes"
Introduction - Mark Terry
Hello Readers,
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
I wanted to introduce myself to the Good Reads Community. My hope with these blogs is to provide a stream of thought. There is not going to be a ton of editing or flowery language. Just down and dirty, so you can get to know me and what I am up to.
My name is Mark Terry. "Kyle the Coyote" is my first children's book. However, I've been writing for a long time. From scripts I have written (or sometimes re-written) to short stories, and many magazine articles.
If you are interested in some of my filmmaking articles check them out in Filmmaker Magazine.
I am the first ever double major from Saint Leo University with BA's in English-Writing and English-Theater. Saint Leo University is in a rural town about 1 hour north of Tampa. In a rare twist, not only was I doing theater/acting in the local Florida market in the late 90s but at the same time played for our college's basketball team.
There was one point at age 19 I even worked at Home Shopping Network in St. Pete. I'll never work the 3rd shift again!
In 2004, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting and filmmaking. In late 2005 I joined the Screen Actors Guild. Before the age of 30 I sold my first feature film to Warner Bros. and Netflix. It is a big accomplishment to finish any project but to do it in Los Angeles with knowing no one, is something I will always hold in high regard.
I am still doing acting and stunts. By the end of 2022 I will have a new feature release.
Just like many of you, I love animals. In no specific order my favorites are dogs, cats, sloths, and orangutans. I've never met anyone who dislikes dogs. However, coyotes have a strange dislike/fear towards them. Misunderstood is likely a better word. That's part of the reason why I decided to create Kyle as a coyote. The other reason is I saw Kyle the Coyote many times on a trail camera. I will write a different blog about the real life Kyle the Coyote. Coming soon!
Coyotes are closer to wolves than domesticated dogs. Just like any wild animal, coyotes are hungry but they are not dangerous to humans. Our little pets are a different story which is why I know there is a certain stigma around coyotes.
The book "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" is a rhyming story about a coyote pup who gets lost in the desert southwest. The moral centers around what can happen if a child were to get lost or separated from his/her parents.
In addition, the book is packed with facts about animals and information hooted out by Kyle's friend, Oliver the Owl.
I hope you get a chance to check out the book. Review it. Tell a friend about it. The book releases on April 3rd, 2022!
I am looking forward to getting to know the Good Reads community.
Mark
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
I wanted to introduce myself to the Good Reads Community. My hope with these blogs is to provide a stream of thought. There is not going to be a ton of editing or flowery language. Just down and dirty, so you can get to know me and what I am up to.
My name is Mark Terry. "Kyle the Coyote" is my first children's book. However, I've been writing for a long time. From scripts I have written (or sometimes re-written) to short stories, and many magazine articles.
If you are interested in some of my filmmaking articles check them out in Filmmaker Magazine.
I am the first ever double major from Saint Leo University with BA's in English-Writing and English-Theater. Saint Leo University is in a rural town about 1 hour north of Tampa. In a rare twist, not only was I doing theater/acting in the local Florida market in the late 90s but at the same time played for our college's basketball team.
There was one point at age 19 I even worked at Home Shopping Network in St. Pete. I'll never work the 3rd shift again!
In 2004, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting and filmmaking. In late 2005 I joined the Screen Actors Guild. Before the age of 30 I sold my first feature film to Warner Bros. and Netflix. It is a big accomplishment to finish any project but to do it in Los Angeles with knowing no one, is something I will always hold in high regard.
I am still doing acting and stunts. By the end of 2022 I will have a new feature release.
Just like many of you, I love animals. In no specific order my favorites are dogs, cats, sloths, and orangutans. I've never met anyone who dislikes dogs. However, coyotes have a strange dislike/fear towards them. Misunderstood is likely a better word. That's part of the reason why I decided to create Kyle as a coyote. The other reason is I saw Kyle the Coyote many times on a trail camera. I will write a different blog about the real life Kyle the Coyote. Coming soon!
Coyotes are closer to wolves than domesticated dogs. Just like any wild animal, coyotes are hungry but they are not dangerous to humans. Our little pets are a different story which is why I know there is a certain stigma around coyotes.
The book "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" is a rhyming story about a coyote pup who gets lost in the desert southwest. The moral centers around what can happen if a child were to get lost or separated from his/her parents.
In addition, the book is packed with facts about animals and information hooted out by Kyle's friend, Oliver the Owl.
I hope you get a chance to check out the book. Review it. Tell a friend about it. The book releases on April 3rd, 2022!
I am looking forward to getting to know the Good Reads community.
Mark
Kyle the Coyote Releases Today!
The time has finally arrived Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert has finally released.
So excited to be able to share this book to the world.
Check out my Facebook page at MarkTerryOnline to see a side by side video comparison of the vendor version vs. the special edition that we are selling on kylethecoyote.com.
Children's literacy is important. If you do not have a child but want to support the book, pick one up off our site. We can donate the book in your name to a school, church or library. Just let us know. In fact, I just put our first donated book in Little Free Libraries in my hometown of Playa Del Rey, CA. Its on Vista Del Mar and North of 66th St. If you are a local check out the note I put in their for our neighbors.
There are free downloadable coloring and activities on our web site. We even have a Kyle the Coyote T-Shirt.
I may have said this in previous posts or blogs but its worth repeating. Anything earned or recoup is going into making another book. I drive a 2003 Kia Spectra. There are no kickstarters or Tesla drivers around here.
We thrive and survive on your direct support of the book.
If you have any suggestions on schools or libraries that I should contact reach out to me at markterryonline@gmail.com. We do offer bulk discounts.
Have a great weekend and leave us a review on Good Reads!
So excited to be able to share this book to the world.
Check out my Facebook page at MarkTerryOnline to see a side by side video comparison of the vendor version vs. the special edition that we are selling on kylethecoyote.com.
Children's literacy is important. If you do not have a child but want to support the book, pick one up off our site. We can donate the book in your name to a school, church or library. Just let us know. In fact, I just put our first donated book in Little Free Libraries in my hometown of Playa Del Rey, CA. Its on Vista Del Mar and North of 66th St. If you are a local check out the note I put in their for our neighbors.
There are free downloadable coloring and activities on our web site. We even have a Kyle the Coyote T-Shirt.
I may have said this in previous posts or blogs but its worth repeating. Anything earned or recoup is going into making another book. I drive a 2003 Kia Spectra. There are no kickstarters or Tesla drivers around here.
We thrive and survive on your direct support of the book.
If you have any suggestions on schools or libraries that I should contact reach out to me at markterryonline@gmail.com. We do offer bulk discounts.
Have a great weekend and leave us a review on Good Reads!
What I have learned 1 week after Kyle the Coyote launched
Some random thoughts. Not all good and not all bad.
Most people have been supportive. The most support has come from the people in my home town of Playa Del Rey, CA.
I put a book in a Little Free Library outside of a house in Playa Del Rey near the Lagoon. Then posted a picture on Nextdoor and the PDR Facebook pages.
The people here gave me more support than the college I graduated from. A tough pill to swallow but true. A lot of the people I graduated with have been really cool.
I have to admit there is this weird contingent of really well off people who want books for free. The vendor site books, I don't control. The Special Edition books that we sell off kylethecoyote.com, cost money to print/ship. We have given away a lot of books. We have held contests. The best places to donate books are the ones where people can enjoy the book again and again.
A few people have told me that "Kyle the Coyote" has inspired them to finish their book. That's cool to hear. If I can do it, you can do it.
There is a lot behind the scenes work. I've been comparing a children's picture book to making a film. If I am the writer/director/producer then Alex Sarabia our illustrator is the cinematographer. Munster Maverick who colored the art is the colorist. Cherrae Stuart is the editor. Not only of the book but the book's lay out. The rhyme and flow of a picture book is almost like the soundtrack.
Reviewers and press are starting to trickle in. Its a little bit slower than reviews with a movie. For those of you who are not authors or writing your first book. Wow, there is this whole sub industry of reviewers for books (some YOU have to pay as the author) and ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies). The cool thing about ARC is that we can send digital files so if you are a reviewer, I'd be happy to send one over.
A few school's have asked me to come in and read the book. That's something I will do. One school district offered me a fee to speak. I told the school I'll speak for free if they buy the book for schools. Let's get it out there for future generations to read.
One of the two elementary schools I went to in Pinellas County, Florida called Curlew Creek had these "choose your own adventure" books. Netflix recently did some films in a similar fashion. I was reading those in the mid to late 80s. They came out in the late 70s. That's the kind of thing I want for my book. Who is that kid like me that may pick it up in 5 to 10 years from now?
In the past I have done talks about my films with mostly college kids and some high schools. Elementary school is a bit of a different animal.
We say the book is for kids that are 3-8. It seems at least at first 6 and 7 year old's are liking it the most.
It didn't dawn on me that I was releasing this book when coyotes have their pups. This is the time of the year they are visible. That wasn't done by design. People are talking a lot about coyotes at the moment. What I have found is more people like them than I ever expected.
This book will come even more alive when we do the audio book. 100% I will be reading it, but not sure yet if I will do it alone or with another person with me. I am looking forward to doing that.
Check out the book and leave us a review. Thanks again for checking in with my blog. More coming soon. -MT
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
Most people have been supportive. The most support has come from the people in my home town of Playa Del Rey, CA.
I put a book in a Little Free Library outside of a house in Playa Del Rey near the Lagoon. Then posted a picture on Nextdoor and the PDR Facebook pages.
The people here gave me more support than the college I graduated from. A tough pill to swallow but true. A lot of the people I graduated with have been really cool.
I have to admit there is this weird contingent of really well off people who want books for free. The vendor site books, I don't control. The Special Edition books that we sell off kylethecoyote.com, cost money to print/ship. We have given away a lot of books. We have held contests. The best places to donate books are the ones where people can enjoy the book again and again.
A few people have told me that "Kyle the Coyote" has inspired them to finish their book. That's cool to hear. If I can do it, you can do it.
There is a lot behind the scenes work. I've been comparing a children's picture book to making a film. If I am the writer/director/producer then Alex Sarabia our illustrator is the cinematographer. Munster Maverick who colored the art is the colorist. Cherrae Stuart is the editor. Not only of the book but the book's lay out. The rhyme and flow of a picture book is almost like the soundtrack.
Reviewers and press are starting to trickle in. Its a little bit slower than reviews with a movie. For those of you who are not authors or writing your first book. Wow, there is this whole sub industry of reviewers for books (some YOU have to pay as the author) and ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies). The cool thing about ARC is that we can send digital files so if you are a reviewer, I'd be happy to send one over.
A few school's have asked me to come in and read the book. That's something I will do. One school district offered me a fee to speak. I told the school I'll speak for free if they buy the book for schools. Let's get it out there for future generations to read.
One of the two elementary schools I went to in Pinellas County, Florida called Curlew Creek had these "choose your own adventure" books. Netflix recently did some films in a similar fashion. I was reading those in the mid to late 80s. They came out in the late 70s. That's the kind of thing I want for my book. Who is that kid like me that may pick it up in 5 to 10 years from now?
In the past I have done talks about my films with mostly college kids and some high schools. Elementary school is a bit of a different animal.
We say the book is for kids that are 3-8. It seems at least at first 6 and 7 year old's are liking it the most.
It didn't dawn on me that I was releasing this book when coyotes have their pups. This is the time of the year they are visible. That wasn't done by design. People are talking a lot about coyotes at the moment. What I have found is more people like them than I ever expected.
This book will come even more alive when we do the audio book. 100% I will be reading it, but not sure yet if I will do it alone or with another person with me. I am looking forward to doing that.
Check out the book and leave us a review. Thanks again for checking in with my blog. More coming soon. -MT
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
1 Month Since Launch (Random Thoughts)
It's been exactly 1 month since "Kyle the Coyote" launched. Here are some random thoughts. I am sure there will be more as time passes.
The process of getting the book into school's and libraries is slow. This might be due to it being the end of the school year. With Libraries they require a review from one of the "preferred" reviewers. There are 4 major ones that all seem to have been around since the 1930s. We have submitted to 3 or the 4.
It seems like people enjoy the book. One thing I never expected is that the group who has purchased the most books are grandmothers. They like to see the grandchildren and read them the book. I've seen some photos of it.
I have also seen some photos of people reading the book to their dog. Yes...I can't make this up. Dogs like Kyle the Coyote too!
If you purchased the book leave a review here on GoodReads or Amazon. Those really help.
Another thing that's interesting is there are many people who love coyotes. I just joined a FB group called Coyote Clan that has nearly 10k followers and wonderful photography. Check it out.
Switching gears, The Youngstown, Ohio Vindicator and West Side Lost Angeles paper The Argonaut did very nice articles on the book and/or myself. They are both searchable online and the The Argonaut is more of an interview/article.
Sunday, May 22nd at noon we having our first ever book reading at The Book Jewel which is in Westchester, CA just north of LAX. There is typically a farmers market during that time frame. The store sets up a booth and reads to children. The Book Jewel has Special Edition books in the store right now.
3 Gear Games in Laurel, Maryland also has the Special Edition in stores. Other than our web site KyleTheCoyote.com these are the only two places that have the special edition. All the vendor sites have vendor edition which is sadly a lower quality version. Kind of out of my hands on that one.
We reduced to the Ebook to 4.99. From Amazon to Google Play. Its pretty much available every where.
Yes the audio version of the book is coming. I will be doing it. Its going to be a lot of fun and completely ridiculous. -MT
The process of getting the book into school's and libraries is slow. This might be due to it being the end of the school year. With Libraries they require a review from one of the "preferred" reviewers. There are 4 major ones that all seem to have been around since the 1930s. We have submitted to 3 or the 4.
It seems like people enjoy the book. One thing I never expected is that the group who has purchased the most books are grandmothers. They like to see the grandchildren and read them the book. I've seen some photos of it.
I have also seen some photos of people reading the book to their dog. Yes...I can't make this up. Dogs like Kyle the Coyote too!
If you purchased the book leave a review here on GoodReads or Amazon. Those really help.
Another thing that's interesting is there are many people who love coyotes. I just joined a FB group called Coyote Clan that has nearly 10k followers and wonderful photography. Check it out.
Switching gears, The Youngstown, Ohio Vindicator and West Side Lost Angeles paper The Argonaut did very nice articles on the book and/or myself. They are both searchable online and the The Argonaut is more of an interview/article.
Sunday, May 22nd at noon we having our first ever book reading at The Book Jewel which is in Westchester, CA just north of LAX. There is typically a farmers market during that time frame. The store sets up a booth and reads to children. The Book Jewel has Special Edition books in the store right now.
3 Gear Games in Laurel, Maryland also has the Special Edition in stores. Other than our web site KyleTheCoyote.com these are the only two places that have the special edition. All the vendor sites have vendor edition which is sadly a lower quality version. Kind of out of my hands on that one.
We reduced to the Ebook to 4.99. From Amazon to Google Play. Its pretty much available every where.
Yes the audio version of the book is coming. I will be doing it. Its going to be a lot of fun and completely ridiculous. -MT
Happy Holidays & Catching up for Xmas
Wow its been a whole 3.5 months since I last have posted a blog here on Goodreads.
Well let me first say that Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert is now on sale at KyleTheCoyote.com. What a perfect Xmas gift, stocking stuffer or even, a donation to your local school.
Remember the higher quality Special Edition is only available at KyleTheCoyote.com. The version on vendors sites is not the Special Edition author version that we sell directly. The SE has stitched binding, thicker paper and better quality ink for the artwork. This book will last much longer.
In addition, we have dropped the price to 14.99 and are also including the Ebook and Audio book for all orders.
Speaking of the audio book I absolutely loved recording and producing it. There are samples of it every where online. When you hear me do the "Kyle The Coyote" voice there is a special little story behind it.
For years 13 years I had a calico cat named Cali. She was sometimes bad and her personality is a bit like Kyle the Coyote. So I used to speak for her as if it was her voice. I know it sounds crazy but everyone got to know the bad and mischievous "Cali Voice."
Taking it even one step further I was once in a grocery store. I saw a child in the shopping cart and his mother in front of me. They were buying all kinds of groceries and goodies. The mom said we got your favorite cereal and the child yelled out, "I want McDonalds." It was one of those things where you had to be there but I took that attitude and voice lent it to Cali.
As the book developed, I felt it was the perfect voice for "Kyle the Coyote." Kyle is kind of like that kid who was sitting in that shopping cart.
Everything in the entire process of putting out a children's book has been a interesting process. It's mostly been good.
I did have one creep on Twitter try to take the good nature of the book and turn it into something crazy.
That one weirdo can't and won't stop all the joy and fun this book has brought to kids, teachers and parents. I even had one parent send me a photo of a their kid dressed up like Kyle the Coyote for Halloween. It was awesome.
The Oliver the Owl character hoots out facts about Coyotes and other desert animals. I have had more parents talk to me about that than anything.
I knew it was a good idea to do that. Since the book is aimed towards kids between 3-6, I figured many of the children wouldn't be able to read yet. So those factoids about desert animals are great.
Please check out the book and suggest it to a friend. If you have any ideas feel free to contact me through out web site.
All the best,
Mark Terry
Well let me first say that Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert is now on sale at KyleTheCoyote.com. What a perfect Xmas gift, stocking stuffer or even, a donation to your local school.
Remember the higher quality Special Edition is only available at KyleTheCoyote.com. The version on vendors sites is not the Special Edition author version that we sell directly. The SE has stitched binding, thicker paper and better quality ink for the artwork. This book will last much longer.
In addition, we have dropped the price to 14.99 and are also including the Ebook and Audio book for all orders.
Speaking of the audio book I absolutely loved recording and producing it. There are samples of it every where online. When you hear me do the "Kyle The Coyote" voice there is a special little story behind it.
For years 13 years I had a calico cat named Cali. She was sometimes bad and her personality is a bit like Kyle the Coyote. So I used to speak for her as if it was her voice. I know it sounds crazy but everyone got to know the bad and mischievous "Cali Voice."
Taking it even one step further I was once in a grocery store. I saw a child in the shopping cart and his mother in front of me. They were buying all kinds of groceries and goodies. The mom said we got your favorite cereal and the child yelled out, "I want McDonalds." It was one of those things where you had to be there but I took that attitude and voice lent it to Cali.
As the book developed, I felt it was the perfect voice for "Kyle the Coyote." Kyle is kind of like that kid who was sitting in that shopping cart.
Everything in the entire process of putting out a children's book has been a interesting process. It's mostly been good.
I did have one creep on Twitter try to take the good nature of the book and turn it into something crazy.
That one weirdo can't and won't stop all the joy and fun this book has brought to kids, teachers and parents. I even had one parent send me a photo of a their kid dressed up like Kyle the Coyote for Halloween. It was awesome.
The Oliver the Owl character hoots out facts about Coyotes and other desert animals. I have had more parents talk to me about that than anything.
I knew it was a good idea to do that. Since the book is aimed towards kids between 3-6, I figured many of the children wouldn't be able to read yet. So those factoids about desert animals are great.
Please check out the book and suggest it to a friend. If you have any ideas feel free to contact me through out web site.
All the best,
Mark Terry
