Mark Terry's Blog - Posts Tagged "kyle-the-coyote"
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
Where did the idea of Kyle the Coyote come from?
One of the most common questions when people hear I wrote "Kyle the Coyote" is, where did the idea come from?
Creating a children's book is something I wanted to do. It's always been in the back of my mind. However, that's not the answer.
The answer can be explained in two stories that eventually mesh into one.
1.) Over the last several years I have been restoring a film. Part of the restoration process was creating comic book transitions. If you think about how George Lucas restored "Star Wars" then the horror film "Creepshow" it is told through comic book transitions. That would be the process to fully tell this film's story. I don't have de-aging software or a time machine.
What was required was for me to find comic book artists. An acting buddy of mine named Eric Spudic suggested that I should contact Kevin Van Hook. Kevin was one of the creators of the comic book "Bloodshot" which was turned into a film with Vin Diesel. Through this process I was introduced to Alex Sarabia. Alex did a large chunk of the comic book sections in the restored film. He draws everything by hand. If you want to see some Alex' work check out the comic book "Leave on the Light." Let me warn you that this is not a children's friendly comic book.
Drawing is only one section. The other part is color. We had an artist nicknamed Munster Maverick do the color for Alex' pencils including "Kyle the Coyote."
Going through this process of creating 100+ comic book panels or individual drawings, for the restoration of the film, made me know it was possible to do a children's book.
2.) During the restoration of the film I purchased about 2.5 acres of desert property on the outskirts of Palmdale, CA. If you are interested in the reason for purchasing property for filmmaking, check out my Self Reliance piece I wrote for Filmmaker Magazine.
The major reason to purchase a property is to have control of a production if anything unforeseeable were to happen. I never thought it would be Covid. This property of mine is gated, protected by mountains, and an aqueduct. It's hard to drive on to the property but anything could walk on to it, either be it human or animal.
The next logical process was for me to put some kind of camera out there. The problem is there is no power. That's when I was introduced to solar powered, cellular trail cameras. I'm no hunter. This was for security purposes.
The way these trail cameras work is you charge up the inner battery, find signal (either Verizon or AT&T), and download the trail camera's app on your phone. I did two transmissions per day to my phone's app. The reason is the less transmissions you do the longer the battery will work. Less transmissions mean the sun has an opportunity to charge up the battery. The cameras are motion activated and even work in the dark. Sorry for the mansplaining but I knew nothing about this stuff until I got one. Thankfully, Cherrae was out there helping me setting up the camera. Cherrae also did the editing and layout of the book. More on her in a moment.
It's windy in Palmdale so many of the photos were of the desert brush swaying around. The images sent to the phone's app are low resolution. If there is something worth seeing you can request a "high definition" photo to be sent. Again, the larger the photo, the more the cellular service is used and it will drain the camera's battery.
Then 1 day after having the trail camera capture nothing for about 2 weeks, an image popped up. It looked like a lost dog so I requested a high definition photo which would arrive in the next 12 hours. It was kind of exciting to get these photos twice a day.
The photo that popped up was a Coyote walking towards the camera with his tongue out. This coyote would pop up again a few times in the next couple of days. Every time I would see him I turned to Cherrae and said, "Hey, Kyle the Coyote is back."
Kyle would disappear and not show up for a few weeks. Then I saw something new and rare. A bobcat! I turned to Cherrae again, "Oh no! I hope Kyle the Coyote isn't lost. Now we have Bobby the Bobcat." If or when you get a chance to read my book "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" it's pretty easy to see how the idea manifested.
Switching gears. The movie was almost 100% restored. The artists were done with all their work. We had some down time while the color correction and sound design was being completed.
I wrote the layout of Kyle the Coyote with my desert property in Palmdale, CA in mind. I asked Alex Sarabia if he wanted to work on a children's book. I wanted him to do it because his process is similar to one of my favorite children's books "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."
Kyle was not a biped but a real coyote. The story basically wrote itself and I could easily see how it paralleled what would happen if a child got lost. Beyond the rhyming story I wanted to include information about desert animals so the all knowing character Oliver the Owl would chime in to hoot out facts about these animals and their home. Many of these "characters" showed up on my trail camera at one time or another.
So there you have it, the creation and evolution that would turn into the children's book "Kyle the Coyote."
At the end of the book look for the artwork of Alex, Maverick Munster, Cherrae and myself. Check out my TikTok @KyleTheCoyote you will get a first glimpse inside the book to see what I am talking about. It's really cool.
Creating a children's book is something I wanted to do. It's always been in the back of my mind. However, that's not the answer.
The answer can be explained in two stories that eventually mesh into one.
1.) Over the last several years I have been restoring a film. Part of the restoration process was creating comic book transitions. If you think about how George Lucas restored "Star Wars" then the horror film "Creepshow" it is told through comic book transitions. That would be the process to fully tell this film's story. I don't have de-aging software or a time machine.
What was required was for me to find comic book artists. An acting buddy of mine named Eric Spudic suggested that I should contact Kevin Van Hook. Kevin was one of the creators of the comic book "Bloodshot" which was turned into a film with Vin Diesel. Through this process I was introduced to Alex Sarabia. Alex did a large chunk of the comic book sections in the restored film. He draws everything by hand. If you want to see some Alex' work check out the comic book "Leave on the Light." Let me warn you that this is not a children's friendly comic book.
Drawing is only one section. The other part is color. We had an artist nicknamed Munster Maverick do the color for Alex' pencils including "Kyle the Coyote."
Going through this process of creating 100+ comic book panels or individual drawings, for the restoration of the film, made me know it was possible to do a children's book.
2.) During the restoration of the film I purchased about 2.5 acres of desert property on the outskirts of Palmdale, CA. If you are interested in the reason for purchasing property for filmmaking, check out my Self Reliance piece I wrote for Filmmaker Magazine.
The major reason to purchase a property is to have control of a production if anything unforeseeable were to happen. I never thought it would be Covid. This property of mine is gated, protected by mountains, and an aqueduct. It's hard to drive on to the property but anything could walk on to it, either be it human or animal.
The next logical process was for me to put some kind of camera out there. The problem is there is no power. That's when I was introduced to solar powered, cellular trail cameras. I'm no hunter. This was for security purposes.
The way these trail cameras work is you charge up the inner battery, find signal (either Verizon or AT&T), and download the trail camera's app on your phone. I did two transmissions per day to my phone's app. The reason is the less transmissions you do the longer the battery will work. Less transmissions mean the sun has an opportunity to charge up the battery. The cameras are motion activated and even work in the dark. Sorry for the mansplaining but I knew nothing about this stuff until I got one. Thankfully, Cherrae was out there helping me setting up the camera. Cherrae also did the editing and layout of the book. More on her in a moment.
It's windy in Palmdale so many of the photos were of the desert brush swaying around. The images sent to the phone's app are low resolution. If there is something worth seeing you can request a "high definition" photo to be sent. Again, the larger the photo, the more the cellular service is used and it will drain the camera's battery.
Then 1 day after having the trail camera capture nothing for about 2 weeks, an image popped up. It looked like a lost dog so I requested a high definition photo which would arrive in the next 12 hours. It was kind of exciting to get these photos twice a day.
The photo that popped up was a Coyote walking towards the camera with his tongue out. This coyote would pop up again a few times in the next couple of days. Every time I would see him I turned to Cherrae and said, "Hey, Kyle the Coyote is back."
Kyle would disappear and not show up for a few weeks. Then I saw something new and rare. A bobcat! I turned to Cherrae again, "Oh no! I hope Kyle the Coyote isn't lost. Now we have Bobby the Bobcat." If or when you get a chance to read my book "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" it's pretty easy to see how the idea manifested.
Switching gears. The movie was almost 100% restored. The artists were done with all their work. We had some down time while the color correction and sound design was being completed.
I wrote the layout of Kyle the Coyote with my desert property in Palmdale, CA in mind. I asked Alex Sarabia if he wanted to work on a children's book. I wanted him to do it because his process is similar to one of my favorite children's books "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."
Kyle was not a biped but a real coyote. The story basically wrote itself and I could easily see how it paralleled what would happen if a child got lost. Beyond the rhyming story I wanted to include information about desert animals so the all knowing character Oliver the Owl would chime in to hoot out facts about these animals and their home. Many of these "characters" showed up on my trail camera at one time or another.
So there you have it, the creation and evolution that would turn into the children's book "Kyle the Coyote."
At the end of the book look for the artwork of Alex, Maverick Munster, Cherrae and myself. Check out my TikTok @KyleTheCoyote you will get a first glimpse inside the book to see what I am talking about. It's really cool.
Kyle The Coyote Releases This Sunday!
Here are some random thoughts, additional information on the book, and the different "editions" that will exist as of April 3rd, 2022.
The Ebook is available at just about every major vendor. ISBN 9781087934280.
The same major vendors like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, etc have the "Vendor Edition'' which is the same ISBN as listed on Good Reads. This ISBN is 9781087934228.
If you check out our site KyleTheCoyote.com we are exclusively selling what I am calling the "Special Edition." ISBN 9798886279382.
Here are the differences:
The "Vendor Edition" has a brighter cover. Kyle is larger on the front.
The "Special Edition" has a higher printing quality so the artwork pops a lot more. The paper thickness (pounds) is thicker and more durable. The book is stitched instead of glued when it's bound. This makes the "Special Edition" much more durable.
Ebook $9.99 + Tax
Vendor Edition $21.99 + Tax and Shipping
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
Special Edition $20.00 Tax and Shipping included (Printed in the USA)
NOTE: Limited numbers of Edition 1 of the Special Edition were printed. If you are a school or library and are interested please contact us through our web site for more information.
In the future: There will be a vendor paperback version and audio book.
I have made a pledge that if we sell out of our Special Edition copies, that I will begin to produce the next story which is called "Kyle the Coyote: Goes to the Zoo." I chose the word "produce" instead of "write" because the story is already complete. Doing a children's book is like a mini film production. Writers, Artists, Colorists, Editors, etc. I am for sure not alone here. Check out the back of the book to see some of the artists who made "Kyle the Coyote" come alive.
The next story is about Kyle's mother sneaking him into a local zoo to find food that humans have left behind from the day before. Kyle meets new animal friends and learns all about them. The moral of this book is about not passing judgement on animals or people. This is likely my favorite one I have written.
Our team and myself appreciate all patronage. If you buy the eBook, vendor book, or the special edition. Any earnings will go into making more books. I've never done a Kickstarter or IndieaGoGo in my life. I don't think I ever will.
Stay tuned for my next blog where I will discuss a contest/giveaway and the national billboard campaign for "Kyle the Coyote." That's right, digital billboards starting April 4th all across the US including TIMES SQUARE!
The Ebook is available at just about every major vendor. ISBN 9781087934280.
The same major vendors like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, etc have the "Vendor Edition'' which is the same ISBN as listed on Good Reads. This ISBN is 9781087934228.
If you check out our site KyleTheCoyote.com we are exclusively selling what I am calling the "Special Edition." ISBN 9798886279382.
Here are the differences:
The "Vendor Edition" has a brighter cover. Kyle is larger on the front.
The "Special Edition" has a higher printing quality so the artwork pops a lot more. The paper thickness (pounds) is thicker and more durable. The book is stitched instead of glued when it's bound. This makes the "Special Edition" much more durable.
Ebook $9.99 + Tax
Vendor Edition $21.99 + Tax and Shipping
Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert
Special Edition $20.00 Tax and Shipping included (Printed in the USA)
NOTE: Limited numbers of Edition 1 of the Special Edition were printed. If you are a school or library and are interested please contact us through our web site for more information.
In the future: There will be a vendor paperback version and audio book.
I have made a pledge that if we sell out of our Special Edition copies, that I will begin to produce the next story which is called "Kyle the Coyote: Goes to the Zoo." I chose the word "produce" instead of "write" because the story is already complete. Doing a children's book is like a mini film production. Writers, Artists, Colorists, Editors, etc. I am for sure not alone here. Check out the back of the book to see some of the artists who made "Kyle the Coyote" come alive.
The next story is about Kyle's mother sneaking him into a local zoo to find food that humans have left behind from the day before. Kyle meets new animal friends and learns all about them. The moral of this book is about not passing judgement on animals or people. This is likely my favorite one I have written.
Our team and myself appreciate all patronage. If you buy the eBook, vendor book, or the special edition. Any earnings will go into making more books. I've never done a Kickstarter or IndieaGoGo in my life. I don't think I ever will.
Stay tuned for my next blog where I will discuss a contest/giveaway and the national billboard campaign for "Kyle the Coyote." That's right, digital billboards starting April 4th all across the US including TIMES SQUARE!
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
First Ever Public Reading Tomorrow at The Book Jewel!
Keeping this one short and sweet. Join us tomorrow (May 22nd) at Noon at The Book Jewel for our first ever public reading of "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert."
The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045. That's 1 mile north of LAX in Westchester, CA.
We will have coloring activates and there is a farmers market going on at the same time.
If you can't make it we still have copies left at the best price online at KyleTheCoyote.com
I will write a blog about that and our first ever library acceptance next week!
The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045. That's 1 mile north of LAX in Westchester, CA.
We will have coloring activates and there is a farmers market going on at the same time.
If you can't make it we still have copies left at the best price online at KyleTheCoyote.com
I will write a blog about that and our first ever library acceptance next week!
Audio Book is Coming & Thoughts on Public Reading
Hello Goodreads Readers,
You know I never posted about my experience with our first ever public reading at The Book Jewel back in May.
I loved it. We did two readings and the kids loved it too. What I have found out is that the book is perfect for the 5 or 6 year olds.
One parent mentioned to me that her 3 year old did not know that animals eat each other. I have a bit in the book where Kyle almost becomes a "snack." She said she had to explain to her child why. That makes total sense to me. I had to rhyme it with attack too. Over all the book is very innocent and if that's the most questionable bit for a 3 year old then that's not a huge problem.
Look at the Children's book and now movie "The Bad Guys." Might be for a bit older crowd but there are a lot more mature bits in there than anything in Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert.
I hope to do more public readings. Please reach out to me if you are in Los Angeles and are interested. I could also do virtual reads. I do spend time in Vegas and around the Tampa, Florida area so if you catch me at the right time I could be there too.
Some people say its weird to have a book about a bad guy animal. Coyotes aren't really bad. They are parents and want the best for the pups just like any other mom and dad.
One parent said to me and I mentioned to her that at one point our nation put teddy bears in kids hands. I love bears too but they are bit more scary than a coyote.
The audio book is recorded but we are working on the post production now. I read the whole thing myself. All 34 pages. Tough. I am tired. LOL. I wanted to do it because since I wrote it I felt I would be able to get the attitude of Kyle across the best. Hopefully my next post will be about the audio book being complete.
We plan on running a special. If you have purchased a new copy of Vendor Hard Cover, Special Edition Hard Cover (from KyleTheCoyote.com) or the E-book and are able to proof of purchase we will send you the audio book for free! More on that soon.
Keep the reviews coming. Also let me shout out to The Horn Book Review and School Library Journal. REVIEW THE BOOK! These reviews help us get it into libraries and were sent to them in April. There are plenty of reviews here on Goodread and Amazon from real parents.
PS The Magazine "LA Parent" recently named "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" their inspirational book for June 2022. :)
More soon!
Mark Terry
You know I never posted about my experience with our first ever public reading at The Book Jewel back in May.
I loved it. We did two readings and the kids loved it too. What I have found out is that the book is perfect for the 5 or 6 year olds.
One parent mentioned to me that her 3 year old did not know that animals eat each other. I have a bit in the book where Kyle almost becomes a "snack." She said she had to explain to her child why. That makes total sense to me. I had to rhyme it with attack too. Over all the book is very innocent and if that's the most questionable bit for a 3 year old then that's not a huge problem.
Look at the Children's book and now movie "The Bad Guys." Might be for a bit older crowd but there are a lot more mature bits in there than anything in Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert.
I hope to do more public readings. Please reach out to me if you are in Los Angeles and are interested. I could also do virtual reads. I do spend time in Vegas and around the Tampa, Florida area so if you catch me at the right time I could be there too.
Some people say its weird to have a book about a bad guy animal. Coyotes aren't really bad. They are parents and want the best for the pups just like any other mom and dad.
One parent said to me and I mentioned to her that at one point our nation put teddy bears in kids hands. I love bears too but they are bit more scary than a coyote.
The audio book is recorded but we are working on the post production now. I read the whole thing myself. All 34 pages. Tough. I am tired. LOL. I wanted to do it because since I wrote it I felt I would be able to get the attitude of Kyle across the best. Hopefully my next post will be about the audio book being complete.
We plan on running a special. If you have purchased a new copy of Vendor Hard Cover, Special Edition Hard Cover (from KyleTheCoyote.com) or the E-book and are able to proof of purchase we will send you the audio book for free! More on that soon.
Keep the reviews coming. Also let me shout out to The Horn Book Review and School Library Journal. REVIEW THE BOOK! These reviews help us get it into libraries and were sent to them in April. There are plenty of reviews here on Goodread and Amazon from real parents.
PS The Magazine "LA Parent" recently named "Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert" their inspirational book for June 2022. :)
More soon!
Mark Terry
Kyle The Coyote Audio Book is Here! Other News
The Kyle the Coyote: Lost in the Desert Audio book released this week. Its currently on Amazon, Audible, and I-tunes. There are about 40 more sites to follow.
Check out the above mentioned sites and there is a free 1 minute sample.
Speaking of free, if you order the Special Edition hardcover book from KyleTheCoyote.com we will send you a QR code to down load the audio book for free.
The production of the audio book was a lot of fun. You always hear actors say that but its the truth.
Some people have asked me why I didn't get someone else to read it. I wrote it. I know what its about and I've been doing voice over work as part of the Screen Actors Guild since 2006.
Another thing I am not sure anyone could do was Kyle's voice. Maybe it doesn't mean anything to anyone else but I wanted it to be a very specific way and we for sure got it.
The story behind the goofy Kyle the Coyote voice dates back to my college days and my loveable cat Cali. She sometimes was bad and sometimes mean but always wanted love. After a while I started speaking as her. I would make her voice sound like a bad little kid. You have heard that bad little kid in the grocery store telling his mom, "I want McDonalds." I think I mastered that voice which was Cali's to begin with.
I figure Kyle maybe a little bit more raspy cause he is a coyote and its dry out there in the desert.
So there you go, that's where the voice came from.
Another fun part was finding the music. I specifically searched for music that kind of feels like the Sonic the Hedgehog theme but is also whimsical and a bit mischievous.
Cherrae L. Stuart filled in the rest of the blanks on the music and sound design. She did a great job mixing it, just like she did on the layout of the book. It was a huge help.
These children's books are a a mini film production. Writing, Distribution, art direction, audio mixing, music, editing, but its of a different sort.
If its ever something you thought about doing I would encourage you to check into it. There is a ton of info on YouTube about how to write a children's book and even how to get it distributed. It could via a publisher or on your own. Its a little bit different than selling a feature film because with films it really requires agents and distributors.
Check in with the GoodReads Blog post as we will be announcing some schools we will debuting Kyle the Coyote in for the 2022-2023 school year.
If you are a school and are interested in more information please contact Thorium230ca@gmail.com or email me here on GoodReads.
Mark Terry
Check out the above mentioned sites and there is a free 1 minute sample.
Speaking of free, if you order the Special Edition hardcover book from KyleTheCoyote.com we will send you a QR code to down load the audio book for free.
The production of the audio book was a lot of fun. You always hear actors say that but its the truth.
Some people have asked me why I didn't get someone else to read it. I wrote it. I know what its about and I've been doing voice over work as part of the Screen Actors Guild since 2006.
Another thing I am not sure anyone could do was Kyle's voice. Maybe it doesn't mean anything to anyone else but I wanted it to be a very specific way and we for sure got it.
The story behind the goofy Kyle the Coyote voice dates back to my college days and my loveable cat Cali. She sometimes was bad and sometimes mean but always wanted love. After a while I started speaking as her. I would make her voice sound like a bad little kid. You have heard that bad little kid in the grocery store telling his mom, "I want McDonalds." I think I mastered that voice which was Cali's to begin with.
I figure Kyle maybe a little bit more raspy cause he is a coyote and its dry out there in the desert.
So there you go, that's where the voice came from.
Another fun part was finding the music. I specifically searched for music that kind of feels like the Sonic the Hedgehog theme but is also whimsical and a bit mischievous.
Cherrae L. Stuart filled in the rest of the blanks on the music and sound design. She did a great job mixing it, just like she did on the layout of the book. It was a huge help.
These children's books are a a mini film production. Writing, Distribution, art direction, audio mixing, music, editing, but its of a different sort.
If its ever something you thought about doing I would encourage you to check into it. There is a ton of info on YouTube about how to write a children's book and even how to get it distributed. It could via a publisher or on your own. Its a little bit different than selling a feature film because with films it really requires agents and distributors.
Check in with the GoodReads Blog post as we will be announcing some schools we will debuting Kyle the Coyote in for the 2022-2023 school year.
If you are a school and are interested in more information please contact Thorium230ca@gmail.com or email me here on GoodReads.
Mark Terry
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
