Georgina Warren's Blog: Georgina Warren, page 9

September 16, 2023

Book signing on a mountain

During my trip to Manchester Vermont, my family and I visited the peak of Mount Equinox. We admired the views and explored the moss, lichens and old trees along one of the trails. In the lodge we met one of the staff managers, and he purchased a copy of Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I sold a book at an elevation of 3,848 feet!
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Published on September 16, 2023 08:36 Tags: fairy-tales, mountain, stepmothers

September 10, 2023

Attention residents and visitors of Vermont!

I am proud to announce that since the beginning of my book tour in the south of Vermont, residents and visitors of that state can now find Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers available in the following libraries and book shops:

The Dorset Village Library
The Manchester Community Library
The Northshire Bookstore-Manchester
The Bennington Bookshop

Thank you to everyone that supported me during my visit to this lovely state!

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers
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Published on September 10, 2023 13:28 Tags: blended-families, fairy-tales, folklore, legends, stepchild, stepmothers

August 30, 2023

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers now in the Bennington Bookshop VT

You can now find Georgina Warren’s Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers available at the Bennington Bookshop, Vermont's oldest independent bookstore, established 1928! To all visitors and residents of Vermont, support your local independent booksellers and get your copy today!

The Bennington Bookshop
109 South Street
Bennington, VT 05201
802 442 5059
phil@benningtonbookshop.com

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers

https://www.benningtonbookshop.com/
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Published on August 30, 2023 17:38 Tags: blended-families, fairy-tales, folklore, independent-authors, legends, stepmothers

August 14, 2023

Special guest Georgina Warren on In The Blend podcast

Georgina Warren has been featured as a special guest with Laura Jenkins on her podcast In The Blend. Here she discusses her new book, Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers and shares her insights on blended family life. Check out our interview in Season 4 Episode 1.

https://intheblend.com.au/podcast/geo...
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Published on August 14, 2023 05:52 Tags: fairy-tales, interview, legends, podcast, stepmothers

August 8, 2023

Upcoming book talk at Manchester Community Library VT

Georgina Warren is proud to announce that she will be featured as a guest at the Manchester Community Library in Vermont on August 30 at 5pm. She will present a preview of her book, Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers and sign copies after the discussion. Anyone that is in or near Manchester VT is welcome to attend. If you already purchased a book, you can bring your copy to be signed. Can’t wait to see you all then!

https://mclvt.org/event/tales-of-virt...
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Published on August 08, 2023 07:27 Tags: fairy-tales, family, folklore, legends, stepmother

August 6, 2023

Book review from Cassie Cooper

Here is a new book review from blogger Cassie Cooper about Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers!

https://www.instagram.com/manicmumday...
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Published on August 06, 2023 14:03 Tags: fairy-tales, folklore, legends, stepmothers

July 22, 2023

Author interview with Rita Lee Chapman 2023

Georgina Warren has recently been featured as a guest author on Rita Lee Chapman’s writing website. She is delighted to share her inspiration for her book Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers and describe other aspects of her journey as an author.

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers

Click link below to see interview http://www.ritaleechapman.com/guest-a...

This week it is my pleasure to interview author Georgina Warren. Would you please introduce yourself to my readers and share something about your life?

Thank you, Ms. Chapman. It’s a pleasure to be featured here, and a warm welcome to all readers! Last year I earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) at the Catholic University of America. Now I work as a library technician at the Library of Congress, in the Mexico, Central America and Caribbean section. In this position I process bibliographic records, print spine labels for books and organize shipments from book vendors. I recently announced the debut of my first book, Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers. This collection of 12 original short stories depicts stepmothers as protective family guardians, the perfect remedy to the pervasive “wicked stepmother” myth.

When did you write your first book and how did it come about?

I first started work on Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers as a high school student in 2007-2008. It was a gradual process over the course of 12 years, and I composed the short stories while completing my education and working different jobs until I eventually got hired at the Library of Congress. Over time it became apparent that traditional fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White did not reflect the experiences of real stepmothers and their families in modern life, because they were not modern stories. Like many children, I experienced growing pains with my stepmother and struggled with the “wicked stepmother” myth. Nowadays, however, we have developed a strong and loving relationship. I created this book to celebrate my relationship with her and to provide other blended families with new fairy tales that are entertaining and inspiring.

Do you always write in the same genre, or do you mix it up?

I usually write fiction, but I also enjoy writing non-fiction. Some of my favourite books include biographies of famous people and historical events. Like every good writer, I usually try to incorporate real elements into my stories so they can have some educational value. Being older than my target audience of young readers, sometimes I must remove “the P.G. rating filter” I wear for composing children’s stories and switch to writing adult stories so that I can exercise my “grownup” creativity.

When you write, do you start with an idea and sit down and let it evolve, or do you make notes and collect ideas on paper beforehand?

Sometimes the ideas come to me when I go out to new places. This inspiration usually begins with a problem or a question. The question always begins with the same two words “What if...” and then I compose the story and characters to ask or answer this question for myself and my readers. In every place that I visit, I take notes and collect pictures to record my ideas before writing the story.

Would you like to give us a short excerpt from one of your books?

Yes, this excerpt is from the short story, ‘Princess Sanspied’ from Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers:
“Sanspied’s stepmother soon noticed that the princess’s attire was ill suited to her new active lifestyle. One time, when the princess stood on her hands, the skirt of her dress fell over her face. After the servants set her upright, Sanspied’s stepmother declared that her stepdaughter needed a new wardrobe.
“These dresses are not supposed to be worn upside down. The princess will fall and break her back if she can’t see where she’s going. Sanspied must have clothes that do not impede her mobility. But make the garments look elegant. I won’t have her exposing her bloomers to the entire court!””

Who is your favorite character and why?

If I can only choose one person, I would pick Ishmael from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Most people have told me that they never finished the whole book. They don’t know what they are missing! Most of the ideas he expresses in Chapter 1 are extremely relatable to other members of my generation as young professionals embarking on the first stage of our journeys after leaving school. These words perfectly capture the essence of his personality and speak to my philosophy as a writer:

“I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts. Not ignoring what is good, I am quick to perceive a horror, and could still be sociable with it, would they let me, since it is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in.”

Which of your books gave you the most pleasure to write?

So far, I have only written one book of short stories, but my favorite short story that I composed is The Gilded Foreman. Without revealing too many spoilers, the story is inspirational and fun with a subtle darkness to the plot. I hope that future readers will enjoy the story and pick up the lessons about investing money wisely and supporting fair treatment for all workers and budding entrepreneurs.

What is the best marketing tip you have received?

Connections are everything! As a new author, it is easy to get lost in the universe of publishing platforms and the plethora of marketing specialists who populate the book market. It is important to focus on the friends you already know and then grow your fanbase from that core foundation. I’m very happy with the support I received from editor Annie Smith at http://smithwordsmith.com and the publishing staff at Tell Tell Poetry https://www.telltellpoetry.com. I met these folks through mutual connections, and though writing is naturally a solitary occupation, it is important to maintain and keep developing relationships. You can never tell when you will meet the right person to promote your work. Sometimes it is challenging to make connections, but it is essential to find with people who support your vision and will give your ideas space to grow organically, and who don’t force your stories into a cookie-cutter format.

How would you describe yourself?

I would consider myself a sociable introvert and a bold, ambitious scholar. Not every librarian is an introverted by-the-book disciplinarian. I do like to organize things, though. I enjoy social activities with friends, but I also have moments when I need to have some private time for personal reflection.

What do you do when you are not writing or reading?

Sometimes I feel as though my work life and recreational life overlap because they both involve spending time in front of the computer or reading text. As a contrast, I focus on physical activities like biking, dancing, walking in the parks, and visiting the Smithsonian museums when I go out.

If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?

I would choose London because I have many friends and relatives living there. I took a solitary trip through England a few years ago and visited many historic places, museums and literary sites connected to famous authors like Charles Dickins, Agatha Christie, and Roald Dahl. England has a rich history of widely renowned storytellers, and I am proud to share a piece of this legacy.

If you have owned pets, do you have a funny story you would like to share with us?

I didn’t own any pets, but I used to serve as a pet sitter for my old neighbour. She had three cats and two Jack Russell terriers named Corkie and Riley. Corkie was my first canine friend and he had peculiar habits when I took him for walks. First, he would jump up on his hind legs while watching me pick up his red leash with an eager and joyful look in his eyes. Then when I fastened the leash, he would grab the leash in his teeth and march down the sidewalk with a vaguely dignified air. Corkie always had to stop and mark every tree we saw, and if we encountered other dogs with their owners, Corkie would recoil and bark if we got too close. He was the kind of dog that liked to put on airs, but he could also be timid.

What is the biggest factor for you when selecting a book to read?

For me, the biggest factor when selecting the next book to read is whether the plot resonates with me. Some people prefer to stick with books that they have always enjoyed but I want to explore unknown territories and be surprised. As a reader, I want every story to be a new experience.

Do you have your own website?

I don’t have my own website yet, but readers can follow me on Good Reads and Instagram for more book news. I may create a website when my next volume is released.

Are you working on a new book now?

Yes. As a writer, you must keep moving forward and I have many more stories to tell! Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers is the first instalment in a trilogy, and volume two is coming along nicely. After the Virtuous Stepmother stories, I plan to transition into writing novels for adult readers.

Do you have any events or book promotions coming up that you would like to tell us about?

Yes, I am preparing a book signing event later this year at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC. I’m working with representatives from the Field School to promote this event among alumni, students, teachers, and other affiliates. I hope my old high school friends will be excited to attend and buy their own signed copies. Readers can find Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Good Reads, Better World Books and Bookshop.org.
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Published on July 22, 2023 15:51 Tags: fairy-tales, folklore, stepmothers, travel

June 30, 2023

Library of Congress Gazette features Author Georgina Warren

Author Georgina Warren has been featured in the Library of Congress Gazette Volume 34, No. 26 June 30, 2023 a weekly publication for staff. You can find her in the Q&A section and get an overview of her work experience within the library and beyond.
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Published on June 30, 2023 08:49 Tags: books, fairy-tales, library, stepmother

June 24, 2023

Interview on Reader’s Magnet

Author Georgina Warren has recently been featured for an interview on Readers Magnet!

Click link below for full interview https://www.readersmagnet.club/tales-...

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers by Georgina Warren Reader’s Magnet Interview

1. What is your book about?
Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers is a collection of 12 original fairy tales that depict the stepmother as a protective family guardian. Most stories feature her as the protagonist, and some explore her contributions as a supporting role to the child or children. All my stepmother characters have different roles, some are queens, scholars, warriors, travelers and entrepreneurs. Each story shows a stepmother facing a different challenge that she must overcome to achieve her goals whether they are survival, prosperity, justice or self-fulfillment.

2. What inspired you to write the book?
I first started work on Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers as a high school student in 2007-2008. Writing the book was a gradual process that took at least 12 years. I composed the short stories while completing my education and working different jobs until I eventually got hired at the Library of Congress. Over time it became apparent that traditional fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Snow White did not reflect the experiences of real stepmothers and their families in modern life, because they were not modern stories. Like many children, I experienced growing pains with my stepmother and struggled with the “wicked stepmother” myth. Nowadays, however, we have developed a strong and loving relationship. I created this book to celebrate my relationship with my stepmother and to provide other blended families with new fairy tales that are entertaining and inspiring.

3. What is your target audience for the book?
The target audience for the book is middle grade readers (ages 9-12), though older readers are welcome as well. This book is intended to be entertaining for the young and young at heart. I want to offer children and their parents a positive alternative to the stories that cast a dark shadow over the title of “stepmother” and shed light on the good stepmothers that deserve recognition for their accomplishments. The book is now for sale on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Virtuous... and readers can follow the author on Good Reads and Instagram for more book news. I’m happy for my book to be featured in the Author’s Lounge.

4. What do you hope readers could get out from your book?
I hope that this book can reduce the stigma surrounding the title of “stepmother” and improve family dynamics. Stepmothers don’t have to be depicted as the villain in every story. I also want to inspire future writers to develop new plots and characters for their own stories.

5. What are your future goals/plans for the book?
As a writer, you must keep moving forward and I have many more stories to tell! Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers is the first instalment in a trilogy, and volume two is coming along nicely. After the Virtuous Stepmother stories, I plan to transition into writing novels for adult readers.

6. Tell us something about yourself.
At the Library of Congress, I work as a library technician in the Mexico, Central America and Caribbean section. In this position I process bibliographic records, print spine labels for books and organize shipments from book vendors. I would consider myself a sociable introvert and a bold, ambitious scholar. Not every librarian is an introverted by-the-book disciplinarian. I do like to organize things, though. I enjoy social activities with my friends, but I also have moments when I need to have some private time for personal reflection. Sometimes I feel as though my work life and recreational life overlap because they both involve spending time in front of the computer or reading text. As a contrast, I focus on physical activities like biking, dancing, walking in the parks, and visiting the Smithsonian museums when I go out.
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Published on June 24, 2023 06:22 Tags: fairy-tales, mythology, stepmother

June 21, 2023

Book signing at St John’s Church Georgetown

Join the author for a celebration of creative women in the arts! Georgina Warren will be featured with her book, Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers for a book talk and signing at St John’s Church in Georgetown. The date is June 25 at 11am. Refer to link for more details.

https://stjohnsgeorgetown.org/
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Published on June 21, 2023 18:27 Tags: creative, fairy-tales, stepmother, women