Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 12

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent romance: Young Witchcraft #wewriwa #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my young adult romance, Young Witchcraft. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:  Rachel makes a choice

**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

She scrunched up her nose. She felt bad disregarding her father, but she would feel worse if she didn't go to Joe.
Gnawing at her lower lip, she stood.
Her father glanced at her. Rachel's mother peered over her father's shoulder.
"It's not wise," her father said.
"I have to." 
Her father picked up a water bottle and handed it to her. "Broomsticks and crystals, at least have a reason. And be alert. Don't let anyone see your eyes glow." 
YOUNG WITCHCRAFT: 
BLURB:  
Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her. 

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?


BUY LINKS:AMAZON:  https://amzn.com/B00YJW0YMO

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Snippet Sunday: Young Witchcraft - 99 cent young adult romance #wewriwa #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my young adult romance, Young Witchcraft . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:  Rachel's conflict continues...

**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

She glanced at her dad, "I should go down there."
"It would look awkward, dear." He paused, "I don't like the idea of you being close to that wolf."
Rachel lowered her voice, "You said Phil wouldn't actually turn into a werewolf until he was eighteen."
"Wolves have always treated witches with disrespect."
Rachel's jaw clenched. Just recently her father had shared several secrets with her. She'd learned Phil Bean's family passed on the werewolf gene and had since the time of Cotton Mather. In fact, there was a rumor that Mather himself had been a werewolf. Thank the broomsticks Joe wasn't a wolf. 
YOUNG WITCHCRAFT: 
BLURB:  
Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her. 

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?


BUY LINKS:AMAZON:  https://amzn.com/B00YJW0YMO

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Snippet Sunday: Young Witchcraft - 99 cent paranormal/young adult romance #wewriwa #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my young adult romance, Young Witchcraft . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:  Rachel is torn.

**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:
Joe hung out under the basket, jumped, and blocked a shot. Phil got the rebound and drove it down to their court. Joe now visibly limped. The coach called a time out and pulled him. Joe sat on the bench and rubbed his ankle, but didn't wince or frown.
Rachel sat on her hands. Should she go to him? Rachel drew in a long breath then ran a hand over her hair. Joe stared at his ankle and furrowed his brow. Broomsticks! 

YOUNG WITCHCRAFT: 
BLURB:  
Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her. 

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?


BUY LINKS:AMAZON:  https://amzn.com/B00YJW0YMO

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents summer romance: Arrow Through the Heart #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet summer romance, Arrow Through The Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:   Ella and Logan enjoy a perfect summer evening...

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

"This evening is perfect.""How so?"
He motioned toward the horizon. The sun hung low, creating vibrant red and gold twilight clouds. The sweet heavy scent of lavender growing near the cabin drifted past them. "The sunset is gorgeous, and…" his voice wavered.
"And?" She wiped her lips with her napkin."So are you." His gaze met hers.
Ella's heart tripped.
ARROW THROUGH THE HEART : 
BLURB:  
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Reviews:5 Stars, Jaclyn DiBona, Amazon Reviewer, "Another wonderful book."

5 Stars, Muddy Rose Reviews, Amazon Reviewer, "A sweet novella about falling in love."

4 Stars, beasmom, Amazon Reviewer, "An enjoyable read." 

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: https://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Snipped Sunday: 99 cent summer romance: Arrow Through the Heart #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet summer romance, Arrow Through The Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:   Ella and Logan start their picnic. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

Ella placed her napkin on the blanket and bit into her corn, confident that no one would venture out to this small island just to watch her. Her stomach knotted, remembering how the dark dressed stranger had sat in the public stands staring at her throughout the entire game. He even offered her a ball to sign. Unlike the kids or admiring adults, he just thrust the ball at her and walked away without saying thanks.
"Hey, you okay?" Logan asked.

She shook her head, throwing off her disparaging thoughts. "So what do you have planned for the holiday?"
ARROW THROUGH THE HEART : 
BLURB:  
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Reviews:5 Stars, Jaclyn DiBona, Amazon Reviewer, "Another wonderful book."

5 Stars, Muddy Rose Reviews, Amazon Reviewer, "A sweet novella about falling in love."

4 Stars, beasmom, Amazon Reviewer, "An enjoyable read." 

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: https://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Christmas in July: 99 cents romance: Mr. Christmas Elf #ChristmasinJuly

Enjoy a little Christmas in July with Mr. Christmas Elf! Only 99 cents. 


BLURB: Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars for her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message. 

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:"So you're the one with the depressing Christmas list.""Hey, I can't believe you're insulting me and we just met."He held his hands palms up. They were nice hands with smooth palms and lean fingers."No insult intended, but usually people don't ask for mufflers and scratchers. Can I walk you in?""Sure." It was easy to forgive him, especially with that irresistible dimple. I adjusted my purse on my shoulder and proceeded toward the door. Elvis kept his hand in the small of my back, helping to steady my shaky legs. Comforting warmth spread up my back. My muscles relaxed. I liked everything about Elvis. He was tall and lean, with a kind smile, full lips, and amazing white teeth. Joe stood guarding the door, one eye fixed on his watch, one eye on me. He scowled and twisted the lock to let me in.Elvis opened the door for me. What a treat! When Vince opened the door, he usually walked in first. I paused and turned around in the doorway, gazing into Elvis' cool, expressive eyes. "Can I buy you a coffee?""Absolutely not. A gentleman never lets a lady pay for him."Joe glared at me. I pointed toward the employee area. "Ah, thank you for catching me back there. I have to sign in now.""You're welcome."I rushed off, hung up my purse and put on my 'Cup o' Joe' elf hat before joining Renee at the register.Renee leaned over and whispered. "Who's the cutie?""Elvis." I grinned. I'm sure it was one of those "he's-absolutely-gorgeous" grins that leave you speechless."He's a doll.""Uh-huh."
BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: 
 https://amzn.com/B01CLM0PIG

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-ch...

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Welcome Guest Author Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz! #pennylockwood #youngadultfiction

STEPH: 'd like to welcome author Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz to today's Children's Corner.  Today she's talking about her latest release and her "Ghost" series." 
PENNY: Hi Steph, thanks so much for hosting me today.  You’ve asked some great questions.
STEPH: What genre is your book and tell us a little about the plot.
PENNY: Ghostly Visions is a two-for-one middle grade mystery containing Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch. Hardshell Word Factory first published Ghost for Rent in 2002 but went out of business a couple of years later.  In the meantime, I had written a sequel Ghost for Lunch and sought out a publisher.  4RV Publishing, LLC accepted the book and when they found out there was a first book, they decided they wanted to publish them both in one volume.  Thus, Ghostly Visions was born.
In Ghost for Rent, my main character, Wendy Wiles, along with her mother and brother, move from the big city to a small rural community only to find two ghosts are haunting their rental house.  The ghosts appear to Wendy, and no one else, except her new friend Jennifer, believes her.  Wendy and Jennifer set out to learn who the ghosts are and why they are haunting the Wiles’ home.
In Ghost for Lunch, Jennifer moves, but Wendy and her brother Mike befriend their new neighbor, Jon.  Jon’s family purchased an historic hotel and restaurant in a neighboring city.  It turns out the place is haunted, and it’s up to Jon, Mike, and Wendy to find out why.
While both of the stories are ghostly mysteries, they are also about the importance of family, friends, and cooperation. Both books are set in the 1990s, and the kids have to resort to the “old fashioned” methods of deduction like using a library and asking older members of their families for information.
In the first story, Wendy has to overcome her distaste of small towns and leaving her friends and home behind.  In the second, she loses the one good friend she’s made, but finds herself attracted to her new neighbor.  In both books, she has a whole lot of new feelings to sort out.
STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the story?
PENNY: I have been writing short stories and articles since the 1980s. When my daughter was in grade school, she wanted me to write a “real” book.  While talking with a neighbor, I was inspired to write Ghost for Rent when she told me about hearing piano music playing in her rental house.  I had been considering writing a children’s novel and decided a ghost story would be fun.
Ghost for Lunchresulted from an article I read in our local newspaper about a haunted restaurant in our area. Since I had so much fun writing Ghost for Rent, I wanted to use the same characters, but I wanted to move the story up a year and give them some new challenges.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
PENNY: The actual writing of the two books was probably a couple of months for each.  What takes a long time is getting the book published.  After signing the initial contracts, discussions with editors began in early 2011.  The final book wasn’t ready for publication until 2016.
STEPH: Who is the main character? What are their strengths?
PENNY: Wendy Wiles is my main character. She’s eleven years old and thinks of herself as a tortured poet.  She composes poems in her head about leaving her long-time home in Portland, Oregon.  She writes about meeting her new friend, Jennifer.  She quotes Shakespeare to her brother.
But despite her quirks, Wendy is tenacious.  When she learns her house is haunted, she takes on the task of finding out who the ghosts are and why they are haunting her new home.  Despite her fears and the fact her mother insists “there’s no such things as ghosts,” she doesn’t let go and enlists the help of her new friend and eventually even convinces her brother to help search out clues.

STEPH: How does the cover represent the story?
PENNY: There are actually three covers: one each for Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch, and the overall cover for Ghostly Visions. The interior covers depict a specific scene from each story. 
The Ghost for Rent cover shows the first time Wendy, Jennifer, and Mike see ghostly figures and Wendy realizes the stories she’s been hearing are real.
The cover for Ghost for Lunch depicts the scene when both her brother and Jon finally believe Wendy hasn’t been imagining ghosts at the new restaurant Jon’s parents purchased.
Crystalwizard designed the interior covers and Aidana Willow Raven designed the outer cover and book content.  I’m very pleased with all of the artwork and the final product.
STEPH: Tell us about your writing space?
PENNY: I have a lovely little office on the first floor of our home with a wrap-around desk and lots of bookshelves, plus a window that overlooks my garden.  However, when it’s nice, I will take my laptop outside to my patio and work there. When I’m editing, I may just put my feet up so my two Lhasapoo dogs can lie on my legs while I’m working.
STEPH: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
PENNY: I am definitely a pantser.  I read recently most people are a little of both but lean toward one side or the other.  This is probably true, but I don’t outline.  I have a general idea of what my story will be about and then I take off from there. For my fiction, it’s usually something I’ve heard, like my neighbor talking about hearing a piano playing, or something I’ve read, like the article about the haunted restaurant. When I’m absorbed by my story, I tend to see it playing out in my head as though I’m watching a movie.
STEPH: It's summertime! What's your favorite summer fruit?
PENNY: Berries, definitely berries.  I love all kinds though strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are my favorites.
STEPH: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
PENNY: When the weather warms, I enjoy puttering in my many little gardens.  I have both vegetable and flower gardens.  Like all authors, I love reading.  I also enjoy crocheting, sewing, and cooking. I try to walk or go to the pool five days a week and love getting together with my family and friends.
STEPH: What book are you reading now?
PENNY: I just finished my book group selection, Our Souls at Night, but I’m also reading Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series for fun. Recently I read a couple of children’s books, The Giving Meadow and The Shadow of the Unicornseries, both delightful reads.

Ghostly Visions Blurb
Wendy Wiles attracts ghosts, first in Ghost for Rent, when her parents separate and she, her brother, and mother move into a haunted house. The story begins in Portland, Oregon and quickly moves to small town, Scappoose, Oregon. Miserable at leaving her friends and beloved Portland behind, Wendy meets her neighbor Jennifer who tells her the house Wendy’s mom rented is haunted. After two of them appear to Wendy, the girls find themselves tracking down the mystery of who the ghosts are and why they "live" in the Wiles' home.
In Ghost for Lunch, Wendy’s friend, Jennifer, moves away, leaving Wendy sad until new neighbors and their restaurant in St. Helens bring ghosts back into Wendy's life. She, her brother, and their new friend discover the two cases are connected. Once again, the young sleuths use clues and lots of brainstorming to figure out who is haunting the restaurant.
While on the surface, these two stories appear to be about ghosts and the mystery of solving them, they are also about the importance of family and friends and working together to solve a problem.
Ghostly Visions is available direct from the publisher 4RV Publishing LLC for $15.99 including shipping and handling: http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php.  It can also be ordered from your local bookstore with the following ISBN numbers: ISBN-10: 0982642326, ISBN-13:978-0982642320, or through Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Visions-Ghost-Rent-Lunch/dp/0982642326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465600196&sr=1-1&keywords=ghostly+visions.
The author is offering a special introductory discount to anyone who orders the book directly through her web page by sending a message using the contact button.
Excerpt Ghostly Visions

Before the girls could leave the porch, a light breeze came up, creating a swirling of mist and wet leaves. The twirling mass took on the shape of what appeared to be two people. Startled, Wendy and Jennifer stumbled back and bumped into Mike. All three trembled.
Wendy couldn’t believe how scared she was. Her mouth was dry, and she licked her lips. She looked at Jennifer and Mike. Jennifer put her hand to her mouth and whimpered softly. Mike’s eyes looked like saucers in his face, and she saw his knuckles were white where he gripped the porch railing.
She turned her gaze back to the mist. While they didn’t have distinct features, clearly the swirling leaves looked like a couple dancing. Strange music played. Wendy’s hand grasped Champ standing between her and Jennifer. His neck fur stood on end, and a low growl rum- bled in his chest.
Mom said there was no such thing as ghosts, yet right before her danced two very ghostly beings. Could this be possible? She reached for Jennifer’s hand. It felt cold and clammy as Jennifer squeezed back. Jennifer at least was real. Frightened more than she had ever been before, Wendy felt tears in her eyes, and she squeezed them shut, hoping when she opened them the figures would be gone. They weren’t.
“What’s going on?” Wendy whispered. The hairs on her arms and the back of her neck stood up.
“I...I don’t know,” Jennifer said.
“What are you two scaredy-cats worried about? It’s just a bunch of leaves blowing in the wind.” Mike chuckled, but Wendy heard the tremor in his voice.
Unable to move, they watched the couple glide around the summerhouse, dipping and swirling to the music. The forms came together in an embrace. A third, smaller form appeared, and the embracing couple flew apart. The smaller figure tumbled backward, rolling down the steps followed by a crashing noise.
Wendy and Jennifer jumped. A strong wind blew through the open house, blowing the misty figures away and leaving wet leaves scattered on the floor. A strange stillness settled over everything.
Wendy and Jennifer looked at each other, wild-eyed.
“Boo!” Mike yelled.
They screamed and clutched at each other.

PENNY'S BIO:
Penny Lockwood (Ehrenkranz) has published over 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications.  She is a former editor for MuseItUp Publishing, 4RV Publishing, and Damnation Books.  Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com and her writing blog at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.
4RV Publishinghas joined her two middle grade novels (Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch) as Ghostly Visions. She recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishingand has one other children’s picture book under contract with them: Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror. Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Alban Lake Publishing and Smashwords.

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent romance: Arrow Through The Heart #wewriwa #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet summer romance, Arrow Through The Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:



About this snippet:   Ella and Logan start their picnic. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:
They sat down and Logan unpacked. There was wine, cold fried chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon.
"I can light a small fire if you want anything warmed up," he said.
"No, I'm fine."
Logan poured the wine and inclined his glass for a toast. "Congrats on your win, and may we have a happy Fourth."
Her cheeks warmed, "Happy Fourth." Ella clinked her glass with his and sipped her wine. In the distance, she spied a motorboat similar to Logan's speeding past the island.

Logan frowned, "I don't recognize the boat. It must be a rental."
ARROW THROUGH THE HEART : 
BLURB:  
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Reviews:5 Stars, Jaclyn DiBona, Amazon Reviewer, "Another wonderful book."

5 Stars, Muddy Rose Reviews, Amazon Reviewer, "A sweet novella about falling in love."

4 Stars, beasmom, Amazon Reviewer, "An enjoyable read." 

BUY LINKS:AMAZON: https://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...

Eat Like a Caveman - The Paleo Diet #lifestyle

I first heard about the Paleo diet in DEC 2014, and it sounded like it was something I could do. I like meat, fish, veggies and fruit, but eating Paleo isn't just about the food. It's a lifestyle change that makes a lot of sense to me.


The whole concept behind Paleo is that our bodies were designed to eat food which were consumed by early humans (aka cavemen). They include fruits, veggies, meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats including coconut, avocado, and olive oil.
The modern diet includes processed foods like grains, dairy, alcohol and starches. Our newfound diet is a result of our advances in agriculture. These foods should be avoided as our gut often finds them challenging to digest.


And there lies the issues! While modern foods are digestible, they don't help us out much. Our intestines (aka gut) have to work that much harder to break down the food and digest them.
When I'm good with my paleo menu, I notice a lot less bloating. I hate bloating, especially at this age.  Keep in mind bloating is a sign of inflammation which is telling you that your gut is having a hard time digesting your food.
Finding foods and variety can be a challenge on modern schedules. Trust me, I'm on the go from 330 am to bedtime which is 8 pm. A good rule of thumb is the 85/15 % rule. Try to shoot for 85% of your diet to be paleo, 15% non paleo.  This is a good way to transition to the diet too.


I try to keep the menu simple.  B-Fast is usually Greek yogurt, bananas, or oatmeal.  Lunch is meat and veggies, snacks: carrots, grapes and celery, and dinner is meat and veggies. I also drink water throughout the day. Paleo is a challenge for me because of my schedule, but I keep trying. There's so much to get into but not enough space.
Question: Does anyone have any thoughts about eating Paleo they'd like to share?

Children's Corner: Giving Meadow interview & Giveaway #childrens #4rvpublishing

Enjoy this interview with Stephanie Burkhart, author of "The Giving Meadow."


Question: What was the inspiration behind "The Giving Meadow?"
Steph: At the time I was teaching "little" church (preschoolers, 3-5 years old) at my church and Easter was just around the corner. My fellow teachers and I thought it would be nice to present a play for the children and I was tasked to write it. I chose to focus on a caterpillar because they go through a transformation to become a butterfly and that's something they can relate to, then apply to what Jesus went through.
Question: How long did it take you to write?
Steph: A couple of weeks.
Question: Did you pick the illustrator?
Steph: 4RV Publishing presented me with several designs from a couple of illustrators. Stephen's whimsical, soft spoken drawings spoke to my heart so I selected his.
Question: How does the cover represent the story within?
Steph: On the cover is Caterpillar sitting in a meadow. Caterpillar is the main character and his adventures take place in the meadow.
Question: Does the story have a message or a theme?
Steph: I think what will appeal to kids (3-7 years) is how Caterpillar makes friends and how they share and care for each other.
The Giving Meadow is available as an ebook and in paperback on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 
**If anyone would like a review copy, please post a comment along with your email. Also, one lucky commenter will win a Giving Meadow coffee mug***
REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Midwest Book Review: "Colorful illustrations add just the right touch to this gentle heartwarming story about the transformative power of sharing."

5 Stars, N.A. Sharpe, Amazon Reviewer: "This heartwarming tale teaches life lessons of friendship, selflessness and sharing, caring, and kindness. Ms. Burkhart's charming tale is one little ones will want to hear over and over again and they will be enchanted by the adorable illustrations from the talented illustrator, Stephen Macquignon."

5 Stars, Connie Arnold, Amazon Reviewer:  "This is a good book for helping young children learn about how caterpillars change as well as a gentle lesson about sharing and caring."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:https://amzn.com/B00J3FBY9Y

BARNES AND NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-g...

4RV PUBLISHING:http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/b...
STEPHANIE ON THE WEB:
BLOG:http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
WEBSITE:http://sgcardin.tripod.com
FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
STEPHANIE ON AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Burkh...
STEPHEN ON THE WEB:
BLOG:http://stephen-sketch2color.blogspot.com/
WEBSITEhttp://www.jacketflap.com/StephenM
STEPHEN ON AMAZON:


http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Macquig...