Kathleen J. Shields's Blog, page 3

Imagination is Key – What does that mean?

Imagination is the mental ability to create new ideas or concepts. It is the mind’s way of creating things and situations that aren’t there.

“Imagination is Key” is my mantra.It is why I write what I write and why I encourage all children to use their imagination.My motto is “The Only Limitation is Your Own Imagination”It is what I tell any child who aspires to greatness.You can do anything – so long as you put your mind to it.

Children have amazing creativity. Their imagination can take them to all new heights and it must be encouraged. In this day and age of education being in the forefront of every parent and teacher’s agenda, topped with so many extracurricular and after school activities, a child’s lifestyle can become quite busy and chaotic.  It is my opinion, that children are not being encouraged to day dream and use their imagination as much as they should.

For me, imagination took me away from a boring bus ride to school and made me into a super hero soaring down the road and helping the world out as I flew. Imagination took me away from my bedroom where I could hear my parents arguing in the other room and took me to a magical fantasy world where beautiful rainbows filled the sky and the sun was always shining.

Imagination took my foster son to alien worlds where he could explore the stars in the universe. It helped him imagine what a dung beetles life might be like or how setting an ant pile on fire may affect the families that lived in that home.

Imagination can be encouraged while reading a book, after a short TV show or movie and especially after an hour’s play on video games. Encouraging children to story tell or write out their ideas, extends education in a more enjoyable environment – discussing subjects they enjoy. When a child finishes reading a chapter, or watches a cliff hanger, by simply asking them what they think might happen next advances their minds ability to imagine alternatives – to think outside of the box.

Children have been taught to only give correct answers and are too afraid to say a wrong answer. This, in my opinion, lowers their confidence. By giving them wildly crazy alternatives, things that will make them laugh but flip on that light of creativity, you open the door to a child’s imagination which opens the door to the universe!

This is why my children’s stories focus on imagination. Doing anything they want in the Dream World, learning about new cultures while riding on rainbows, solving mysteries through discussion. For my even younger readers, a troll will ask the questions and take the adventures they haven’t thought to do. The point is – it was my imagination that wrote the stories and their imagination that will write and do for the next generation.

Encourage a child’s imagination!It’s one of the most important things you can do!

Learn more about Author Kathleen J. Shields and her books at www.KathleensBooks.com

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PAWsitive Vibes – Dogs, provides a Positive Message to All

Preston Mitchum, Jr

When I first met Preston Mitchum, Jr. he was standing in the foyer of my grandfather’s home awaiting payment for lawn care services. My grandfather introduced us, we said generic hello’s, and that was about it. A year or so later I went back to Maryland to help my grandfather and saw Preston out in the yard working a few more times. We waved hi and had a few short conversations. Fast forward another year or so and I had to inform Preston that my grandfather had passed away.

It was during that time of grief, packing, planning, and all of that end of life stuff you have to do, that Preston became a true friend. We talked about Grandpa, and even my Grandma. My history with my mom and the journey I took to find God. He talked about the loss of his father, his spiritual journey with God, and all the things that two people who really shared a soul connection with, would say in a conversation at the dining room table. It was truly a blessing getting to know Preston. It’s a shame it took us so long to connect.

Fast forward another year or so as I had been following him on Facebook. Every Friday he posted an inspirational message entitled “Positive Thoughts, Positive Vibes”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those posts and after a while, it occurred to me that other people would feel the same way. I encouraged him to write a book. He laughed at me.

Fast forward another 6 months or so, and I was really certain that this is what he needed to do. I created a book cover for him. I figured if he saw his name on the front cover of a book, that might light a fire under him to take this suggestion seriously. He laughed again, but not as much of a belly laugh as before. He was starting to like this idea and to take it into consideration. It wasn’t too much longer after that, that a word document appeared on my email.

Positive Vibes 1

Positive Vibes came out in 2019, and when it did, Preston’s message exploded. With his very uplifting personality, his connections with the news industry, and the fact that he runs The PMJ Foundation to help community children get school supplies and such, this was the perfect addition to put his message into overdrive.

Positive Vibes 2

Fast forward another couple of years, and another word document shows up, Positive Vibes 2. I gladly helped him format it, create a book cover, and publish it. Positive Vibes 2, Making Strides was released in 2021. It was some time after that, that I suggested he do some themed Positive Vibes books. Something like a Positive Vibes for kids, Positive Vibes for sports, or Positive Vibes dogs and cats. He laughed at me. Again. When will this guy just learn to listen to me? Haha.

Positive Vibes 3

Fast forward another two years and a word document for Positive Vibes 3 arrives on my email. While proofing, editing, and formatting this latest book, Positive Vibes Dogs kept screaming for my attention. If Preston wasn’t going to write this book, because he isn’t as close to dogs as I am, then it only felt right that I get to do this one! After finishing my task on his book, and sending it back to him to add more to it, I began writing my version of Positive Vibes for Dog Lovers.

PAWsitive Vibes – Dogs

With a little extra inspiration from Preston, and a horde of stories regarding my own fur babies, PAWsitive Vibes – Dogs came to life in the blink of an eye. This book is funny, entertaining, inspirational, uplifting, motivating, quirky, and of course, positive. The messages inside detail how to start the day bright and cheerful. Appreciate life, and breakfast. Find your path but don’t pull on the leash. Waste not want not, which is about dogs eating their own vomit, which is actually about recycling… and so much more!

PAWsitive Vibes – Dogs by author Kathleen J. Shields

An inspirational collection of stories combining funny dog antics with motivational messages.

Dogs are quirky, playful, clumsy balls of joy wrapped in fur with wiggly little butts. They can sense our emotions, have become our social companions and their unconditional love can teach us so much about our own lives.

Our dogs can teach us obedience, loyalty, support and trust. Their enthusiasm for life, encourages laughter, good cheer and a plethora of heart-warming and hilarious moments. This book hopes to present many of these inspirational messages in a positive, light-hearted way.

Look Inside the Kindle: “Pawsitive Vibes Dogs is Positively Uplifting!”

I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it, and if you haven’t yet, check out Preston’s three books, Positive Vibes! He has been a joy to know. I am proud to call him a friend, and even more happy that my advice has helped him do so many positive things in his community.

In the meantime, why don’t you take a look at some of the fun and entertaining videos I created to go with this PAWsome adventure. Some are videos of my kiddos, some are just funny extras, one is of Kirby… those who know… know. I will be adding to these. I hope they are enjoyed and shared!

« Prev1 / 1Next »PAWsitive Vibes Dogs – It's Amore!PAWsitive Vibes Dogs – Learning how to SmilePAWsitive Vibes Dogs if Life is getting you down, find a way to get back up!PAWsitive Vibes Dogs Run on Out and Grab a Book!PAWsitive Vibes Dogs – Are You Ready to Party?!PAWsitive Vives Dogs – Life a little Ruff? Time to smile!PAWsitive Vibes Dogs – Christmas with Riley 1PAWsitive Vibes Dogs – Christmas with DonnyPAWsitive Vibes Dogs – Christmas for KirbyPAWsitive Vibes Dogs – A Pitbull Christmas« Prev1 / 1Next »

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You’ve written a book and now want to publish it…

Do you know what to do first?

Lets skip the basics – write the book – edit the book – reedit the book and jump right into traditional publishing as a first step.

Traditional Publishing:

No matter what – you want to start here. While the rejection letters can be quite defeating, and can pile up quickly. Remember, while thousands of submissions are rejected daily 1% make it and it would definitely be nice to be one of the 1%. While many decide to jump into self-publishing first – I highly suggest attempting the traditional route. Trust me, while I know I’ve got great books, my job marketing would be a thousand times easier if I had Scholastics backing me up. It wouldn’t be nearly as hard getting into the schools with my books. So consider that first.

Step 1

Find a list of publishers. Go to a library, find books similar to your genre, make a list of the publishers that published them. This would be your key list. You could also go to PublishersGlobal.com for a complete list of publishers, but then you’d still want to cut that down to only those interested in publishing your book topic. You do not want to contact a publisher who primarily works on non-fiction biographies if your book is about cooking. You also wouldn’t want to contact a children’s book publisher if your book is a self-help health book. Be specific about who you contact.

Step 2

Go to their website – each publishers website. Just because publisher #1 has specific guidelines to follow for submissions does NOT mean publisher #2 has the same guidelines. Each publisher has their own rules and if you don’t follow those rules to a T you WILL be rejected. There will be query letters with SASE envelopes, outlines or chapters or complete manuscripts, the sales pitch, the proving of yourself as a writer and marketer… Read up and know each step each publisher wants you to take and always put your best foot forward. Edit your letter like your life depends on it.

Step 3

Start with those accepting unsolicited submissions or submissions without a literary agent. If you can get a deal without having to give a percentage of your advance to a literary agent, do it. While publishers shy from this practice, many allow unsolicited manuscripts so contact them first. PS don’t send out 100 queries at once.  If you get a couple acceptances and choose publisher #1 and it doesn’t work out then publisher #2 is going to be upset that they were ignored or considered your second choice. Send them out one at a time and allow for the response before moving on to the next publisher. Yes it is time consuming, but if you are to do it right, you must follow the rules.

Step 4

When that list is tapped out, start searching for a literary agent. Again, find one who specializes in your genre. They need to believe in your product so your book must fall into their accepted categories. Don’t waste their time – a reputable agent does this job free of charge only getting pad when you sign a publishing contract. If they want money up front; run. If and when you find an agent, they will start contacting publishers on your behalf. Again, they only get paid when you do so they won’t take on your project unless they truly believe in it.  You may get a ton of rejections from agents but don’t let that deter you.  If you started with Step 1-3 you already know how much work this is, how much time is involved. Would you do that for a stranger if you didn’t believe wholeheartedly in the product?

Step 5

Being accepted by a traditional publisher. Yeah – you’re done – NOT! This is where even more work begins. They may request changes. They will provide a contract that you will want a lawyer to go over. You will want to understand every sentence in that contract and understand everything they are going to do for you and what they expect you to do for them. When you have signed the contract the advance will be paid to your agent who takes their cut and gives you the rest. Then you will want to take that money and hire a publicist. Then you will begin marketing your book, planning interviews, book tours, etc. It is a dream that must be worked towards and worked hard on. It is not easy and there are a lot more details that are required to know but this blog has gotten too long as it is.

In the coming months I am going to be working on adding even more details to this but in the meantime….
Want more information? This breaks down some of the information on choosing traditional vs small press vs self publishing:

Submitting your manuscript to a publisher

How to Create/Publish Books

How to make a great book cover (self pub)

10 Most common Grammatical Mistakes

Where are the book sales?

The book publishing snowman theory

Finding an editor for your book

 

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Dream World Defenders – Trailer Videos

New Book By Award-Winning Author, Kathleen J. Shields

Curious about Dream World Defenders?Watch the book trailers below:

[image error] Can’t wait to read the book?You can buy the book at any of these fine retailers:

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Also, don’t forget the Challenge!

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Do the Right Thing – Do it All the Time

The other day, driving down my street, I stopped at the stop sign and caught sight of a black bag sitting on the corner.  I knew that the school bus picked up there so I figured it was a lunch kit. I went to investigate, and found it was a $1000+ Nikon camera.  I knew who ever lost this would be beside themselves, but I had to get to a meeting. I grabbed it, so it wouldn’t get permanently lost, and decided as I drove I would create a FOUND sign to put on the mailboxes in hopes of finding the proper owner. That evening, after two meetings and choir practice I finally get back to my office and open the bag properly to investigate it. That’s when I was relieved to see their name printed on the inside in marker (they MUST have children) it’s so a mommy thing to do.  Thankful I had a name, I called my neighbor (who seems to know everyone) and lo and behold, she had a phone number for them.

She was so relieved.

“Who does that?” She asks after receiving my message.  “It must have fallen off my motorcycle.”

It made me proud to do the right thing. How many people would be able to do that? Honestly? This was a nice camera. 42x zoom, all the bells and whistles, cables, SD cards… I could have kept it, many people would have. I could have sold it on ebay… but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I can’t imagine loosing something like that. It would be like me loosing my laptop – my livelihood! My books, my graphics, my websites… I’d be so sick to my stomach. I couldn’t afford to replace it and I would PRAY that someone would return it, if it were ever found. But I’ve been robbed (two home break-ins – in Houston). I’ve had things stolen from me at shows. My husband has had tools stolen right off his truck. I definitely have the stigma of not wanting to trust people… but if everyone did the right thing, all the time, our world would be a much better place.

I wanted to share a song with you. Maybe if you get this catchy tune stuck in your head it will help – it helps me – all the time!

Ages & Ages – Divisionary (Do the Right Thing) Lyrics

Do the right thing, do the right thing
do it all the time, do it all the time
make yourself right, never mind them
don’t you know you’re not the only one suffering

I see you up again wandering so diligent
crossing your t’s as though it weren’t irrelevant
they say formality, this is what they really meant:
they can be the walk and we can be the pavement

Do the right thing, do the right thing
do it all the time, do it all the time
make yourself right, never mind them
don’t you know you’re not the only one suffering

So what you’re up against all the disingenuous
They wave you along and say there’s always room for us
But we know better than that to take’em serious.
Still don’t let’em make you bitter in the process

And when the light is up, this is how oughta be
We’ll make it alright, they’ll come around eventually
They say it’s nothing but, that ain’t the reality
They may take us on but they can never take us easy

Cuz they ain’t moving, they’re just moving around
So if you love yourself, you better get out, get out now

Play it again – you know you want to!

 

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From Heaven my Mom still makes things happen!

One of mom’s favorite poems that I wrote for Mother’s Day has again made it’s showcase…in a most miraculous way.

A few months ago a child called me out of the blue from Detroit. She found this poem and decided I was worth calling to find out how to write poetry.  So of course, with an honor and blessing like that, I had to post a message about it on my blog.

Then a couple weeks ago, I was again contacted out of the blue, by a reporter with the Carlisle Sentinel out of Pennsylvania who came across my Mother’s Day poem and decided it was what they wanted to use in their publication and asked permission to print it. I was again honored!

Then yesterday, a large envelope arrived in the mail. It was from the Sentinel and it contained four copies of a most beautifully done advertising magazine with a Mother’s Day theme and my poem was a beautifully laid out two-page spread smack dab in the middle of the publication. I was overjoyed by the experience and then I had a sweet cry thinking about how much my mom would have loved seeing this…

Then I realized, she is not only seeing this from above, she had a hand in making it happen…
because now she truly is an Angel and I truly am blessed!

Happy Mother’s Day to All– including all of those Angels who look upon us from above!

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The Painting 3 – Available Now!

I am so excited to announce that the third book of the Painting trilogy is now available! The Painting 3 by Kathleen J. Shields

I finished writing The Painting 3, October of last year, but then it had to be critiqued. I had multiple beta-readers scour through the story, we made this change and that change, and then I sent it to the editors. After over four months of work, (after the story was written) the book is now published!

It has been quite the long process, writing this trilogy. I have done so much work, just in research. There have been multiple life lessons incorporated into the stories, so much retrospection, multiple ah-ha moments, and some really inspiring wow factors.

What I’m saying is – THIS story inspired ME!

I am really looking forward to everyone’s response regarding this book because so much of the story is near and dear to my heart. The fact that this is about Gerald’s granddaughter, Nevaeh, and the conversations this little girl has with her grandfather are reminiscent of times I spent with my own grandpa. The tornado was straight out of life events.

However, my favorite thing about this story is the exploration. Getting to explore the whole of space one star at a time. The explanation of how the colorful nebula’s came into existence. The journey to the depths of the oceans, the tops of the mountains and getting to touch the clouds. Just beautiful!

I loved how each book melded together, took on a common scenario and worked it out from three different perspectives. I loved the way the story ended, bringing the three entities together for one combined experience. I loved the fact that I take on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in such an abstract way that anyone can understand the dynamic!

I really think this is the best book of the three and I encourage everyone to read it (even if you didn’t read the first two books). The paperback and e-books are now available everywhere books are sold online.

The Painting 3 – The Trilogy is now complete!

The Painting 3 is now available! Happy Birthday to me! Buy the third book of this inspirational trilogy today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or anywhere books are sold online including Kathleen’s Books. Get the e-books here also!

The Painting 3 by Kathleen J. Shields

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Start your own Troll Patrol

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Hamilton Troll & Friends start the first Troll Patrol group to raise awareness of bullying.

What is the Troll Patrol?

Hamilton Troll realizes in our next book “Hamilton Troll meets Rudy Rat” (available July 4th) that there are some children out there that are ‘mean’ to others….

You see Rudy Rat wasn’t a very nice rat to the other children.  He didn’t know how to make friends so he took their toys and laughed at them not realizing it was hurting their feelings.

When Rosa Raccoon and the kids told Hamilton about Rudy, Hamilton decided to have a talk with him, but when Rudy ran away scared, Hamilton realized what the problem was.

Hamilton Troll explained to the children that Rudy just needed a friend. He needed to be accepted and allowed to play with them. They decided they needed to put their PAWS together for Friendship and this is what they came up with:

PAWS for Friendship

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Hamilton Troll’s PAWS for Friendship

Pause what you are doing.
Look around. If you see someone who looks sad, scared or is sitting by themselves…

Approach them.
Walk up to them. Say hello. Ask the questions. Tell them about yourself.

Welcome them to join you.
Invite them to your table or group of friends. Introduce them and help them feel welcome.

Smile.
Keep smiling, it makes you look friendly and helps them feel happy.

 

 FRIENDSHIP – Become a Friend.

Be nice to others. Invite them to play with you. Care about their feelings.

Take the PLEDGE:

I promise to think about my words and actions, feel what others feel and be a friend whenever I can.

Why don’t you start your own Troll Patrol???

Learn more at: www.HamiltonTroll.com/TrollPatrol

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The Etiquette of Book Selling

Author Kathleen J. Shields

I have been writing since I was ten years old. I had my very first book published in early 2000 and I have nearly 40 published books now! That means I have been promoting and selling my books for over two decades. During that time, I have discovered that my most rewarding and profitable sales come from face-to-face contact. I do as many events as I can, out in the public, in front of the people, for a reason, that is where the buyers are. It has been a true joy getting to make new fans and make these connections.

However, over that time I have witnessed many things that other authors have done while at book festivals and signings that did not help them in the public eye. At times, I would say something, if it was helpful, but other times, it would be inappropriate and possibly even embarrassing for me to say something directly to them. Some authors appreciate critique and other authors hate it. Sometimes it is just not appropriate to point out what others are doing wrong, so I tend to not speak up. That is what inspired my latest book.

The Etiquette of Book Selling

The Etiquette of Book Selling: Learn tips and tricks on how to make the best first impression. Discover decorating ideas for you and your display. Impress your customers with sales etiquette that will inspire positive communications.

I cover more than two decades worth of faux pas and etiquette don’ts that I have seen in the book-selling industry. I also share tips and tricks on getting sales without being pushy and keeping your transactions quick yet friendly.

My hope is that if you read this book, it will teach you many things that I learned the hard way, and help you to save face and make the sales you deserve to make.

Find it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1956581081

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Tomorrow – a mystical land where 99% of all human productivity, motivation and achievement is stored.

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I’ll do it tomorrow.The day just isn’t long enough.I don’t feel like it today.I’m too busy.It can wait.We’ve all said it. We’ve all done it.  We all are guilty of it.

But instead of accepting it as fact and laughing about it as if it is perfectly okay to do or say or feel, lets attempt to do it today!

Find the time.Take a break.Get to it now.

If you don’t it’ll get delayed over and over again until it has to be done in a rush or given up entirely.  If you want to write, find ten minutes (forget about that hour a day thing). If it’s a job you just don’t want to do, suck it up and get it started at least.

I’ll be willing to bet, that if we at least attempt to pull a percent out of tomorrow and bring it into today,

we’ll find a newfound pride in ourselves,we’ll feel more productive,we’ll feel less stressed that another day didn’t go by without starting that project, that our list decreased in tasks instead of increased…

And if I’m wrong, well, you’ll probably sleep better tonight because you are more tired than you would have been and that goes to help a whole slew of people in the sleep deprivation category.

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