Kai Strand's Blog, page 36

Writer's Rebel Creed - April Check-In

Word Count            Submissions              Rejections        Acceptances   
    15137                           1                               1                          0

I'm working...

HELP - Choose My Blurb and WIN!

I am preparing for the release of my young adult contemporary romance novella, WORTH THE EFFORT: ELLA'S STORY. *throws confetti*

Through a set of silly circumstances that I'd rather not explain, I have two blurbs written and now I don't know which one to use! So I thought, Who knows better what piques a readers interest than the readers? Therefore, you are going to help me decide which of the two blurbs best captures your attention and makes you want to read the story.

Don't worry, I'll make it...

Three Times A Charm with Kerry Kennett

Welcome to Three Times A Charm. I love introducing my readers to new authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the children’s publishing industry.
Today’s guest is author, Kerry Kennett. Thanks for joining us, Kerry. Can you tell us a little about you, please?
I grew up enjoying the freedom only writing provides.  I used to create my own stories, poems, and I even wrote our fourth grade graduation song that a group of my friends and I sang at the little ceremony! ...

Three Times A Charm with Jennifer Adan

Welcome to Three Times A Charm. I love introducing my readers to new authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the children’s publishing industry.
Today’s guest is author, Jennifer Adan. Tell us a little about you, please.
Hi my name is Jennifer and I am the writer of children’s story, I Don’t See Heaven.
I started my love affair with writing at ten years old during a fifth-grade history class, when I wrote scribbled my first song on a notebook. I was completely unaware...

Watch Them Soar - Guest Post by Donna McDine, Author of A Sandy Grave

It is my pleasure to host a stop in my fellow GAP Author, Donna McDine's, blog tour for her newest book A Sandy Grave . Donna is visiting today with a provocative guest post about parenting. Let's give a warm welcome to Donna.

It’s Okay Not to Peak in High School  By Donna McDine
Now that I have a daughter in the first year of college and another daughter in tenth grade of high school, I have spent quite a bit of time chatting with my girlfriends as to what all the social pressure in high s...

Learning Craft In Your Dreams

I dream every night. As I wake I’m aware of my dream, though the specifics aren’t always clear. This morning was like that. Since my mind is always active at night, I don’t give the elusive dreams any additional thought.
But today when I walked into the kitchen, past a picture of my mom, one specific moment of last night’s dream slammed back into me.
I lost my mom a couple years ago. Those of you who have experienced loss, know you never, ever stop missing your loved ones. My grief has progres...

Not Writing Takes As Much Discipline As Writing

You’re sitting in a group of friends or family, smiling politely whenever you notice similar reactions from others. Drumming your fingers you think, If I have to sit through another re-enactment of the Christmas of 2002, I’ll scream. All the while your main character is whispering to his leading lady in your head. Crud! He’s saying some really awesome stuff!!!
“Excuse me,” you say. “I need to use the restroom.” You grab your phone/notebook/tape recorder and sneak away.
There are times within t...

The Unfinished Song (Book 1): Initiate by Tara Maya

Today I am happy to feature The Unfinished Song (Book 1) Initiate, by Tara Maya.
I asked Tara to explain the inspiration behind her warrior dancers: The warrior dancers are inspired by several shamanistic practices around the world-- primarily on Hopi and Zuni Kachina dancers, who are usually warriors as well, but also on African secret societies. The members of these secret societies are dancers, sorcerers/shamans and also warriors. I lived in West Africa for about a year, and met severa...

Writer's Rebel Creed - March Check-In

Word Count            Submissions              Rejections        Acceptances   

    14188                           2                               2                          1


I've decided...

Happy Lumpy Book News!

I'm excited to announce that I have signed the contract for my seventh published book! (Faints dead away)

THE LUMPY DUCKLING: Another Weaver Tale will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing (date undetermined).

If you couldn't tell by the name, THE LUMPY DUCKLING was inspired by The Ugly Duckling. It is a story about best friends. Since I have the best best friend in the entire world, I know how to tell a best friend story. Though the story itself is nothing like our friendship, I did make s...