Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "suzy-davies"
Family Bookstore Deland
I am pleased to announce that limited copies of "Snugs The Snow Bear" are now available at The Family Book Shop, 1301. N. Woodland Blvd Deland, Florida.
Be Sure to Follow The Link To Marlena Smith's Meet The Author Blog, Today, 25th March, 2017!
I am super-excited to be Marlena's guest on her online blog today, where she interviews me about my life as a writer, and my books!
Simply click this link below to discover more!
https://t.co/YQ7sXzrGBd
Simply click this link below to discover more!
https://t.co/YQ7sXzrGBd
What Makes A Children's Classic?
When I decided to write "Snugs The Snow Bear," I wanted to show that Children's Authors write on matters of importance, and the fact that they write Children's Books does not mean that their material is somehow more trivial than books aimed at adults.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
U.K Talk Radio
Tomorrow I'm chatting with Jonathan Hines of U.K Talk Radio about my new Children's Book, "Luna The Moon Pig, The Pig Who Hid" which is released on December 9th, 2017. Watch social media for details of tune in times.
Radio Chat Show!
Tune in to U.K Talk Radio - Jonathan Hines approx 11.45 a.m -12.15 G.M.T United Kingdom Time, on Friday 8th December or on Sunday 10th December (times are estimated) to hear Jonathan Hines chat to me about Luna The Moon Pig - my new Children's Book illustrated by Sheila Graber of Paddington Bear fame.
.
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Smashwords Interview: Suzy Davies, Author of "The Cave," Just Launched!
Interview with Suzy Davies
What's the story behind your latest book?
When I heard about The Wild Boars Football Team trapped in the Thai cave at Tham Luang, I felt I had to follow the story. Very quickly, from my research, a parallel story was unveiled: The Story of The Princess at Sip Song Panna, or the reclining Princess of The Mountain, as she is sometimes known as. Enter a Buddhist monk, thought by some to be the reincarnation of her suitor - a stable boy, and I had a vision of a story below the surface of the text. It was the story of a mysterious underworld of mermaids and the mystical princess guarding the cave and protecting the boys and all those who took part in the dangerous rescue effort.
I followed the story day by day, did my research and wrote day and night! It fascinated me. Needless to say, I was saddened by the loss of one True Hero, but he did not die in vain.
My story weaves the mystical tale of mermaids and The Princess into the more factual action elements of the rescue in my book.
I felt energized as I was writing my tale, and of course, as with all my books, it has a happy ending.
What motivated you to become an Indie Author?
This is my first self-published book. My first ever book, "Johari's Window," was published by a hybrid publishing house, SilverWood, the second book was traditionally published by Snow Leopard Publishing, and the third, "Luna The Moon Pig: The Pig Who Hid," by Quizicat Productions.
My decision to self-publish this book was based on the fact that I knew how popular the story would be with people all over the world, and I wanted control over the publishing process to bring you the book quickly, and to ensure that the book was of good quality with everything just as I wanted it to be.
I'm honored to be able to say that world-acclaimed award-winning Artist, Animator, and Educator, Sheila Graber, read this book and decided to do the cover design, which is stunning!
What Charity Are You Helping With "The Cave," and Why?
I'm delighted that 10% of all book profits from my brand new release, “The Cave,” on Smashwords, inspired by the Thai Cave, will go to my favorite swimming charity - SWIMSAFE SHARKS.
When I was a child, I nearly drowned in a river because I couldn’t swim. My dad saved me! So, it is a passion of mine to ensure that each and every child in Thailand has the opportunity to learn to swim and keep safe in water.
Here’s what SWIMSAFE SHARKS say about their charity:
"The SWIMSAFE SHARKS initiative helps Thai school children learn to swim with the Survival Swimming Curriculum. We work alongside Thai schools training teachers to be instructors and promote water safety in general. Thailand is a country in the epicenter of the world drowning crisis and swimming is generally not taught to children."
What Books Are You Writing Now?
I'm always writing! I've just completed the sequel to "Luna The Moon Pig: The Pig Who Hid." I have another children's story completed - top secret at the moment. I am still writing "The Blue Talisman," an adult novel, with supernatural elements.
Who Did You Write The Cave For?
This book will be of interest to parents, grandparents, life coaches, sports enthusiasts and exercise coaches, motivational coaches, psychologists, counselors, teachers, travel guides, travel agents, movie buffs, and young adults who are interested in things like sport, travel, adventures, films and exciting tales of heroes, and heroines.
What are the Literary Influences for "The Cave"
Writing "The Cave" was a very real challenge for me.
It wasn't just the challenge of getting the story out while the drama of "The Thai Cave," was still fresh in people's imaginations. The biggest challenge was how to weave mystical elements into my Young Adult/Adult Fiction Book, and still maintain the action/adventure drama.
Quite recently, I researched the work of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the major influences on my writing. I was enchanted again on re-reading, "The Little Mermaid," - for which I have a particular fondness, if only because of a road trip I did, many years ago, all across Denmark. I got to see Odense, and the statue of the "Ariel" inspired mermaid of his most famous fairy tale.
In my story, "The Cave," I wanted to honor The True Hero, who delivered supplies of oxygen tanks to the cave, and sadly, lost his life in service to others. I borrowed from Hans Christian Andersen's notion that there is a heaven, and that when we die we become (People) of The Air. Hans Christian Andersen gave me a poetic reference point with which I could describe death - a taboo subject in Western Societies - and soften the blow, without diminishing the heroism of The True Hero, who did not die in vain.
Mermaids feature in my story, "The Cave," and help to convey the enchantment I intended.
Of course, when I researched Thai culture, I decided that Thai Mysticism would be a predominant theme in the book, and Dulong or mermaids have been spotted out to sea, off Thailand's picturesque coastline. I was delighted when I discovered this fact!
When I delved further into Thai Folklore, I uncovered the magical story of The Princess of The Mountain, and the tale of her love for a stable boy, which was forbidden.
Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales feature princesses and magical helpers who "fly" to castles to spy on them, in order to help suitors, who have to pass a series of tests. These elements in Andersen's tales helped me create Khun Mae - a Shaman Mother figure, who could "communicate" and tune in to what was happening to her son, Lek, from a distance.
Of course, it is well known that The Wild Boars passed their rites of passage because of the effort of International Rescue Experts from all over the world. But what also kept the boys going was communication with loved ones, the thought of "home," significant others, and what that love meant to them.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Doing what I love. Being Creative.
Communicating with people. Making people happy.
What do your fans mean to you?
I'm really grateful to have a good fanbase.
Who are your favorite authors?
My long-term adult book favorites are Virginia Woolf, Nabokov, James Joyce, George Eliot, Hardy, Isabel Allende, Daphne Du Maurier. I read avidly and I'm compiling an Indie Author top 10, across all genres, which will be revealed soon!
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The sound of computer keys tapping, the smell of coffee.
What's the story behind your latest book?
When I heard about The Wild Boars Football Team trapped in the Thai cave at Tham Luang, I felt I had to follow the story. Very quickly, from my research, a parallel story was unveiled: The Story of The Princess at Sip Song Panna, or the reclining Princess of The Mountain, as she is sometimes known as. Enter a Buddhist monk, thought by some to be the reincarnation of her suitor - a stable boy, and I had a vision of a story below the surface of the text. It was the story of a mysterious underworld of mermaids and the mystical princess guarding the cave and protecting the boys and all those who took part in the dangerous rescue effort.
I followed the story day by day, did my research and wrote day and night! It fascinated me. Needless to say, I was saddened by the loss of one True Hero, but he did not die in vain.
My story weaves the mystical tale of mermaids and The Princess into the more factual action elements of the rescue in my book.
I felt energized as I was writing my tale, and of course, as with all my books, it has a happy ending.
What motivated you to become an Indie Author?
This is my first self-published book. My first ever book, "Johari's Window," was published by a hybrid publishing house, SilverWood, the second book was traditionally published by Snow Leopard Publishing, and the third, "Luna The Moon Pig: The Pig Who Hid," by Quizicat Productions.
My decision to self-publish this book was based on the fact that I knew how popular the story would be with people all over the world, and I wanted control over the publishing process to bring you the book quickly, and to ensure that the book was of good quality with everything just as I wanted it to be.
I'm honored to be able to say that world-acclaimed award-winning Artist, Animator, and Educator, Sheila Graber, read this book and decided to do the cover design, which is stunning!
What Charity Are You Helping With "The Cave," and Why?
I'm delighted that 10% of all book profits from my brand new release, “The Cave,” on Smashwords, inspired by the Thai Cave, will go to my favorite swimming charity - SWIMSAFE SHARKS.
When I was a child, I nearly drowned in a river because I couldn’t swim. My dad saved me! So, it is a passion of mine to ensure that each and every child in Thailand has the opportunity to learn to swim and keep safe in water.
Here’s what SWIMSAFE SHARKS say about their charity:
"The SWIMSAFE SHARKS initiative helps Thai school children learn to swim with the Survival Swimming Curriculum. We work alongside Thai schools training teachers to be instructors and promote water safety in general. Thailand is a country in the epicenter of the world drowning crisis and swimming is generally not taught to children."
What Books Are You Writing Now?
I'm always writing! I've just completed the sequel to "Luna The Moon Pig: The Pig Who Hid." I have another children's story completed - top secret at the moment. I am still writing "The Blue Talisman," an adult novel, with supernatural elements.
Who Did You Write The Cave For?
This book will be of interest to parents, grandparents, life coaches, sports enthusiasts and exercise coaches, motivational coaches, psychologists, counselors, teachers, travel guides, travel agents, movie buffs, and young adults who are interested in things like sport, travel, adventures, films and exciting tales of heroes, and heroines.
What are the Literary Influences for "The Cave"
Writing "The Cave" was a very real challenge for me.
It wasn't just the challenge of getting the story out while the drama of "The Thai Cave," was still fresh in people's imaginations. The biggest challenge was how to weave mystical elements into my Young Adult/Adult Fiction Book, and still maintain the action/adventure drama.
Quite recently, I researched the work of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the major influences on my writing. I was enchanted again on re-reading, "The Little Mermaid," - for which I have a particular fondness, if only because of a road trip I did, many years ago, all across Denmark. I got to see Odense, and the statue of the "Ariel" inspired mermaid of his most famous fairy tale.
In my story, "The Cave," I wanted to honor The True Hero, who delivered supplies of oxygen tanks to the cave, and sadly, lost his life in service to others. I borrowed from Hans Christian Andersen's notion that there is a heaven, and that when we die we become (People) of The Air. Hans Christian Andersen gave me a poetic reference point with which I could describe death - a taboo subject in Western Societies - and soften the blow, without diminishing the heroism of The True Hero, who did not die in vain.
Mermaids feature in my story, "The Cave," and help to convey the enchantment I intended.
Of course, when I researched Thai culture, I decided that Thai Mysticism would be a predominant theme in the book, and Dulong or mermaids have been spotted out to sea, off Thailand's picturesque coastline. I was delighted when I discovered this fact!
When I delved further into Thai Folklore, I uncovered the magical story of The Princess of The Mountain, and the tale of her love for a stable boy, which was forbidden.
Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales feature princesses and magical helpers who "fly" to castles to spy on them, in order to help suitors, who have to pass a series of tests. These elements in Andersen's tales helped me create Khun Mae - a Shaman Mother figure, who could "communicate" and tune in to what was happening to her son, Lek, from a distance.
Of course, it is well known that The Wild Boars passed their rites of passage because of the effort of International Rescue Experts from all over the world. But what also kept the boys going was communication with loved ones, the thought of "home," significant others, and what that love meant to them.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Doing what I love. Being Creative.
Communicating with people. Making people happy.
What do your fans mean to you?
I'm really grateful to have a good fanbase.
Who are your favorite authors?
My long-term adult book favorites are Virginia Woolf, Nabokov, James Joyce, George Eliot, Hardy, Isabel Allende, Daphne Du Maurier. I read avidly and I'm compiling an Indie Author top 10, across all genres, which will be revealed soon!
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The sound of computer keys tapping, the smell of coffee.
Coming Soon - Illustrated Version!
The Cave
Delighted to announce "The Cave" EPUB version is launched in time for Young Adults Week. ONLY on Smashwords!
An illustrated version will follow on Amazon soon!
Delighted to announce "The Cave" EPUB version is launched in time for Young Adults Week. ONLY on Smashwords!
An illustrated version will follow on Amazon soon!
Tell A Lie!
If you tell a lie, then tell a WHOPPER,
make it a MASSIVE gluey GOBSTOPPER.
Don’t cover your mouth, but let it out,
make it FUNNY and CLEVER
so there’s no doubt!
“Of course, your BUTT ain’t big in that,
an’ YEAH, you’re certainly NOT FAT!
An, I think that cut it looks so COOL!”
(wait till they see HER back at school.)
Don’t Wink or smile, or fidget your feet,
Stand quite still, like you own the street.
A little lie’s not worth the trouble -
so think up something, and make it DOUBLE!
“So sorry mate gotta catch this one
gotta get some shopping for me mum -
see you around - (like HELL I will,)
see ya LATER, n we can CHILL!”
If you tell a lie,
first act it out
in front of the mirror
when THEY are out
Convince YOURSELF
and THEY’LL believe
and please do not
forget to BREATHE!
“Ain’t seen her for at least a week,
she said she had to get some sleep!
Looked so pale, when I went round hers -
I’M LIKE - she has a temperature!
Mean, I only stopped for twenty minutes -
then I got sick - it’s catchin’ INNIT?
Won’t come to class for at least a week.”
(know she’s a truant - the little SNEAK!)
But don’t try ME
your very best friend
cos lies may be where friendship ends
unless you lie
to save MY SKIN
then I’LL forgive
YOU
for your BIG BAD SIN.
Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018, All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
make it a MASSIVE gluey GOBSTOPPER.
Don’t cover your mouth, but let it out,
make it FUNNY and CLEVER
so there’s no doubt!
“Of course, your BUTT ain’t big in that,
an’ YEAH, you’re certainly NOT FAT!
An, I think that cut it looks so COOL!”
(wait till they see HER back at school.)
Don’t Wink or smile, or fidget your feet,
Stand quite still, like you own the street.
A little lie’s not worth the trouble -
so think up something, and make it DOUBLE!
“So sorry mate gotta catch this one
gotta get some shopping for me mum -
see you around - (like HELL I will,)
see ya LATER, n we can CHILL!”
If you tell a lie,
first act it out
in front of the mirror
when THEY are out
Convince YOURSELF
and THEY’LL believe
and please do not
forget to BREATHE!
“Ain’t seen her for at least a week,
she said she had to get some sleep!
Looked so pale, when I went round hers -
I’M LIKE - she has a temperature!
Mean, I only stopped for twenty minutes -
then I got sick - it’s catchin’ INNIT?
Won’t come to class for at least a week.”
(know she’s a truant - the little SNEAK!)
But don’t try ME
your very best friend
cos lies may be where friendship ends
unless you lie
to save MY SKIN
then I’LL forgive
YOU
for your BIG BAD SIN.
Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018, All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
Announcement - "The Cave," by Suzy Davies
Happy to announce that a free sample of my new release, "The Cave," by Suzy Davies, is available now. On Smashwords.com. Free to download, free to join! Just click the link!
Cover Design, famous Artist Sheila Graber!
http://pdb-ebooks.com/_/_/882514/the-...
Cover Design, famous Artist Sheila Graber!
http://pdb-ebooks.com/_/_/882514/the-...
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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