Tanya Sousa's Blog
February 18, 2023
Doing As You Promise
If you wonder why a Kickstarter Campaign for "Rescued" the picture book about how respecting and listening to the communication from my childhood dog, Simba, saved my life, it's so I may print it without high overhead and donate copies to animal-related organizations. They may use the book as an educational tool with kids or sell as a fundraiser. My first book, "Can Dogs Read" - was about how to set up and run a reading dog program. A wonderful donor worked with me to create that book. We donated nearly 1000 copies to schools and libraries.
When I say I will donate, I do as I promise.
TO BACK RESCUED: https://kickstarter.com/projects/tany...
When I say I will donate, I do as I promise.
TO BACK RESCUED: https://kickstarter.com/projects/tany...
February 15, 2023
Kickstarter Campaign Launched!
I've launched a Kickstarter Campaign as of Valentine's Day and running for 30 days. It's to fund the birthing of the picture book, RESCUED that I wrote about in my last post - the true story of my childhood dog saving my life and the life of my older sister.
It's a heart-project, which is why I launched it on Valentine's Day! There is no more appropriate day I could think of than the day of love to celebrate the memory of a dog who made my adulthood, writing, EVERYTHING I've lived since being 5 years old, possible.
Please consider visiting the Kickstarter link for the project to learn more about the story behind the book, what the project will fund, and, if you are so moved, to be a backer and part of my creative journey and goals to donate and educate. THANK YOU!
https://kickstarter.com/projects/tany...
It's a heart-project, which is why I launched it on Valentine's Day! There is no more appropriate day I could think of than the day of love to celebrate the memory of a dog who made my adulthood, writing, EVERYTHING I've lived since being 5 years old, possible.
Please consider visiting the Kickstarter link for the project to learn more about the story behind the book, what the project will fund, and, if you are so moved, to be a backer and part of my creative journey and goals to donate and educate. THANK YOU!
https://kickstarter.com/projects/tany...
January 7, 2023
Animal Advocacy and Children's Literature
Literature, for adults and for children, have been vehicles to share ideas, as well as entertain, since "pen" was first set to "paper". There is something special about children's books, though. While books for adults reach exactly that - adults - children's books have the capacity to reach all ages. Adults buy children's books. Adults read children's books to children. Even older siblings, cousins and babysitters read to children.
In my estimation, that makes a children's book one very powerful piece of writing. It's one large reason I am drawn both to creating and reading them.
I am working on a children's book now that will share a true story from my own childhood. The working title is, RESCUED, and shows through playful language and images (by the very talented artist, Marcia Blanco) how understanding our adopted dog, Simba's, methods of communication taught me things, brought me joy and play and saved my life. I would not be here today if it was not for having a mother who understood that dogs "talk", albeit not with the same verbal language we have.
RESCUED will reach people of all ages. My dearest wish, as is the wish of so many of my fellow authors, is that it makes a difference.
In my estimation, that makes a children's book one very powerful piece of writing. It's one large reason I am drawn both to creating and reading them.
I am working on a children's book now that will share a true story from my own childhood. The working title is, RESCUED, and shows through playful language and images (by the very talented artist, Marcia Blanco) how understanding our adopted dog, Simba's, methods of communication taught me things, brought me joy and play and saved my life. I would not be here today if it was not for having a mother who understood that dogs "talk", albeit not with the same verbal language we have.
RESCUED will reach people of all ages. My dearest wish, as is the wish of so many of my fellow authors, is that it makes a difference.
November 21, 2022
Tossing Stars Release, Presentations and Story Walks!
My latest children's picture book, TOSSING STARS, was released this late spring with Atmosphere Press and is doing very well! This is the second collaboration with the wonderful artist, Katie Flindall. We worked together on my manuscript, LIFE IS A BOWL OF CHERRY PITS, which won a silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award in 2010.
TOSSING STARS is all about imagination. A young boy shares all the wild and wonderful things he would do if he had a bucket of stars - and he challenges the reader to share what s/he would do with the same.
Since the release, I've done presentations and readings at libraries and events, and what is new and exciting to me is having the story picked up this summer by the "Come Alive Outside" organization in Rutland, Vermont as their story walk in the park story! I loved that idea so much, we did our own version of a story walk with it on the grounds of our Bed and Breakfast, "Rose Apple Acres Farm Bed and Breakfast". People of all ages have come through the late summer and fall to read the story as they stroll the paths. Books and the great outdoors are perfect mates.
TOSSING STARS is all about imagination. A young boy shares all the wild and wonderful things he would do if he had a bucket of stars - and he challenges the reader to share what s/he would do with the same.
Since the release, I've done presentations and readings at libraries and events, and what is new and exciting to me is having the story picked up this summer by the "Come Alive Outside" organization in Rutland, Vermont as their story walk in the park story! I loved that idea so much, we did our own version of a story walk with it on the grounds of our Bed and Breakfast, "Rose Apple Acres Farm Bed and Breakfast". People of all ages have come through the late summer and fall to read the story as they stroll the paths. Books and the great outdoors are perfect mates.
September 19, 2021
Farmer Henri's Favorite Hoe Sells Out!
After publishing with some small independent publishers and working with a publishing company for 10 years myself, my darling, Courtney Mead, and I decided to try something different. I mentioned this in my last blog - something a bit edgy! The result of our collaboration and double-entendre humor is a storybook calendar for adults, "Farmer Henri's Favorite Hoe." Every month is a different page of the story. When Farmer Henri's old hoe is too broken and tired to do the job, he goes in search of a new hoe. Will he find the right one?
I attended a festival yesterday and had copies of the story calendar for sale there. It met with a mix of guilty giggles to outright guffaws, and it SOLD OUT!
We'll do another small print run of the calendar to sell that way, and will be working on a true adult picture book version to sell on our own until or unless a publisher sees it and comes pounding on our door for the rights to publish it. What we've learned from this to share with you? TAKE CHANCES. WORK OUTSIDE THE BOX. FOLLOW YOUR INNER CHILD. If nothing else, it's great fun.
I attended a festival yesterday and had copies of the story calendar for sale there. It met with a mix of guilty giggles to outright guffaws, and it SOLD OUT!
We'll do another small print run of the calendar to sell that way, and will be working on a true adult picture book version to sell on our own until or unless a publisher sees it and comes pounding on our door for the rights to publish it. What we've learned from this to share with you? TAKE CHANCES. WORK OUTSIDE THE BOX. FOLLOW YOUR INNER CHILD. If nothing else, it's great fun.
August 22, 2021
Edgy or Not?
It's been a long time since I posted, but hey, I've been working on projects! Since my post about "The Magic of Dogs" Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology, and my story in it, I've had three other stories written, submitted, accepted and published in Chicken Soup books. Two of those anthologies already out are "Navigating Elder Care and Dementia (my story is "Culinary Travels" beginning on page 317) and "My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog" (my story is "Caspar" on page 16). The next one coming out with one of my stories is "The Blessings of Christmas" (my story is called, "A Second Chance for a Second Chance") due out in October.
The stories in these books are true, heartwarming and family friendly.
But as I've said, although I love every minute of that kind of writing and publishing, there is an edgy side to my humor, and I felt ready to explore it with a creative project. I've done it. It's in the final production phases. I can't say too much about it today, but I will say it was coauthored with the love of my life, and for the first time, I illustrated a picture book myself (my other three published children's books were illustrated by marvelous "others"). One more hint is that it's a picture book NOT for children - a bit sassy and a little sweet in its way too.
I don't have to be just sweet. I can be a little sassy at the same time.
More to come soon!
The stories in these books are true, heartwarming and family friendly.
But as I've said, although I love every minute of that kind of writing and publishing, there is an edgy side to my humor, and I felt ready to explore it with a creative project. I've done it. It's in the final production phases. I can't say too much about it today, but I will say it was coauthored with the love of my life, and for the first time, I illustrated a picture book myself (my other three published children's books were illustrated by marvelous "others"). One more hint is that it's a picture book NOT for children - a bit sassy and a little sweet in its way too.
I don't have to be just sweet. I can be a little sassy at the same time.
More to come soon!
July 20, 2020
The Miracle of Dogs Story
A quick announcement that I have a story in another Chicken Soup for the Soul book! I haven't spoken of it here on Goodreads before, I don't think, but I've published in a number of their anthologies: Chicken Soup For the Preteen Soul, For the Kids' Soul 2, Miraculous Messages from Heaven, The Dog did What?, and Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injuries.
My newest story is on page 45 of "The Magic of Dogs"! The title is "Misunderstood".
I've always loved writing for this company. They are professional and lovely to work with. I've reached all kinds of people with my creative non-fiction in these books. I saw that my story "William" in 'For the Kids' Soul 2' was used in a classroom far away as a reading/response piece about bullying. I have received phone call messages over the years from people saying one of the stories touched them and made them feel less alone. I had a man from the Middle East contact me telling me he'd used the books to learn English, and one of my stories gave him hope. He'd lost his little daughter to an unfortunate condition, and my words were of comfort. We're still connected!
I hope you can pick up one of these books and browse through the many wonderful true sharings within the bindings, and if you have your own story to tell, their web site will offer pointers and tell you what books are looking for stories and how to submit. Enjoy your reading and writing, everyone!
My newest story is on page 45 of "The Magic of Dogs"! The title is "Misunderstood".
I've always loved writing for this company. They are professional and lovely to work with. I've reached all kinds of people with my creative non-fiction in these books. I saw that my story "William" in 'For the Kids' Soul 2' was used in a classroom far away as a reading/response piece about bullying. I have received phone call messages over the years from people saying one of the stories touched them and made them feel less alone. I had a man from the Middle East contact me telling me he'd used the books to learn English, and one of my stories gave him hope. He'd lost his little daughter to an unfortunate condition, and my words were of comfort. We're still connected!
I hope you can pick up one of these books and browse through the many wonderful true sharings within the bindings, and if you have your own story to tell, their web site will offer pointers and tell you what books are looking for stories and how to submit. Enjoy your reading and writing, everyone!
April 18, 2020
Creation!
Other than some magazine articles, I haven't published much since The Forester's Tale. I have been in a lovely state of creating in other ways and letting story ideas percolate. I've been working with my visual artwork and percolating; working with photography and percolating; delving into interior decorating and percolating; singing and percolating.
Where has this led me?
I enjoy so many different genres, and there are many layers to my urges for creativity. In this world that feels so full of pressure, fear and division now, I found that my percolating came to fruition with humor, and my humor is often edgy. So it's time to embrace it. I've been writing again - and the work isn't as careful. It walks lines, and I'm enjoying it.
Some of my humorous work is for close connections while some is for people we come in contact with while living (I co-authored new words to the song Eleanor Rigby for my mother-in-law's rheumatologist - William Rigby). I have a project now though that is meant for everyone, and by hook or by crook, it's going to get out there. Stay tuned and be well!
Where has this led me?
I enjoy so many different genres, and there are many layers to my urges for creativity. In this world that feels so full of pressure, fear and division now, I found that my percolating came to fruition with humor, and my humor is often edgy. So it's time to embrace it. I've been writing again - and the work isn't as careful. It walks lines, and I'm enjoying it.
Some of my humorous work is for close connections while some is for people we come in contact with while living (I co-authored new words to the song Eleanor Rigby for my mother-in-law's rheumatologist - William Rigby). I have a project now though that is meant for everyone, and by hook or by crook, it's going to get out there. Stay tuned and be well!
November 9, 2015
Like a New Baby!
Having a new book come out is very much like giving birth to a baby. You've spent so much time growing that creation - and then it's finally there in a real, tangible way! This is not a novel (pardon the pun) idea, of course, but it's so very true...
...And it applies so much to me right now in a way I didn't expect.
My existing children's picture book, "Life is a Bowl of Cherry Pits", has been a best seller for Radiant Hen Publishing. When the paperback copies sold out recently, the decision was made to turn the book into something called a "motion storybook" and have it available on DVD. This meant the story was professionally narrated (including character voices), and music and sound effects were added (all done by Tod Pronto of Pronto ProductionZ and his team). The fun and bright illustrations by Katie Flindall were brought to life by the graphic arts magic of Jacob L. Grant - meaning some of the illustration "parts" move as the story progresses like a short movie!
It's nothing short of magical to watch my book come alive in this entirely new way. So please celebrate with me and help me welcome my new baby! Yay!!!
Radiant Hen will put it up on their web site soon, but I have 50 copies that I will sell directly. Want to see a sample? I'm so happy you asked! Let me show you that new bundle of joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov2X6...
...And it applies so much to me right now in a way I didn't expect.
My existing children's picture book, "Life is a Bowl of Cherry Pits", has been a best seller for Radiant Hen Publishing. When the paperback copies sold out recently, the decision was made to turn the book into something called a "motion storybook" and have it available on DVD. This meant the story was professionally narrated (including character voices), and music and sound effects were added (all done by Tod Pronto of Pronto ProductionZ and his team). The fun and bright illustrations by Katie Flindall were brought to life by the graphic arts magic of Jacob L. Grant - meaning some of the illustration "parts" move as the story progresses like a short movie!
It's nothing short of magical to watch my book come alive in this entirely new way. So please celebrate with me and help me welcome my new baby! Yay!!!
Radiant Hen will put it up on their web site soon, but I have 50 copies that I will sell directly. Want to see a sample? I'm so happy you asked! Let me show you that new bundle of joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov2X6...
November 5, 2015
Reading at "Peace and Pie"
It's wonderful to do readings at any time because of the energy that runs between the audience and the author - I've never had an unpleasant experience! However, on November 22, 2015, I'll be reading at an event called "Peace and Pie" at Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT.
I'm part of a lovely line-up of poets, singers/musicians, dancers AND, as if that isn't pie a la mode enough, the event keynote speaker is none other than award-winning author Katherine Paterson!
The event is to promote and celebrate peace, justice and empathy - for ALL living things, not only human living things. There couldn't be a more fitting event for me to join. I hope you will join us if you're in the area!
Presentations run from 1-4 and all kinds of pie will be on hand for all to enjoy along with the arts. Here is the Facebook Event page link! https://www.facebook.com/events/17233...
I'm part of a lovely line-up of poets, singers/musicians, dancers AND, as if that isn't pie a la mode enough, the event keynote speaker is none other than award-winning author Katherine Paterson!
The event is to promote and celebrate peace, justice and empathy - for ALL living things, not only human living things. There couldn't be a more fitting event for me to join. I hope you will join us if you're in the area!
Presentations run from 1-4 and all kinds of pie will be on hand for all to enjoy along with the arts. Here is the Facebook Event page link! https://www.facebook.com/events/17233...
