Barbara Bloom's Blog, page 6
February 14, 2013
School Time Rhyme: Happy Valentines Day: Free Today
Free children’s e-book today 2/14/2013. “School Time Rhyme” is a children’s book all about time. A brand new book published on 2/12/2013. Happy Valentines Day!
A new day starts as the sun rises. We wake up and it’s time to brush our teeth. Before we go out the door it’s time to put shoes on our feet. A fun rhyming story about how time on a clock ticks written in rhyme using examples for the second, minute and hour hands.
A fun rhyming children’s picture book.
Spotlight Live Interview: Linda Leander
Shah FazliLinda Leander, Welcome to our Spotlight live show, how are you today, and please tell us about your everyday life a little, before we ask you about your writing?
Linda Leander I spend most of my day writing and marketing. I’m also a singer/songwriter
Shah Fazli Great, thank you, what should we know about your writing, is songwriting what you write, or you write fiction or nonfiction as well?
Linda Leander I’ve been a songwriter since my teens. I write fiction and non fiction currently
Shah Fazli Do you want to tell a little about your songwriting first before we ask you about your fiction and nonfiction, do you write songs for yourself or for others as well?
Linda Leander Sure, thank you. I write folk/country tunes. I perform them mostly myself in small venues but I do have published work on small-label performers
Shah Fazli Wonderful, can you post a song here for us, or a music video for us now or later please, maybe now the written song and later the video?
Linda Leander Here’s a part of one of my songs called Painted Angel. Sorry, I haven’t made any videos yet – but when I do I’ll be glad to post.Ridin’ on the rails of sunshine
Nothin’ could hold her down
Packed her bags goodbye mom and dad
Kicked the dust out of that town
Ran out of money in Tucson
Things weren’t goin’ too well
Instead of the heaven she was dreamin’ about
She’s been out there goin’ through hell
CHORUS:
She’s just one more painted angel
Underneath a desert sky
If she don’t get home she’ll be
A painted angel ‘til she dies
Shah Fazli Beautiful, what is more important for you, songwriting or fiction and nonfiction writing, do you have a hidden preference towards any, and if yes why do you think that is?
Linda Leander Good question. I love writing songs and music – they come together for me at the same time. My songs ARE fiction, just shorter versions I guess. Non fiction is easier though. I guess the answer is fiction because I love making up stories.
Shah Fazli Ok, great, now tell us about the first story you created, do you remember what was it about, and if it is published?
,
Linda Leander ha ha. Not published – I wrote it when I was ten. Won an award for a story about 3 mice who went to the moon in a spaceship. The moon was made of green cheese. I thought I was on top of the world!
,
Shah Fazli Of course, now tell us about the story that you are writing right now, and if it is published yet?
,
Linda Leander I’m currently writing the second book in the Inzared series, about an Appalachian girl in 1843 who joins a Gypsy Circus. The name is Inzared, The Fortune Teller and it’s due out this spring
Shah Fazli That will be your first book published, so tell us where the story begins, how, when, and with who, briefly please?
Linda Leander Actually it will be my fourth. The first is Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders and I’ve written two non-fiction books for writers. The Inzared story begins in 1843 in North Carolina in the Appalachian mountains. A farm girl is bored with her life and runs away with a Gypsy circus. She becomes a famous elephant rider.
Shah Fazli Thanks, do you want to read an excerpt from this book please?
Linda Leander Paytre turned to Shandor. “She’ll need a stage name.”
The ringmaster thought for a moment, still tapping the whip into his hand. “She thinks she’s such a queen, she can be called Inzared.”
Gasped in delight at the foreign-soundin’ name he’d given me. “What does it mean?” I asked.
“Queen. Queen of the Elephant Riders,” he replied. “I shall announce you as Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders.”
“Here, take Cecil while I get her a costume.” Paytre handed Shandor the rope and the ringmaster and Cecil headed to the performer’s entrance while Paytre grabbed my hand and pulled me to the changin’ wagon. “Lileth, the trapeze artist, is about your size,” he said. The costume wagon was filled with racks of colorful, neatly-arranged finery. Gauzy fabrics in every hue beckoned me, all covered in glitter and sparkles. They begged for me to try them on. At the base of each display were shoes that matched, some with pointed toes, some slipper-like, all with sequins or gems attached. Paytre reached for a bright red leotard and a headdress of red and white feathers set in a silver crown. “Put these on.” He shoved the garments into my arms then reached for a pair of slippers off the shoe rack and some white tights. “Hurry, get dressed. I’ll stand out front so no one comes in.” He shut the door and I just stood there lookin’ at all the pretties.
Stared at the armload of clothes I held. Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders. Even if only for tonight, I would ride Cecil to the call of the ringmaster and the sound of the trumpet in the circus ring.
Shah Fazli Thanks, what made you write this story, do you remember what exactly motivated you, where were you, and what were you doing?
Linda Leander I was going through a difficult time in my life. When I sat at my computer this sixteen year old girl got in my head and started telling me her story. It was so fascinating I had to write it down. We spent a couple of months getting the facts together and I spent three years editing
Shah Fazli We know exactly what you mean, what do people say about your writing, do you get a lot of good feedback?
Linda Leander I have over 71 Amazon reviews so far and they’re good. I appreciate honest feedback. It helps my writing move forward.
Shah Fazli Of course, do you want to tell us a little about your other books as well, you said you have four, their names and a little about each one of them, what they are about?
Linda Leander 13 Extreme Tips to Self Publishing and 13 Extreme Tip to Marketing an eBook are my Tips for Writers series. There will be more to come. Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders and Inzared, The Fortune Teller are the two current books in the Inzared series. The non fiction books are short, concise guides for the beginning writer. The Inzared series follows a young woman on her journey to become an elephant rider/fortune teller in a Gypsy circus
Shah Fazli Do you have romance in your series, what happens to the girl when she faces the boy of her dream, or not?
Linda Leander There is definitely romance, yes, mystery and action. I call my writing Fearless Fiction because my protagonist is unafraid to be who she is and she’ll try anything to follow her dreams
Shah Fazli We thought so, do you want to tell us about one romantic scene please, what happens there?
Linda Leander My favorite scene is when the two are just falling in love. The boy, Paytre, offers to reach up into the sky and grab a star for Inzared. She is delighted and at that moment she realizes she is falling in love. It’s a very innocent love – she is just 17 and he is 19
Shah Fazli Thank you, and one scene from the action, what would that be, does Paytre have to fight for her love, does he have to fight an old enemy, does he have to fight the kingdom, what?
Linda Leander He has to fight his people – they don’t relish having a Gaji (non-Gypsy) in their midst. The Gypsies are clannish and expect Paytre to marry someone of their blood. He is adamant that Inzared is the woman he wants to marry, even though another circus performer, Lileth, is desperately in love with him and wants him to be her husband
Shah Fazli Interesting, a lot of bloodshed, what are the means of fighting, guns, swords, or anything else, or is it a lot different kind of action?
Linda Leander There isn’t a lot of bloodshed in this series. It’s more action. The Gypsies run into local villagers who hate them and try to start fights. The Gypsy circus caravan travels at night because of those kinds of problems. The circus performers have enough problems of their own and there’re plenty of angry animals that go berserk, strange happenings and overbearing entrepreneurs to keep the action alive
Shah Fazli Right for this story, of course, give us a few writing tips from your book series for writers please?
Linda Leander I’ve included things I found helpful on my self-publishing journey – such as joining groups like this one, being visible and getting your name out there. We authors help each other – that’s what it’s about, but some newbies don’t understand that. They’re afraid they aren’t good enough or polished enough. The key is always to stick with the plan. There’s lots of help out there just for asking
Shah Fazli Give us one or two links where we can buy your books please?
Linda Leander Yes, thanks for asking. http://lleander.com or
http://www.amazon.com/INZARED-Queen-Elephant-Riders-ebook/dp/B008FD5O1E
LLeanderwww.lleander.com
…Dreams are the Edge of Opportunity…
Shah Fazli It was a pleasure Linda, thanks for being with us today, hopefully see you again.
Kyle McGuigan Beautiful website Linda!
Linda Leander Thank you very much for the opportunity. It was a pleasure being here!
Shah Fazli To book your own interview join.http://www.facebook.com/BeInTheSpotlight?ref=ts&fref=ts
Spotlight
February 3, 2013
Tooth Fairy: Letter
Last night while I was sitting on the couch polishing details for my upcoming book, “Dig The Digger.” All the sudden my mind changed directions and I started thinking about the weekend. I kept thinking that I had missed something that was on my to list to do. Then it popped in my head, “We forgot to write a letter to the tooth fairy!” I shouted out to our family as everyone was near me in the family room and I kind of felt like, uh oh. I felt bad at that moment because she had lost her tooth 48 hours prior.
At that moment Breanna said, “I can write a letter right now to the tooth fairy.” Bre knows how to write the alphabet but she is still learning how to spell words. I reassured her that the tooth fairy wouldn’t mind if her letter was late.
Why would we leave a note instead of the tooth?
The tooth is in her digestive track. She swallowed her tooth while eating a pop tart for breakfast without even realizing it. It was about ten a.m. on Sunday morning and while Bre was outside playing in the drive way her Dad said, “look at me and smile.” Her dad thought something looked very different about his little girl. Breanna let out a big grin and she was missing a front tooth. These are the special moments we as parents will cherish for a lifetime. Time passes by so quickly while raising children and the simplest moments make the best memories, even if you are late.
February 1, 2013
Best Guest, Very Inspiring Blogger Award!
A good friend and an amazing author, Joss Landry @ www.josslandry.com, has nominated me for a Blog Award! She is the author of MIRROR DEEP Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/aups9ep
Of course, there are RULES for accepting the nomination:
1. Display the award on my Blog.
2. Link back to the person who nominated me.
3. State seven things about myself.
4. Nominate other bloggers for this award and link to them.
5. Notify these bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.
Here are seven questions that will help define who I am.
1. I love to write stories in rhyme with both the parent and child in mind. When writing a book my goal is to create memorable moments for both readers as they enjoy a special moment together. My favorite authors are Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
2. I thrive on learning new things and I love tech toys. I like to live my life as simple as possible. Life is way too short to dwell on the problems and/or triumphs that we may experience and go through. I am an optimistic person.
3. I am a mother to four young adults. I am now a second time around mom as I adopted my grandchildren who are now three and five in 2011. I am also the grandmother of two more children ages two and three months.
4. I have a passion for helping others.
5. I love to make people smile.
6. I was in the United States Navy.
7. I have published four children’s books since May 2012.
We All Love Shoes!
Your Shoes My Shoes
While reading you will solve this fun rhyming monster story with Willie.
Run Hide The Monster Is Outside
http://www.amazon.com/Run-Hide-Monster-Outside-ebook/dp/B0099G5S9Y/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3
Pixie Pie puts on her western wear with plans to go to the rodeo fair with a friend.
Here Comes Pixie Pie
Rhyming Construction Zone
Dig The Digger
I would like to take this opportunity to nominate a group of bloggers that I feel have had a wonderful and positive impact on my life. I hope that you will go visit their blogs and leave a comment.
1. CJ Peterson Peterson cjpetersonwrites.com
2. Merita King meritaking.wordpress.com
3. Bruce Goldwell writersgottalent.com
4. Katy Austin booktimeforlife.blogspot.com/
5. Kathy Ree krmorrison777.posterous.com
6. Karina Gioertz friedgatortail.wordpress.com
7. Dvora Swickle dvoraswickle.com
8. Nathan Daniels survivingthefourthcycle.com
9. Bill Sewell www.williamsewell.com
10. Chris Cianciulli www.TheWhyzGuy.com
January 28, 2013
Broken Heart: Poetry
I wanted to share a simple poem that I wrote about a broken heart.
Paper Heart
Pieces Of Paper
Being Torn Apart
Faded Red
Spinning Thoughts
Racing In My Head
Bleeding
Throbbing
Sunken
Dripping
Draining
My Life Has Been Torn Apart.
Written By: Barbara Bloom
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
A little girl in blue learning how to smile at you!
When I look at this picture my heart melts. One of Alexis’s first smiles at two months old.
Family Life: Accepting The Unknown
I am writing this blog post because I want to say good morning to everyone. It is a brand new week as I walk the adventures of raising my grandchildren. Breanna is off to school, she is five and in kindergarten. Bradyn is three and he is home with me full-time. I always remind myself to count every blessing of each day and to stay positive. Remembering that God chose my path and as I walk in these shoes, he leads me in each direction I am supposed to take. The most important lesson I have learned while raising grandchildren and practicing tough love over the years is that a question often stays a question without an answer. I have learned how to accept the unknown.
Have a blessed Monday!
Barbara
Free Today: Dig The Digger: Rhyming Construction Zone
Dig The Digger: Rhyming Construction Truck Site: Barbara Bloom: Amazon.com: Kindle Store.
I wanted to share my newest book release with you and it is free today on amazon.com. If you have a moment to write a review about your reading experience, I would be honored.
January 27, 2013
Dig The Digger: Five Star Review
Dig The Digger
New release January 22, 2013
http://www.amazon.com/Dig-The-Digger-Construction-ebook/dp/B00B4FKKQ4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
I would love to share this book with you written in rhyme. Dig has a plan and he needs help from his friends to dig a fishing hole. This book is for all children that love trucks, cars, transportation and fishing. If you favor Dr. Seuss you will enjoy this book.
Five Star Review
Dig the Digger digs deep! January 27, 2013
This review is from: Dig The Digger: Construction Zone (Paperback)
I had the privilege of reading this fun story, which flowed very nicely. The rhymes were cute and definitely age appropriate. I would highly recommend this book to any child (and/or parent) even if they aren’t into construction. It is a colorful (both words and illustrations) story that will bring a smile to your face and heart! Kudos to Barbara Bloom!
January 25, 2013
Dead Silence: Simply Peaceful
Simply Peaceful
Lock the door.
Shut the blinds.
My husband and kids are gone and I feel as if I am losing my mind.
A moment of silence fills the house.
I could live like this.
I would even hear a mouse.
Written By: Barbara Bloom
