David Chuka's Blog, page 3

Book Review of The Fault in our Stars by John Green

With each passing page I read in this book, the lump in my throat got bigger and bigger. 

The Fault in Our Stars is a book I feel privileged to have read and would whole-heartedly recommend for everyone to read.

There’s nothing inherently new about the tale being told here. Boy meets girl and falls in love with girl who falls in love with boy despite some very challenging circumstances. Where this book differs from most books out there trying to tell the same story is the way the author – John Green – beautifully captures the voice of the main protagonist, Hazel Grace and makes us FEEL every single high and low moment she suffers as a normal teenage girl but diagnosed with terminal cancer. Augustus Waters a.k.a. Gus, is the very charming and attractive gentleman who captures Hazel’s heart. Gus’s passion for life is very contagious and it fills every page. I have to say there was a very, very important moment in Amsterdam that really took me by surprise and I had to go back to reread the previous pages. It almost slid under my radar but it was a MOMENT and I feel like the author could have made that moment more impactful as it changed everything. Readers of the book will know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s just me but that moment deserved more bells and whistles… in my humble opinion.

You will find many laugh out loud moments plus quite a few ‘Oh No!’ moments as you read this book. There are many positive and inspiring messages to be found here. I think it’s a celebration of life and a celebration of love. I’ll give myself a few months before watching the movie as I’m not yet ready to have Hollywood dilute the experience.

A MUST-READ! Please do grab a copy today. 

Gone for Good Review

My first Harlan Coben book and will definitely not be my last.

I just love the way Harlan Coben writes. I think most authors struggle to pull of writing in the second person but you feel like Harlan’s having a conversation with you – the Reader – as you read this book.

It’s a story with many twists and turns and jut remember that nothing is ever as it seems.

Our protagonist has struggled to clear his brother’s name for most of his life. His brother has been framed as the killer of a girl he used to love. The police force think his brother’s guilty. The local community thinks his brother is guilty. The deceased’s family think his brother is guilty. Even his parents harbour doubts about his brother’s innocence. Still, Will believes his brother – Kevin Klein – is innocent. His brother goes on the run and for many years, it’d appear his gone for good and never to come back.

Will’s mother whispers something on her deathbed that sets his world upside down and opens a can of worms.

I liked how Harlan made Will Klein so vulnerable. You feel for him and wish him all the best. You wish him well but it seems his best intentions only hurt those around him and lead him to dead ends. Will discovers himself in the end and the truth sets him free.

Gone for Good will be a worthy addition to your library.

Review of Fearless Joe Dearbone

Just by looking at the book cover and the title, you immediately know that the main protagonist – Joe – is going to be placed in certain situations that will test him and cause him to overcome any internal or external forces pulling him to buckle under. I’m happy to say that this book does not disappoint!

Early on, we see multiple incidents where Joe displays his bravery. Against all odds, we see him entering a burning building to save a puppy. I liked the chapter where he goes into a dark and dangerous cave to get an autographed baseball for  a friend. It seems there’s nothing that can stop our hero. Sometimes I wondered if Joe was a bit too gung-ho in some of the stunts he pulled but there’s a charm about him that shows his heart is in the right place. It seems as if Joe is unbreakable and unstoppable until a strange woman called Mrs Chill enters his life. I guess with a name like that, we can only expect something diabolical to eventually happen. You’ll have to get a copy of the book to discover how Joe confronts a challenge and evil that seems beyond him.

I loved all the twists and turns plus sub plots Lisa Mitchel weaved into the story. She also peppers the story with fun moments that will leave readers chuckling. Joe is a guy we can root for and I love the virtues he projects.

I believe this book will make a worthy addition to your library.

Author Interview with Krysten Lindsay Hager

It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’m happy and sad. I’m sad because today will be our last interview for the year but I’m super happy because we have a full roaster of inspiring authors lined up for the new year. Some of the authors lined up for 2015, have been admired by yours truly from afar and I’m so glad we both get a chance to learn something new and inspiring. On the hot seat today is a lady from the beautiful state of Ohio. She is an international bestselling author and her book ‘True Colors’ has gained a fanbase on several continents. She writes in different genres and loves making authors look good. I’m so glad she’s with us today and please have her name etched somewhere on your medulla oblongata as I believe you’ll be hearing more of it in the days to come. She has a lot to share with us today, so please join me in welcoming Krysten Lindsay Hager.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written?

I’m a writer who used to work in journalism. The first time I got attention for something I wrote was when I won a writing contest in the first grade. I won a little clown doll (a cute one, not one of those scary ceramic clowns that can give a kid nightmares) for a school-wide essay contest.

 

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Krysten Lindsay Hager?

I always write with humor because even the most difficult times in life are easier to take with a little humor.

 

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform and have you found it helpful in marketing your books? 

I think it helps people know who you are as a person and a bit of what they can expect from your work. A lot of people who knew me before reading the book have said, “Oh, I can hear you in the novel.” Some people have said when Landry and her mom argue in the book about Landry modelling that you can hear me with my adult view of modelling versus my view of it at Landry’s age.

 

You write in multiple genres like Young Adult, Middle Grade and Adult Fiction. Has this created any unique challenges and how have you overcome them?

The only difference is some of the themes you touch on. I wouldn’t use anything political in a middle grade/YA book, but I can do that in an adult piece. And obviously any dating situation is different. But a lot of the emotions stay the same no matter what the age.

 

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

I love Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together, My Mother was Never a Kid by Francine Pascal, The Great Mom Swap by Betsy Haynes, and Goodbye, Glamour Girl by Erika Tamar. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-read those books.

 

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

F. Scott Fitzgerald has such a way with dialogue. The Great Gatsby is a favourite. I’ll never understand why they assign it in middle school though. I didn’t appreciate it until later in life.

 

How do you reward yourself once your book is published? 

I may have bought myself a bracelet and a necklace, but I can justify them both since the bracelet is similar to the one Landry wears in the True Colors (with a heart charm) and the butterfly necklace will appear in the sequel, Best Friends...Forever?

 

Toy Story or Shrek?

Toy Story all the way.

 

What three things should a first time visitor to Ohio do?

Well, I’m a book lover so I’m going to say check out Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Books & Co—both gorgeous bookstores. There’s an Air Force museum here and I personally love the train museum with all the little miniature displays of houses and towns. I have to say though that it throws me not living near the Great Lakes though. I’m from Michigan and I miss the lakes so I try to get home when I can.

 

With Christmas around the corner, can you tell us the most memorable gift you received growing up?  

I know I should say something like the gift of family togetherness, but let’s be honest, what can beat a Barbie Dream House? Kudos to my dad who spent ALL day putting that thing together…and was an awesome Ken…even if he spoke in a falsetto voice whenever he was Ken.

 

What can we expect from Krysten Lindsay Hager in the next 12 months?

I have a sequel to True Colors called, Best Friends…Forever? (Book 2: Landry’s True Colors series) coming out in 2015. I’m also working on another MG book, two YA ones and an adult humor novel. And I’m working on the third Landry book in the Landry’s True Colors series.

 

Where can readers and fans connect with you?

My website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry? 

If a writer is just starting out then I’d suggest taking a literature class to learn from the best—the classics. I’d also say to take as many classes on writing, literature as you can as well as going to conferences and workshops. You can never learn enough. If you’re getting frustrated then I’d say to write the story you want to read and not worry about whether or not it gets published. Take all that pressure off yourself and enjoy the whole writing process. The work will be a lot better that way and that will increase your chances of publication. Even if it doesn’t get published, the focus should be on the journey, not the destination.

 

Awesome! Thanks for not holding back and sharing so much from your journey. I think as authors we sometimes get frustrated and it’s because we take our eyes off of the ‘main thing’ – our calling to write. Please connect with Krysten at one of the links she provided. Check out Krysten’s books and grab a copy for yourself or a loved one. Also remember to share this interview using the social buttons below and leave a comment. Merry Christmas!

Free Kids Books to Download by David Chuka

It’s the season of Giving and I have two special gifts for you today.

You can download Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost and Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas to your kindle or kindle app today, tomorrow and Thursday.

Just in case you’re wondering what in store for when you download a copy, feast your eyes on the short blurb below

Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost – this is a fun, illustrated picture book about a one-eyed, buck toothed and multi-tailed sea dragon called Kojo who lives in the Zakari River. While playing a game of hide and seek with his friend, Kofi – the sea turtle – he wanders towards the South side, a part of the River his Mum has told him never to venture to. Kojo is sick and tired of losing to Kofi and just this once, wants to win. Discover what happens when a powerful force pulls Kojo towards a dark hole. Young children will learn the importance of following instructions and the love of a community. I wrote this book many years ago while on a train journey. The intention was never to get it published. It was more an exercise in doing something creative on a journey where I had nothing to read. I only discovered it last year and I’m really proud of the reviews from fans, readers and bloggers about the book.

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas – this is the fifth and latest book in the Billy and Monster series. In this episode, Billy finds out what really makes Christmas special. Fans of this series will be delighted to know that I reveal the origins of Monster in this episode. I think the springboard to writing this book was trying to address that awkward situation at Christmas time when you get a present you really don’t like or want. What do you do? You know, when I wrote that first book, I never knew I would write another, much less Number 5.

You don’t need a Kindle tablet to enjoy these books. If you have a tablet, PC or smartphone, then all you have to do is download the Kindle app, set up an account and begin enjoying a world of books including David Chuka’s funny, colourful and insightful tales.

Grab your copy at the links below

Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost – US

Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost – UK

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas – US

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas – UK

Childrens Books by David Chuka in 2015

I’ve been staring into my crystal ball and trying to foresee what 2015 holds. I keep staring and staring but I can’t seem to see anything. A good clean job might do the job…ehm…nothing. I don’t think this is working.

Why????????????????

If you know me, then you know the above scenario and a crystal ball would be the last thing I’d be staring at. I think sometimes, we want people to predict our future and lay it on a plate for us. The sad reality is that (like the saying goes) if it’s to be, then it’s up to me. With that in mind, I’ve been thinking of what I want to achieve in the coming year, especially with regards to my role as a children’s book author. I would like to write four books next year. Below are the David Chuka titles hopefully coming to your book shelf sometime in 2015.

Kojo the Sea Dragon Meets a Stranger – After the overwhelming success of Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost, I just knew I had to write more stories with Kojo and his friends from the Zakari River. Below is a review from a reader:

Such a vivid and colorful tale for such a simple, yet important lesson; listen to your parents. The illustrations are vibrant and imaginative as are the characters. Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost is a very fun read!

In this episode, Kojo and his friends plus everyone in the Zakari River is looking forward to the BOOM BOOM festival. It’s a time of fun, dancing, singing with lots of food. Everyone in the Zakari River gathers in the town center and there are performances by different groups. Kojo is looking forward to doing a special dance with his friends. The day finally arrives and Kojo is having so much fun with his friends and is enjoying the sights and sounds. Then something happens with some yummy cake and an evil eel that makes Kojo learn something new about his world and talking to strangers. This will most likely be the first book I publish in the coming year, so watch this space.

Non-Fiction Book on Writing and Publishing Children’s Books – I get asked a lot of questions by people looking to write and publish children’s books and I think it’s time I crystallise all my experience into a book that get that can help other aspiring and established children’s book authors. Some of the topics I’ll be touching in this book will include working with an illustrator, doing research, getting reviews, social media, marketing etc. I’m excited about the challenge of writing this book and currently putting ideas together.

Billy and Monster Meet the President – Like my most recent book – Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas – I had finished writing this book in 2013 but due to challenges in finding the right illustrator, its release was delayed. I am quietly confident that I’ll be able to get this published in May and just in time for the Independence Day celebrations.

A Book about Thanksgiving – I’m not really sure what the story or characters will be but I do know that it’ll something based around Thanksgiving. I could either place Billy or Kojo in a situation where they learn something valuable about Thanksgiving. On the other hand, I could create new characters and tell the Thanksgiving story through them. Will provide more details later.

I’ll be visiting more schools in 2015 and looking to share my stories with more of my target audience. Thanks for all your support and do have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2015.

Interview with Children’s Book Author – Sharon Powers

Hey, it’s Author Interview Thursday and you are very welcome. If you’re an author or a lover of the written word and looking for a dose of inspiration, insight and/or information, then you’re in the right place. Our featured guest today has rubbed shoulders with some people in high places in the entertainment industry. Her writing background originally started out with screenwriting but I’m so glad she’s branched out into writing children’s books as she brings something fresh to the table. We were both on a Summer giveaway that had a theme of sea life. Her book Barney and Barry, the Hitchhikers was a worthy addition to the mix.  It was a pleasure getting to know here more in the build up to this interview and I know you’ll find value in what she has to share today. So, would you please join me in welcoming Sharon Powers.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written. 

At this point in my life, I live in both Southern California and Baja, Mexico with my adorable dog, Mia. I have two grown children and I’m also a grandmother. I have an accounting degree and worked as a controller for a manufacturing company, I opened one of the first women’s surf shops in the US and I write a LOT, mostly screenplays. I love the beach and water activities, travel, ballroom dancing, sewing, entertaining, cooking; the list goes on and on. A friend of mind once called me the jack-of-all-trades and the master-of-none.

My ex-husband was the first to compliment me on my writing when I handed him my first completed script. After reading it he said “I wondered what you were doing up there. This is a real story with a beginning, a middle and an end…and it’s really good!” The “up there” he was referring to was our upstairs guestroom.

 

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Sharon Powers?

Hopefully, something fun and imaginative. I do like adding serious moments, but life can be serious enough and I think entertainment should lift you and take you somewhere else. I never thought I’d write a story with talking sea life, turtle poachers, a sea urchin that sews or even a shark that wears glasses so my mind went to a whole different place for “Barney and Barry, The Hitchhikers”.

 

What were some of your favourite books as a child?

Interestingly, I was never a big book reader growing up. My parents and sisters sure were. I was ALL about television; “I Love Lucy”, my absolute favourite, anything Lucy did I had to see, “The Carol Burnett Show”, “Gilligan’s Island” and old movies and musicals. I still love visual entertainment and that’s why writing screenplays seemed like a natural for me. My favourite books were about shells and stamps since those were my hobbies as a child.

 

Can you tell us how your background as a screenwriter influences your approach to writing children’s books? 

Screenwriting has a very strict story structure in regards to timing purposes, which makes it easy to adapt into a well-paced book. In screenplays, there’s a lot of dialogue, and not much description, so I think the dialogue has to be really clever/sharp. I recently had lunch with the spectacular Jennifer Lee who co-directed and co-wrote “Frozen”. She wrote “Wreck-It-Ralph” and several other animated movies. She told me she doesn’t write for children, per se. She said kids are really smart, so she writes what the story/characters dictate. I thought about that, reflected and realized that’s how I approached “The Hitchhikers” book. The adults love that story, as do children.

 

What tips do you have for writing good dialogue?

Watch and listen to people. They’re your characters in your stories. Read your dialogue out loud so you can tell if it makes sense and if that’s what the characters would truly say. I had written a conversation between Barney and Barry in my Hitchhikers book and when I read it out loud, I thought Barney would never say that, but Barry would and I switched their conversation around.

 

Is there a particular book or film that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

Books in general inspire me to be a better writer. There’s always something to learn in regards to how the writer handles description, conversation, pretty much everything since you create the visuals in your mind while reading whereas in movies a whole staff/crew has done that for you. Very different mediums. I liked both the book and movie “Shopgirl” written by Steve Martin, the book “Clan of the Cave Bear” and Viki King’s “How to Write a Movie in 21-Days”. Viki’s book is a great tool for story structure and I bought that book 23 years ago and still use it to this day. “The Intouchables” is a fantastic movie because the screenwriter took a very serious story and managed to write something very uplifting. It’s French and was subtitled.

 

What tips would you offer other first time children’s authors with regard to working with an illustrator? 

Think about your characters and the feel you want for your story and then look at the illustrators work. I had been at an adult birthday party and Lana McCleary, my illustrator, gifted the birthday ladies with fans. She had hand painted mermaids on each one and they were very whimsical. I immediately thought of her when I wanted art for “Barney and Barry, The Hitchhikers”. She was very open to doing this because it struck a chord within her; she was focused and had some great ideas. She’s also in to “color” which is extremely important for children’s illustrations. Very talented lady. She lives here in Baja, which made it extremely easy for me to meet with her on the project.

 

Toy Story or Shrek?

Equal. Both are great in their own ways, but I could do without the sequels.

 

What three things should a first time visitor to Southern California do?

Go to the beach, go to Disneyland, take the ferry to Catalina Island.

 

What can we expect from Sharon Powers in the next 12 months?

I’m working on the next book in the MySeaBuddies children’s series entitled “Lost and Found” where we’ll meet new characters, like Wink the one-eyed Seagull, and continue with adventures for Fletcher, Barney, Barry and Babs. I also have another fantasy romance screenplay I’m adapting into a novella, “Paved in Gold” and I’m working on animating “Barney and Barry, The Hitchhikers” into a movie. It’s actually a pilot for a television series so this next book is the first couple of episodes from my “bible” for the series. I’ve got some other ideas rolling around in my brain, too.

 

Where can readers and fans connect with you? 

I have a website MySeaBuddies.com, facebook.com/MySeaBuddies, Twitter @MySeaBuddies and I’m on Goodreads, Amazon, Smashwords, Iauthor all as Sharon Powers, author.

 

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?

Write to write. Write because you love it. Write what’s in your heart and soul. Whether you are writing a book or a screenplay, competition is serious. There are as many unsold scripts as unemployed/undiscovered actors. It’s extremely difficult to get an agent or a publisher. Just keep chipping away at all the different social mediums to get yourself and your book known. Self-publishing is a fantastic way to have an actual end-product for your efforts, but the end is never the end unless you let it be so, once again, keep chipping away to promote yourself and keep writing.

 

Its been an absolute pleasure having you today Sharon. You’ve ended so perfectly by encouraging us to write because we love it. I also love the fact you believe we should what’s in our heart and soul and not what the bestseller lists dictate. Do make sure to connect with Sharon on social media and grab her books for a loved one this Christmas. We’d love to hear from you so leave a comment or question and as always, share our interview using the social media buttons below.

Interview with Children’s Book Author – Claudine Gueh Yanting

Wow! Its Author Interview Thursday and I have to say that the past few authors in the hotseat these last few weeks have really been inspiring. Well, guess what? I think we might be taking it to another level with today’s special guest. I got introduced to our special guest by Stephanie Ward who organised a brilliant giveaway for children’s book authors back in Summer. She has a successful blog which she’s ran for about four years. What really intrigued me about her blog is that most of her posts attract a steady stream of comments from her loyal blog readers. She’s written several books that have received worthy mentions and reviews in high places. She has such a big heart and I know you’ll love meeting this children’s book author from Singapore. So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Claudine Gueh Yanting.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written.  

Thank you for this opportunity, David! It’s always good getting to know more authors and their books.

I’m a picture book and middle-grade fiction writer and an English tutor in Singapore. When I was 15, I wrote about my encounter with a spirit-medium. My teacher praised it and even read it out in class. That was a defining moment for me! 

 

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Claudine Gueh Yanting?  

Quieter protagonists who don’t realize how strong they can be, and (hopefully) lyrical writing.

My picture books: My Clearest Me; Brightness Sailors, Bit by Bit

My middle-grade fiction: Little Orchid’s Sea Monster Trouble

More about them here: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com

 

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform and have you found it helpful in marketing your books?  

It’s all about exposure, reaching potential readers and keeping old ones up-to-date with your next book. Although social media isn’t the sole place an author can build her platform, it is possibly an indispensable one these days. 

For me, social media has been useful for gaining exposure while blogging has been effective in gaining loyal readership (for the blog, not my books). Once readers trust my reading taste and writing style, they might be willing to take a chance on my books. Sales can’t be guaranteed, but credibility can be built and what it leads to can be amazing. 

 

What tips would you offer other children’s authors with regard to working with an illustrator?  

Pick one whose style fits what you seek instead of approaching any illustrator and then requesting them to paint in the style you want. 

Be clear with the fee, the number of revisions you need from her, and the deadline up front. Everything is negotiable, but you must only begin the project when both sides are comfortable with the terms. 

Be fair and respectful. Most illustrators are just as dedicated to the project as we are.

 

What in your opinion makes a great children’s book?

One that tells its story honestly (i.e. doesn’t talk down to children or try too hard to impress) and has great illustrations.

 

What were some of your favourite books as a child?  

My sisters and I devoured Enid Blyton’s books then we’d act out some of the scenes and pretend to be good friends with the characters. That’s why we were pals with an almost-deaf man who wore a saucepan on his head. On other days, we were best friends with a naughty, obstinate girl and her friend who could whistle like a kettle. “The Faraway Tree” and “The Wishing Chair” series were our favorite. I also enjoyed boarding school stories tremendously.

   

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?  

Mark Helprin writes excellent dialogue. I was particularly stirred by his “Winter’s Tale” and “A Soldier of the Great War.” I can’t think of a film right now, but a TV series that I watch over and over again for its dialogue is “The West Wing.”

 

How do you reward yourself once your book is published?  

Cake. (Usually Black forest.)

 

Toy Story or Shrek?  

Toy Story. I’m a Studio Ghibli and Pixar fan.

   

Your blog’s been running for about four years and has a loyal fanbase. Any tips for us on how to build and grow a good blog?  

I’m always surprised and extremely thankful that people actually read and follow my blog! Most of them are fellow writers and bloggers and we visit one another every week. As for tips on blogging, I’ve heard many and will just focus on these:

1) Blog on what you’re passionate about. (Wait, wait, don’t roll your eyes yet. I understand it sounds like “duh” but I do know of quite a few authors who blog on topics they think their readers want to learn about instead of what they themselves are excited about, so they end up sounding forced and quit blogging after a while.) Ask yourself: Is it books in particular? Which age category or genre? Is it about bridal hairstyles? Is it about relationships? You don’t have to limit yourself to just one category, but you do need a rough picket fence so readers would know if your posts fit their taste or not. 

2) Blog on what your readers want to know. Yep, this upsets whatever I’ve written in 1). But this suggestion might come in handy once you have a blog running for some time and you’ve built yourself to be a credible source on your topics. Ask your readers if they have any questions they’d like you to address. You’ll be their go-to expert.

3) Keep it short. 

4) Add pictures or quotes.  

5) Be consistent in posting. (This is something I still need to work on.)

   

What three things should a first time visitor to your home town do? 

1) Try our local breakfast: toast with thick butter and kaya (a coconut jam), two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local coffee. 

2) Visit both hawker centers (our marketplaces and food centers) and independent cafes/restaurants.

3) Visit our libraries, especially those in the lush, neighborhood area.

 

What can we expect from Claudine Gueh Yanting in the next 12 months?  

Another middle-grade novel, short stories plus a few paintings. I have a budding interest in painting and hope to explore it more next year.

 

Where can readers and fans connect with you?  

Blog: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/blog

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/CarryUsOff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarryUsOffBooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carryusoffbooks/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107307586955978074011/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937945.Claudine_Gueh_Yanting

If you enjoy picture books, middle-grade stories and picture-and-quote inspirations, do drop by my blog some time. I’d love to hear from you.

 

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry? 

If writing makes you happy, keep going. Learn to market yourself and your writing, but don’t let sales, reviews, rankings and what-not affect you too much. Keep working hard. Let go of the rest.

 

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Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas Launch

It’s finally LIVE!

My latest book -  Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas  - is now live on the Amazon store and you can grab a copy today for the early bird price of 99c or 77p.

Below is one of the reviews that the book had over the weekend

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas is a cute little book with great illustrations. This book contains a great little life lesson about being thankful for the little things around you. You meet little Billy who gets a present that he feels is not as good as a present a cousin gets. He is jealous and does not say thank you. He is transported to the home of the Monsters where their happiness over the little things teaches Billy that happiness does not come from what you get but those around you.
Bonnie Rediske

If you bought a pre-order copy, Amazon must have sent it to your kindle or kindle app. Please download, read, share with family and friends. And before I forget, please leave a review once you’ve finished

reading on Amazon, GoodReads, Facebook etc.

Thanks for all your support and do have a Golden Christmas

Grab your copy at the link below

Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas

 

Interview with Children’s Book Author – Rhonda Paglia

It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’d like to thank you for stopping over today. First of all, I’d like to wish all American readers and fans of this blog based in the U.S. and around the world a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you’re having a lovely day with your loved ones. I promise you’ll enjoy the spread laid out today. In the hot seat on this glorious day is a wonderful lady who is fondly known as ‘Grammy Pags.’ I’ve been so inspired by her energy and passion for life in the lead up to today’s interview. She has the biggest heart is always willing to help her fellow authors achieve their goals. She’s written several books and has attended various events and schools to do readings and sign books. She has so much to share with us today, so do get into your most comfortable position and join me in welcoming Rhonda Paglia.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written.

Hi David, thank you for inviting me to be part of your Author Thursday Interview.  I’m honored, and congratulations on your new book, Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas that is coming out soon!  Congrats!!!  You are prolific!!

Okay, a few facts about me:

I’ve been married to my sweet husband, Tony, for 41 years.  We have three grown children, five adorable grandchildren, and little Yorkie-poo named Bella.  She’s my shadow.
I’m a retired elementary teacher, [I taught 26 years], and now I’m a Grammy babysitter, a flower planter, a musician, a tap dancer, and a self-published children’s author.
I have received a great deal of praise for the first book I released to the public: “The Little Lambs and the Very Special Mission.”
I must add that growing up, I had NO confidence in my writing! NONE! ZIPPO! My writing was so bad that in 7th grade, when our English teacher gave us a story writing assignment, my mother ended up red-lining and rewriting everything I had written.  I would have gotten an F on my story, but she earned an A.  I was so embarrassed. I couldn’t look at my teacher for the rest of the year.  It was awful!  I was living a lie every day I walked into his class.  Thankfully, I’ve come a long way in my writing confidence.

 

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Rhonda Paglia? 

I’m still in the process of learning and developing my “niche.”  I’m just writing for fun.  I have learned a lot in the last two years, and I’m getting and understanding the process more.  My hope is that readers will enjoy my stories and come away with a little glow in their hearts and a little tickle in their tummy.

I want kids to learn something and to stretch their imaginations and creativity.  For example, in my crazy little book, Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue, kids will find a hero in Doonsey.  They will also learn about his new friends, the “Beach Buddies.”  Our family went on a vacation to the beach.  We “met” Doonsey there.  Then I started seeing faces in the sand that were made out of the shells and stones.  My granddaughter, Sofie, and I started making a bunch of faces and the “Beach Buddies” were born!  We used shells, stones, crab claws, and other items we found on the beach.  The “Buddies” ended up as characters in the first Doonsey book and they will reappear in Book 2.  Kids can learn to make their own Buddy characters with  things they find in nature, not just stones and shells.

 

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform and have you found it helpful in marketing your books? 

I’m new to the “book business” too, but everything I’ve read, indicates that Social Media has a huge impact on getting your name “out there.”  So I tweet, toot, blog, Facebook, website, and get Linkedin, as often as possible, but always feel behind.  It’s a time issue for me, as I’m sure it is for most authors.

Is marketing on Social Media helpful?  Who knows?  I’ve sold books on line, but most of my sales success has been one-on-one, face-to-face, book signing events.  It’s fun too!

 

What in your opinion makes a great children’s book? 

This is a tough one, so my answer is simple.  A GREAT book has ALL the pieces: characters, plot, setting, illustrations.

 

What were some of your favourite books as a child?

The Little Golden Books series, Caps for Sale, Country Mouse and City Mouse, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, and all of the classic fairy tales.  I read the Wizard of Oz until the pages were falling out.  Our nearest library was miles away, but every once in a while, we were allowed to buy a comic books at the grocery story.  I loved the adventures of Little Lulu, Dot, and Casper the Friendly Ghost.  And then there is dear Dr. Seuss.  When his books became available, I loved them.  Later I branched out to the Nancy Drew mystery series and some biographies, but mostly, I loved the books that would send me away on adventures.

 

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

Dr. Seuss.  I love the freedom of his language usage.  I love the rhythm and cadence of his words.  I love his stories, characters, and how he moves the plot.  Such fun and imagination!  I will never be a Dr. Seuss, but with my musical background, I find myself using rhythm and rhyme when it’s appropriate.  In my yet to be released book, “Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap” – Grammy’s looks prim, proper, and sophisticated, but she’s really a closet rocker!

 

How do you reward yourself once your book is published? 

I’m still very new at all of this – and currently, I’m self-published.  However, the fact that my ideas and my works are in my hands, in a form, that I can share with others, is a huge reward.  Like, “Phew!  I did it!”  The “no confidence – non-writer – F’s on story-getter – me” is now writing and publishing stories.  I never thought that would happen – certainly not the 7th grader sitting in English class lying to my teacher about a paper my mother wrote for me!  #Iamwriting!  That’s a biggie reward!

I wrote “Doonsey’s Beach Adventure, the Great Rescue” and created a companion coloring activity book for my grandchildren.  It was a Christmas surprise last year.  My heart just beamed!  Not only did I write a story and publish it for them; I got to be around to read it to them and get their reactions.  Big time reward!

 

Toy Story or Shrek?

Toy Story.  I love the characters!!  I love seeing the toys come to life, organizing themselves, tackling problems. Great fun!   I grew up in the country.  We didn’t have any close neighbors.  My friends were at school, a distance away.  I would have LOVED for my toys to come to life, be my “real” friends, and have merry adventures with them.  So definitely, Toy Story!

 

What three things should a first time visitor to Pennsylvania do? 

 Visit Amish Country.  Lancaster, in northeast, PA, and Volant and New Wilmington in northwest PA, where I live, near, would be a cultural experience.  It’s hard to believe that we have communities within our modern society that can exist and thrive without electricity and all the conveniences that the rest of us can’t live without!  If you visit the Amish area, many of the locals have little shops in or near their farms.  Visitors can purchase colorful handmade quilted items, homemade pastries and canned goods, plants, beautiful handmade furniture, and get your horse’s harness repaired at the same time!
Pymatuning Lake.  I grew up there, so I’m a little prejudiced.  Pymatuning Lake is located in northwestern PA on the border of PA and Ohio.  It is located within Pymatuning State Park and is the largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania.  The lake is 18 miles long and has over 26 square miles of lake surface.  In 1931, when my dad was 9 years old, he and my grandfather attended the ground breaking ceremonies for the lake.   They saw the first shovel full of dirt removed that would later become Pymatuning Lake Reservoir.  If you are an outdoors person, you can swim, hike, camp, fish, go boating, picnic, and explore.  But make sure you don’t miss the Pymatuning Spill Way.  That’s where you get to feed the fish!  There are so many, the duck’s walk on their backs!!
 Pittsburgh, PA. It’s a cultural hub for all the arts and it’s the home of our three major league sports teams, the Steelers, the Penguins, and the Pirates.  The Strip District is in downtown Pittsburgh and is a great market place filled with lots of people, cooking street vendors, markets with fresh produce, restaurants, places to shop, and the home of the Mancini breads and the Primanti Brothers’ famous super stuffed sandwich with French fries.  Oh, and if you listen carefully, you’ll pick up some of the famous Pittsburghese language!  Fun!

With a background in teaching, can you give us a few tips on capturing a child’s attention and relaying a moral lesson?

Phew – that’s a big question!!  I may not answer your exact question, but here’s what came to mind as I reflected on it.

Make learning fun!  When kids are engaged, they will take more ownership for their own learning.
Help kids develop confidence!  I had very little confidence as a kid – all the way through adulthood.  I recognized this weakness in myself, so I made it a goal to try to help develop confidence in my own children and my students.  Kids have vivid imaginations.  I’ve found that if kids can tap into their own creativity and develop ideas – without judgment – they will develop more confidence.
Teach tolerance!  Everyone, kids and adults, all of us, have gifts and talents.  Our interests and abilities vary.  We are not the same.  I believe that we have all come here to share our gifts and talents, and to share our differences.  How boring we would be if we were all the same!!  Each one of us is an integral piece of a gigantic universal puzzle.

 

What do your grandchildren think of Grammy Pags the Author? 

Our grandchildren are young – ages 7 to 1.5.  The younger ones don’t know what an author is.  However, our oldest grandson, Orion, totally gets it!  Orion was the inspiration for the story, “Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion.”   The story has changed from the original version I wrote in 2009.  It’s longer and beautifully illustrated by Ratna Kusuma Halim of Indonesia.  I had a book launch birthday party for “The Three Little Gnomes” book and Orion came to the event and signed books too!  He was a star for the day and loved it!!

 

What can we expect from Rhonda Paglia in the next 12 months? 

Writing, writing, writing!

 

Where can readers and fans connect with you?  Thank you for asking.  Here’s the contact info for GRAMMY PAGS STORIES

E-mail:  grammypags1@gmail.com
Website [I have one site with 2 domain names]:  http://www.grammypagsstories.com/ ~ or ~ http://www.rhondapagliaauthor.com/
Special website for The Little Lambs:  https://sites.google.com/site/littlelambs20/
Amazon author page:  www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G5X3WO2
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/grammypagsstories
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grammypags1
Blog:  http://rhondapaglia.blogspot.com/

 

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?

Have fun!  Do what you love!
Frustration is part of the game.  Figure out why you are doing what you do, then figure out your goals, the reach for them.  What happens if you don’t reach?  A big NOTHING!   But if you reach, anything can happen!
The kid’s book market is crazy huge.  Try to find your niche.  I’m still searching for mine!
Write what you like and HAVE FUN!  For me, that’s my goal!  Girls just want to have fun!!  Well, this Grammy just wants to have fun too . . .  and maybe give my readers a few smiles!!

Wow! Thanks for sharing with us today Rhonda. I love the fact that you’ve been honest and just loving the journey. I love your advice about writing what you like and having fun. Rhonda and I would love to hear any questions or comments you may have. I hope her zest for life has been an inspiration for you as it has for me. Remember to share this interview on social media using the social buttons and grab one of Rhonda’s books at the link below

Rhonda Paglia Books on Amazon