Carmela Dutra's Blog - Posts Tagged "questions"
Character Book Blog
To Blog or not to Blog? That is the question! For me the answer to that is simple. YES! Well…. Now the answer is yes. A while ago I would have said something more like ‘Nah I’m good thanks.’ But now that I've gotten into the grove, and very much enjoy it. So when fellow Kid Literature Author Leigh Shearin asked me to share in the Meet the Character Blog Tour, I quickly said yes.
I have a number of characters I would like to introduce you to, but sometimes simplicity is best right? And since the first series I have out right now is entitled The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear, I thought it would be best to focus on just him (for now). First, let me introduce all of you to the wonderful Leigh Shearin.
Leigh and I became twitter pals through our mutual friend, Cat Michaels (million thanks for that Cat!). Leigh is a jack of all trades! Not only is she Writer, but she is also a Farmer, Baker, a Teacher, and a Life Long Dreamer. Her middle-grade eBook, John Bloom and the Victory Garden, will be released in November 2014 on Amazon. Filled with historical fiction set at the beginning of WWII filled with plot twist, and kid friendly recipes. You can bet it will be a great book for kids to check out! Connect with Leigh on Twitter @LeighShearin and www.winterrestfarm.weebly.com
Meet the Character: Lorenzo the Bear
What’s the name of your character? Is he/she a fictional or historic person?
In order to answer this, I have to give you a little background story. Lorenzo was actually one of my most treasured stuffed Bears as a child. Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, so sleeping was hard for me. My dad told me he had something that would help me, then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved him so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo. So between Lorenzo, and a trusty nightlight, I was able to sleep again.
Thus, when I started writing for my niece and nephew who better to write about then my most beloved stuffed animal! For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life.
When and where is the story set?
Poppy Hills Place is Lorenzo’s home town, where he has/is growing up. It’s filled with rolling hills, trees, a lake, and you guessed it. Poppies! Every story in this series will have some part in his home town. But remember, the title of this series is The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear. He will travel and explore new places, the only limit to his adventures is my imagination.
What should we know about him?
--- I hope everyone has enjoyed a look at my latest blog about Lorenzo. I invite you to pop over to my blog page to finish reading the rest!
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
I have a number of characters I would like to introduce you to, but sometimes simplicity is best right? And since the first series I have out right now is entitled The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear, I thought it would be best to focus on just him (for now). First, let me introduce all of you to the wonderful Leigh Shearin.
Leigh and I became twitter pals through our mutual friend, Cat Michaels (million thanks for that Cat!). Leigh is a jack of all trades! Not only is she Writer, but she is also a Farmer, Baker, a Teacher, and a Life Long Dreamer. Her middle-grade eBook, John Bloom and the Victory Garden, will be released in November 2014 on Amazon. Filled with historical fiction set at the beginning of WWII filled with plot twist, and kid friendly recipes. You can bet it will be a great book for kids to check out! Connect with Leigh on Twitter @LeighShearin and www.winterrestfarm.weebly.com
Meet the Character: Lorenzo the Bear
What’s the name of your character? Is he/she a fictional or historic person?
In order to answer this, I have to give you a little background story. Lorenzo was actually one of my most treasured stuffed Bears as a child. Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, so sleeping was hard for me. My dad told me he had something that would help me, then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved him so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo. So between Lorenzo, and a trusty nightlight, I was able to sleep again.
Thus, when I started writing for my niece and nephew who better to write about then my most beloved stuffed animal! For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life.
When and where is the story set?
Poppy Hills Place is Lorenzo’s home town, where he has/is growing up. It’s filled with rolling hills, trees, a lake, and you guessed it. Poppies! Every story in this series will have some part in his home town. But remember, the title of this series is The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear. He will travel and explore new places, the only limit to his adventures is my imagination.
What should we know about him?
--- I hope everyone has enjoyed a look at my latest blog about Lorenzo. I invite you to pop over to my blog page to finish reading the rest!
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
Why do you write?
“So you’re an author? That’s cool! So like why? Why do you write?” I was just asked this the other day. It’s a common enough question (and plenty of the pros have reasoned this with more eloquence than I could ever imagine), so one might think I’d have a better answer – but I don’t. 
Achieving fame, being awarded sparkling prizes or even just being recognized as a half decent author are not among the reasons. I write, because I write. Simple as that. There is a sense of joy and excitement in taking the bizarre, silly, cheerful and sometimes wretched thoughts from my mind and throwing them onto a canvas.
If someone actually likes what I create, that’s great! And if they don’t, well there are always other books to read. I know that what I produce is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor do I expect all to enjoy it. Now this is not to say that I’m not pleased when my books or eBooks sell, the contrary in fact, but it’s not the main objective when I write.
Much like with my art, when I don’t write something feels off. It’s like I have this lion roaring at me, telling me ‘I need to get out!’ It’s something that calls to me, almost mocking me in a sorts. The more I suppress it, the louder it gets.
Sometimes when I sit down, I don’t know what I am creating; but I know that I’m tired of being mocked. Once I succumb, and the words starting falling into place, I don’t usually want to stop. I get this drive to finish what I’ve started, becoming more excited the clearer the image becomes. And once I’m finished, that once roaring lion, is now a peaceful lamb.
There are a plethora of reasons why writers do what they do. Why they enjoy it, why they continue despite any agony it may bring. So many diverse reasons, and yet one commonality. We write, because we are writers!
So I guess the question I should be asking is to all of you…. why do you write?
Leave a comment below sharing with us why you write.
Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!
Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series
www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com
Achieving fame, being awarded sparkling prizes or even just being recognized as a half decent author are not among the reasons. I write, because I write. Simple as that. There is a sense of joy and excitement in taking the bizarre, silly, cheerful and sometimes wretched thoughts from my mind and throwing them onto a canvas.
If someone actually likes what I create, that’s great! And if they don’t, well there are always other books to read. I know that what I produce is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor do I expect all to enjoy it. Now this is not to say that I’m not pleased when my books or eBooks sell, the contrary in fact, but it’s not the main objective when I write.
Much like with my art, when I don’t write something feels off. It’s like I have this lion roaring at me, telling me ‘I need to get out!’ It’s something that calls to me, almost mocking me in a sorts. The more I suppress it, the louder it gets.
Sometimes when I sit down, I don’t know what I am creating; but I know that I’m tired of being mocked. Once I succumb, and the words starting falling into place, I don’t usually want to stop. I get this drive to finish what I’ve started, becoming more excited the clearer the image becomes. And once I’m finished, that once roaring lion, is now a peaceful lamb.
There are a plethora of reasons why writers do what they do. Why they enjoy it, why they continue despite any agony it may bring. So many diverse reasons, and yet one commonality. We write, because we are writers!
So I guess the question I should be asking is to all of you…. why do you write?
Leave a comment below sharing with us why you write.
Wishing you all a little to Adventure today!
Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series
www.Lorenzothebear.com
Twitter.com/Lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Facebook.com/Lorenzothebear (Like me!)
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com
The Story Behind Lorenzo
Back in December I was visiting a classroom of second graders where I was asked a series of questions. Who is Lorenzo the Bear? Where did he come from? Is he real, or fictional? Will he have more adventures, and stories to tell? All excellent questions! Such thinkers these children were!
I loved how excited they were they had so many questions, I couldn't keep up! It got me thinking, I don’t recall ever addressing all of these questions for you. Since tomorrow will be the Book Launch for Lorenzo’s next adventure, Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. What better time than right now to tell you a little more about Lorenzo.
I was asked by a little boy ‘Who is Lorenzo, did you make him up?’ That is a question I get asked quite a lot and the answer is simple. Lorenzo is, HEY! If this is a blog about me, can’t I tell them about the classroom visit, and answer the questions? Of course! You are so right Lorenzo, why didn’t I think of that!?! OK, go ahead the keyboard is all yours! Thank you!
Okay. Am I real? YES!! I am based off a real stuffed toy my maker Carmela Dutra had when she was a child. When her dad gave her the bear he said he would protect her so she could sleep. Okay hang on, let me tell this part After all this was before you were borne. You’re right I think you should tell them. Thank you.
Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, the night was especially hard for me. One day, my dad told me he had something that would help me; then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved the bear so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo (why I picked Lorenzo as the name, I have no idea). So between Lorenzo, a trusty nightlight, and my usual bed time stories; I was able to sleep again.
Thus, when my nephew Jason asked me to draw him pictures, and Desi wanted a story I couldn’t think of anything else other then my most beloved stuffed animal!
For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life. 
Are you curious to see what the real Lorenzo looks like? Well, then check out the bear Desi is holding in the picture. That’s him!
That hasn’t changed. Even though I am happy in my new home I still keep in touch with Carmy. I’m still that same lovable, brave bear she had as a child. The only difference now, is that I can help all kinds of animals, and people alike through my stories! I am an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. I’d like to think that I am the kind of bear that you can always count on. I do not let fear stand in my way when it comes to helping others. But What I really love is visiting classrooms!
It was so much see all of the boys and girls. They were so eager to hear about my first Adventure to Jellyfish Cove. Carmela even brought in with her a stuffed Lucy Bear for all of the boys and girls to hold and play with, it was a Beartastic time!
After the reading was finished all of the boys and girls started asking questions. One question that was asked more than once was, ‘Will Lorenzo take another adventure somewhere else???’ Why yes I do! My next one will be to Honeysuckle Mountain where I visit Queen Berverlee the Bumble Bee.
But do you what you what to know what my most favorite part about the visit was??? Come closer to the screen so you can hear me…… Closer…… Closer…… It was when they were told they get to help write a story!!!!!! Oh all of the boys and girls just screamed in excitement! Oh and their ideas! There were some pretty nifty ideas that they had. They were very descriptive of what would happen too. Some told how I would have to face off against Lord Boris again, then some talked about helping lost Zebras, and the Yeti’s!!
It was the most awesome, Beartastic experience I have ever had! I cannot wait until our next classroom visit. Well you don’t have to wait too much longer Lorenzo. I haven’t told you yet, but next week are visiting a second and third grade classroom at Anne Darling! REALLY!! Oh boy! I can’t wait I’m so beary excited! Let’s start planning that trip right now!
Thank you all for reading the blog that Lorenzo and I worked on together. Do you have any questions you would like to ask? Please leave a comment with your questions!! And bee sure to join us March 31st for the Book Launch of; The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain! https://www.facebook.com/events/15548...
www.lorenzothebear.com
Follow me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/carmy4077
www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Like me on Facebook! www.faceboo.com/lorenzothebear
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
I loved how excited they were they had so many questions, I couldn't keep up! It got me thinking, I don’t recall ever addressing all of these questions for you. Since tomorrow will be the Book Launch for Lorenzo’s next adventure, Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. What better time than right now to tell you a little more about Lorenzo.
I was asked by a little boy ‘Who is Lorenzo, did you make him up?’ That is a question I get asked quite a lot and the answer is simple. Lorenzo is, HEY! If this is a blog about me, can’t I tell them about the classroom visit, and answer the questions? Of course! You are so right Lorenzo, why didn’t I think of that!?! OK, go ahead the keyboard is all yours! Thank you!
Okay. Am I real? YES!! I am based off a real stuffed toy my maker Carmela Dutra had when she was a child. When her dad gave her the bear he said he would protect her so she could sleep. Okay hang on, let me tell this part After all this was before you were borne. You’re right I think you should tell them. Thank you.
Like most youngsters I was afraid of the dark, the night was especially hard for me. One day, my dad told me he had something that would help me; then he handed me a stuffed bear. He assured me that this bear would protect me from whatever it was that troubled me. I loved the bear so much! I named him the Brave Bear Lorenzo (why I picked Lorenzo as the name, I have no idea). So between Lorenzo, a trusty nightlight, and my usual bed time stories; I was able to sleep again.
Thus, when my nephew Jason asked me to draw him pictures, and Desi wanted a story I couldn’t think of anything else other then my most beloved stuffed animal!
For me, Lorenzo is most real, maybe not in the “traditional” sense. Even though he has a new home with my niece Desi, he will always be a part of my life. Are you curious to see what the real Lorenzo looks like? Well, then check out the bear Desi is holding in the picture. That’s him!
That hasn’t changed. Even though I am happy in my new home I still keep in touch with Carmy. I’m still that same lovable, brave bear she had as a child. The only difference now, is that I can help all kinds of animals, and people alike through my stories! I am an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. I’d like to think that I am the kind of bear that you can always count on. I do not let fear stand in my way when it comes to helping others. But What I really love is visiting classrooms!
It was so much see all of the boys and girls. They were so eager to hear about my first Adventure to Jellyfish Cove. Carmela even brought in with her a stuffed Lucy Bear for all of the boys and girls to hold and play with, it was a Beartastic time!
After the reading was finished all of the boys and girls started asking questions. One question that was asked more than once was, ‘Will Lorenzo take another adventure somewhere else???’ Why yes I do! My next one will be to Honeysuckle Mountain where I visit Queen Berverlee the Bumble Bee.
But do you what you what to know what my most favorite part about the visit was??? Come closer to the screen so you can hear me…… Closer…… Closer…… It was when they were told they get to help write a story!!!!!! Oh all of the boys and girls just screamed in excitement! Oh and their ideas! There were some pretty nifty ideas that they had. They were very descriptive of what would happen too. Some told how I would have to face off against Lord Boris again, then some talked about helping lost Zebras, and the Yeti’s!!
It was the most awesome, Beartastic experience I have ever had! I cannot wait until our next classroom visit. Well you don’t have to wait too much longer Lorenzo. I haven’t told you yet, but next week are visiting a second and third grade classroom at Anne Darling! REALLY!! Oh boy! I can’t wait I’m so beary excited! Let’s start planning that trip right now!
Thank you all for reading the blog that Lorenzo and I worked on together. Do you have any questions you would like to ask? Please leave a comment with your questions!! And bee sure to join us March 31st for the Book Launch of; The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain! https://www.facebook.com/events/15548...
www.lorenzothebear.com
Follow me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/carmy4077
www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Like me on Facebook! www.faceboo.com/lorenzothebear
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
Future Phobias
Can you believe that January is almost over! Where did the time go!? 2015 flew by in a flash, and now January 2016 is almost gone? Things are moving so fast, it’s hard to keep up with everything! I’m sure you’ll likely feel the same way as you’re embracing the new year, taking on the challenges of life, family, resolutions, etc.
Since early December I have been somewhat quiet on social media, you might be wondering why. Or perhaps you are thinking yes those weekly emails have stopped alerting me to a new blog! Either way, allow me to introduce you to the reason why as of late I have been almost nonexistent in the social realm.
Meet the newest member of our family, Levi!
He came a whole month early, which took us entirely by surprise! I have been settling into my new role as a mother, spending quality time bonding (you know during those 2am feelings, and again at 4am lol). Thus is the reason I have been almost MIA since December, a pretty good reason I would say.
As all of us know and will likely agree (and has recently been impressed upon me), life is full of unplanned surprises. By knowing and accepting this, we can start to overthink everything all could possibly come our way. Being that we are imperfect humans, this can be a real struggle for some. I know for myself, I like to have everything planned out to the T! Alas, that is not always possible (again see the above paragraph) and I have to roll with the punches of life.
That being said, I resolve to cast aside future phobias, and the unnecessary worry about what might be. I resolve to just roll with it. Okay yeah sure this time of year everyone makes their resolutions, and by March-ish I will guarantee that most will have given up on the resolutions, or simply forgotten them. I can speak from personal experience in this area. However, in addition to the other resolutions that I’ve already put down on paper, this is one that I am moving to the top of the list.
Being a new mother I can’t afford to fret over the things I can’t control. Am I going to screw him up? Am I going to be too strict, or too lenient as a parent? How will I know what to do, and when to do it? When you start to think about it the list is Endless! And really, in the end what is it going to accomplish? Nothing! There I said, and I will say it again. Big fat nothing! Zip, zero, nada!! Worrying about things beyond your control does not add anything to your life, in reality it only takes away.
So that’s it, I am choosing to cast future phobias aside. I will not allow them to have any hold on me. And this encompasses every aspect of my life beyond being a mother. What if I don’t get my next Lorenzo book finished before school is out in June? How will I manage everything and still have time for myself? What happens if I let my photography fall to the wayside and don’t book any clients this year?
Wouldn’t you agree with me when I say it always seems as if there is something new to worry about. It’s exhausting! But what if we choose to not do it anymore? What if we choose to just let it go? Whatever it is that is holding you back from peace? What if you just let it go and stop worrying about it?
A country song once said: Life’s a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know, life’s a dance, you learn as you go.
And that is life! You can’t control everything, and you can’t plan for everything (again I refer you to the above paragraphs), sometimes you just have to dance and let things come as they may.
So as hard as it may be, let’s just stop. Let’s try really really hard not to lose sleep over the things we can’t control in her life. Let’s stop worrying about the things that might happen, and just focus on what is happening. Before we know it 2016 is going to be gone, and 2017 will be here. Lets enjoy 2016 and all that it holds, because I have a feeling it is going to be one for the books!
Cheers!
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com
www.lorenzothebear.com
Since early December I have been somewhat quiet on social media, you might be wondering why. Or perhaps you are thinking yes those weekly emails have stopped alerting me to a new blog! Either way, allow me to introduce you to the reason why as of late I have been almost nonexistent in the social realm.
Meet the newest member of our family, Levi!
He came a whole month early, which took us entirely by surprise! I have been settling into my new role as a mother, spending quality time bonding (you know during those 2am feelings, and again at 4am lol). Thus is the reason I have been almost MIA since December, a pretty good reason I would say.
As all of us know and will likely agree (and has recently been impressed upon me), life is full of unplanned surprises. By knowing and accepting this, we can start to overthink everything all could possibly come our way. Being that we are imperfect humans, this can be a real struggle for some. I know for myself, I like to have everything planned out to the T! Alas, that is not always possible (again see the above paragraph) and I have to roll with the punches of life.
That being said, I resolve to cast aside future phobias, and the unnecessary worry about what might be. I resolve to just roll with it. Okay yeah sure this time of year everyone makes their resolutions, and by March-ish I will guarantee that most will have given up on the resolutions, or simply forgotten them. I can speak from personal experience in this area. However, in addition to the other resolutions that I’ve already put down on paper, this is one that I am moving to the top of the list.
Being a new mother I can’t afford to fret over the things I can’t control. Am I going to screw him up? Am I going to be too strict, or too lenient as a parent? How will I know what to do, and when to do it? When you start to think about it the list is Endless! And really, in the end what is it going to accomplish? Nothing! There I said, and I will say it again. Big fat nothing! Zip, zero, nada!! Worrying about things beyond your control does not add anything to your life, in reality it only takes away.
So that’s it, I am choosing to cast future phobias aside. I will not allow them to have any hold on me. And this encompasses every aspect of my life beyond being a mother. What if I don’t get my next Lorenzo book finished before school is out in June? How will I manage everything and still have time for myself? What happens if I let my photography fall to the wayside and don’t book any clients this year?
Wouldn’t you agree with me when I say it always seems as if there is something new to worry about. It’s exhausting! But what if we choose to not do it anymore? What if we choose to just let it go? Whatever it is that is holding you back from peace? What if you just let it go and stop worrying about it?
A country song once said: Life’s a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know, life’s a dance, you learn as you go.
And that is life! You can’t control everything, and you can’t plan for everything (again I refer you to the above paragraphs), sometimes you just have to dance and let things come as they may.
So as hard as it may be, let’s just stop. Let’s try really really hard not to lose sleep over the things we can’t control in her life. Let’s stop worrying about the things that might happen, and just focus on what is happening. Before we know it 2016 is going to be gone, and 2017 will be here. Lets enjoy 2016 and all that it holds, because I have a feeling it is going to be one for the books!
Cheers!
www.ablogforyourthoughts.com
www.lorenzothebear.com
