Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 8

Make Reading Come Alive

When you think of reading what comes to your mind? Do you get excited over a new book? Do you have a magazine subscription that you look forward to every month? I have three I am subscribed to, two are food magazines, the other is a pregnancy and newborn.  To be honest, the food ones make me super hungry just looking at the cover, and I’ve only made about half a dozen of the dishes I swore I would try.

Do you have a favorite chair that you like to curl up in when reading? Or maybe you enjoy sitting in your backyard while delving into a new book? I have a couple of places where I go to enjoy my reading material. It’s funny how we become creatures of habit and migrate to the same places. Or do you think of reading as a chore, just trying to get through it?

When it comes to reading and kids, I think of cilantro. You either love it or hate it, with almost no in between. What do you do to make story time one that is fun, and exciting? How can you make reading come alive? What are some of the things you do to make it enjoyable? Since engaging in regular author visits making reading enjoyable is at the forefront of my mind during any visit. Here are just a few tips that I implement when I visit the classroom to make story time even more exciting for kids.

Set the Scene. Arrange a special setting to gather together, pick a place where you don’t usually read. Maybe sit outside under a tree, or pull the cushions off the couch to sit on the floor. Do your kids have a tree house? If so why not try reading there? I like to inflate the air mattress It’s a treat for Levi when we pull it out. He likes to bounce on it before eventually settling down and then we read a little.

Getting in Character. Wear a costume, bring in puppets, or use special props to highlight your story. I bring a character from my book, and all of the students have an opportunity to hold and play with the stuffed animal. Get involved in the story! If you are reading something about medieval times, maybe make a dinner that night with food they might have eaten back then. Or decorate the space where you’re reading to fit the story.

Act it Out. Give each character a different voice, and get your kids involved too! If they can read why not assign them a character to read for. It can be the hero, villain, or even the narrator. I have specific places in my books where the class get’s to participate in and let me tell you they bring their loudest voices to the part. I love it! Personalize It. Insert names of your children in the story, change names of towns and characters to familiar settings, and allow your kids to become involved in the story. Discuss how the characters feel so your children can share the characters’ emotions.

Involve Everyone. Try to involve all of the children in story time, but do not force them to participate. Being “actively involved” with some kids it’s watching, listening, and sensing. Encourage shy children to join in when they are comfortable and ready. You are the best judge of your family, so do what feels natural.

And lastly Imagine the Possibilities. Using the imagination is very stimulating for young children. Closing the eyes creates excitement and allows their imagination to expand. Introduce the story by saying, “I see a,” then set the scenery or give a description such as, “I see a red brick house with no windows. The chimney reaches almost to the sky.” Detail the story with action words. Not only will this help expand their vocabulary, but will build excitement for the story too.

Storytime is a particular time to inspire imagination, foster emerging literacy skills, and plant the seeds for a young child’s lifelong interest in reading and books. Through storytime, you help children build vocabulary, develop listening skills, increase attention span, and teach new concepts and expertise. Most importantly, storytime is a time for FUN!

These are my suggestions to help make reading come alive. What are some that your family uses?

Author Interview with A.J. Cosmo

Today I’d like to introduce you to my guest, fellow author, A.J. Cosmo. A.J. teaches imagination and heart to children. As the author and illustrator of over forty kid’s books, he aims to teach valuable lessons in humorous and entertaining ways. A.J. has a new release coming out this month that I am very excited to share with all of you.

Poop – Poor Liam Anderson-Jones. On the very first day of fifth grade, in a strange new town, and a large new school, he interrupted everyone to bolt out and into the girl’s bathroom. There, down in the far stall, in pain from a horrible stomach condition, he meets a new friend: Poop. The cheery little guy says he’s there to help Liam through a tough time in his life. But what does Liam need help with? And who, in their right mind, would want Poop for a friend?

I enjoy the behind the scenes look into the lives of fellow authors. Each of us have such a unique backstory, how we got here, why we do what we do. So today, I would like to share a conversation that A.J. and I recently had.

When did you decide to become a writer, and why?

I never decided to become a writer, like drawing, it was just something I always did. The true decision came whenever I chose to write and illustrate professionally. What’s interesting is that it was entirely a choice I had to make. For the majority of my life, I waited for someone to ordain me as an artist, as a creative, and of course, that day never came. Life isn’t American Idol, we have to choose who and what we are and have the courage to follow through with it.

How long does it usually take you to complete a book? 

The average used to be around two weeks (3.5k words with six illustrations). However, I have since slowed down as I’m concentrating on creating deeper content. The average is now between one to three months. I always have at least three projects going concurrently- each with varying timeframes, and cycle periods of rest between sets.

What is your editing process like? Do you have help from anyone?

Editing is one of the few things I outsource, and that’s something I think everyone should do. Our brains tend to self-correct things that we create (since we always know what we were trying to say.) I have two editors; one for short work and one for long. I am also careful to clarify whether I need content editing or copy editing, something that I think other writers get caught up in. On another note, I think authors need to be careful with feedback, particularly group feedback, as it has a way to kill enthusiasm. Remember that if you are uncertain about your work, it probably means that you still don’t know what you’re trying to do with the piece.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I believe that I work best in the morning though if a project is in full gear, the entire day can be consumed by it. I do not have a set schedule as most writers do. Instead, I run like a hamster on a wheel until the project is done and I pass out. Those “three projects” cycles I mentioned above usually climax in a week of zombie brain recovery. Each creative has their method by the way- the trick is to find what works for you.

How do you think you’ve evolved in your writing?

I’m more confident; that’s for certain. My prose has gone from sparse to detailed and now is somehow minimalistic and expansive. I used to concentrate heavily on plot points, than on character, but now I mostly try to connect and portray emotion; which, incidentally, is the intersection of character and plot. I don’t think people ever perfect writing; there just comes the point when you no longer care about what others think of the writing and instead only care about whether or not they like the story. After all, we read for story, not prose,

Do you use a pen name? If so why? How did you choose your name?

Yes, A.J. Is my pen name. It came about for a few reasons, but the one that I want to highlight is the fear of writing. I was so scared of being rejected by people that I released a slew of material under different pen names. It was the only way for me to overcome the fear of rejection. The other stuff was targeted to adults and was thankfully rejected by readers for various reasons. A.J. Was the one that people embraced. I now respond to the name in public and introduce myself as such. It’s not even a fake personality; it just tells my brain that I’m in kid mode.

Author interview with Dorothy Hardin

Today I’d like to introduce you to my guest, fellow author, Baltimore, MD native and chocolate-lover, Dorothy E. Hardin. She resides near Hershey, PA, the sweetest place on earth. An award-winning MD educator, she now enjoys writing children’s fiction, visiting amusement parks, and traveling with her husband and extended family. Her approach to life and writing is positive and engaging.

As her gentle humor wins the hearts of readers, she focuses on the social needs of children, who typically call her Miss Dottie in real life. With an upbeat style, her books address topics, such as making friends, sharing, adjusting to change, and learning. Her first children’s book, Zander’s Friendship Journey, captivates boys, girls, parents, grandparents, and educational professionals with its energetic plot and appealing illustrations. Like many children who tend to be shy or socially anxious or are on the Autism spectrum, Zander experiences challenges as he tries to make friends. Through caring adults, he and his classmates receive support on their mutual journey with lots of fun and delightful mayhem along the way.

Zander’s Frogtastic Adventure, her second children’s book, features more charming illustrations and another enjoyable, narrative journey. Set again in Spring Creek Elementary School, the story continues with Zander, Emmy Lee, Kippy, and a new character, Clinton, who enters their classroom midyear. The plot takes several unexpected twists that will engage children and adults in the fun adventure with friendship and amphibians at the center. Frogs and tadpoles help Zander and his friends learn not only about the environment and its creatures but also about themselves.

 

When did you decide to become a writer, and why?

Telling stories have always been a part of me. Being a writer probably was stored somewhere in my DNA. When I was an English teacher, administrator, and college lecturer, I wrote for adults. My newspaper op-ed pieces, education journal articles, and chapters for books about teaching and learning were published nationally. In “retirement,” I decided to try writing for a new audience: young children. An early and enthusiastic reader, I still remember the joy of books and the learning I gained from the page-turning experience. I feature this sense of joy through learning in Zander’s Friendship Journey, and Zander’s Frogtastic Adventure.

It seems that everyone varies as to how long it takes them to complete a book, how long does it usually take you?

I take approximately two years from first draft narrative to illustration/book design (by another person) to publication. I am working on a third Zander book, which should be available by 2018

What is your editing process like? Do you have help from anyone?

Because I have done book, article, and curriculum editing for others, the first part of the editing process is mine. This stage involves multiple drafts completed by perfectionist me. When I am comfortable with what I think is a solid product, I turn the book over to my first beta reader, my husband, who is a former newspaper journalist and copy editor. Wayne is a tough critic and allows me no slack. Once I argue with him, rethink what I wrote, and revise the narrative, I give the draft to my other beta readers, several adults and children (ages 4-9) for more feedback. In the third Zander book, I currently am writing, I built in a new step. Because my beta readers seemed so committed to Zander, I thought they may overlook errors or plot holes, etc. Luckily, I found a writing critique group through Pennwriters, and they are providing additional feedback.

That is so helpful to have all that help readily available to you. How do you think you’ve evolved in your writing?

My writing evolution has been lifelong. For years, I thought of myself as a nonfiction writer because my articles typically featured topics on education, teaching, and student learning. Since high school, I had not written fiction. However, in retirement, I decided to try writing for children. It has been an evolution to find my voice for children and for the adults who are in their lives. I try to appeal to both ends of the age continuum, which is a complicated skill, one that I am still striving to improve.

Can you give us some insight into your main character? What does he do that is so special?

Zander is a young boy who has difficulty in making friends and lacks social skills. As I did not want to label my main character, there is no mention of social anxiety or autism or Asperger’s. Today, children are hooked on devices at such an early age that social interactions are becoming more problematic for most kids. Zander is a boy who requires guidance in appropriate social behaviors. As he acquires social skills, Zander reveals his sensitivity, excellence in reading, sense of humor, love of learning, and thoughtfulness. He is a complicated boy navigating a complicated world. That doesn’t make him special. It makes him like most of us at some point in our lives or perhaps throughout our lives.

Which writers inspire you?

When I first started to write fiction, I went back to my English major roots with the style of Ernest Hemingway and Harper Lee, whose straightforward and clean prose can be read and understood by a wide audience. When I started to write social stories fiction for children, I tried to do a similar thing, although I knew the words would at first be read by adults to children. Therefore, I needed to consider how the words sounded aloud, not just existing quietly on a page or screen. Eric Carle’s books are highly inspirational to me. They are beautifully crafted and are happy books. In a world so filled with negativity, I want my books to be attractive and positive, too.

I love Hemingway, and when it comes to children’s literature Carle is a classic. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? I work with people of all ages to support them and their writing. Everyone has stories to tell for a variety of purposes. One of my favorite recent experiences relates to using my Zander books to inspire children to help others through their writing. The Zander books are fiction with elements of truth in life woven in. How do you make a friend? How do you have a conversation? How do you help a new child feel welcome in a classroom? How do you keep a friend? Stories may be woven around these questions, and children have used the Zander model to write their own stories that will help others.

One last question, What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

PA is known for its ice cream, and it’s one of the reasons I moved to the central part of the state. My current, local favorites are Honey Vanilla and Honey Chocolate, flavors I first tasted at the famous PA Farm Show. When those are not available, Yuengling’s Black and Tan will do. In case you’re wondering, yes, it is the same company that brews beer.

Thank you so much for joining us today Dottie, we really enjoyed it! I also want to thank my readers for coming back this week. I truly appreciate your following my weekly blog and staying tuned in. Please leave your comments below, and we’ll be sure to respond. If you would like to know more about Dottie and her works, you can visit her at the links below.

Amazon

Facebook

Twitter

Gmail

Art touches all we do

 

Before I started down the path of writing,  I was, and will always be an artist. Art holds a very dear place in my heart. Everything about it, how you can take something out of virtually nothing, and create wonderful works from your imagination. You can take your inner most feelings and let them out for all to see it through your eyes. The arts are an essential part of education, a vital aspect of learning that is sometimes overlooked.

Sadly, in many of the schools, I visit the funding for art has been drastically cut, or eliminated altogether. As an artist, this pains me deeply. I remember in one classroom the students didn’t know what primary colors were. It was from that moment on I was determined to focus on art during my author visits.

Some may regard art education as a luxury. This simple, yet creative activity are key building blocks of child development. This is not something that stops at age 3, rather it grows stronger with each passing year.  Learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up.

In fact, Art is so vital, it is now part of the STEM branch. STEM + Art = STEAM. Science

Technology

Engineering

Math

+Art / Design

Motor Skills and Language Development are two areas that are greatly impacted by art. Many of the motions involved in making art, such as holding a paintbrush or scribbling with a crayon, are essential to the growth of fine motor skills in young children. For very young children, making art or just talking about it, provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes, and actions. You have to admit, there is nothing more precious that seeing a little toddler scribbling on a piece of construction paper with big fat crayon. Holding it up and showing you what they created. You may not see that elephant they drew, but it’s there, and you hang that masterpiece on your fridge with pride.

What about Visual Learning? Drawing, sculpting with clay, and threading beads on a string, all develop visual-spatial skills, which are more important than ever. In today’s world, our vision is the sense we most use. We are constantly confronted with situations requiring us to recognize visual shapes and colors, to analyze an object in comparison to another, or to evaluate the distance between two objects. To be able to act within our environment, it is therefore very important to correctly analyze all visual information. Art education teaches students how to interpret, criticize, and use visual information, and how to make choices based on it. Without art, they are at a massive disadvantage. 

Inventiveness: Have you ever really noticed how excited children become when they  jump right in with their hands and start creating something. It might not be of much clarity, but it’s what they see, feel, and are expressing. When kids are encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art, they develop a sense of innovation that will be important in their adult lives. Learning not to be afraid, but to express themselves, however, best they can.

The human brain is wired in such a way that we can make sense of lines, colors, and patterns on a flat canvas. Artists throughout human history have figured out ways to create illusions such as depth and brightness that aren’t actually there but make works of art seem somehow more real.

An example of this is pointillism. This is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Georges Seurat and Paul Signac developed the technique in 1886, branching from Impressionism.  Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, and Pointillism happy to be my favorite type of paintings. I remember when we took a trip to Paris, I spent all day in the Musee d’Orsay staring at all of these amazing paintings. I could spend an eternity studying these artists and their masterpiece, and it still wouldn’t be enough for me.

Our biggest contributors to history are in fact artist. Can you imagine where we would be if we didn’t have ones like; Seurat, Rembrandt, Di Vinci, Degas, the list goes on.  Art is what molded and shaped them, it shaped our world. The culture that we are so proud of as humans, we owe it to the Arts. We owe it to our children to encourage the Arts, just as much as we do reading, or any other skill.

We can even take the time to teach them about both. Introduce them to books on Art, about artists and their lives. I would say roughly (and I’m being conservative here) a third of all the books I own are on the topic of art. I’m always looking for new books about my favorite artists, now I’m looking for these same books, only tailored to children.  We can show our children, nieces, nephews  the things these individuals created, and help to spark their inner artist.

Wish you all a little art in your life.

 

Confessions of a Stay At Home Mom

In my pre-kid life, I never imagined that someday I’d be a stay-at-home mom. It’s not that I didn’t want kids, I just never thought about stuff like that. Honestly, I didn’t. Now that I am one, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s loud, messy, crazy, challenging, I hardly have any time to myself. Between four cats and a 7-month-old, there is no privacy in the bathroom that’s for sure! I seem to go through more laundry that I thought would be possible. In fact, that is one of my gripes. Everyone tells you how much laundry the baby will go through, but they fail to mention how much you go through as the parent. Yet, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Above all else, it’s fun! It’s exciting, each day brings new surprises, new challenges, we discover new things together, we grow together, we thrive. As a mother with my son, and as a family unit as a whole, we grow closer each and every day.

In addition to being a Stay At Home Mom (SHAM), I am also a Work At Home Mom (WAHM), so I’m always pulling double or triple duty (no pun intended). Do my day’s ever go as planned? HA-HA!! No. That’s okay, though, because this is where the most important thing comes into play, flexibility. Some days, I’m amazed at the things I’ve accomplished, so much that I can’t stop talking about all managed to do. There are times when all I can talk about at the dinner table is how much laundry I washed, folded and put away. How the kitchen is the cleanest it’s been in a week! Or when I’m able to illustrate during the day, when Levi is awake! Oh, my god, it’s like the goose that laid the golden egg!  Then other days, well… let’s just say I’m happy both of us are fed and clothed. Again flexibility. This is a word that I have come to learn, appreciate, and love in a way I never thought I ever could.

Flexibility allows me to sit on the floor with my little guy while he’s  playing with his soft blocks. While working, I stop every couple of minutes as needed, or as wanted to play and just stare adoringly at him.  I know that I am fortunate to have the opportunity, flexibility, and most of all support from my husband to be a stay home/work at home wife and mother. This is not something that I take for granted.

For me, being a WAHM is the best of both worlds. I get to be here for the first giggle and step, first cry and laugh. I’m still the same person I was before Levi arrived, now I just have this extra amazing  little person with me all the time! Oh trust me, it can be a crazy juggling act on some days, but the multitasking is worth it! I cannot imagine not having him with me every moment of the day.

Being a WHAM means that every day is bring your son to work day! I love it! I love that I can set him up next to me on the floor while I’m sitting at the drafting table working. I’ve tried working on the floor next to him, let’s just say that was less than productive. His reach, my god! It’s like he’s a little octopus baby he has so many hands going all over the place!

For me, it comes down to four things. Having the right attitude, having a good support system (my husband is amazing! I couldn’t do it without his loving support.), lots and lots of flexibility, and having a realistic schedule. I must admit, I am still working on that last one.

Just because I’m a stay at home mom doesn’t mean my life has to be all baby, all the time. I totally know how to have (and often do) grown up conversations. Even if we are just staying in, my husband and I have a regular date night, which is vital for our relationship. We have our close friends that we still spend way too much time with. Oh and don’t even get me started on my personal breaks. It’s like switching gears, for even a few moments is refreshing. When Levi goes down for his glorious two-hour nap, I try and make that my “me time.” Whether I’m sitting quietly and enjoy a snack, or I want to clean and organize something, it keeps me sane.

This is just the beginning of my life, as SHAM/WHAM. Let’s see where this wild ride takes us!

 

Selfies in the Wild

Today I am happy to introduce you to a fellow kid lit author and friend, C.L. Murphy.She lives in a wonder-filled forest, amongst the wildlife with her husband and other untamed animals. They have two wildly perfect sons and a scrumptious new granddaughter. The inspiration for her series, The Adventures Lovable Lobo  came from a wolf pup that she raised for over 14 years.

C.L. Murphy or Cathy (C.L.) has been creating with and for kids, for many years, she’s ever armed with crayons and not afraid to use or share them. She’s faster than a speeding turtle, more powerful than a newborn bunny, and nearly able to leap tall tales in a single bound. She’s in a position to use her unassuming powers in a never-ending battle for good and silliness while traveling to the deepest (sometimes dark) part of her imagination. She’s been a member of SCBWI since 2012.

About the Book:

Title: The Adventures of Lovable Lobo – Selfies in the Wild

Written and illustrated by C.L. Murphy

Published by Peanut Butter Prose

Date published: August 1, 2016

Recommended ages: 3 to 7

Number of pages: 28

Summary:

Lobo and his sidekick raven find a trail camera in their neck of the woods, and it attracts the attention of forest friends. Images captured have never been sillier or more candid. Just as their wild dispositions are exposed, the photo shoot comes to an unexpected end and they’re all left wondering why. The reason may be obvious.

Available on Amazon.

My Review:

I received a free eCopy of this book for an honest review. What an adorable book! I read this to my 7-month-old, and he giggled the entire time. It is targeted for young readers, but parents will enjoy reading it as well. Lobo and his friends find a trail camera in the wild and take a bunch of selfies. (They might have been why my son was so in love because he already takes selfies!) C. L.’s sense of humor really comes through in the illustrations, some of the selfies are pretty funny! Finally, the battery runs out and they think they broke it.

I thought it would nice to learn more about Cathy, and her creative process.

What is your editing process like? Do you have help from anyone?

I have a critique partner and I ask for input from friends, family and any little peep that I can borrow off the streets (with their parents’ permission). I have the most amazing editor. Susan Hughes (http://myindependenteditor.com) is a delight to work with, a true professional and always exceeds my expectations. I would encourage any author that needs a good editor (and who doesn’t?) to give her a try. She’s currently offering a free sample edit of up to 1000 words to anyone interested in seeing what editing can do for their writing.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I find the early morning’s undisturbed air to be the most productive time of the day, so I’m up before dawn. If I’m stuck on something I go for a walk in the woods, and talk it out…vocally and out loud for all the world to hear. I also believe the blabber may deter any bear or other predator attacks. There may be neighbors (and some wild animals) that think of me as that crazy, bear spray packing lady that talks and laughs to herself. Who knows?

How do you think you’ve evolved in your writing?

“Practice makes perfect,” or so they say. I’m incredibly imperfect, but I’m learning and evolving every step of the way. My understanding of the process has grown exponentially, as has the realization of how much work is involved and how dedicated one has to be to their craft.

Is there anything you are working on right now you would like to share with us?

I’ll be working on gaining my sanity back after the blog tour.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors you would like to share?

I’d say to study your genre by reading everything you can get your hands on in it. Watch what successful authors are doing and stay up-to-date in the publishing industry. Grow a very thick skin because not everyone is going to like or appreciate what you create. Hurtful things may be said.

Can you give us an insight into your main character? What does he do that is so special?

Lovable Lobo is a wolf pup with a raven sidekick, Roxy. Not many may know that he is a vegetarian. He considers himself a herbivore. He’s friends with all and every furry, feathered and scaled forest friend and couldn’t imagine eating any of them. Unaware of how he may be perceived by others, he goes about his life with kindness and tries to live up to his lovable name.

Last question, what is your favorite ice cream flavor?

In a cone, I want mocha or chocolate flavors with nuts and/or caramel. In a bowl, give me scoops of a good quality vanilla in a puddle of hot fudge.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by Cathy. I hope you’ve enjoyed this behind the scenes look at C.L. Murphy’s new book, Selfies in the Wild, and getting to know a little more about the author.

Join the Selfies in the Wild Blog Tour and follow Cathy all month long to see where Lobo’s antics take them, and what happens in the wild. You can visit her at the following links below for more information. Be sure to watch the book trailer for Selfies in the Wild, and enter the giveaway for you chance to win!  If you have any comments you would like to share, please do so and Cathy or I will get back to you.

Website: 

Blog:

Facebook: 

Twitter: 

Linkedin: 

Goodreads: 

Pinterest:     

Amazon Author Page: 

Instagram: 

YouTube: 

Google+:

 

The Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $200 Amazon gift card or $200 PayPal cash prize, winner’s choice

Giveaway ends: August 31, 11:59 p.m., 2016

Open to: Worldwide

How to enter: Please enter the Rafflecopter HERE. 

Terms and conditions: There is NO purchase necessary to enter or win. One winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget within 48 hours and notified by email once the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

For the next stop of the Selfies in the Wild Blog Tour, please visit Rhonda Paglia, Children’s Author

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Selfies in the Wild in preparation for this interview and for joining the Blog Tour.

Guest Blog : JD Holiday’s Talk with Fran Lewis

FRAN LEWIS

Author and Book Reviewer Fran Lewis

worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters; Degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children’s books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer’s disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure. The title of my new Alzheimer’s book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s story and Sharp as a Tack and Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain? Because We Care, Faces Behind the Stones, Bad Choices and my two latest YA books: Bertha and Tillie Friends Forever and Bertha and Tillie, Sisters Forever.

Fran reviews only print copies and her reviews are detailed, honest, stand as written but never have spoilers. She was the musical director for shows in her school and ran the school’s newspaper. Fran writes reviews for authors upon request and for several other sites. You can read some of her reviews on Ezine.com and on ijustfinished.com under the name Gabina.

Fran Lewis and I have been friends for many years. I admire Fran greatly and am happy to interview her.







AMAZON



Hi Fran, Thank you so much for being here.

Tell us about your latest book, Hidden Truth And Lies?
Hidden Truths and Lies is told from the point of view of the deceased person behind the gravestone. The person has either done something wrong and or has been wronged. In the first story, 27 minutes and Silences Maria D has been wronged but it is only time that will tell if Tony her husband is guilty of her death or if there are other reasons. In the second story, the main character did something wrong and definitely belongs behind the stone. This is my fourth in the Faces series but the last two stories are my attempt at writing horror and a touch of science fiction. Faces Five will be told from the viewpoint of three people based on real life events plus five or more that need to learn a lesson in life. I hope that all of my books in this series teach young adults and adults lessons to make sure they do not wind up behind the stone in Golden Gate Cemetery.

When did the storyteller in you surface?
I have always loved writing since I think I was five. But, writing books started as a dare from my sister, Marcia. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and I had to retire early to make sure she was taken care of at home. So, my sister dared me to not only review my first book, which was a cookbook, and Fran does not cook but to write a children’s book about our antics growing up in the South Bronx. Of course, she managed to edit the book and critique it too and that she did. By the time I got it published I think she read it ten times and wanted me to change some of the endings of the stories but I told her everything or every ending does not always end happily ever after and that what I wrote was what really happened to make the stories authentic and real.

What was your ambition for your writing career to start with, and what is it now?






AMAZON



I started to write short stories in 2003 and published them on a great site : Writing .com and was able to get some valuable feedback. It is great for writers and authors to publish stories and see what other writers think. I started there and then I took all of my Bertha and Tillie stories and created my first children’s book never thinking that I would continue on to write even more. But, when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I decided to do some major research and then create a book that would honor her, let everyone hear her voice and help caregivers and families understand how important it is to take care of someone if they can at home and provide outside help to give you a chance for some type of freedom.
What do I hope Now? I hope that I will continue to review books for a long time. I find that I learn a lot from the writing styles of all of the authors and even more from the informational books, historical novels, memoirs and at times even the self-help books. Reading is power and power gives you the knowledge to make choices in life.

Do most of your books usually, convey a theme or message?
My Bertha series deals with bullying, mean girls, skating lessons that went sour, being overweight and friendships. My Faces series I hope teaches teens, young adults and  adults lessons that they need to learn. For example, in Bad Choices one of the stories deals with suicide and being overweight. Another deals with mean girls at a sorority party who treat some of the not so pretty girls in a mean way and what the boys do is even worse. Hard lessons are learned in these books along with the pressures of school and too much homework. Each story is different and each one presents its own theme.

Are there parts of your life in your stories?
In every one of the Bertha Stories you will read about me, Bertha and some of the things that I went through trying to take dancing lessons, ice skating and dealing with a teacher that was cruel and insulting. Winning a writing contest and having the teacher say she would not submit it to the principal even though the teachers on the grade said I came in first. My aunt was a teacher in the school and although the assignment was given in class and done in class she thought my aunt told me about it before and that I had rewritten what she told me even though I started like everyone else with a blank paper. Needless to say, it was the first time I ever talked back and spoke up for myself in a different way.
 






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Fran, you are a book reviewer. How did this come about and what can authors expect from your reviews? The first book I reviewed was a cookbook by Martha Cheves and I had no idea where to go with it or how to review a book. But, I managed to come up with something unique and funny. As a result, someone else read it and invited me to join a site just for authors. For some reason, many of the authors asked for reviews and I have not stopped yet. I love Tess Gerristen and I took a chance and emailed her and she sent me her book to read and was my first New York Times best-selling author to interview on my radio show. She is doing an on air with me in October.

I am always tense when I review a book for an author who asked me to. I feel I have to get it done right away. It’s nerve racking for me. Is there pressure on you knowing that authors are waiting for your review of their books?
From the moment I get the request whether it is a new author, Indie or internationally famous author or New York Times best-selling author I read the book at my own pace, try to find something different to start the review and let the author know beforehand that my review stands as rated and written, I am honest, straightforward, don’t claim to be perfect but I will give them an honest review. However, if the book does not warrant at  least 3 and a half stars I won’t review it. I will create a short summary for the author for promotion purposes and will not post it on Amazon of Goodreads. I never pan a book. Just because I do not find it four or five stars someone else might. I do not want to cloud anyone’s judgment.

Tell us about your other books? 






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My Bertha and Tillie series focus on my real life experiences growing up with my sister in the South Bronx. We both took dancing lessons, ice skating lessons and I shared some stories about mean girls in school, getting bullied and how Bertha created a peer mediation group to deal with student differences in Bertha Fights Back. The series is supposed to promote understanding, tolerance and hopefully teach kids to work together in a respectful way. Bertha and Tillie are totally different and one story also focuses on how we dealt with the fact that my mother, in this case, I used my grandmother, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and how we all came together to care for her. Memories are Precious Because We Care and The Vanishing Mind of Ruth Swerdloff provided valuable information for caregivers, families, Alzheimer’s stages and short pieces where you can actually hear my mom’s voice and understand what she went through. The Faces Behind the Stones series is told from the point of the voice of the deceased person behind the gravestone. Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing a crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life. “We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.”

What advice would you give your younger self, Fran?
Always stay true to who you are and never let anyone put you down or make you feel less that you are no matter what. All too often kids find themselves in a position where they are unsure, lack self-confidence and tend to want to conform to the thinking of others. Within my Bertha series, this theme comes through loud and clear until Bertha realizes that she is smart, intuitive and does not need to be like everyone else because she is BERTHA. My sister was always thin and I was always, not anymore, overweight and battled to just stay below 170. With the help of my grandmother, Katie and my doctor, Dr. Ballot I was able to combat the problem and learn the cause. Till this day, I am not overweight by any means, I still battle with my weight and eat healthy al the time. Living up to your own standards and finding your own niche is important. I learned not to be a follower and to use my musical talents in playing both the violin and piano as my strong suits and eventually they helped give me the confidence I needed back then and even now my book reviews and the fact that authors want my opinions and reviews is really gratifying and great. To anyone young, teens, young adults find something you like doing and go for it. Be who you are and being different is okay.

Who influenced your writing?










My sister and my aunt Tova played important roles in my writing. My sister encouraged me to write what I know about and that of course if me. I write about school, friendships, Alzheimer’s and areas that can be researched and of interest to teens and young adults. I love writing the Faces Stories and that came from visiting my family’s cemetery and wondering as I looked at the headstones what each person would say if they could speak to me and what my sister would want me to know that she never got to tell me before she passed away. I took a walk around the cemetery and wondered what the stories behind each stone were and what some of these people might have accomplished in their lives if they could speak to me and what others would like to confess.

Who do you read?
I read different authors: Brian Freeman, Jon Land, Tess Gerritsen, J.D. Holiday and her great children’s books, Marsha Casper Cook, Robert Dugoni, Allan Topol, Linda Fairstein, Daniel Palmer and Christoph Fischer to name a few. I love reading Carole Roman’s historical series for children. I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies. One of the best books I have recently read is The Progeny by Tosca Lee, and Ink and Bones by Lisa Unger.

What is your next project?

 

I am currently working on a piece for my Magazine: MJ 9 on obesity and the causes to make people aware of the need for parents and children to be more vigilant about their health and the pitfalls of falling into binge eating. I am working on MJ9 and coming up with new ideas for Faces 5 and have started to create titles for the book such as 21 shots and designated driver. 

Thank you, Fran! I honored you read my works. ~JD

Find Fran Lewis’ books and Reviewers:  https://tillie49.wordpress.com/about/




All Fran Lewis’ books and her magazine can be found at: 

http://www.amazon.com/Fran-Lewis/e/B002F8Z87U/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Fran-Lewiss-Book-reviews-100527846733244/

 

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My review of Hidden Truth And Lies by Author And Book Reviewer Fran Lewis: 

                                                  










Amazon






Did you ever want to have revenge on those who have harmed you in some way? Reading Hidden Truth and Lies, I was able to feel a little substitute pleasure with my thoughts. I smiled through this collection of Edgar Allan Poe-like sci-fi short stories. The author’s characters are vivid and fascinating  throughout these clever, dark and captivating stories of crimes and heinous choices. Fran Lewis is a superb storyteller. A quick, fun and delightful, (Yes, I said fun and delightful,) read!  

5 VERY Large Stars!

#BookLoversDay

 

August 9th is Book Lovers Day! WhooooHoooooo!!  For book lovers everywhere this means delving into our favorite books! Talking to others about books, going to a book store to look for new books, or in other words, the same thing we do every day. The only difference, today is like our own holiday!

To honor today, and highlight all that Book Lovers Day is, some of my blogging pals and I decided to have a blog hop to talk about this day BOOKS! Books we grew up with, books we love to read over and over, or what got us into reading in the first place.

Did you ever read a book that just made you fall madly in love with it? Maybe you didn’t care to read at all, but after picking up that one book it changed how you feel about reading? Can you relate to this? I know I can!

When I was younger I was not into reading. In fact, I despised it with every fiber of my being. Mostly it was because I wasn’t a good reader. This had nothing to do with my parent’s, they would always read to me. They would always take my sister and I to the local libraries, and on special occasions we would get to visit the big down town library. Despite all of that, reading just wasn’t my forte. Eventually, mom picked me some of those hooked on phonics books (do you remember those books?). It helped with my reading, but I still wasn’t hooked on reading.

As with most things in life whether you like it or not, you have to keep with it, and so I did. My mother then moved onto games such as reader rabbit (now that game was a lot of fun and would encourage me to do more so I could unlock other levels), there were a few Clifford games too. With each new thing my mother tried, I inched closer to books.

One day while at the library with my parents, I stumbled across Death Watch by Robb White. It seemed interesting, the last page of the book really peaked my interest (I always read the last page of a book first to see if it grabs my attention).  So I took it home, and the rest is history.

It’s not my favorite book, but it is the book that really sparked my love of reading. The excitement of suspense, based on a fight to the finish between an honest and courageous young man, and a cynical business tycoon who believes that anything can be had for a price.

My favorite book will always be held by A flaw in the Blood , by Stephanie Barron.  Set in the late 1800’s filled with secrets that are so powerful and dangerous it could topple the entire monarchy. This is a book that I can get lost in over, and over, and over again!

 

Today, I have many books that I enjoy reading, and new ones that I cannot wait to jump into! I gravitate towards mystery books, maybe it’s because that was first book I read that made me fall in love with reading. Perhaps it’s because I like the thrill of the chase, I’m not sure. What I am sure of is this,  when I look back and think how there was a time that I did not enjoy reading, and would do anything I could to get out of it; I am grateful my parents never stopped pushing me. If they had, then I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have this love of reading, nor likely be an author.

Like my parent’s I read to my son every day, several times a day. It’s never too early to encourage reading, it’s never too early to get a book in their hands. Just be prepared for all of the chewing that poor book will endure. I talk, sing, and read all day long. In fact I’ve read this blog out loud to him before I even pressed the publish button. I think he approves of it, he gave me three babbles and high pitched squeal of excitement.

So I implore you, all of you, to never stop looking for that book. That one book that will spark everything for you. I owe my love of reading to my parents! My hope is that one day my son will say the same thing.

There is a book for everyone, it doesn’t matter what you like. Like deserts, books come in all kinds of tasty treats!

What about you? Do you have a love for reading yet? What is your favorite book(s)? Do you remember that first book you read? Please leave a comment to share with us below!

Now, let’s kick up our feet, grab a cup/glass of your favorite beverage, and enjoy some of the other various blogs about books! You can find them at the links below!

 

Auden Johnson

Cat Michaels

Corrina Hoylake

Jd Holiday

Julie Gorges

K. Lamb

Maurice Chuka

Rhonda Paglia

Rosie Russell

Sandra Bennett

Meet Author, Pat McDermott

Today I’d like to introduce you to my guest, fellow author Pat McDermott. Born and educated in Boston, Massachusetts, Pat McDermott grew up in a family full of music and myths, these have found their way into her stories. When she’s not writing, her favorite activities include cooking, hiking, reading, and traveling, especially to Ireland. She lives near the New Hampshire seacoast with her husband and their three talkative Tonkinese cats.

When did you decide to become a writer, and why?

No decision came into play, since writing is, and has always been part of me. My family included some talented storytellers, especially my father. His bedtime tales often kept me awake for hours, and in a good way: they made me want to tell stories too. I’ve attended writing classes over the years, but my own children were nearly grown before I started putting ideas on paper seriously. I entered a short story in a Writer’s Digest Annual Writing contest and received an Honorable Mention for children’s fiction, an award that gave my confidence an enormous boost.

 Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I try to write every day, usually early in the morning when it’s quiet. Whether I’m struggling with something new or revising pages I’ve already written, I find mornings most productive. If I’m not working on a story, I’ll promote either my own work or the work of other writers (I have a book blog for that). Reading and domestic chores fill the afternoons. Most Monday evenings, I meet with my writing group, which gives me the incentive to spruce up a chapter or two each week.

A writing group, how encouraging is that! Writing can often times be a lonely road, but when you share that with fellow writers it can be extremely encouraging. How do you think you’ve evolved in your writing?

Although I still have a long way to go, I have more confidence than I did when I began. I’m better at making words do what I want them to do, and I’m less reluctant to break the writing rules I’ve learned so well. The publishing aspect of storytelling is less of a mystery to me since I regained the rights to my books and went indie. I’ve also acquired a better understanding of the befuddling marketing aspect of publishing books.

Could you share with us what you have written? 

The eight books I’ve written cross several genres, including fantasy, action/adventure, sci-fi, romance, and paranormal. My Band of Roses Trilogy is alternate history fiction serving up a modern Ireland that might have existed had High King Brian Boru survived the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The young adult Glimmer books, which I like to call Adventure for Young Adults of All Ages, add magic to this “what if” Ireland, courtesy of various fairy clans. County Mayo provides the backdrop for The Rosewood Whistle, an adult contemporary romance filled with “music, myth, laughter, and love.” My most recent work is Unholy Crossing. 

I asked Pat to give us a blurb about her book Unholy Crossing.

Unholy Crossing is a paranormal novella set in Boston and Ireland’s County Sligo around 1912. Here’s the blurb:

It’s 1912, and America has lost its charm for Noreen Carbury, an educated young lady from Ireland. For five long years, Noreen has looked after the children of Boston’s well-to-do. Homesick and vexed by the gentry’s demeaning views toward immigrants, she schedules a voyage to visit her family in County Sligo.

Beneath the clothing and gifts she packs in her steamer trunk, Noreen conceals a wooden box whose grisly contents she’s promised to transport to Ireland. She boards a splendid new steamship expecting a crossing fit for a queen, yet her trunk has somehow harbored a spirit who plagues her during the week-long trip. She believes that once she delivers the box, the phantom will leave her alone. Although she keeps her promise, the visitations grow more sinister, pitting her strict Catholic upbringing against Ireland’s pagan past.

To protect the reputation of the man she loves, Noreen says nothing of the mysterious incidents. For decades, she bears the burden alone, until the elderly woman she becomes confesses the spine-chilling tale of the Unholy Crossing.

I must say Pat, this gave me goosebumps. You captured my attention. Now is there anything that you are working on right now that you would like to share with us?

I’m having fun working on a sequel to The Rosewood Whistle. The story, untitled for the moment, will be another contemporary romance set in Ireland.

One last question before you go, what is your favorite cuisine?

Probably Italian, though I enjoy eating and preparing many ethnic foods. My cooking blog, Kitchen Excursions, explores several international cuisines.

Thank you so much for joining us today Pat, we really enjoyed it! I also want to thank my readers for coming back this week. I truly appreciate your following my weekly blog and staying tuned in. Please leave your comments below, and we’ll be sure to respond. If you would like to know more about Pat and her works, you can visit her at the links below.

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon 

Google+

 

 

Dressed for Success

One of the many things that I love about my life is that I am able to do everything with little Levi in tow. Anywhere I need to go he comes right along with me. This includes my volunteer wok, allergy shots, work etc. If for some reason I am not able to take him with me, my husband has the flexibility in his job to be able to stay with him. I’m able to do a majority of things without even leaving the comfort of my home, this Includes work.

Even right now as I’m typing this blog (well more like speaking into my phone because I’m using Microsoft on my phone), I’m able to sit on the floor with my little guy while he’s quietly playing with his soft blocks. I stop every couple of minutes as needed, or as wanted to play and interact with him.  I know that I’m fortunate to have the opportunity, flexibility, and most of all support from my husband to be a stay home/work at home wife and mother. This is not something that I take for granted.

While there are some major advantages to being at home, there are also some disadvantages as well. Sometimes I’m just not inclined to do anything but stay in pajamas all day. And in the end who’s going to judge me? My seven-month-old? My four cats? OK in all honesty, I don’t stay in my pj’s past breakfast  unless I’m sick. However,  I don’t usually get dressed either, at least not in the traditional sense. It’s more like casual lounging/ workout clothing. Let’s just say, I’m not usually bringing a strong fashion show to the table if you know what I mean. If I’m staying home all day I don’t usually put on make up, or do much with my hair, other than putting it in a ponytail. As you can clearly see in the picture to the right.

I’ve noticed that on days when I more inclined  to stay in lounging type clothing, not do my hair or make up, I’m  less likely to accomplish tasks. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, we all need down days.  On the days when I do get dressed in the traditional sense,  I find myself being more productive. I’m not sure why this is.  Maybe it’s just the mental thought that because I’m more dressed up, I have a reason to leave the house and go do something, even if I never leave at all.

It’s funny how something just as simple as putting on your favorite blue jeans, with a nicer top, and a little bit of mascara, can make all the difference in the way you feel. When I’m “dressed” I feel ready to tackle anything that comes my way! When I’m not “dressed”then I’m more inclined to leave it until later.  I will be the first to say it’s hard to want to get yourself dressed and ready just to be staying inside all day. Especially when you’re dealing with a baby who spits up, and always manages to hit you, the moving target. I’m not going to suggest anything like we all need to start getting up in the morning and bring you’re A game. Who can live up to that standard? ( haha) That being said, maybe there is something to this whole “look your best, feel your best” adage.

Here’s my challenge: The next time you feel less than special, try sprucing yourself up just a little. Whether you’re a man or a woman, throw on a nice top, or pair of pants that make you feel special. Try a little bit of mascara, or anything that makes you smile a little brighter. You still might not leave the house, you may be tending to the needs and demands of a busy household. What can it hurt though? There’s a good chance that you can start smiling from the inside out, and your smile will shine through!

Share with us in the comments below, how do you dress for success? What makes your smile shine a little brighter?