S.A. Larsen's Blog, page 4
October 2, 2019
IWSG ~ Do Overs in Publishing
Today marks another IWSG post, where writers come together to share their thoughts, angst, worries, and insecurities about the publishing world and book writing all together. BUT, we also share our hopes, dreams, and our successes.
So here's a success I'd like to share and add to the Insecure Writers Support Group's wall of encouragement.
MOTLEY EDUCATION has been completely rebranded, edited, and released as a Second Edition!
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | iTunes |
Smashwords | Kobo | PublisherMotley Education: The Urd Saga BkI
Ages: 8-12Pages: 354Publisher: Ellysian Press, September 10, 2019; Second EditionISBN: 978-1-941637-63-0ISBN: 978-1-941637-64-7 (Ingram)ASIN: B07XCYPD76
"A deftly crafted ... and entertaining read!"Midwest Book Reviews - Children's Watch 2017Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted Terms of EnrollmentSigned: Ebony CharmedEbony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act. Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.
2017 Literary Classics - Gold Medal Winner - Grade School Fantasy2016 New England Book Festival - Best Children’s Book2017 Readers' Favorite - Gold Medal Winner - Children's Fantasy/Sci Fi2017 Feathered Quill - Bronze Winner - Best Juvenile/YA Fiction2017 Purple Dragonfly - Honorable Mention Winner; ebook
Add to GOODREADS
Here's the new book trailer . . .
The release was a huge day for me. But I didn't make a big deal about it. So here's where my insecurity comes in for this month.
Releasing Motley - which was my debut novel into the world - for a second time felt like I was playing catch-up, like I was re-celebrating my birthday and everyone would be like "Uh, big deal." No, no one said that. On the contrary, I had a ton of support during my new book birthday. )You know who you are, and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!) I know that Motley has been completely rebranded with a new cover, theme, book blurb, and marketing strategy, which is all good. It's just not new to me, not a new accomplishment, not a bigger goal reached. Does this make sense?
It was work. A lot of work, just like when I originally sold the manuscript to my first publisher. There were rounds of edits, cover discussions, all new marketing graphics created, and more. I'm super blessed that my YA publisher loves my work so much they offered to rep Motley. Honestly, I couldn't thank them enough.
I guess what I'm asking you all is How should I really feel about getting Motley back out into the wild? (For those who don't know, feel free to go HERE. Basically, my original pub closed, leaving Motley homeless.) Does feeling like it's a success make me selfish?
One note: I truly am thrilled the book is back out there and that I'm in revisions for book II. I love these characters and the world they live in. We really do have a cool job, don't we?
MORE PARTICIPANTS
A huge 'thank you' gotes out to the awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
So here's a success I'd like to share and add to the Insecure Writers Support Group's wall of encouragement.
MOTLEY EDUCATION has been completely rebranded, edited, and released as a Second Edition!
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | iTunes |Smashwords | Kobo | PublisherMotley Education: The Urd Saga BkI
Ages: 8-12Pages: 354Publisher: Ellysian Press, September 10, 2019; Second EditionISBN: 978-1-941637-63-0ISBN: 978-1-941637-64-7 (Ingram)ASIN: B07XCYPD76
"A deftly crafted ... and entertaining read!"Midwest Book Reviews - Children's Watch 2017Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted Terms of EnrollmentSigned: Ebony CharmedEbony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act. Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.
2017 Literary Classics - Gold Medal Winner - Grade School Fantasy2016 New England Book Festival - Best Children’s Book2017 Readers' Favorite - Gold Medal Winner - Children's Fantasy/Sci Fi2017 Feathered Quill - Bronze Winner - Best Juvenile/YA Fiction2017 Purple Dragonfly - Honorable Mention Winner; ebook
Add to GOODREADSHere's the new book trailer . . .
The release was a huge day for me. But I didn't make a big deal about it. So here's where my insecurity comes in for this month.
Releasing Motley - which was my debut novel into the world - for a second time felt like I was playing catch-up, like I was re-celebrating my birthday and everyone would be like "Uh, big deal." No, no one said that. On the contrary, I had a ton of support during my new book birthday. )You know who you are, and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!) I know that Motley has been completely rebranded with a new cover, theme, book blurb, and marketing strategy, which is all good. It's just not new to me, not a new accomplishment, not a bigger goal reached. Does this make sense?
It was work. A lot of work, just like when I originally sold the manuscript to my first publisher. There were rounds of edits, cover discussions, all new marketing graphics created, and more. I'm super blessed that my YA publisher loves my work so much they offered to rep Motley. Honestly, I couldn't thank them enough.
I guess what I'm asking you all is How should I really feel about getting Motley back out into the wild? (For those who don't know, feel free to go HERE. Basically, my original pub closed, leaving Motley homeless.) Does feeling like it's a success make me selfish?
One note: I truly am thrilled the book is back out there and that I'm in revisions for book II. I love these characters and the world they live in. We really do have a cool job, don't we?
MORE PARTICIPANTSA huge 'thank you' gotes out to the awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
September 1, 2019
IWSG ~ Book Lovers Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day & a Bookish Giveaway!
I'm foregoing this Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly question to share a cause that is dear to me and has, in the past, caused me some insecurity. I'd love it if you'd comment, sharing from your experiences or opinions, but I completely understand if you don't. A huge 'thank you' goes out to this month's co-hosts: Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner! For more participants, go HERE.
The first annual Book Lover's Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day Tour will kick off on Sunday, September 1st and will culminate in a twelve-hour Facebook Live Event on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th.
The purpose of this event is to spread mental health awareness among the book community, eradicate the stigmas associated with mental health, share our individual journeys in an accepting community, discuss books that effectively represent mental health issues, and raise money for the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Mental illness is often misunderstood. Some believe it's feeling sad, while others think there's just something wrong with that person. And the biggest misconception is that the person suffering with mental illness can just think happy thoughts or maybe try smiling to make it all okay. We have a lot to learn about true clinical mental illness, but smiling more is definitely not a cure.
Without further blah-blah from me, here's the exciting author line-up for the Book Lovers Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day Tour: LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK YOU ARE HERE!
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK
My Highlight For My Spotlight On September 4th
I talk about mental illness and depression from personal experience, one I RARELY expose. My mother was diagnosed as a severe or manic depressant (today, I believe it would be classified as bi-polar) when I was a young child. My father spent most of his time refereeing for her, while I shielded my younger brother from any of the backlash. I won't go into details, which I hope you'll understand. But I wanted you to know why this event is close to my heart.
AND . . . why I'll be doing a special giveaway! Scroll to the bottom to enter for your chance to WIN!
Facebook LIVE Event!Join us for a twelve-hour Facebook LIVE event on September 10th - World Suicide Prevention Day!
Join the Event!
Want to lend some support? Attend the Event! Share the Event!
Buy a T-shirt for $20 to support the International Association for the Prevention of Suicide !
Enter my giveaway . . .
What you'll get:a Book Lovers Unite for Suicide Prevention day T-shirta Meditation Sidekick Journal from Habit Nestsome book swag from my books I'll be keeping this giveaway open until the Live Facebook Event on September 10th, so the more you spread the word the more chances you'll have to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a safe zone. If you'd like to share an experience or feelings about mental illness and/or suicide, you are more than welcomed to do so. Thank you for stopping by to visit the Alleyway!
The first annual Book Lover's Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day Tour will kick off on Sunday, September 1st and will culminate in a twelve-hour Facebook Live Event on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th.The purpose of this event is to spread mental health awareness among the book community, eradicate the stigmas associated with mental health, share our individual journeys in an accepting community, discuss books that effectively represent mental health issues, and raise money for the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Mental illness is often misunderstood. Some believe it's feeling sad, while others think there's just something wrong with that person. And the biggest misconception is that the person suffering with mental illness can just think happy thoughts or maybe try smiling to make it all okay. We have a lot to learn about true clinical mental illness, but smiling more is definitely not a cure.
Without further blah-blah from me, here's the exciting author line-up for the Book Lovers Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day Tour: LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK YOU ARE HERE!
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK
LINK LINK
LINK LINK LINK
My Highlight For My Spotlight On September 4th
I talk about mental illness and depression from personal experience, one I RARELY expose. My mother was diagnosed as a severe or manic depressant (today, I believe it would be classified as bi-polar) when I was a young child. My father spent most of his time refereeing for her, while I shielded my younger brother from any of the backlash. I won't go into details, which I hope you'll understand. But I wanted you to know why this event is close to my heart.
AND . . . why I'll be doing a special giveaway! Scroll to the bottom to enter for your chance to WIN!
Facebook LIVE Event!Join us for a twelve-hour Facebook LIVE event on September 10th - World Suicide Prevention Day!
Join the Event!
Want to lend some support? Attend the Event! Share the Event!
Buy a T-shirt for $20 to support the International Association for the Prevention of Suicide !
Enter my giveaway . . .
What you'll get:a Book Lovers Unite for Suicide Prevention day T-shirta Meditation Sidekick Journal from Habit Nestsome book swag from my books I'll be keeping this giveaway open until the Live Facebook Event on September 10th, so the more you spread the word the more chances you'll have to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a safe zone. If you'd like to share an experience or feelings about mental illness and/or suicide, you are more than welcomed to do so. Thank you for stopping by to visit the Alleyway!
July 4, 2019
IWSG ~ UPDATE & CHARACTER TRAITS
Well hello there, you wonderfully supportive author Insecure Writer Support Group friends.
Do you hear a difference in the tone of my writing voice?
Good, and there's a reason.
This post will be super brief because the hubby and I are gearing up with kiddo #4 to fly off to Italy today! Kiddo #4 is playing soccer in an international tournament there with his premiere team representing the USA. It's a great opportunity for him and a much needed getaway for us all after the past seven months of life's suckage. I'll take loads of pics and share when we return.
UPDATE:
MOTLEY EDUCATION, My middle grade novel, has found a new home!!! And not just book I that had already been released, but book II as well. Thank you all for your support through this weird and trying time. I would have lost my mind (and might have stopped writing for good) without you. <3
When I know the details of the above I will let you know, and if any of you are willing to help me spread the word when each book is released please let me know. I'd really appreciate it!
THIS MONTH'S QUESTION:
What personal traits have you written into your characters?
It's inevitable that writers will eventually use a personal trait of their own or close family and friends in a character. I know I've used some in my characters.
What about you?
PARTICIPANTS
I'd like to thank this month's co-hosts: are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre,Jennifer Lane, MJ , Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor! Make sure you visit their sites, too!
Do you hear a difference in the tone of my writing voice?
Good, and there's a reason.
This post will be super brief because the hubby and I are gearing up with kiddo #4 to fly off to Italy today! Kiddo #4 is playing soccer in an international tournament there with his premiere team representing the USA. It's a great opportunity for him and a much needed getaway for us all after the past seven months of life's suckage. I'll take loads of pics and share when we return.UPDATE:
MOTLEY EDUCATION, My middle grade novel, has found a new home!!! And not just book I that had already been released, but book II as well. Thank you all for your support through this weird and trying time. I would have lost my mind (and might have stopped writing for good) without you. <3
When I know the details of the above I will let you know, and if any of you are willing to help me spread the word when each book is released please let me know. I'd really appreciate it!
THIS MONTH'S QUESTION:
What personal traits have you written into your characters?
It's inevitable that writers will eventually use a personal trait of their own or close family and friends in a character. I know I've used some in my characters.
What about you?
PARTICIPANTSI'd like to thank this month's co-hosts: are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre,Jennifer Lane, MJ , Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor! Make sure you visit their sites, too!
June 17, 2019
MMGM with WINDY HOLLOW by Tara Tyler & a GIVEAWAY!
I was recently reminded about the magic that middle grade literature possess. How it keeps adults young and the young inspired, motivated, and encouraged.
On that note, I have such a fantastic new middle grade release for you today!
*A brief side note - this author has taken quite the journey to get this book into the hands of readers, so let's give her a round of applause and a cheerful Hooray as I introduce her awesome story!
Isn't this cover amazing?!!WINDY HOLLOWBeast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!
In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.
Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.
Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...
Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings.
Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!
Paperback ~~~ Ebook
Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER
Check out the WINDY HOLLOW Release Blog Tour schedule:
6/20 - Heather Holden - How does she Create such Awesome Art?
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Interview
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
6/30 - SA Larsen - Special Newsletter & a Vlog?!
7/1 - Tara's IWSG post with updates and a Special Guest!
7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Kids in Books
7/8 - Christine Rains - Levels of Romance
7/10 - Heather M. Gardner - Binge Watching TV
7/15 - Tyrean Martinson - Hiking!
7/17 - Julie Flanders - Gotta Have Friends
a Rafflecopter giveawayOkay, so I have to ask - have you ever seen a wolf like that? Love!
Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.
On that note, I have such a fantastic new middle grade release for you today!
*A brief side note - this author has taken quite the journey to get this book into the hands of readers, so let's give her a round of applause and a cheerful Hooray as I introduce her awesome story!
Isn't this cover amazing?!!WINDY HOLLOWBeast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!
In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.
Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.
Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...
Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings.
Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!
Paperback ~~~ Ebook
Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER
Check out the WINDY HOLLOW Release Blog Tour schedule:
6/20 - Heather Holden - How does she Create such Awesome Art?
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Interview
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
6/30 - SA Larsen - Special Newsletter & a Vlog?!
7/1 - Tara's IWSG post with updates and a Special Guest!
7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Kids in Books
7/8 - Christine Rains - Levels of Romance
7/10 - Heather M. Gardner - Binge Watching TV
7/15 - Tyrean Martinson - Hiking!
7/17 - Julie Flanders - Gotta Have Friends
a Rafflecopter giveawayOkay, so I have to ask - have you ever seen a wolf like that? Love!
Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.June 10, 2019
A Monday Alternative
I know Mondays are for Middle Grade Mania, but I have a very special treat for you today.
PICTURE BOOKS!!!
Please welcome picture book author Elaine Kaye and a few of her characters as they take you on a journey through her work.
Gregory the Boy: Hi everyone! My name is Gregory.
Sammy the Teddy Bear: *waves* Don't be scared, but I can talk, too. I'm Sammy.
Gregory: Sammy is my best friend in the whole wide world. We go on a lot of adventures together. Don't we, Sammy?
Sammy: Yup! Like the time when Gregory turned green at school.
Gregory: And you came to tell my friends and me about bulling.
Sammy: Someone had to.
Gregory: Then there was the time when you ripped your leg, Sammy, and Mom had to fix you up.
Sammy: *rubs leg* I don't want to talk about that.
Gregory: Let's not forget about what happened on Halloween night!
Sammy: We rode on a broom! *pretends to be an airplane*
Gregory: Now we have a brand new adventure to share with everyone.
Sammy: We do! But maybe we should let Elaine Kaye share the details about the story of The Missing Alphabet.
Elaine Kaye the Author: Thanks, boys!
OMGosh, Elaine. They are adorable. I'm so glad you asked them to join us. Now, let's take a look at your books.
NEW RELEASE FROM ELAINE KAYE:
The paper alphabet letters in Gregory Green’s classroom have gone missing, and it’s up to him and his friends to find those missing letters. They go on a hunt through the school, hoping to find them. They spot letters next to things that start with those letters, like B for Bananas in the cafeteria. But will they be able to find the entire alphabet?
The Missing Alphabet is a great story for children learning to associate letters with objects, and four activities throughout the book will further help children to get familiar with the alphabet.
General Age Range - Kids 5-8 (Story Picture Book)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon
A GREGORY GREEN ADVENTURE SERIES:
“Bullying is not fun and, with colorful illustrations and interesting characters, the author handles the topic in a simple manner, giving a clear message about how the color of one's skin is not important." - Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
“Tutors and educators can use it in classrooms and school libraries for read aloud sessions.” – Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
“This is a perfect story for children and it will make them imagine, dream, and become adventurous. The illustrations are whimsical and they bring out the spookiness and eeriness of the adventure.” – Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Elaine Kaye is the author of A Gregory Green Adventure series. She created Gregory Green after her son, who loved her homemade pea soup.
Kaye has worked as a library assistant and teacher's assistant in elementary schools. She currently lives in Florida, but has called Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Okinawa, Japan home.
Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram / Facebook
Congratulations, Elaine, on all your success! And a big thank you goes out to Gregory and Sammy for sharing your stories with us.
Did you have a favorite picture book as a child?
PICTURE BOOKS!!!
Please welcome picture book author Elaine Kaye and a few of her characters as they take you on a journey through her work.
Gregory the Boy: Hi everyone! My name is Gregory.Sammy the Teddy Bear: *waves* Don't be scared, but I can talk, too. I'm Sammy.
Gregory: Sammy is my best friend in the whole wide world. We go on a lot of adventures together. Don't we, Sammy?
Sammy: Yup! Like the time when Gregory turned green at school.
Gregory: And you came to tell my friends and me about bulling.
Sammy: Someone had to.
Gregory: Then there was the time when you ripped your leg, Sammy, and Mom had to fix you up.
Sammy: *rubs leg* I don't want to talk about that.
Gregory: Let's not forget about what happened on Halloween night!
Sammy: We rode on a broom! *pretends to be an airplane*
Gregory: Now we have a brand new adventure to share with everyone.
Sammy: We do! But maybe we should let Elaine Kaye share the details about the story of The Missing Alphabet.
Elaine Kaye the Author: Thanks, boys!
OMGosh, Elaine. They are adorable. I'm so glad you asked them to join us. Now, let's take a look at your books.
NEW RELEASE FROM ELAINE KAYE:
The paper alphabet letters in Gregory Green’s classroom have gone missing, and it’s up to him and his friends to find those missing letters. They go on a hunt through the school, hoping to find them. They spot letters next to things that start with those letters, like B for Bananas in the cafeteria. But will they be able to find the entire alphabet?The Missing Alphabet is a great story for children learning to associate letters with objects, and four activities throughout the book will further help children to get familiar with the alphabet.
General Age Range - Kids 5-8 (Story Picture Book)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon
A GREGORY GREEN ADVENTURE SERIES:
“Bullying is not fun and, with colorful illustrations and interesting characters, the author handles the topic in a simple manner, giving a clear message about how the color of one's skin is not important." - Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
“Tutors and educators can use it in classrooms and school libraries for read aloud sessions.” – Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
“This is a perfect story for children and it will make them imagine, dream, and become adventurous. The illustrations are whimsical and they bring out the spookiness and eeriness of the adventure.” – Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)
EBOOK: Amazon / Nook / KoboPRINT: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Elaine Kaye is the author of A Gregory Green Adventure series. She created Gregory Green after her son, who loved her homemade pea soup.Kaye has worked as a library assistant and teacher's assistant in elementary schools. She currently lives in Florida, but has called Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Okinawa, Japan home.
Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram / Facebook
Congratulations, Elaine, on all your success! And a big thank you goes out to Gregory and Sammy for sharing your stories with us.
Did you have a favorite picture book as a child?
June 5, 2019
IWSG ~ Losing Yourself
Is it truly June already?
Looks like it, so it's time for my next Insecure Writer Support Group post. But before I begin, let me send out a huge Thank You to this month's co-host: Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! You all rock! In the literary sense, of course.
Looks like it, so it's time for my next Insecure Writer Support Group post. But before I begin, let me send out a huge Thank You to this month's co-host: Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! You all rock! In the literary sense, of course.
May 1, 2019
An Unfortunate Announcement & IWSG
Let me start by giving a huge 'Thank You!' to this month's IWSG co-hosts Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and
T. Powell Coltrin!
You make all this writing love run more smoothly.
I'm going to forgo this month's optional question and get on with my announcement which has heightened my insecurities by more than a few notches. *Writers - please read to the bottom because I'm looking for some advice. TY!*
*clears throat*
Last Friday, I received an email from Leap Books, Motley's middle grade publisher, informing me that they have decided to close their doors after eleven years. *Feel free to read their heartfelt post and press release.
I want to thank them for the kind words they said about me, my fellow Leap authors, and the entire Leap team. I know they did not make this decision lightly. My heart is heavy for them. They are wonderfully, talented people and have always been enthusiastic and encouraging about my work. I'm also sad for my fellow Leap authors and what this means for them. Mostly, I'm heartbroken for the world of MOTLEY EDUCATION that I've created. I was just finishing up work on the second book in the series, and I was in hopes that it would be released by the end of the year. I can't imagine Ebony and Fleishman without a home. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, or even what my options are.
I've always been the type of person to take things in stride. Being married 27 years and having four kids will do that to you. Dwelling on a negative is a waste of time. Saying that, the past 16 months have handed my family blow after blow starting with my mom entering a nursing home, which left my dad home alone, and all has continued to go downhill from the stresses of starting a new family business, my wonderful brother-in-law passing away at the age of 49, being concerned about my sister-in-law's loss and her three kids, my father-in-law entering a hospital four months ago which led to a nursing facility where he's now on hospice, worrying about my sweet mother-in-law who probably shouldn't be living alone, and having to say goodbye to our beloved family dog of almost 14 years.
Now with all this and Leap's closure announcement, I need to take a step back to reassess. I'm not quitting writing. Never. I have more spooky stories that need to be told. And who knows, this setback with Leap just might be what my work needed to catapult it to higher and more successful ground. The one thing I do know is that I need to take a step back and breath. I'll be shying away from social media and blogging for a bit, while I try to figure out what my next move should be. But if you need to contact me feel free to use my email.
More Participants!So, what should my next move be? Leap is reverting my rights back to me, presumably to approach other publishers with Motley. How do I go about finding Motley a new home? Is it like regular querying? Have any of you been through this or know a fellow author that has? Could you share that experience with me? I'm truly lost in this jungle of unknown. Thank you for any help you can offer.
I'm going to forgo this month's optional question and get on with my announcement which has heightened my insecurities by more than a few notches. *Writers - please read to the bottom because I'm looking for some advice. TY!*
*clears throat*
Last Friday, I received an email from Leap Books, Motley's middle grade publisher, informing me that they have decided to close their doors after eleven years. *Feel free to read their heartfelt post and press release. I want to thank them for the kind words they said about me, my fellow Leap authors, and the entire Leap team. I know they did not make this decision lightly. My heart is heavy for them. They are wonderfully, talented people and have always been enthusiastic and encouraging about my work. I'm also sad for my fellow Leap authors and what this means for them. Mostly, I'm heartbroken for the world of MOTLEY EDUCATION that I've created. I was just finishing up work on the second book in the series, and I was in hopes that it would be released by the end of the year. I can't imagine Ebony and Fleishman without a home. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, or even what my options are.
I've always been the type of person to take things in stride. Being married 27 years and having four kids will do that to you. Dwelling on a negative is a waste of time. Saying that, the past 16 months have handed my family blow after blow starting with my mom entering a nursing home, which left my dad home alone, and all has continued to go downhill from the stresses of starting a new family business, my wonderful brother-in-law passing away at the age of 49, being concerned about my sister-in-law's loss and her three kids, my father-in-law entering a hospital four months ago which led to a nursing facility where he's now on hospice, worrying about my sweet mother-in-law who probably shouldn't be living alone, and having to say goodbye to our beloved family dog of almost 14 years.
Now with all this and Leap's closure announcement, I need to take a step back to reassess. I'm not quitting writing. Never. I have more spooky stories that need to be told. And who knows, this setback with Leap just might be what my work needed to catapult it to higher and more successful ground. The one thing I do know is that I need to take a step back and breath. I'll be shying away from social media and blogging for a bit, while I try to figure out what my next move should be. But if you need to contact me feel free to use my email.
More Participants!So, what should my next move be? Leap is reverting my rights back to me, presumably to approach other publishers with Motley. How do I go about finding Motley a new home? Is it like regular querying? Have any of you been through this or know a fellow author that has? Could you share that experience with me? I'm truly lost in this jungle of unknown. Thank you for any help you can offer.
April 26, 2019
Research with Kristy Fairlamb, YA Author of LUCID & a Giveaway!
TOUR SCHEDULEOne of my favorite aspects of writing fiction is the research. It's the part where I get to lose myself in someone else's data, ideas, theories, or facts, and then manipulate them to fit my story. It's so much fun to do!Today, I have Kristy Fairlamb here to share her personal experience of researching topics and
information while writing her new release LUCID.
Using Research In Novel Writing: An Accountby Kristy Fairlamb
I didn’t do a heap of research before I started writing, but I was intrigued by the dreaming element of this story so that’s where I focused my research to start with. Most of what I learned about lucid dreaming doesn’t really apply to my character, Lucy, because her dreams are nothing like your typical lucid dreams, but it was good to have something as a starting point.
Most of the research for the book involved a strange mix of things that were often minor touches to add truth to certain aspects of the story. I searched for info on what it’s like to die a certain way, which brought up some very interesting and depressing articles. I needed info on a particular medication and its side-effects. I researched brain injuries but had to call on a doctor friend to help when this impacted some scenes and I needed to make it more believable. I looked up details on Queen Victoria and how Jet is made.
I did a lot of reading on aeroplane crashes and watched episodes of air-crash investigator. I needed to come up with causes for a plane to realistically crash, which was not easy. I came up with a scenario that helped me write the scenes I needed. But when things got serious, I called in an expert. I had a contact through a writer’s group who was an expert on aeroplanes and had worked in Air Traffic Control. He helped me come up with an even better scenario for my crash.
Thank you, Kristy!
Now let's take a peek at Kristy's book!
BAM| Chapters| Indies | Amazon TBD | GOODREADSLUCIDby Kristy Fairlamb
Released: April 23, 2019Publisher: Lakewater Press
A terrifying power. A horrifying curse.
Lucy Piper lives a lonely existence on the precipice between life and death. She possesses the horrifying ability to resurrect real-life tragic events in her nightmares, reliving over and over, as if she were there, the last few moments before the victim takes their final breath. Car accidents, drownings, plane crashes – Lucy has seen it all. No one understands what it’s like living death by night and fearing sleep by day.
When Tyler Sims and his family move to town to escape past traumas, Lucy is drawn to him. The two of them are linked through their dreams, and with Tyler’s trust and friendship, hope for a brighter future returns to Lucy’s world. But Tyler's presence awakens something else in Lucy, and with this new knowledge, she will be forced to make impossible decisions. Decisions that will change history, and the future.
Chilling, haunting and compelling, this novel is the first in a two-part series for fans of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Hidden Memory of Objects that will leave you breathless for days.
Kristy Fairlamb is an Australian author of the Young Adult Lucid series coming out in 2019. She spends her days drinking coffee and torturing her characters with loads of tension – both love related and the nail biting kind. Long before her days of writing began she spent half her childhood in a make believe world; daydreaming about growing up, falling in love, and travelling the world. She’s worked as a nanny in country England, a junior matron in a boy’s boarding school south of London, a governess in East Timor, and made coffees and cleared tables in the New South Wales snow fields. She lives with her husband, teenage daughter, and two sons in the beautiful Adelaide Hills where they’re lucky enough to get occasional visits from the local koalas. She’s terrible at gardening, likes her bookshelves sorted by colour, and recently checked off a lifelong dream of jumping from a plane. When she’s not writing or daydreaming about her stories you’ll find her reading, cooking for her family, or doing anything to avoid the housework.Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you're a writer, how much research do you do?
April 8, 2019
MMGM ~ Roger Mantis by Author Tom Alan Brosz & a Giveaway!
Monday's are a favorite day for me when I get to participate in Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays! And this Monday I have a really sweet middle grade read to share.
Psst . . . and you get to read an excerpt! Remember to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.
Meet Roger Mantis and his creature Author Tom Alan Brosz.
Google Play | BAM| Chapters| Indies | Amazon
B&N| Kobo | TBD| iBooksRoger Mantis by Tom Alan Brosz
Publication Date: April 2, 2019Publisher: Tantrum Books
Baseball is Roger McGillicutty’s whole life. That is until he wakes one Saturday to find he is no longer a normal eleven-year-old boy. He's a five-foot-tall praying mantis.
Roger has school on Monday, the carnival comes to town next week, and his baseball team is poised to play their biggest rival in one week. Being a giant bug will seriously cramp Roger’s style!
To Roger’s surprise, his parents and friends are supportive. Even his dog isn’t spooked. But not everyone’s thrilled about Roger’s change. Some people are frightened and others would like nothing more than to squash him into the ground like the bug he is.
And when Little League officials oust Roger from baseball, his world collapses.
When a reporter from the city comes snooping around rumors of a man-sized baseball-playing praying mantis, Roger must choose between hiding his true self or being the hero he's always wanted to be.
Doesn't this story sound like such a hoot for an adventurous middle grade reader you know?!!! Here's a snippet from Roger's story:
Slowly, carefully, and as quietly as possible, Roger staggered across the room to the mirror over his dresser.
As prepared as he was, it was still a shock. A triangular emerald-green head looked back at him, with two enormously round green compound eyes on either side. Two long, thin antennae stuck out of the top of his head. He could move them around if he tried, kind of like wiggling his ears (which he didn’t have anymore and couldn’t wiggle when he did). His mouth was … he didn’t know what the heck his mouth was. It was a weird mess of powerful-looking cutting and crunching things and some even weirder tentacle things. Roger wiggled the many separate bits around and then quickly stopped, deciding it wasn’t quite as gross if he wasn’t moving it.
He folded his arms tightly together in front of him, side by side. He had done it without really thinking about it, but his odd posture suddenly made him realize what he had become.
“I’m a praying mantis,” he said in his new buzzy voice. “A big, frigging praying mantis.”
Tom Alan Brosz actually is a rocket scientist (sort of), having done design and engineering work in the private space industry back before the private space industry was cool. His qualifications for writing this book are that he has experience in raising children who like bugs, and raising pet mantises for those children. Normal-sized mantises, of course.
Website | Twitter | Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.
Want to read more excerpts or interviews with Roger and his creature? Follow the Roger Mantis BlogTour! Blog Tour Schedule
Have you read a middle grade story where the main character turns into an insect? An animal? Something else? Please share!
Psst . . . and you get to read an excerpt! Remember to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.
Meet Roger Mantis and his creature Author Tom Alan Brosz.
Google Play | BAM| Chapters| Indies | AmazonB&N| Kobo | TBD| iBooksRoger Mantis by Tom Alan Brosz
Publication Date: April 2, 2019Publisher: Tantrum Books
Baseball is Roger McGillicutty’s whole life. That is until he wakes one Saturday to find he is no longer a normal eleven-year-old boy. He's a five-foot-tall praying mantis.
Roger has school on Monday, the carnival comes to town next week, and his baseball team is poised to play their biggest rival in one week. Being a giant bug will seriously cramp Roger’s style!
To Roger’s surprise, his parents and friends are supportive. Even his dog isn’t spooked. But not everyone’s thrilled about Roger’s change. Some people are frightened and others would like nothing more than to squash him into the ground like the bug he is.
And when Little League officials oust Roger from baseball, his world collapses.
When a reporter from the city comes snooping around rumors of a man-sized baseball-playing praying mantis, Roger must choose between hiding his true self or being the hero he's always wanted to be.
Doesn't this story sound like such a hoot for an adventurous middle grade reader you know?!!! Here's a snippet from Roger's story:
Slowly, carefully, and as quietly as possible, Roger staggered across the room to the mirror over his dresser.
As prepared as he was, it was still a shock. A triangular emerald-green head looked back at him, with two enormously round green compound eyes on either side. Two long, thin antennae stuck out of the top of his head. He could move them around if he tried, kind of like wiggling his ears (which he didn’t have anymore and couldn’t wiggle when he did). His mouth was … he didn’t know what the heck his mouth was. It was a weird mess of powerful-looking cutting and crunching things and some even weirder tentacle things. Roger wiggled the many separate bits around and then quickly stopped, deciding it wasn’t quite as gross if he wasn’t moving it.
He folded his arms tightly together in front of him, side by side. He had done it without really thinking about it, but his odd posture suddenly made him realize what he had become.
“I’m a praying mantis,” he said in his new buzzy voice. “A big, frigging praying mantis.”
Tom Alan Brosz actually is a rocket scientist (sort of), having done design and engineering work in the private space industry back before the private space industry was cool. His qualifications for writing this book are that he has experience in raising children who like bugs, and raising pet mantises for those children. Normal-sized mantises, of course.Website | Twitter | Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.
Want to read more excerpts or interviews with Roger and his creature? Follow the Roger Mantis BlogTour! Blog Tour ScheduleHave you read a middle grade story where the main character turns into an insect? An animal? Something else? Please share!
April 3, 2019
IWSG ~ First Chapter FRIGHT
Each month I struggle with my opening thoughts for my IWSG post. Every. Stinking. Month.
Why?
I'm honestly not sure, but what better way to figure it out than during this month's posed question:
If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be?(examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)I'm sure you've figured out that help with my first chapter would be greatly appreciated. It's funny, you know. When I began writing the first chapter was always the easiest. I'd get an idea and start writing. Simple.
It was about a year ago that I realized my first chapters were starting to give me trouble. Initially, I was super ticked off about it, thinking this was a sign I couldn't write anymore. But since then, I've given this writer plight lots of thought and I've come up with a few reasons that might be making me gun-shy with my opening chapters.Querying What's one of the first bits of advice a newer writer is told before they start to query agents, editors, and publishers? Make sure your first five pages draw the reader in so they can't stop reading. Talk about making a newbie doubt themselves before they even start.Previously Published Both books I've sold to publishers had, not just major revisions to my first chapters, but completely new chapters written after insightful discussions with my editors. And with a deadline, can you say stress-me-out?Confidence Lots of life has happened during and since both my books released, and some of that has pecked away my inner confidence. You know, the tiny voice every writer must have to keep forging ahead despite all the rejections and disappointments. The one that's there, reminding you that you love to create new worlds and discover your characters as they nudge you along their journeys.
PARTICIPANTS
I'm not really sure what the solution is. What do you think? Have any of these eroded your confidence when you start a story? When you're trying to discover your character's current world, yet give enough clues to their impeding challenges to growth?
Why?
I'm honestly not sure, but what better way to figure it out than during this month's posed question:
If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be?(examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)I'm sure you've figured out that help with my first chapter would be greatly appreciated. It's funny, you know. When I began writing the first chapter was always the easiest. I'd get an idea and start writing. Simple. It was about a year ago that I realized my first chapters were starting to give me trouble. Initially, I was super ticked off about it, thinking this was a sign I couldn't write anymore. But since then, I've given this writer plight lots of thought and I've come up with a few reasons that might be making me gun-shy with my opening chapters.Querying What's one of the first bits of advice a newer writer is told before they start to query agents, editors, and publishers? Make sure your first five pages draw the reader in so they can't stop reading. Talk about making a newbie doubt themselves before they even start.Previously Published Both books I've sold to publishers had, not just major revisions to my first chapters, but completely new chapters written after insightful discussions with my editors. And with a deadline, can you say stress-me-out?Confidence Lots of life has happened during and since both my books released, and some of that has pecked away my inner confidence. You know, the tiny voice every writer must have to keep forging ahead despite all the rejections and disappointments. The one that's there, reminding you that you love to create new worlds and discover your characters as they nudge you along their journeys.
PARTICIPANTS
I'm not really sure what the solution is. What do you think? Have any of these eroded your confidence when you start a story? When you're trying to discover your character's current world, yet give enough clues to their impeding challenges to growth?
