Beans? Pie anyone? Two children's books FREE December 15 and 16!

 

At Amazon

At Amazon

Summer Unleashed

UPDATE: I have just finished the second draft of Charmed - I'm Sure. It turned out a little differently than I expected, but I like it. It's sort of a picture book for pre-teens. Is such a thing out there? Maybe it's a short story. In just a few minutes I'll post it on my blog here - at least a portion of it - and then I'll ask for takers on what you think the genre is.

Here is the direct link in case you found this post first.

This is my second time sitting in front of this screen today.

The first time, I wasn't sure what I wanted to write. I had multiple reasons why I didn't want to and no ideas.

All it took was a lunch break and time to think over what mattered to me.

Here are some thoughts:

I want to begin a new writing project.

A few years ago - I'm not even sure when the idea came - I was doing an interview for a blog and an idea for a picture book came to me. Fortunately, I wrote all of the ideas down, unfortunately, I lost these ideas until, just last week, I found some time and, in cleaning out my files, I found them again.

I'm not going to tell you a lot about the book other than to say that having a charmed life is not really what any of us want even if we think we do. 

Life isn't about perfection, it's about dirt and muck under our fingernails. It's about secrets that aren't kept and people that don't really like you. It's about people who want to serve but think too highly of themselves. It's about work. It's about doing what you don't like to do and aching muscles that tell you how old you're really getting.

Photo by Meg Jenson on Unsplash

Next, I want to spend some time marketing. I'm not really sure as I'm typing this what sort of marketing I'm going to do, but I'm going to do something, and I'd like that something to be original, especially since I have two books that should be ready for publishing by the end of this year. [I'm giving myself plenty of time because both of these books were supposed to be ready this spring. :)]

I want to do a lot of reading this summer. I want to pay attention to how authors write, how they put words together, and how they get you to feel the story behind the words. 

Do you have some writing goals for this summer? I would love to hear them.

Kathryn

Happy Valentine's Day! A few great deals for you!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, Christmas comes first, but there's something about Valentine's Day that fills my heart. Maybe it's the color red (my favorite color). Or hearts (my favorite shape :) or maybe it's those heart-felt Valentine cards I give and receive. 

I also LOVE to sell my books to readers who LOVE and appreciate a little mystery, a bit of personal improvement, a bit of drama, and even a bit of fantasy. For who doesn't love a great escape now and then?

Here are some great deals to get today! 💟 💟 💟 💟 💟 💟 💟 💟 💟

Regular price $9.98
Today $5.12

No reviews yet!

Regular price $12.98
Today $5.31

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 28, 2022

We absolutely need more books like this! "I Walked with Jesus" takes moments from the gospels—encounters with Jesus, and portrays them in a novel-like narrative. If you're familiar with the TV series,
"The Chosen," this book reminds me of that show, because it portrays beautifully and emotionally the people with whom Jesus came in contact.

Reading the stories spelled out like a novel brings them to life, especially for avid readers. I think there's potential to never read the scriptures the same, because of the powerful portrayals in the book.

Kathryn's got it right! I'll be watching for more of her work!

Regular price $14.98
Today $4.16

"This is the second book of a series which I hope goes to ten volumes, or more. I finished this exciting one hundred ninety-page cozy mystery in two days. The presentation is impeccable and keeps the reader on the edge. Sunny Side-Up is well written. The ending is a clever surprise."

A Tractor Named Wilbur: Friendships Last Forever

"This funny, helpful tractor will make you and your child smile. Life isn't always what you expect, but at least there are friends to help you along the way." Kathryn

A Tractor Named Wilbur: Friendships Last Forever

WILBUR is a small, shy tractor. He loves cutting the grass for Jim. But what happens when he must find a new home? Will Jim still be his friend? Who will the new owner be? WILBUR would love for you to take him home and read about his adventure. A Tractor Named Wilbur is the first in a fun series coming your way!

Get A Tractor Named Wilbur at Amazon

“What a fabulous outlook on life! Do you have a grandchild or friend who would love this story? They will fall in love with this sweet character.” ~Colleen Chesebro

“Wonderful story about a man and the tractor he loves with all his heart…. Yes, in ways it’s sad. But it does teach us—and our children—that life brings many changes, and we must try to ensure that when these changes occur, everyone is taken care of.” ~Theodore J. Cohen

“This picture book contains soft, colorful illustrations and charming dialogue. Children will learn that sometimes they must change and adapt to new situations. The book contains questions for readers to discuss with parents or teachers to maximize the lessons of the tale. Recommended to preschool and elementary school children.” ~Barbara A. Mojica

“Children will enjoy this little story about Wilbur and learn a valuable lesson about changes in their lives. They will love the colorful and sweet illustrations and dialogue that perfectly go together. ~ J. Spina

“The theme of the book is lighthearted and cheerful, making it perfect for young kids’enjoyment. ~ Literary Titan’s Reviews

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, author

Awards:

·         Mom’s Choice Gold Medal

·         Literary Titan’s Silver Medal

·         Firebird Award from SpeakUpTalkRadio.com-Preschool Category

·         Firebird Award from SpeakUpTalkRadio.com-Early Reader Category

Links:

Amazon; (Available in audible, kindle, paperback and hardcover)

https://www.amazon.com/Tractor-Named-Wilbur-Friendships-Forever/dp/1950170225

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tractor-named-wilbur-deanie-humphrys-dunne/1133517904?ean=9781950170210

Links to Spanish version: Un Tractor Llamado Wilbur:

https://www.amazon.com/Tractor-Llamado-Wilbur-Amistades-Siempre-ebook/product-reviews/B08BV2LZ2T

Website:

www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com/

Facebook:

www.Facebook.com/DeanieHDunne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New picture book by Melanie Kae Edgmand

 

Published by Idea Creations Press

Get Pouncer at Amazon

eBook currently available

paperback coming soon

I have loved animals and books since a very young age. While I had friends that I would often play with, reading and taking care of my cats is what most shaped my life.  If I could not be found with kitties, my parents would find me on a bed with one leg hanging over the other reading a book. And I would regularly take my favorite books to my parents or grandma to read with.

As I grew older, I began to write to help me understand the world around me. This became especially important when I was diagnosed with a learning disability at 12 and Bi-polar at 19.  To this day I love books; I love reading, and I love cats.  I try to look at the world as a cat does: no race, no gender, no affiliations. Just people with feelings and trials that can become friends.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -Melanie

New Picture Book for Kids Who Hate to Eat Their Vegetables

Love Dr. Seuss?

You'll love The Human Bean!

Years ago, when my writing journey began; even before I began writing for local newspapers, I had an idea for a picture book inspired by my mom.

As a little girl, she once asked her mother: "Are these human beans?"

Get this great book at Amazon

And so I ask you...

Are beans human? Divine?

Your guess is as good as mine.

One thing’s for sure – after reading this rhyming tale, you may finally decide to eat your vegetables.

Or not.

In hardcover!

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE ME TO PUBLISH A PICTURE BOOK?

Over 25 years.

Now, before you get discouraged, hear me out. 

When I wrote my first picture book story, The Human Bean, people really loved it. You should make it into a picture book, they said. The problem? I didn't have the money to hire an illustrator, so the book idea sat.

Sure, I took the story to various grade schools and made it a part of my presentation, but the book didn't have illustrations. I had the children draw their interpretation of the bean with some pretty hilarious results. Well, what would you draw if I told you the story about a human bean?

Picture book ideas kept pouring from my soul, however, but I wasn't able to find an illustrator. Everyone wanted their money up front, and none of them seemed to care about the story itself. 

I have since learned that this is the rule rather than the exception for many illustrators, and so for years, I continued to search. In the meantime, I continued to write picture books. I haven't counted them, but I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't have at least 15 ready to go.

The last idea for a picture book came while I was watching an episode of Winnie the Pooh. All of a sudden the story downloaded into my brain! I raced for a writing utensil and a piece of paper. I knew by this time not to ignore the voice.

You need to know that during this time I'd gone into an art gallery in St. George, Utah, as part of my family's summer vacation. My grandchildren thought walking around to look at paintings was the most boring thing on the planet! But sometimes grandma's have to do things that they like to do, right?

So here I was in this gallery when I saw it. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen; three young cowboys and one young cowgirl, sitting next to each other on a fence. Well, I couldn't afford the original, so I walked away, you know, wishing that I had the money to buy whatever I wanted :)

That's when I saw it. Not the original, but a print of the original which was the size of a postcard. The tag revealed the amazing price: $5

So I bought it, along with another by the same illustrator, and brought the two cards home.

I bet you can't guess what I did next.

I thought about contacting the artist. I even framed the small prints, but I didn't contact her. How could I handle another no? 

Maybe you know how it is when you have held a dream close to your heart for years. At first, when the dream doesn't materialize, you get a bit angry, and then you try to forget you had the dream in the first place. You stop asking people to illustrate your book. Your dreams go in different directions - directions that take you to novels with only one illustration or photo to deal with.

And sometimes, you almost give up hope that your dream will ever materialize. 

Guess what happened?

Get the Paperback at Amazon
Also available in eBook format!

I ASKED.

Never give up on your dreams. NEVER. DO YOU HEAR ME?

You never know when a moose with a hungry appetite and a thirst for learning is going to show up!

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Tovi the Penguin

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

Hello, my name is Tovi and I'm a penguin. I'm mainly black and white with a yellow/orange beak and yellow/orange flippers. I can tell you that I don't live at the south pole. I live in a nice house with a garden but I can't tell you where exactly because it's a secret.

Get the Book at Amazon

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my two penguin friends Faye and Liam. They are my very best friends and we do everything together.
We go on great adventures together.


What is your favorite color and why?

I don't have a favorite color because all the colors are beautiful.


What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

On my latest adventure, I went to Paris and I discovered macarons and croissants. They were delicious. Très bon.


What would you say is your biggest quirk?

I always need to go on new adventures.


What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

Simple. My friends & my family.


What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in
which you inhabit?

Some people are surprised that I don't live at the South Pole, swim and fish for fish all day. Yes, I'm a penguin but I'm just like you.


I want to see the world and discover it.


If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

Please let me be a dancer.

***

A Question for Kathryn:



What was your best childhood experience and would you make a book/story out of it?

Actually, I have. In my first book, A River of Stones, I talk about some of the experiences I had with my grand imagination. While some of the events are fictitious, many others are true and woven into the fictional story of Samantha and her life after her parent's divorce. 

***

Learn more about Tovi here:

http://tovithepenguin.com/

http://janinarossiter.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_1_4?k=tovi+the+penguin&sprefix=tovi

https://m.facebook.com/ToviThePenguin/

https://m.facebook.com/IllustrationJaninaRossiter/

FRIDAY FLICKS: The Amazing Tree by Edie Art

Get the Book here

FRIDAY FLICKS: The Christmas Wish

Get the Book at Amazon

TOVI THE PENGUIN GOES TRICK OR TREATING - Get the FREE book!

Click here! 

Connect on Facebook! 

FRIDAY FLICKS: Loud Emily by Alexis O'Neill

Get the Book at Amazon

FRIDAY FLICKS: JONAH'S WHALE by Eileen Spinelli

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Michele McAvoy, My Superhero Grandpa

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing? 

I liked to write when I was younger but when attending college and law school I never found the time to write creatively because there was always school work to be done.  I started to write again after the death of my father as an emotional outlet and it really helped me (that and a tattoo!).

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write? 

I write at night when my two children (ages 6 and 4) are asleep, the house is straightened up and the world seems organized, if even for just a fleeting moment.  I feel like I’m sneaking away because I never like to tell anyone that I’m writing or what I am writing about.  I am weirdly secretive of my stories until I am ready to share them with the world.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down? 

I usually write in my office or in my bedroom, the two places where my family won’t come to find me.  I write spontaneously, so I could be sitting on the floor, in bed etc.. it doesn’t really matter. I definitely don’t sit straight at my desk. That is too rigid for me.  I usually crisscross somewhere in those two rooms.  I never use a computer.  I only use a pencil and normally a legal pad (I’m a lawyer and I’m just used to writing on legal pads). I write as quickly as the ideas come and later go back and rewrite and edit.  But I like to get as much down as possible when I’m feeling inspired.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing? 

My favorite part about writing is when I’ve re-worked something that I jotted down quickly and it emerges into something meaningful.  I guess, it’s the actual creation of the story, when the story actually starts to emerge and the characters become meaningful is when I feel a happiness, like I just created something that someone else will enjoy.  My least favorite part is when I know I have a great idea for a story but I can’t seem to imagine or create the actual story.  When the story just doesn’t flow from the idea organically. In those situations it becomes more academic than I’d prefer.  In those times, even though I am passionate about the idea I have to table it until the full picture comes into view and the story line just flows. 

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?  

I came up with this book idea when my son was about 3 years old.  My father had passed away when I was 26 years old, many years before my son was born. It was important for me that my son knew his grandpa who he never met. So, in an attempt to acquaint my son with my father I was telling him about angels and Heaven. Needless-to-say I was having a hard time holding the interest of my 3 year old.  While I was explaining the concept of angels I realized that they have many of the same qualities as superheroes-- they fly around and make sure we are ok---- so that is when it dawned on me and I told my son that his grandpa was a superhero.  Well, we all know young children don’t have a problem believing in superheroes.  At that point,  my dad was a superhero and my son was excited to have him as his own. My Superhero Grandpa was born. I didn’t put pen to paper until a year or so later and then it took another year to complete the book.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?  

I am dabbling a little bit in every avenue for marketing purposes.  I have a website www.mysuperherograndpa.com, a FB page facebook.com/littlepresspublishing and a twitter account  @michele_mcavoy.  I have reached out directly to groups like mommy blogs and christian moms/groups, people who I think will appreciate and enjoy my book.  I have received some reviews on blogs which has helped spread the word to folks in places that I could never reach on my own.  I feel like there is a wonderful system of women out there that want to be supportive of other women and it’s a good positive energy.  I reached out to a local Religious Store and have a book signing scheduled.  And there is still much more to do.  I try to do something every day to market my book even if it’s just to send 1 email.  I still have a day job as an attorney and my kids and house to take care of so finding large chunks of time is often difficult. However, this book and it’s success is extremely important to me and I will try everything to get this book to be THE book people buy when grandma or grandpa go to Heaven. 

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out? 

My new book is My Superhero Grandpa. It was released on April 10th and so far has received great reviews and feedback.  Much of my energy is going towards making that book a success.  I am not currently writing other stories because at night when I would typically be writing I am marketing (or thinking about marketing) My Superhero Grandpa.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.  

I do have a next project.  It’s a story to help little girls with their self esteem and realize that they are worthy of attention no matter what.  It’s a sweet funny story and will be illustrated as a picture book.  I can’t wait to bring those characters to life with the illustrations like I did with My Superhero Grandpa.  All of my stories are meant to help young children respect their emotions and are presented in an uplifting and whimsical way.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?  

I consider myself a beginner writer, I did it (published my first book) and it feels exhilarating.  I would say that everyone has talent and everyone has doubt.  I am admittedly extremely shy about my writing because whether someone likes your book is completely subjective, unlike something academic like law, where you are either right or wrong.  It’s easier to exist in a world and know where you stand when the qualifications are purely objective. When you get an “A” in a subject you know you are good.  With writing, it’s harder to be confident.  Some people may like it, some or many may not.  I would say to someone that is too shy to publish--wouldn’t you want to find and share your story even if only a few like it?  In my mind,  if my book is liked by and helps only 5 children,  well, then that’s five more children helped, and that’s a good thing.

Question for Kathryn:

With book sales and marketing is there a moment when you’re like “wow” it’s a success, or is it a steady race where you are a year in and you look back and say “wow-- look at the progress”? 

I would say your second thought is the best answer. My sales have been steadily growing since 2002 when my first book was published, but it's hard to tell sometimes unless I look back and see where I've been. Of course I always feel successful when someone compliments me on my work, wants to read the next book, or wants me to write another in the series. I like talking with people and getting to know them. Even if they don't buy my book I feel rewarded for just getting to know them.

My website is www.mysuperherograndpa.com

Book trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AycG1PVolkI

FB page- facebook.com/littlepresspublishing

Twitter handle- @michele_mcavoy

FRIDAY FLICKS: Let's by Cris Hamilton

Get it at Amazon!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Roni Kennedy

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing? 

I used to write poems as a teenager and when I was in my early twenties I would write songs and try to play them on the guitar. I also had a mother who was a school teacher and she wrote a few books. I learned and lived by the example that was formed in my 

child and teen years.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write? 

I have not written anything except in my journal every once in a while. I know I need to start that habit again because time is so important. I really think I do my best at writing when it is peaceful and quiet and I can think of what I really want to write. My thought process works better with no interruptions. For instance, it is late in the evening at this time and it would be a perfect time to write a book. Mornings could work for me too. I have no children to raise. I just need to set some time aside and go for it.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?  

I usually write with pen and paper but that has become old school. I could adapt to a laptop when writing because that is what I am usually working on all day or even a desktop.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

Coming up with a good idea and making a great story out of it. Especially an experience or an event that I have encountered in my life. My least favorite part of writing is having a good thought to write about and being able to come up with a good ending.

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book? 

Please don’t mind me telling you that I was frustrated with a neighbor that thought he was so much better than others. He came off to me as being very conceited and better that me. He just seemed so arrogant and had the perfect family syndrome. It only took me about 2 days to write the book and about 2 weeks to do all of the illustrating. That was a process. I was so into it that nothing could hold me back from getting it accomplished.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing? 

FaceBook, Twitter, the web, word of mouth,  my publisher and the interviews . I am working on having a website built really soon.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out? 

I am currently working on getting this book marketed. The Boy That Grew Teeth In His Ear.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it. Yes. I have a book I need to edit and re-illustrate photos that was written by my mother. It is called the Story of Timmy Mitton.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent? 

I would tell them to look at their options and find someone like I have to publish their book. I had no idea there were marketing systems out there that are all online.

***

Thank you, Roni!

Find Roni at the following sites below:

Facebook, Twitter, Free Classifieds, KSL, Craigslist. 

YouTube video: 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Janina Rossiter

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

When I was studying at University, the first two years were focused a lot on basic skills, like painting and drawing and I always loved that creative aspect. In my everyday life I work as a graphic designer for packaging design products, so was missing that creative freedom a little in my job. In between switching jobs a few years back, I had some free time during which all I did was painting. My cousin’s wife saw some of my paintings and thought they were really cute and asked if I could do her an illustration with a Penguin riding a buffalo, as she had always wanted one. So I made her one and that was how Tovi was born. After creating that visual I decided to make a story out of it, as ideas were popping into my head and I wanted to make that penguin and buffalo come to life. 

I wrote a few stories but it in the end it took another two years until I decided to publish the first of the Tovi books. Really, it was the birth of my daughter that motivated me to have the books out there in the real word and not just on my 

computer.

Get the Book at Amazon

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I tend to write in the evenings after a full day of work or sometimes at the weekends, when my daughter is having her nap. I try never to give myself any time pressures, so I won’t publish a book until I think it’s perfect.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I write and illustrate at home on my desktop. I do a lot of the illustrations on paper beforehand and then I scan them in and redraw them on the computer.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

I love to be able to put the ideas that are going around in my head onto paper and to create a story out of them that can reach so many people. The only negative aspect of the whole process is that I wish I had more time to dedicate to it, since it takes time to create and to write and as a mum working a full-time job, it can be hard to find a spare minute!

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

My inspiration tends to come from my own experiences, which I can then mould into a fun little story.

For the Christmas themed book, for example, the idea came to me a few years ago when my family and I celebrated Christmas by blending our different traditions. My husband is English and traditionally celebrates on the 25th, whereas my family and I are German and celebrate on Christmas Eve. For me, the tradition has always been to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, with the 25th and 26th being a holiday when we would visit our extended family. So when we decided to do it the English way (on December 25th), it meant that we enjoyed Christmas Eve simply having a nice dinner and taking more time to just talk to each other without a thought for presents. For most people Christmas has become a commercial event that is often associated with the stress of getting the right gifts, so I wanted to focus on a story that was not about the presents but about spending time with the people you love and having fun together.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I only work with Bookbub and I’ve been fortunate in that it’s been very successful each time. I do also post a lot on Facebook and Instagram for my followers to see what Tovi is up to and when new books are coming up, etc.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I am currently working on Tovi’s next adventure: Tovi the Penguin goes away to the Seaside. The inspiration for this book came last summer when my family and I all went off to Britany for our summer holiday. I am very excited about the book and I’m looking forward to publish it and getting it out there for others to read!

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

Not really. As long as I have new ideas I will keep writing the Tovi adventures.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

For me, writing and illustrating means doing what I love, so I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to give it a try. There is no more satisfying feeling than to see your own creation come to life.

The best piece of advice I could give though is to remember that while starting a project of your own will always mean putting a little of yourself out there, you shouldn’t be scared of doing so as this is also what will inspire you to keep going when it gets tough. One of the biggest lessons I learned has been not to be embarrassed about what I create and to be proud of it no matter what others may think.

Question for me:

What advice would you give a writer? Would you prefer the traditional publishing route or do you also believe in self-publishing?

Great question. I think the answer to the question depends on the writer. I started out in the traditional venue and sent out book requests until my fingers turned blue. When a local publishing house finally accept my work, I was ecstatic, though, as it turned out, I wasn't completely happy with my choice. 

I had very little say on the cover and the price of the book was much higher than I thought it should be. In the end, and a few years later, my brother helped me by purchasing the rights back to my book and I have been on my own ever since.

Self-publishing has been the best choice for me. I have much more control on what I do including book covers, price and more. I have also been able to help other writers, through Idea Creations Press, to get their own dream book in print.

***

Thank you, Janina!

Look for Janina and her books at the following sites:

http://www.tovithepenguin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ToviThePenguin/

Tovi the Penguin: goes Camping (Volume 1)

by Janina Rossiter

Link: http://amzn.com/1500536598

Tovi the Penguin: goes away for Christmas (Volume 2)

by Janina Rossiter

Link: http://amzn.com/1500983934

Tovi the Penguin: goes to London (Volume 3)

by Janina Rossiter

Link: http://amzn.com/1505965233

Tovi the Penguin: goes into space (Volume 4)

by Janina Rossiter

Link: http://amzn.com/1512116572