Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year Prayer

happy new year cards

O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,
thank you for the gift of a new year.
May it be a time of grace for me,
a time to grow in faith and love,
a time to renew my commitment
to following Your Son, Jesus.
May it be a year of blessing for me,
a time to cherish my family and friends,
a time to renew my efforts at work,
a time to embrace my faith more fully.
Walk with me, please, in every day
and every hour of this new year,
that the light of Christ might shine through me,
in spite of my weaknesses and failings.
Above all, may I remember this year that
I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
www.guardianangelpublishing.com

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas~ Eternal God, this joyful day



Eternal God, this joyful day

Eternal God, this joyful day is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of your son Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share our humanity. Bless us and the feast that You have provided for us, let us be thankful for the true gift of Christmas, your Son. Amen.

~~~~~~

Eternal God, this joyful day

Friday, December 17, 2010

Create Your Children’s Book Marketing Promotion Schedule Now to Kick Off 2011 with the National Writing for Children Center

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance
Email: bookbitesforkids@yahoo.com
Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

Create Your Children’s Book Marketing Promotion Schedule Now to Kick Off 2011 with the National Writing for Children Center


You and your book can be showcased for an entire MONTH at the National Writing for Children Center!

The 2010 holiday season is upon us and 2011 will begin in a blink of an eye. Don’t allow the New Year to kick off without having your children’s book marketing promotion in place. Even with the hectic holiday schedule you still have time to coordinate a fabulous virtual tour. Don’t know how or where to begin? Don’t fret. This is where the National Writing for Children Center’s author showcase comes in.

Suzanne Lieurance, founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center, is pleased to announce that she’s looking for children’s authors and illustrators who need help getting the word out about their books.

Since 2007, Suzanne Lieurance has been hosting Book Bites for Kids, a talk show about children’s books, which airs live three weekday afternoons every week at 2:00 CDT on Blog Talk Radio. “These radio interviews are a wonderful way for children’s authors to let people know about what they write. But now I can do more to promote authors and illustrators who create wonderful books for kids,” says Lieurance. Lieurance knows that many children’s book authors and illustrators don’t have lots of cash for promotion, so she’s developed an easily affordable way to do this by monthly showcasing authors and illustrators at the National Writing for Children Center.” Lieurance points out that a guest appearance on her show, Book Bites for Kids, is just one of the many ways she promotes the children’s book authors and illustrators she showcases at the National Writing for Children Center. Here is what is included when an author or illustrator signs up to be showcased:

1. A 30-minute one-on-one interview on Book Bites for Kids.

2. A written review of the author’s book by one of the NWFCC staff reviewers.

3. A display of the author’s book trailer (if he has one) in the “Featured Trailers of the Month” section at the NWFCC.

4. The author’s bio in the “Meet the Author” section of the showcase.

5. Two media releases written and distributed to promote the author’s guest spot on Book Bites for Kids and their 6-day virtual book tour.

6. If the author makes school visits and/or is available to speak at writer’s conferences and workshops, the author will be included in the Speakers Bureau at the NWFCC.

7. Promotion of the author’s upcoming appearance on Book Bites for Kids and his showcase at the NWFCC – through various social networking sites – like Facebook, Twitter, etc.

8. A blurb about the author’s book – with announcement of his/her appearance on Book Bites for Kids and his inclusion in the showcase – will run in the NWFCC’s weekly newsletter.

9. The author’s book can be offered in the “Weekly Book Giveaway” at the NWFCC.

10. The author’s book will be included in the online bookstore at the National Writing for Children Center.

11. A 6-day virtual book tour where the author/illustrator will be the guest each day for 6 days at a different blog hosted by a fellow children’s writer.

Complete details on the above book promotion points can be found at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/showcase-application/.  

“Authors would expect to pay thousands of dollars for this kind of publicity and promotional events,” says Lieurance, “but we make it easily affordable for anyone to be showcased for an entire month at the National Writing for Children Center, and we get the word out about the showcase through online social networking sites and various media release distribution services, and via Internet Radio. But authors need to realize that space in our showcase is limited each month. That means authors need to book their space in the showcase as soon as possible if they have a specific month in mind. Authors and illustrators should also realize that we don’t showcase everyone who applies. First we need to review the author’s book. If we can’t in all good conscience give it a favorable review, then we can’t accept that author and his/her book to be showcased.
We only showcase books and authors that we think children, parents, grandparents, librarians, and teachers must know about.” Authors interested in being showcased at the National Writing for Children Center can download an application at www.writingforchildrencenter.com or email Suzanne Lieurance for more information at bookbitesforkids@yahoo.com.

###

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What's Going on in your Neck of the Woods of Writing for Children


In the October/November 2010 Write What Inspires You Newsletter I shared what was going on in my writing career and I am eagerly anticipating on hearing on what's going on in your neck of the woods of writing for children or any other news you want to share.

Join in on this lively discussion of getting caught up with our cyberspace friends and cheering everyone on.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Great NEW Resource for Educators


Introducing....

The New Teacher Resource Coaching Center

Founder: Dorit Sasson

You are invited to join with other dedicated educators as a part of this growing professional site. The NTRCC is a support center that empowers educators and their students with purpose and passion.
• Do you strive to become an inspiring and empowering teacher?

• Are you a beginning teacher looking for strategies to help you not just survive but thrive in the classroom?

• Are you a veteran teacher looking for ways to brush up your classroom management so you can enjoy your teaching career?
The New Teacher Resource Coaching Center invites teacher leaders and dedicated educators as a part of this growing professional membership site. The NTRCC is a support center designed for professionals who want to empower their educators and their teaching and students with a purpose and passion.
Members of the center gain unlimited access to a wealth of articles, tip sheets, templates, teleseminars, and other great resources that will help them build their teaching career to the next level.
Specifically, members receive:

1. Access to two monthly teleseminars taught by a professional elementary, middle school or high school educator who knows the tricks of the trade and what works and what doesn't.

2. Unlimited support to classroom tested resources including charts, checklists and tip sheets on a wide range of teaching areas.
3. Specials, offers and special promotions on various teaching materials and instructional resources offered through the NTRCC.
To become a member, all you have to do is sign up. You'll be prompted to provide a password, contact information and payment registration. Once you receive your access number, you will be able to log-in anytime - 24/7!
Go to New Teacher Resource Center - http://newteacherresourcecenter.com/ to find out more about the center and how you can join!

Membership in the NTRCC is just a modest $7.97 a month.

Special holiday savings! Get the second month of membership FREE when you purchase a one month's membership.

Go to New Teacher Resource Center - http://newteacherresourcecenter.com/ to read reviews of the center

Saturday, December 11, 2010

December 2010 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Now Available


M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT:
Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

Email:
submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com


Website:
http://guardian-angel-kids.com/ 

For Immediate Release

December 2010 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Now Available

The blustery days of winter have arrived and what better way to spend a cold afternoon then taking your young muse on an interactive adventure at the Guardian Angel Kids Ezine http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/

Be prepared to spend memorable time as you both explore the monthly features:
A Blessed Bethlehem Birth Flip Book by Walter Lee McElligott
Follow A Star – a Rooter and Snuffle Story by Shari Lyle-Soffe (read aloud by Donna Shepherd)
Children poems, stories, and articles:

“Blanket of Snow” written by Alice Knisley Matthias, takes you on snow filled vision.

“Twas the Night before Christmas, Down on the Farm” written by Ann Ingalls and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle immerses you in the wonders of Christmas on a farm.
“All by Myself” written and illustrated by Samantha Bell brings you on an adventure of one young girl’s determination.
“Nothing Was Stirring” written by Marion Tickner and illustrated by Jack Foster is a laugh out loud mousy adventure.
“Treasures, Treats, and Traditions” by Lisa Hart brings to life the wonders of this magical time of year with a bonus Pinwheel Candy craft.
“Names for Nick” by Carol Douglas, the origins of good old Saint Nick.
Tune your child into the wonders of prediction through Dorit Sasson’s parent and teacher article “Teaching Prediction in Picture Books and Non-Fiction Text,” and by doing so will make their reading adventure that much more enjoyable.
Stop by for a gander and enjoy your time together, for the adventurous world of reading is at your fingertips.

Thank you for your time and interest.

###

Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Book Review ~ Lily and the City of Light

Title: Lily and the City of Light

Author: Lindsay Bonilla

Illustrator: Alexander Morris

Soft cover: 22 pages

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / October 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-105-4

E-book ISBN: 978-1-61633-105-1

Ten-year-old Lily’s journey begins at an orphanage within the city limits of Htrae and like many other citizens Lily wonders about the City of Light high up on the hillside. Not to be discouraged by her age or size Lily travels to the outskirts of Htrae to seek out the only man who knows how to get to the City of Light.
The old man willingly shares with Lily his knowledge of the only way to gain entrance to the wonderful city in the distance. And with determination Lily sets out to do what she has been told, to give her heart away. What Lily thought would be an easy task turns into something much more difficult than she ever imagined. Others are not so willing to accept her generous offer and Lily’s frustration turns into despair. Will she learn in time that giving and receiving love is a true sacrifice of the heart?

Children’s author, Lindsay Bonilla brings to life the awe inspiring story of Lily’s quest to find her way out of the darkness and into the City of Light through a heartwarming story which will leave the readers heart open to the joy of love.

Visit the author, Lindsay Bonilla:


http://www.lindsaybonilla.blogspot.com/

Founder and Director -- World of Difference Ltd. http://www.worldofdiff.org/

Author -- Lily and the City of Light http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/city-of-light.htm

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Full-time freelance writer and Working Writer's Coach, Suzanne Lieurance discusses her Writer's Life

I'm thrilled to have full-time frelance writer and the Working Writer's Coach, Suzanne Lieurance with me today. I first met Suzanne early on in my writing career through the Children's Writers' Coaching Club (CWCC) and now as her Publicist Intern for the National Writing for Children Center and CWCC and she has been instrumental in guiding my writing career as to where it is today. Without further ado, please welcome Suzanne.

The Writer's Life with Author Suzanne Lieurance

I'm so happy to be here at Donna McDine's blog for the second day of my 6-day virtual tour for my book, The Lucky Baseball: My Story in a Japanese-American Internment Camp. Let me tell you a little bit about what the writer's life is like for me.
First, since I'm also a writing coach as well as a writer, I spend part of my time each workday helping other writers. I also have to spend some time each day promoting my writing and my coaching businesses. The rest of the time I spend searching for new freelance writing assignments or coming up with ideas for books or stories, then I spend time writing, too. Usually, I like to write first thing in the morning before I get distracted by all the other things I need to do.

One of the things I love most about the writer's life is that I can write most anywhere, most anytime. Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night and write for an hour or two, then I'll take a nap in the middle of the day. I also like to go to coffee shops and bookstores once in a while and do some writing there. And I like to go to the library to do some of the research for my books. Sometimes, I even travel to interesting spots to research my books.
I have two dogs, Miko and Daisy, and they are my writing buddies. No, they don't write anything. But they like to sit at my feet while I'm writing. And we take breaks during the day and go for walks or just go outside to play.


I also make school visits to talk to students and teachers about my books. That's always a lot of fun. I think the writer's life is the best life in the world and I'm so lucky to be able to do exactly what I love to do!

Be sure to download the free Educator's Guide for The Lucky Baseball and find out more about my other books at http://www.suzannelieurance.com/.

Follow Suzanne over to Nicole Weaver's blog http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/ tomorrow when she chats about Tradebook Tips for Teachers.





Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Children's author, George W. Everett shares with us his Writer's Life

I know we have all heard it before, but the Internet has provided (and continues to provide) wonderful opportunities to meet people that we normally would have not met. What better way to get to know children's authors, but through specific topics to give us a glimpse into their writing world.

I'm happy to host, George W. Everett on the second day of his National Writing for Children Center's author showcase.

The Writer's Life with George W. Everett


My passion is putting my thoughts into cartoon characters and creating them on paper. I first sketch them and then transfer them to Photoshop where the artwork and colors are enhanced. Being a pastor for over 100 families is the majority of my day, but I try and put aside a couple of hours each day to create. I usually write the story first and then add the illustrations for each page of type. I really don’t know what I love most: writing the story or creating the illustrations. They both are tremendously satisfying. My little sister Bonnie Hawkes Everett has been a children’s book illustrator for many years and has given me valuable insights as to story lines and illustration short-cuts.

Follow George over to Nicole Weaver's blog http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/ tomorrow when George chats about Tradebook Tips for Teachers.

Please stop back tomorrow when Suzanne Lieurance joins me on her second day of her NWFCC virtual book tour.

 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Writer's Life: Dawn Menge

Please welcome children's author, Dawn Menge as she discusses her "Writer's Life." Her experiences and travels are like non-other to create fascinating children's books. Take a moment and visit with Dawn. Dawn will be stopping in throughout the day to interact with our visitors, so take this opportunity to ask your questions.

The Writer's Life with Dawn Menge


To begin writing the next book in my series titled "Queen Vernita Visits the Enchanted Islands" I will travel to the Hawaiin Islands and the Tahataiin Islands. I only include activities or information in my books that I have done first hand. For example during the month that the Queen learns about sharks I will use pictures and information about my experiences swimming with the sharks in Tahataiin and Oahu. When the Queen Learns about sea turtles I can describe my
 experiences snorkeling with sea turtles in Kona Hawaii last week. During my trip to Kona last week I went deep sea fishing for the first time, I actually caught a tuna. It was a small catch but now I have the experiences to share when I begin to write about the month in which Jeff the Sea Captain talks about his experiences deep sea fishing. I also explored and swam in the lava tubes, by experiencing these activities myself I can better express these to my readers. So, needless to say a typical research and writing day for me is filled with adventure.




Follow Dawn over to Nicole Weaver's blog http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/ tomorrow when she chats about Tradebook Tips for Teachers.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow and visit with children's author, George W. Everett as he shares his unique "Writer's Life."

Thank you for your time and interest.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc., teams with Be There Bedtime Stories

For Immediate release


Contact: Lynda S. Burch, Publisher

(314) 276 8482

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. teams with Be There Bedtime Stories’ new technology to bring families spread around the globe together.

St. Louis, MO, USA: In a time where families are spread further apart than ever before ‘Be There Bedtime Stories’ is a technology that puts video of a Storyteller onto the page of a children’s book, to be displayed on a computer and read to your children. http://www.betherebedtimestories.com

“We are very excited with this new adventure,” said GAP President and CEO Lynda Burch. “Our partnership with Be There Bedtime Stories will allow for an unprecedented availability of family sharing reading time with kids and grandkids around the globe. What a wonderful way to “Be There” for your kids whether on assignment out of the country, traveling for work, or just wanting to participate daily in your children’s reading habits; encouraging reading skills that will last a lifetime. It increases literacy awareness and wellness and strengthens family bonds.”

The Sedona International Film Festival, Tuesday night cinema film series displayed the concept, with 5 local leaders, including the Mayor of Sedona. They recorded a bedtime story for presentation that was made to the audience of nearly 500 patrons, right on the big screen of a movie theatre!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jcBuWI2qo8

http://www.betherebedtimestories.com/bookstore.aspx?search=guardian+angel+publishing

###

For more information on Guardian Angel Publishing or to schedule an interview with the publisher, email Lynda S. Burch at publisher@guardianangelpublishing.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day - December 4, 2010

Author, Cheryl Rainfield from Kidlitosphere recently announced the First Annual Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day - December 4, 2010 and I wanted to help spread the word!

"Bookstores hold a place in the hearts and times of our community. They are places to discover an author, a story, a life. Nothing affords the conversation and interaction among books and book lovers that a bookstore does. In the future, whether you download your story or pluck a volume off a shelf, a bookstore will be able to accommodate. But in order for bookstores to flourish and thrive, we must expose future generations to the unique pleasures they offer. On December 4th, 2010, take the child in your life to a bookstore. Watch his face light up as you give him free access, not just to a new book, but to tomorrow.


Help spread the message by sending this poster to people, or download a version suitable for printing, and bring it to your favorite bookstore. Or add this banner to your website or blog, with a link back to this page."

A public service endeavor from http://www.suspenseyourdisbelief.com/.
 
Visit http://www.takeyourchildtoabookstore.org/ for further details.
 
Interested in Cheryl Rainfield's writing career visit her at:
http://www.cherylrainfield.com/blog
 
Scars (WestSide Books, Spring 2010)
 
Dragon Speaker: The Last Dragon (HIP Books, September 2009)
 
 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Savvy Authors is proud to announce Mayra Calvani's Book Reviewing Workshop




The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Instructor:
Mayra Calvani . Is your nose always stuck in a book? Do you enjoy sharing your ideas about books with readers? Become a book reviewer!

Learn the secrets of book reviewing from Mayra Calvani, co-author of the ForeWord Best Book of the Year award-winning title, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. From the key elements of a good reviewer, to what makes a good review, to how to write a thoughtful, intelligent review, to the different types of reviews, to how to deal with the most common reviewing problems, to how to build an online platform, this workshop will teach you, in a nutshell, all you need to know to get started as a professional book reviewer.

Students will complete a book review as part of the class. All completed book reviews will entered into a contest to pick the best one. The winner will be published on Savvy Readers and Savvy Authors. Details will be provided during the class.

WHEN:
Jan 24, 2011 - Feb 11, 2011

COST:
$20 for Premium Members

$30 for Basic Members

Cancellation policy: Registrations are non-refundable except when the workshop is cancelled by Savvy Authors.

REGISTRATION: http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/registration.php?eventid=663 (Members will not receive member rate unless logged in.)

INSTRUCTOR: Award-winning author Mayra Calvani has been reviewing for over a decade. She's a freelance writer and the author of several books for children and adults. She’s had over 300 reviews, articles, stories and interviews published online and in print. Currently, she reviews for The New York Journal of Books, Blogcritics Magazine, and SimplyCharly.com. In addition, she’s the Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com and co-editor of Voice in the Dark ezine. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Bridgeport.

Learn more at http://www.mayracalvani.com/

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Holiday Indie Book Giveaway ~ Hosted by Quiet Fury Books



Indie authors are those who are self-published or published through small presses. We have gathered together this holiday season to offer our current readers a thank you gift for their support and also to encourage new readers to explore the indie community!


Many of our authors have chosen to give free download coupons for their books through Smashwords. If you haven't explored this site, please do! Smashwords is an awesome supporter of indie authors and offers thousands of cheap and often free ebooks in the format of your choice.
Recognition is a difficult thing for an indie author to achieve. Our books are not reviewed by the mainstream publications and getting them onto the shelves of a brick and mortar bookstore is a rare occurrence. We rely heavily on word of mouth and reader reviews. If you win a book here, I ask that you please take the time to review that book in at least one venue, whether it be Amazon, Smashwords or your blog. We will be forever grateful.
As you're browsing the titles being offered, please take note of any that interest you and add them to your to-read list. Also, we'd love it if you spread the news! Use the share buttons located on all event pages, blog about it, tell your friends, send emails, and shout it from your rooftops!
When you're ready to enter, click on the Entry Form link on any of the event pages. You'll be taken to the entry form page, where you'll also find the contest rules. This event is international, so you can win a book no matter where you live. We have hundreds of print books and ebooks written by 47 different authors! Go ahead and browse, then don't forget to enter. Good luck!

A full listing and entry form can be found at: http://www.quietfurybooks.com/holidayevent.html