Sunday, May 30, 2010

Memorial Day


It is the

VETERAN,

not the preacher,

who has given us freedom of religion.

It is

the VETERAN,

not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is

the VETERAN,

not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is

the VETERAN,

not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is

the VETERAN,

not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is

the VETERAN,

not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the

VETERAN who

salutes the Flag,

It is

the

VETERAN

who serves

under the Flag,

We can be very

proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

God Bless them all!!!

Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Creative Inspiration through Interviews and Book Reviews


The month of June is sure to be one of creative inspiration through several interviews of children’s authors, illustrators, and editors. Grab yourself a cool refreshment and Cruise on over to http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to jump into the creative minds of:

Tuesday, June 1st – Children’s author interview: Bill Kirk

Friday, June 4th – Children’s author, illustrator, and editor interview: Nancy Lepri

Saturday, June 5th – Book Review: Klutzy Kantor by J. Aday Kennedy

Sunday, June 6th – Children’s author: J. Aday Kennedy

Monday, June 7th – Illustrator interview: K.C. Snider

Mark your calendar today and be sure to visit http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/.

Be sure to ask your questions or leave a comment, each will be on hand throughout the day to interact with you.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

###

Monday, May 24, 2010

L. Diane Wolfe is about to reach a Milestone. What is it?

Celebration dance coming! L. Diane Wolfe is about to hit 200 followers, which means it is time for massive contest giveaway.

It's been a long time in coming. Want to know how to blog the wrong way? Make you schedule so insanely busy you don't have time to visit but a handful of blogs each day. (After almost three months of insanity, Diane means to correct that problem.)
 
Visit L. Diane Wolfe for wonderful tips and become a follower too...you'll be happy you did:
http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/
 

Saturday, May 22, 2010

What is Smories Contest?

Please check out Kristi Bernard's story Big Red at http://www.smories.com/watch/big_red/. Each time you view it counts as a point.

This ingenious contest features children reading the entries in video and the story with the most views wins.

Please go to http://www.smories.com/watch/big_red/  and view Kristi's story and help her win.

Thanks for your interest and happy listening!!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Come Along and Learn About Children's Author, Carla Mooney

Sit for a spell and adventure into the fascinating world of children's author, Carla Mooney. Carla will be on hand today to field your questions and comments, so ask away.

DMc: Please share with us your defining moment in writing for children.



CM: I started Owen and the Dragon as a project for an online writing class. I had done a few scenes, but didn't think I could really tackle an entire novel. Then one night, my older son came down with the stomach flu. He kept getting up every ½ hour or so and I soon realized that I wasn't going to be getting much sleep that night. I ended up grabbing my laptop and typing away in the hall outside his room for the entire night (in between his bathroom trips!) I finished about 2/3 of my first draft of Owen that night and realized that I really could do this!

DMc: Do you find with your analytical mind for numbers helps in you developing of a story arc? If yes, how?


CM: I don't think it helps with the story arc – although I wished it did! Instead it helps keep me organized and on task, both of which I've found are important to achieving my goals.

DMc: What do you feel is the best way to keep a child's interest in reading?


CM: To read something that they are interested in! Both of my boys love stories that I'm not especially fond of reading, but I do because they are excited about them.

DMc: When developing a new manuscript do you create an outline or go with the flow of writing?

CM: I've tried doing it by flow and it really doesn't work for me. I guess that's the accountant coming out again! I like outlines – the more detailed, the better! Of course, I'm still open to change. I've gone back and made significant changes after a first draft during the editing process, like adding characters or changing plot points.

DMc: What has been your most successful marketing tool to date?


CM: I'm hoping that it will be Indie Debut 2010! It's been great to have a friendship with other authors at similar points with their books – all looking to support and learn from each other.

DMc: Please share with us your current work-in-progress.


CM: On the nonfiction side – I'm currently researching a new book on Explorers of the New World. On the fiction front, I'm developing a picture book and a new chapter book that features Owen's friend, Izzy.

Carla, it was a pleasure interviewing you. Best wishes for your continued success!
 
To learn more about Carla Mooney visit http://www.carlamooney.com/
 

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Your Search is Over - Visit Kathy Stemke for Teaching Tips and Marketing Ideas

Visit children's author, Kathy Stemke for a combination of teaching tips for parents and teachers, book reviews, and author interviews. Kathy also posts articles on how to write or market your books.

Stop by today and become a follower so you don't miss out on all the exciting tips and interviews at http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/.

As an added bonus don't forget to Sign up for Kathy's FREE monthly "Movement and Rhythm Newsletter!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Interested in a Sweet Deal - Visit Elysabeth Eldering


Children's Author, Elysabeth Eldering is offering a sweet deal at her blog for a limited time. Visit today and see what all the excitement is about.

http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com/2010/05/special-deal-limited-time-only.html

Thank you in advance for your interest.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Poetry and Song Night - Joe "Silly" Sottile


Poetry and Song Night with Joe "Silly" Sottile

Poetry and Song Night was a smash hit on May 6th in Jefferson Avenue Elementary School, Fairport, New York. Second grade teacher Mrs. Sheila Cocilova inspired her students to learn some funny songs, pick a favorite poem to present with props to their parents, and to lend an ear to Silly Sottile on their special day and evening. In the classroom, Silly Sottile presented a slice of his poetry from Waiting to See the Principal and Other Poems. Then they wrote a class poem with him using their original ideas based on Silly’s poem “I Can’t Write Today Because.”

After a ten minute “Q & A” period was squeezed in, the kids happily marched to rehearse their show in the afternoon. The show in the evening was a big hit, followed by punch cookies, and a book signing. Waiting to See the Principal and Other Poems was also very popular with parents. As the kids and adults enjoyed the punch and cookies, everyone was elated the joy of poetry and song in the air, and the power of a gifted teacher, Mrs. Cocilova, who was instrumental in creating memories that all will cherish. She could have called the night: “Poetry and Song Will Knock Your Socks Off!”

What a terrific event. Looks like a grand time! Visit Joe at: http://poetryinsider.blogspot.com/






Friday, May 14, 2010

The Prosperous Writers Blog - Acceptance


In celebration of Christina Katz's The Proudest Career Moments of Writer Mamas/Author Mamas 2010 my article, "Positive Words are Worth Their Weight in Gold," has been accepted for publication for The Prosperous Writer Blog http://christinakatz.com/ today Friday, May 14, 2010.


 
 
 

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Write From The Soul Visual Eyes

Connect with children’s author and retired elementary school teacher, Gail Handler at http://writefromthesoulvisualeyes.blogspot.com/ and learn all about her teaching and writing careers.


Be prepared to sit for a spell while you enjoy getting to know Gail. Oh yes, she has a contest going on until June 4th.

Be sure to read about it and join in on the fun!

For additional information about Gail visit: http://www.gailhandler.com/

 
 

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Blog Jog Day


Thank you for stopping by my blog! Please explore all my blog has to offer, then Jog on Over to http://www.divorcedbefore30.com/


Thank you for your interest and please leave your blog address so I can visit you too!

Happy Mother's Day


I am proud to say without the influence from my mom for over 43 years I would not be the woman I am today. As the saying goes “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree” and I am happy to say this is the outcome of my relationship with my mom.



Thank you mom, for all you were in my childhood, young adulthood, and what you are now in my adult life. You taught me love, forgiveness, understanding, humility, and to reach my full potential no matter the obstacles thrown my way. You are the brightness in my darkness. God bless.


Wishing you all a Blessed Mother's Day!
 
 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Contest ~ How Has Blogging Inspired Your Writing?



In celebration of reaching 100 followers I am holding a contest.

Thanks Melanie for pushing me to 100!

Topic: How has blogging inspired your writing?

Word count: up to 250 words.

Submission deadline: June 15, 2010. Please include your submission within your email and be sure to include your name and email.

Email your entry to: dmcdine@optonline.net

Winner announced: July 1, 2010.  Winner will be notified prior to July 1, 2010 via email, no later than June 30, 2010.

The winning entry: will be published in the June/July 2010 issue of Write What Inspires You! Newsletter and on my blog; and will receive a FREE copy of: You Can Write Children's Books by Tracey E. Dils

Thank you to all who follower me publicly and additional thanks to all who stop by unnoticed.

I appreciate your ongoing interest and support.

Looking forward to seeing you all in cyberspace!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Being a mother is very different now than it was when I was a child. Now, because of the boomer generation, more and more mothers are also grandmothers, great grandmothers, even great, great grandmothers. We’re often part of the sandwich generation meaning we’re taking care of our own children and also our mothers and fathers, often ailing. Many of us are juggling two careers (or more!) if we’ve chosen to work outside the home as well as take care of that home ourselves. We partner more with husbands or partners who are sharing responsibilities that once were only under the purview of the mom - of - the - house.

But moms are still the same in many ways. We are still often the fixers, the worriers, the most caring of caretakers. This is a year when moms may need more tender care than they’ve been given in the past.

The trouble is, the traditional ways don’t seem quite right this year.

Flowers seem very frivolous for households on a budget. I’ve always felt sad when I must throw away wilted blooms. Candy sure is yummy, but it is not the perfect choice for many who are diabetic, hypoglycemic or working on slimming their hips. The beautiful cards at CVS often don’t say the rig ht thing or don’t reflect our mothers’ personalities. After all, we’re not all that sentimental, syrupy kind of mom the pastel cards seem; we may resort to humor which then doesn’t reflect our feelings.

The answer is a book of poetry. One that reflects many aspects of motherhood and all the relationships surrounding it. Mom won’t expect all the poems to fit your relationship with her; instead she’ll get to reflect on motherhood in general and choose the passages that have special meaning for her. Those may reflect ways she relates to her own mother, reflect the ways she relates to you, or maybe even open a subject you should have talked about with her long ago.
Magdalena Ball and I have written such a chapbook of poetry for mothers with photos by May L. Lattanzio. The title comes from one of my wistful poems, “She Wore Emerald Then . . .” We hope you’ll consider ordering it for your mother from Amazon. They’ll ship fast and you can give it alone or slip it into a the box filled with a pashmina scarf, a pair of silver - tone earrings, and appreciation from thou!

Find it at www.budurl.com/MotherChapbook.

Here is one of the poems from it:

Wishing to Be a Child Again

She goes too long

in the telling of a story.

Gutters between her brows

make her angry

even when she's not.

If I had know then

I would not have looked so hard,

have listened for the sweet

notes, ignored how on and on she went

I would have loved what I had.


And here is the cover of that book in colors Mom will love: 
It is from our Celebration Series of chapbooks. A new concept in poetry chapbooks, as nearly as I can tell.

Happy Writing and Promoting,

Carolyn Howard - Johnson