Tuesday, August 31, 2010

What Do Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines Have in Common?

M E D I A  R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Beverly Stowe McClure

Email: beverlysmcclure@aol.com

Website: http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com/

For Immediate Release

What Do Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines Have in Common?

Many times ordinary singular items are brought together to tell the most unusual story and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines is one of those times. The year 1863 is a turbulent time for the people of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Frustration swells for fourteen-year-old, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Stamford for only men are allowed to serve in the Confederate Army. Bombings occur daily and Lizzy’s mother finds them safety in the cave behind their house, hence the blending of Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines.

The fictional story of the Stamford family told through the eyes of young Lizzy propels the reader into the historical events surrounding the Battle of Vicksburg and the harsh realities of war and one fourteen-year-old girl’s determination to make a difference at any cost.

Author, Beverly Stowe McClure’s expert research and writing ability will make you feel the dampness of the cave, the echoing of bombs, the distinct rustling of crinolines, and the harshness of war all intertwined for an experience one will soon not forget.

Available:

Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines

Twilight Times Books

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60619-112-5

Also available: Amazon, Baker & Taylor, Ingram, and you can order from your favorite local bookstore.

Author, Beverly Stowe McClure is a retired elementary school teacher, current women’s Sunday school teacher, pianist, and traveler. Visit her website: http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com/.



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Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Book Review: Guardian by Katie Hines

Title: Guardian


Written by: Katie Hines

Soft cover: 172 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

Print ISBN: 9780984070886

Published: January 2010

Price: $15.50

The promise to his dying mother intertwined with the talk of a treasure and one’s destiny at first intrigues Drew, until mysterious events plague Drew and his friends. Sent to his Grandpa Ian’s for his own safety, Drew convinces his friends to tag along for what he believes will be the chance to uncover a long ago lost treasure.


“I guess Dad is going to ship me off to Grandpa Ian’s. He lives close to the island where the treasure is, so maybe I can hunt for it.” His face brightened as a thought occurred. “You know what? Mom didn’t say I had to hunt alone. Why don’t you guys come along?”

En-route via ferry to Grandpa Ian’s and upon their arrival bizarre occurrences continue and Drew’s doubts grow. What is he to do? Forgot about his promise to his dying mother and return home or discover the lost treasure and his true destiny? Good versus evil is at every turn. Knowing who to trust and who to be wary of is a constant struggle for Drew and his companions. The internal dilemma of trusting ones instincts above what the Guardian says and what the Brother says sends Drew into a tailspin. Who wins out, good or evil? Find out in this fast pace fantasy within reality.

Come along for this roller coaster ride through the mysterious old age sect and discover who is truthful and Drew’s true destiny.

To learn more about author, Katie Hines visit:

http://www.katiehines.com/

http://katiehines.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Hines/1442953493

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/katiehines

Friday, August 27, 2010

If Fishes Were Wishes Travels Through Cyberspace

Title: If Wishes Were Fishes


Written by: NA Sharpe

Illustrated by: Ginger Nielson

Soft cover: 24 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

ISBN-10: 0982588674

ISBN 13: 9780982588673

Published: May 2010

Print Price: $13.99

From generation to generation statements may take on their own meanings for each generation to interpret. What is 6-year-old JT to do when he takes each statement by his grandparents literally and miscommunication ensues at a hysterical level?

Politeness always at the top of his list to impress his grandparents, JT is determined to stay out of trouble and does what they say no matter what. At times Grandma’s apparent frustration with JT bothers him until a little birdie clears it all up with Grandpa.

Nancy Sharpe’s stroll down memory lane of old sayings through her whimsical storytelling will have the reader laughing their head off (no not literally), opening up the perfect opportunity to talk with our young children of our fond childhood memories.

Purchasing links:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books A Million

4RV Publishing

Author: NA Sharpe http://nasharpe.com/

Ms. Sharpe has always had a deep rooted love of storytelling and children's literature. This is her first picture book. She has one fantasy book published and is currently writing a Young Adult fantasy adventure series in collaboration with her son.

Illustrations: Ginger Nielson http://gingernielson.com/

Thursday, August 26, 2010

It's official ~ The Golden Pathway is NOW available


It's official!! The Golden Pathway is NOW available:

Title: The Golden Pathway


Written by: Donna McDine

Illustrated by: K.C. Snider

Ages: 8-12

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813

Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880

eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821

Published: August 2010

Synopsis:

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Author: Donna McDine http://www.donnamcdine.com/

Artist: K. C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com/


Ordering information:

Guardian Angel Publishing: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Pathway-Donna-M-McDIne/dp/1616330880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282836673&sr=1-1

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Book Review: The Soggy Town of Hilltop by Kevin McNamee

Title: The Soggy Town of Hilltop


Written by: Kevin McNamee

Illustrated by: Eugene Ruble

Soft cover: 22 pages

Ages: 4-10

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-041-5

eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-042-2

Published: April 2010

Price: $10.95 – Soft cover / $5.00 – E-book CD

The Soggy Town of Hilltop brings to life the hysterical world of the town councilors and townsfolk. Bored with no further rules to instill, the High Council creates an absurd rule for their own amusement to see if the residents will continue to obey. Obey they do and chaos ensues, until the day one young boy from the South comes to visit.

Wise beyond his years this youngster guides the townsfolk towards reclaiming their lives and independence. What becomes of the High Council and do the townsfolk prevail? Find out while you venture through The Soggy Town of Hilltop and be sure to wear your boots so you don’t get wet too.

Told in amusing rhyme, children’s author Kevin McNamee will have the reader laughing out loud and wondering how people would follow ridiculous rules so blindly. Coupled with the unique illustrations by Eugene Ruble, The Soggy Town of Hilltop will soon be a must have for our young muses.

To learn more about author, Kevin McNamee visit: http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Book Review: The Sister Exchange by Kevin McNamee


Title: The Sister Exchange

Written by: Kevin McNamee

Illustrated by: Kit Grady

Soft cover: 26 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-015-6

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-61633-016-3

Published: December 2009

Price: $10.95 – Soft cover / $5.00 – E-book CD

Brianna longs for the day not to have her annoying younger sister, Julianne, as a constant tag-a-long. Life would be so much better with someone else. To solve her problem, Brianna decides to trade in her sister, just like a used car. Much to her pleasure mother says it’s possible through the Sister Exchange. Brianna is beyond excited and happily listens in on her mother’s phone call. Each choice presented to Brianna never seems up to her standards, until the final choice. Should she make this exchange or stick to who she knows?

Children’s author, Kevin McNamee, expertly brings to life what many siblings wish they could do at one time or another. The Sister Exchange wonderfully explores how each person has their place in the family circle, better or for worse.

Illustrator, Kit Grady, brilliantly brings to life the characters in The Sister Exchange leaving the reader with the need to hug each character.

To learn more about author, Kevin McNamee visit: http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/.

Visit and explore Kit Grady’s exciting world at: http://www.kitgrady.com/.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

M̩lange of Cultures РNicole Weaver

M E D I A   R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Nicole Weaver, Children’s Author

Email: lumiereleclaire@yahoo.com

Blog: http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/

For Immediate Release

M̩lange of Cultures РNicole Weaver

Do you find yourself scouring the Internet for viable resources in learning to speak French, Spanish, or Haitian Creole? If you answered yes to this question look no further. Nicole Weaver, native of Port-au-Prince Haiti and resident of the United States since 10-years of age is offering written and audio language lessons on an array of topics at http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/.
Weaver doesn’t stop there in her quest to reach out to fellow human beings in their desire to immerse themselves in Haitian customs and possible adoption. With rebuilding continuing on a daily basis post the Haiti earthquake, Nicole has turned despair into action. With her vast knowledge and experience in the Haitian culture your learning experience will take you on an adventure like non-other. If that is not enough, Weaver will also be sharing her favorite French and Spanish recipes in the near future to complete your experience at Mélange of Cultures.

To spread the word, Ms. Weaver is offering a contest to visitors leaving a comment at http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/. By leaving a comment and your email address you will be automatically entered to win a $10 Starbuck’s gift card as her way of saying thank you. The contest runs September 1st thru 30th. Winner announced within two weeks of the contest closing.

Visit Nicole Weaver today at http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/ and begin your multicultural language and customs journey.

You may have already learned of Ms. Weaver through:

http://support4usparentsofhaitianorphans.blogspot.com/

http://readyabletolearnfrenchspanish.blogspot.com/

In an effort to offer consistent lessons including pertinent information on Haitian customs Weaver has consolidated her efforts to a Word Press server, which provides her with the ability to offer ongoing audio within her lessons of basic French and Spanish plus Haitian Creole.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

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Friday, August 20, 2010

Book Review: If I Could Be Anything

Title: If I Could Be Anything


Written by: Kevin McNamee

Illustrated by: Marina Movshina

Soft cover: 18 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-011-8

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-61633-012-5

Published: November 2009

Price: $9.95 – Soft cover / $5.00 – E-book CD

The imagination soars through the whimsical story, If I Could Be Anything. Where a young boy dreams what it would be like being anything but himself. Much to his surprise he ends up where he started. Where is that you may ask. To find out, escape into the colorful pages and learn how many times the grass it not always greener on the other side.

Children’s author, Kevin McNamee delves into the inner thoughts of a child seamlessly making the “what if” question jump from the pages.

Illustrator, Marina Movshina captures the true essence of If I Could Be Anything through lively illustrations, making us all wish for a vivid imagination.

To learn more about author, Kevin McNamee visit: http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/

Visit and explore Marina Movshina’s beautiful world at: http://www.twopinesstudio.com/.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Indie-Debut 2010 Interview Feature with C. Lee McKenzie, The Write Game













M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine

Children’s Author

Email: dmcdine@optonline.net

Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

Indie-Debut 2010 Interview Feature with C. Lee McKenzie, The Write Game

The Write Game http://writegame.blogspot.com/ hosted by C. Lee McKenzie is your one stop place to learn about up and coming debut writers in various genres. McKenzie is quite the accomplished author with several middle grade and young adult books to her credit, coupled with her experience teaching inter-cultural English and studies in American Language at San Jose State University. This makes for the perfect visit for the authors of Indie-Debut 2010 http://indiedebut2010.blogspot.com/.

Come along for this intriguing interview on Thursday, August 19 at http://writegame.blogspot.com/ and meet:

Lori Calabrese, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade

Danika Dinsmore, Brigitta of the White Forest

Donna McDine, The Golden Pathway

Jo Ramsey, Connection

Beth Reinke, In My Bath

Be sure to leave a comment and or question, each author will check in throughout the day to field your comments and questions. Visitors participating in the contest point system please see further details within the Indie-debut 2010 interview. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a special giveaway tote bag with special treats.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Book Review: The Guardian of Kelmar ~ Book 1 of the Kelmar Trilogy by Laura Sepesi

Title: The Guardian of Kelmar – Book I of the Kelmar Trilogy


Written by: Laura Sepesi

Paperback: 613 pages

Publisher: Infinity Publishing / May 2009

ISBN: 0-7414-5336-3

Price: $26.95

Come away where anything goes in the fight over good versus evil. Unbeknownst to Baby Carmen her destiny was slated even before she was born. The evil Desorkhan will stop at nothing, destroying all who get in his way to reach Carmen. Death if necessary.

Hidden away from the clutches of the dark forces, Carmen lives a solitary life with her grandfather, since being orphaned as a baby. Her true destiny is kept secret from her, until her fifteenth birthday. When on this coming of age milestone birthday her grandfather presents her with an unusual gift. A golden skeleton key engraved with the initials BSGAD. Her grandfather’s aloofness baffles Carmen as to what this unusual key could unlock.

Quite unexpectedly Carmen comes across an old locked book engraved with “The Book of Kelmar” on the book cover. With the skeleton key in hand, Carmen unlocks the “Book of Kelmar” and unleashes her true destiny and is transported to the city of Kelmar.

Will Carmen find true understanding and courage she so desperately needs to overcome the dark forces once and for all? Come along for this fascinating journey into a magical world of self discovery.

Learn more about the mind tinkling world of Laura Sepesi at: http://www.laurasepesi.com/

 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Children's Writers' Coaching Club Teleclasses


M E D I A  R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach

Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

For Immediate Release

Using Facebook and Twitter as a Writer

The Internet superhighway has brought the world to our fingertips along with social networking. Does all the talk about Facebook and Twitter leave your mind swirling? Where in the world does one begin? Well swirl no more. Margo Dill, instructor for the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club, will present her teleclass, “Using Facebook and Twitter as a Writer,” on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 7 pm CDT.

Ms. Dill’s proactive approach in settling your nerves from the onset will leave you wondering what took you so long to get with the social networking times. Her jammed packed 55-minute live teleclass discusses creating a Facebook page that screams you are a writer and using Facebook tools effectively along with the ins and outs of utilizing Twitter to the maximum will have you socializing through cyberspace in no time.

Sign-up today at Get Real Resources and as an added bonus you will receive an email with a link to the recording of the teleclass for your future reference. All for $5.97!

Visit the National Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ or the Children's Writers Coaching Club for more information on upcoming teleclasses and programs.

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M E D I A  R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach

Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

For Immediate Release

Internationally Renowned author, Simon Rose presents at the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club

The positive knack in which you deal with rejection as a writer is an essential part of creating your career. Yes, easier said than done, especially with the word NO printed in black and white for you to read over and over again. Do not despair and do not become discouraged.

Award-winning author and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club instructor, Simon Rose is here to present his live 55-minute teleclass, “Dealing with Rejection – Part 1,” on Thursday, August 19 at 8 pm CDT. Mr. Rose will discuss ways to deal with rejection, how not to take rejection personally, the many reasons why publishers may choose not to publish your work, and how to turn rejection to your advantage. That’s right, to your advantage. The old saying when one door closes another one opens is never more apparent in the publishing industry.

Sign-up today at Get Real Resources and as an added bonus you will receive an email with a link to the recording of the teleclass for your future reference. All for $5.97!

Visit the National Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ or the Children's Writers Coaching Club for more information on upcoming teleclasses and programs.

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Monday, August 16, 2010

Book Review: Owen and the Dragon by Carla Mooney

Title: Owen and the Dragon


Written by: Carla Mooney

Illustrated by: Colin Thomson

Paperback: 72 pages

Publisher: Soto Publishing Company / May 2010

ISBN: 978-0-9821711-7-2

Price: $6.99

Ages: 8 and up

Determined not to accept his new home in a new town, 10-year-old Owen refuses to unpack his belongings, a typical response for many young children who leave their familiar surroundings and friends behind. Some may though enjoy the new adventure presented to them. To top it off his new neighbor is a girl of all things and Owen dismisses Izzy from the onset.

The lure of the massive woods behind his new home creates just the right diversion. Packing a lunch Owen sets off. What he thinks will be a typical hike in the woods becomes so much more as he continues his trek deeper into the woods. Taking a much needed rest at the top of the hillside, Owen hears the unmistakable sound of someone or something snoring. Curiosity gets the best of him and Owen finds himself at the entrance of a cave. What he finds in there is unbelievable to him, even though he is seeing it with his own eyes.

“Curled up in the darkest corner of the cave, an animal he’d never seen before snored. Owen slowly shone his flashlight back and forth across the creature. It was covered in green and gold scales. Two enormous wings were folded across its body and a long tail lay curled on the ground. A dragon!”

Shocked beyond belief, Owens gains the trust of the dragon Phineas through their conversations and learns Phineas has lost his ability to fly, which can only be restored through a lost magic locket. Can Owen find the locket in time to help Phineas get back to his family? For time is running out for Phineas with the approaching of the fortieth sun cycle. To accomplish his task at hand, Owen needs to look deep within and become more accepting of others. Can he and will he do so in time?

The magical adventures of Owen and Phineas in the quest to reunite Phineas with his family will leave the reader feeling anything is possible. Visit Carla Mooney at: http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=cmooney

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Marketing the National Writing for Children Center is No Longer a One Man Show!


M E D I A   R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach

Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

For Immediate Release

Marketing the National Writing for Children Center is No Longer a One Man Show!

Writing is usually a solitary endeavor, as children's author Suzanne Lieurance knows. But, as founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center, Lieurance also knows that marketing or promoting the Center, and its coaching club for children's writers, should be anything but a one man show.

"The National Writing for Children Center is a valuable resource for both aspiring and published children's book authors," says Lieurance. "Yet, writers can't get the help we offer if they don't even know we exist, which is why I'm pleased to announce that Donna McDine is joining our staff as Publicist Intern. Donna will help me plan and implement all promotional activities for both the National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club. I'm very excited about this. With Donna on staff, there are so many new ways we can promote and market both the National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club. We're out to provide children's writers with the information, instruction, and resources they need to start their writing careers or take their careers to new levels. I can hardly wait to get the word out about all we have to offer!"

Visit the National Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ or the Children's Writers Coaching Club at www.cwcoachingclub.com for more information.

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Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Book Review - Brigitta of the White Forest by Danika Dinsmore

Title: Brigitta of the White Forest


Written by: Danika Dinsmore

Soft cover: 208 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: en theos press

ISBN 10: 0-9754042-5-3

ISBN 13: 978-0975-404256

Published: Spring 2010

Price: $12.95

Brigitta longs to find her place in the White Forest. Always one to daydream and to question authority her progress to achieve changes to her wings to mark her destiny does not come easy for Brigitta. Coupled with her endless responsibility to look out for her younger sister, Himalette, Brigitta struggles to break free.

Until the day while on an errand with Himalette on the outskirts of the White Forest an eerie hush blankets the White Forest turning all fairies and creatures to stone. Except for Brigitta and Himalette and the Hourglass, which protects the White Forest. With the sands of time slipping away, Brigitta wishes she could just turn the Hourglass over to continue the protection to the White Forest. Alas, this was not to be for the Ancients long ago set the law in place that only the Elder’s had the knowledge and power to do so.

Forced to seek help outside the White Forest, Brigitta and Himalette embark on their journey to save all within the White Forest. Will Brigitta and Himalette be able to decipher the legends and folklore as they come to life with good versus evil intertwined? For all is not as it appears. Who is friend? Who is foe? One does not know until decisions are made and actions are set in place.

Come along on this magical journey of discovering ones true destiny in most unusual circumstances.

To learn more about author, Danika Dinsmore visit: http://thewhiteforest.com/.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Is There Music in Your Writing?

Today, Donna, my cyberdaughter, is so graciously hosting me on my Virtual Book Tour for my latest YA historical novel, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines. I've written a post about music in my writing. But first, a short bio.

When Beverly was a child, she hated to read. Even though her eighth-grade teacher sent her poem “Stars” to a high school anthology, and it was published in Young America Sings, she hated to write. In spite of her rocky relationship with the printed word, she attended Midwestern University, read more books than she ever imagined, wrote tons of papers, and graduated with a teaching degree. Imagine that. As a teacher, she also read a lot. Reading Dr. Seuss and other great children’s books to her sons and to her students made her realize what she’d been missing: reading was fun. Now, she reads and she also writes. Her stories and articles have been published in leading children’s magazines. One article was reprinted in a Scott Foresman PreK-K Anthology. Her “Breakthrough” article appeared in the June 2007 issue of Writer Magazine. She has five novels for tweens and teens published with four more under contract, along with a picture book. Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, a YA historical fiction, is her latest release.


Music in My Writing

One day I was working on my current young adult story when one of the major characters surprised me by saying he had learned to play the guitar. Now this was not in my original plans, but I went with him¾who am I to question my characters? In one scene, so far, he and a friend play their guitars. We will see where this new thought leads.


I started thinking about my other stories and whether they contained musical elements. To my surprise, music is part of four out of five of my books. In Listen to the Ghost Matt, one of the major characters plays the saxophone and piano. Jennifer, the pov character in Secrets I Have Kept, plays classical music on the piano, and Casey, the other pov character writes country ballads and strums the guitar. Then Rebel’s mother runs away with the drummer in a rock band in the novel Rebel in Blue Jeans, and Lizzie, from Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines plays the guitar. Though the music isn’t the main point of each story, it’s there, adding to the details of the characters’ lives, telling us a little more about their likes and dislikes.

So music does play a part in most of my work. And I believe it goes back to my early years when I took piano lessons. Twice a week I spent 30 minutes in Mrs. Patton’s home, sitting at her piano. At the time, of course, I’d rather have been outside playing with my friends. My parents wanted me to play the piano, and I did my best. Today, I’m so glad I did. When I’m tense and my world is going in ten different directions at the same time, I can sit at the piano, play some of my favorite tunes from the 50’s or my favorite hymns from today, and I relax and soon I’m ready to face the day with an improved attitude and sometimes ideas for new scenes or lines that popped into my head from the songs.

In addition to the piano, I once played the clarinet in the junior high and high school bands. At the time I enjoyed the music but never considered how it might affect my future life. From my experiences, however, I believe that writing is much like playing a musical instrument. I started from the beginning, learning the basics. With music, on the piano for instance, it’s treble clef, base clef, whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, rests, sharps, flats, and all the parts that go together to make a song. Then I advanced in my knowledge of music and put the parts together with words and lyrics and melodies. Soon my music was telling a story. Yes, someone else wrote the words, but when I was on the stage, playing for my recitals, I still relayed the message to my listeners.

With writing, I began with words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, commas, periods, and question marks. As my skills grew and developed, I put the parts together, introduced the characters, and added a plot and theme. Soon I was telling a story to my readers.

Sometimes, what we do as adults reflects back to things we enjoyed in our childhood. Is there music in your writing?

Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines is the story of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Stamford and her family's daily struggle to survive a changing way of life during the American Civil War. This is a story of fear, courage, and understanding that people, no matter where they live, have the same needs: love, peace and security.

Publisher: Twilight Time Books
ISBN 1-60619-112-8
YA Trade Paperback
$14.95, 152 pages
June 15, 2010

Available at the publisher, at Amazon,
or your favorite book store can order it
for you.

Thank you, Donna, for hosting me today.

Leave a comment and be entered in a drawing
for a signed copy of Caves, Cannons, and
Crinolines.

Happy reading.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Margaret Fieland Announces Guest Author, Donna McDine at Poetry and Prose

M E D I A   R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Donna McDine, children’s author

Email: dmcdine@optonline.net

Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/  

For Immediate Release

Margaret Fieland Announces Guest Author, Donna McDine at Poetry and Prose

Margaret Fieland, an accomplished piccolo and flute player and the daughter of a successful painter is a published author in a number of poetry and short story anthologies. Through her blog Poetry and Prose, Ms. Fieland is proud to showcase authors through her insightful and intriguing interviewing style.

Stop by Wednesday, August 11 and visit with Margaret at http://www.margaretfieland.com/blog1 and guest, Donna McDine, author of the soon to be released children’s story book, The Golden Pathway. Donna will be on hand throughout the day to chat and field any questions you may have.
Thank you in advance for your interest.

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Monday, August 9, 2010

Another Satisfied Client of Dynamic Media Release Services

I am pleased to share with my readers the latest testimonial for another satisfied client:
"If you're too busy to write and distribute a press release about your book, or simply aren't sure how to go about it, I can whole-heartedly recommend Donna McDine's publicity services. She writes excellent press releases. Best of all, she's fast!

Two days after Donna posted the press release my book went higher in ranks on Amazon from the 200,000s to the 14,000s!"



Friday, August 6, 2010

Slip, Slide into the World of Book Reviewing

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Lida Quillen
Email: publisher@twilighttimes.com
Website: http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com/

For Immediate Release

Slip, Slide into the World of Book Reviewing

Enjoy reading and discussing books, why not expand your canvas and slip, slide into the world of book reviewing. How does one write a review and gain recognition one may ask? The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards answers many of your questions along with practical advice which will get you started in no time.

Taking the publishing world by storm, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing first edition quickly became a must have reference tool for new and seasoned book reviewers. The authors acknowledged the fact our high speed information world changes in a nanosecond and embarked on their quest to update The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing and have released the newly revised and updated edition.

Reviews from well established and respected book reviewers continue to pour in:

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing should be considered mandatory reading for novice and aspiring book reviewers, as well as having a great deal of enduring value as a reference for even the more experienced reviewer. Additionally, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will provide to be informed and informative reading about the book review process for authors, publishers, publicists, booksellers, librarians, and the general reading public.” Reviewed by James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review.

“The Slippery Art… is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in book reviews – writers, reviewers, publishers, publicists, librarians, booksellers and readers.” Reviewed by Francine Silverman, Editor of The Book Promotion Newsletter

It comes as no surprise The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing has the distinct honor of the ForeWord Best Book of the Year Award and the esteem privilege of being listed as required reading at several American and Dutch universities.

Available:

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Twilight Times Books

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/

ISBN: 978-1933353227

Amazon.com, B&N.com, and of course you can order through your local independent book store.

Anne K. Edwards is an award-winning multi-genre author, reviewer and editor of Voice in the Dark Ezine. Her latest novel is the suspense thriller, Shadows Over Paradise, just released by Twilight Times Books. Visit her website at http://www.mysteryfiction.net/.

Award-winning multi-genre author Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She reviews for SimplySharly.com, The NY Journal of Books and Blogcritics Magazine. She's had over 300 articles, reviews, interviews and stories published online. Visit her website at http://www.mayracalvani.com/.

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Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Children's Author, Editor and Founder and Owner - Stories for Children Magazine - VS Grenier

Interviewing VS Grenier is a true full circle experience for me. My first publishing credit was with Stories for Children Magazine in 2007 and I haven’t looked back since. Grenier is the owner and founder of Stories for Children Magazine and is a freelance children’s author and editor at Halo Publishing. Grenier’s dynamic and forward thinking entrepreneur writing skills keeps her at the forefront in the children’s publishing industry. She wears many hats and wears them all well. Join me on this fascinating interview about her current writing career moves.

DMc: After taking a hiatus from writing to have your third child you are now back into the writing groove. What has been your biggest challenge in balancing a newborn, a soon to be kindergartener, and teenager?

VS: Actually, only Stories for Children Magazine is on a hiatus. I have been busy with my personal writing in-between taking care of Sabrina, my new baby girl. The one thing I have been finding hard to do … is not adding to my writing responsibilities. The other two kids are great and give me my writing time, which is mostly when the baby is sleeping. My fourteen and five year old have been use to mommy writing for the past few years. Now to teach the baby about mommy’s writing time. Of course, I do not think the baby cares much about my personal time. LOL. At least she sleeps through the night now.

DMc: Your first picture book, Babysitting SugarPaw, was published through Halo Publishing in 2009, what has been your best marketing tool to date?


VS: Well, my marketing strategy went out the window a few months after my book hit the printing press. I am sorry to say, I did not do as much marketing as I would have liked when the book first came out. The reason being, I found out I was pregnant and I came down with the swine flu. However, I did find doing a coloring contest of the main characters really helped sell some books and spread the word about Babysitting SugarPaw. In addition, I did a lot of blog interviews like this one and did a drawing at each one to help spread the word. I had some really great sales during those months.

DMc: Virginia, you are the founder of Stories for Children Magazine. Can you please share with our readers your future plans for magazine?


VS: Right now Stories for Children Magazine is on hiatus because I just do not have the time to put each issue together. Even though the magazine is an ezine, it takes up about 60 hours a week of my time to run it, not counting the time SFC team members put in to do their duties as well. My plan is to reopen in late 2011 or the beginning of 2012. Right now, I’m currently looking at better ways to run the magazine and making some changes such as publishing 9 issues a year instead of 12 issues, like we use to do. Another thing I am looking to do is make the magazine a paying market. I’m not sure how possible this will be because of the economy. Nevertheless, it is still something I would like to do one day soon.

DMc: You also recently created a new blog http://www.thewritingmama.blogspot.com and have already developed a great following. What do you hope to achieve through your blog?


VS: I really do not have a goal for The Writing Mama. I just thought it would be fun to have a personal blog where I posted about my adventures raising a family while writing and being published. At first, I was only going to post when I had something to share, but now I do have a schedule for the posts. Mondays I talk about my weight lose goals, share some tips on staying healthy (since a lot of writers spend so much time sitting), and share a writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing for the week. Tuesdays and Thursdays, I share my thoughts or a writing tip. Sometimes both. Wednesdays I post an article from a fellow writer. The topics can be on anything to do with writing. Then there are the Friday posts. Those are my favorite because I get to chat with fellow writers about balancing their writing life with their family life. I find each interview very inspiring and motivating.

Who knows, maybe some type of book will come out of it.

DMc: You are also an editor with Halo Publishing. Please share with our readers what this entails.


VS: I do a few different things as an editor for Halo. One of the things I do is review manuscripts submitted for publication. Halo likes to have a board of editors read each manuscript and comment on it. Not a full critique, but an overview on if the manuscript is right for the company and if any editing or a professional Read & React is needed.

Another thing I do is the Read & Reacts. This is a one to one and half page professional critique. What I do is point out specific areas needing some work such as point of view changes, telling vs. showing, or weedy word usage. This is a great way for authors to improve their writing and manuscript for publication. However, this does not replace a good line-by-line professional critique. Which I do on the side through my website http://vsgrenier.com/.

Lastly, my other responsibility at Halo is copyeditor where I go through a manuscript before it is sent to pagination. I look for all kinds of things from extra spacing to grammar errors.

DMc: What can we expect from you in the future?


VS: I really don’t know. I am always coming up with new ideas and adventures in the world of ink. What I can tell you is what I have on my plate currently as projects. Besides working on Stories for Children Publishing stuff, I plan to continue my daily blog posts at The Writing Mama. I’m currently the assistant on the Blog Talk Radio show A Good Story is a Good Story every Monday night at 8pm Central.

On the writing front, I am working on two picture books, three YA novels, and some additional book concepts for Babysitting SugarPaw.

Donna, I want to think for having me on your blog today. It is always a pleasure to chat with you.

If you want to know more about VS Grenier visit her websites.

http://vsgrenier.com/

http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/

Babysitting SugarPaw is available at Amazon.com, Halo Publishing Int., and for autographed copies with extra goodies visit http://vsgrenier.com/.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Lost Island Smugglers by Max Elliot Anderson

Lost Island Smugglers is a new action-adventure that kids will love. Find out more at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

Endorsements:


"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - author

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, author


You can also go to the Lost Island Smugglers UPDATE page for more information

http://lostislandsmugglers.blogspot.com/2010/07/artist-illustrator-interview.html