Friday, November 29, 2013

Book Review ~ Silence written and illustrated by K.C. Snider


Silence by K.C. Snider is an incredible illustrated book without words providing the glorious opportunity to change the story each time.

Anything is but silent of the featured golden-mantled ground squirrel. K.C. Snider brings to life the day-to-day adventures through her magnificent illustrations making the reader fully immersed in the story, often times feeling as if they are part of the story. The illustrations are completed with such precision they often look like flawless photographs.

Enjoy the journey of storytelling of what happens next for each sit down will be different from the last. Your child’s and your own imagination will abound with endless possibilities.

K.C. Snider resides in Redmond, Oregon with her husband and with the backdrop of the Oregon Cascade Mountains it’s no wonder the beauty of Snider’s artwork spill from the pages.

Learn more about K.C. Snider’s colorful world at www.kcsniderart.com.
  
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Thursday, November 28, 2013

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Gratitude


Since I began blogging in 2007 my tradition for Thanksgiving is to share a prayer and as I reflect on the last year I'd like to share my gratitude of my blessings. 


I'm grateful for…


My husband Tom and daughter's Nicole and Hayley - your unconditional love and support from day one is a true blessing and I love you all up the stars and beyond.

My family and friends - from childhood and now adulthood the adventure continues, I'm honored to be part of each of your lives.

My health and that of my family and friends. Thoughts and prayers continue for all. 

My critique partners, Karin and Marilyn - your guidance has been instrumental in my success and I look forward to our publication journeys.

My publisher, Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing  and fellow "Angels" - the family atmosphere is an honor to be part of.

My fellow writing friends, many of you I have not met in person, but you all hold a special place in my heart. The exchange of ideas is constant source of encouragement.

The publication of Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey.

My boss, Thomas John and his family and friends - who have welcomed 
me into his and their lives with open arms.

Wishing you all a Blessed Thanksgiving! 

I'd be honored to hear about your gratitudes!


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Time Management Tips for Moms Over 40 by Tiffany Faming

By RLHyde via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Whether they are young or old, having children of any age can be incredibly time consuming. This can leave moms feeling as though staying on top of things is almost impossible. However, by utilizing these simple tips for time management, even the craziest schedules can be maintained.
  
1.  Asses Your Time
This is the beginning step when initially setting up time management skills. Take a good look at your schedule and determine what tasks can be reduced, and which ones can be eliminated completely. You’d be surprised how many tasks are taking up valuable time but aren’t actually necessary. At this point in time you can also prioritize your time; figuring out what tasks need to be finished immediately and which tasks you can be leisure about, seeing as how they aren’t due until later in the month.

 By normalityrelief via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

2.  Organization is Key
There are a few key factors when it comes to organizing that you need to think about. First and foremost, keep organized in the home. Always put things back where they belong to reduce clutter, as clutter can not only be a stressor but can also slow you down.

If you don’t have enough space to organize all of your belongings, take advantage of the next step of organizing: storage bins. You can use big bins for items you don’t need to go in the garage, and smaller bins to put in the closet so you can use them when necessary.

Lastly, keep your entire schedule organized using a planner or calendar. Knowing your daily routine and important activities ahead of time will make your entire day run smoother. You’ll also be able to let your kids know when an event is coming so they can get prepared ahead of time, instead of minutes before, leaving you to rush out the door.

3.  Get Help
This particular time management tip for moms can really only be used with older children, although you can start integrating this tip with younger kids by the age of 2. This tip is simple: if you need help, get help from the kids. Every child in the household should have an important duty (or more than one) that they accomplish every day/week. But if this isn’t enough and you’re still strapped with time, try asking your child to help in other ways also. Reward them for their hard work and they’ll have no problem helping you in the future.

4.  Utilize the Internet
The internet is useful for so many things, but a lot of people don’t use it when it comes to time management. Instead of going out and shopping, try shopping online. Not only is it time saving but you can also snag special deals you can’t find in-store. Instead of going to the mailbox to pay your bills (or the store itself), simply set up an automatic payment method for your bills online. The money will be deducted from your bank account when the bill is due.

Using these time management skills will not only reduce stress for the entire family, but also make the entire day run smoother. Simply take a moment to assess and prioritize your time, then move on to organizing and asking your children for help.

Author bio: Tiffany is a passionate writer and proud mom of two kids. She loves to write on family, fashion, travel, home décor and gardening topics. Please visit her Google+ and Coupon4Mom blog to see more interesting posts.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Monday, November 25, 2013

Book Review ~ The Little Dog in the Middle of the Road by Sharon Stanley


The connection humans and pets share is heartwarming indeed. The familiarity and bond that develops over time is centered on love and trust. Little Dog in the Middle of the Road beautifully shows the impeccable relationship between owners and pets. Journey along with Little Dog through the ups and downs of doubt of an owner’s pending return. Does “His person” return to Little Dog or does he need to learn how to fend for himself? Or will love triumphant?

Sharon Stanley puts for a wonderfully written story of unconditional acceptance. Visit Sharon at www.sharonpstanley.com to explore her exciting world.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Thursday, November 21, 2013

Holiday Mail for Heroes



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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Book Review - A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear by Mayra Calvani



Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear
By Mayra Calvani
Illustrations by KC Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334345; $15.95
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334352; $10.95
eBook ISBN: 9781616334369; $4.99
24 pages

Everyone has them. Days that easily flow with everything working out perfectly and then there are the days that no matter how hard you try it seems nothing goes according to plan.

Mama Bear is having of those bad mad sad day’s and she becomes increasingly frustrated. Little Bear witnesses the struggles of Mama Bear’s day and attempts to lend his support. Mama Bear is so blinded by her obstacles she doesn’t notice Little Bear.

Will Little Bear’s attempts to sooth Mama Bear continue to go unnoticed or does Mama Bear realize her obstacles of the day mean nothing with the love of her Little Bear?

Mayra Calvani magically intertwines two generations perspectives of one’s bad mad sad day through caring efforts and that together difficulties can be overcome. A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear is sure to be a delightful time shared by parents and their young muses. Visit Mayra, www.mayracalvani.com & www.mayrassecretbookcase.com.

The amusing illustrations created by K.C. Snider add to the delight of reading A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear over and over again. Visit K.C., www.kcsniderart.com.


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Sunday, November 17, 2013

Book Cover Reveal - A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine, illustrations by Julie Hammond

I'm tickled pink to share the book cover of A Sandy Grave scheduled for publication January 2014! Yippee! 





Julie Hammond has created a splendid cover! Can't wait to see the interior artwork!

Thanks Julie! 




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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Thursday, November 14, 2013

Book Review - Count 1, 2, 3 with Me by Connie Arnold




Title: Count 1, 2, 3 with Me
By: Connie Arnold
Illustrated by Ginger Nielson
Pages: 24 pages
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (October 31, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1940310121
ISBN-13: 978-1940310121

Learning is all around us and it’s important to invoke the curiosity of learning in the next generation. One does not have to be at a desk or within a classroom to learn, our daily travels are an opportunity to learn.

Connie Arnold takes us on a fun filled journey of rhyme and learning how to count to ten through different activities in Count 1, 2, 3 with Me lending a perfect opportunity to discuss what you think happens next. Arnold does a superb job in keeping the attention of the reader through her expert rhyme and story telling technique.

Visit Connie,

The whimsical illustrations created by Ginger Nielson add to the delight of learning rhyme and counting without feeling like you are learning.
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Tuesday, November 12, 2013

My latest interview with Blog Critics



Virginia Grenier recently interviewed me for BlogCritics and I invite you to stop by and visit...

For anyone interested, if you'd like to be interviewed for my blog please contact me at donna@donnamcdine.com. 

Thanks and have a great day!


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author

Connect with


Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.


Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.


The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Personal Mantras that Inspire ~ Donna McDine




Do you have a special quote that you read often to keep you focused? I refer to several different quotes or as I like to call them “my personal mantras” depending on my particular mood or task at hand.

PERSONAL MANTRAS
Writing lets me soar into depths of my soul that I never knew existed!

Let me listen to criticism that I can benefit from and let me forget the rest!

A person with a positive outlook views a closed door as an opportunity to strike out in a new direction.

Positive thoughts (expectations) can change perspective, transform behaviors, and attract good fortune.

What you expect, you fulfill.  Think of yourself as a writer who will publish, and often, who will be respected and read, who will have financial returns for your writing investment. 

In most cases the road to publication is long.  But don’t concentrate on getting published.  
Concentrate on writing the best work you are capable of.  Expect rejection.  Welcome revision.  When you send a manuscript out, begin something new.

“Don’t let any feeling keep you from writing.  Don’t let the world slow you down.  Your story is the most important thing coming down the line this year.  It’s your year – make the most of it.” ~ Walter Mosley – August 2007

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” ~ Stephen King

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope or confidence." ~ Helen Keller

“If you live properly your dreams will come to you.” ~ Randy Pausch

“It’s very easy to just become a parent and forget who you are as a person. It’s important to remember that you are a person first.” ~ Lori McKenna – Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine – Summer 2008

“Listen to your inner voice, and if you have a thought at four in the morning, WRITE IT DOWN. Those are the magic moments.” ~ Janine Turner – Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine – Summer 2008

Please feel free to comment on what your “personal mantras” are.

Here’s to a positive outlook! 


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist