Thursday, April 30, 2015

Z is for Zest ~ A to Z 2015 Challenge



Z is for Zest...

Definition...



noun

1.
keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto.

It so easy to get dragged down with the stresses of life. Don't allow yourself to fall down the rabbit hole of despair. Find what puts the zest in your step and provides you enjoyment for your life. Whether it be a brisk walk to get you out in nature, socializing with friends and family, curling up with a good book, etc., discover what excites you and engage!

Kudos to one and all for accomplishing the A to Z 2015 Challenge, it's been a blast!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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
















Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Y is for Yippee! A to Z 2015 Challenge



Y is for Yippee!

Can you believe it, we are at day 29 of the A to Z 2015 Challenge. We are almost to the end and it's time to let out a loud YIPPEE!

This has been quite the challenge, exhausting, rewarding and fun all intertwined.

Here's to your inspiring blog posts throughout the year and cheers to the next A to Z challenge in 2016!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, April 28, 2015

X is for Xenophilia ~ A to Z 2015 Challenge







X is for Xenophilia

Definition...

noun

1.an attraction to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs.

In researching what I would blog about for the letter "X" for the A to Z Challenge I discovered this wonderful website with inspiring words from A to Z. Talk about synchronicity! How cool is that! Check it out...

http://positivewordsresearch.com/list-of-positive-words/

That's when I discovered the word, Xenophilia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, April 27, 2015

W is for Writing Prompts ~ Tyrean Martinson ~ A to Z 2015 Challenge



I hope you are enjoying the excitement of the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge and you getting the chance to visit with old friends and making new friends in the process. 



Today, it's all about "W" and I'm proud to profile fellow Muffin Commando Squad member, Tyrean Martinson, of A Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts... 



A Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts

Brief synopsis:

A Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts is an ebook that contains over 500 simple writing prompts, all jumbled out of order so that each may stand alone to evoke a new story, a new poem, or a new reflection. Write, reflect, imagine, and enjoy!

Links:

Author Bio:

Tyrean Martinson, an everyday writer, likes to write in jeans and old Christian concert t-shirts while drinking copious amounts of tea and coffee, preferably served up in her Tinkerbell or Eeyore mugs (these are 16oz mugs, not wee cups). She teaches writing classes to home-school teens once a week, and she writes fantasy, science fiction, space opera, poetry, experimental hint fiction, and writing help and curriculum books.

Her latest releases reflect her love of everyday writing: A Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts eBook with the companion paperback, A Pocket-Sized Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts, and the additional Jumble Journals.

Visit with Tyrean Martinson:



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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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

Saturday, April 25, 2015

V is for Value ~ A to Z 2015 Challenge



V is for Value...

Definition...



noun

1.
relative worth, merit, or importance
Have you ever taken the time out to value yourself? Our self worth is immense in taking stock of our value not only for ourselves, but to our loved ones. For if we value ourselves and what's important to us our loved ones will follow suit in valuing you and themselves as well.

A dare you, take the time out to value yourself and talents and watch them explode.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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

Friday, April 24, 2015

U is for Underground Railroad, The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine - A to Z 2015 Challenge



The Underground Railroad...


Synopsis: As one young boy struggles to come to terms with his father’s beliefs and actions towards slaves, he pulls from deep within his soul, courage and determination he never knew existed. Will David’s attempts to save Jenkins come to fruition or does David get caught red handed in defying his Pa?


Excerpt: “David crept into the barn.  His first attempts to help Jenkins hadn’t gone well.  Jenkins cringed when he saw David.  Over time, David gained Jenkins’ trust with promises that he was not there to harm him, but to help.  Tonight the wounds from the whip were worse than ever.  The welts looked as if caterpillars were stuck under the skin.”



It's a pleasure to have you stop by for a visit. Thanks a bunch for your interest and time!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, April 23, 2015

Blogging from A-Z 2015 Challenge - Transformation



Over the last eight years I've learned that it's possible to transform your life, whether it be your emotional outlook or career path. It's never too late to transform your life into what you've always dreamed about. 

I allowed myself for years to get pigeoned holed in my career path and not exploring my deepest desire to become an author. Sure I remain working in corporate America (a girl has got to eat), but I've allowed myself to concentrate on writing time and networking over the last eight years. It's hard work crafting a manuscript, submitting, connecting with the gatekeepers of the slush pile and hoping your writing will resonate with an agent, editor, or publisher. But oh so worth it, when you hearing an amazing YES, we'd like to publish your manuscript! 

It's never too late to make that transformation in your life that will make your heart and soul sing! I dare you, if there is something you've been yearning to do... such as... learning how to play a musical instrument, paint, sing or a new career path....the sky is the limit. Take the time to seek out experts for advice, weigh your options and spread your wings. You never know what will bloom! 

I'm proud to say my fifth children's book is now with the amazingly talented illustrator, Jack Foster and thanks to Guardian Angel Publisher, Lynda Burch for giving me a chance. I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting to see the illustrations and how Jack will make the story come alive. 


Three cheers for your blossoming transformation! 

I'd enjoy hearing how you have transformed your life through the years!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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



Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!



Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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
















Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S is for A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine - A to Z 2015 Challenge





Continue onward to the letter "S" I'm profiling my award-winning children's book, A Sandy Grave and invite you to take a glimpse into the Story Behind the Book...


Thanks for visiting! Your support is appreciated!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, April 21, 2015

R is for Royal Navy Press Gangs - A to Z 2015 Challenge


A story of the Royal Navy Press Gangs


In the continued celebration of the A to Z 2015 Challenge I'd like to share with you the story behind the book, a tale of the Royal Navy Press Gangs ~ Powder Monkey...


Thanks for dropping by and viewing my video on the Story Behind the Book!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, April 20, 2015

Q is for Quiet ~ A to Z 2015 Challenge



Q is for Quiet...

Definition...



adjective



1. making no noise or sound, especially no disturbing sound

2.
free, or comparatively free, from noise

The need to quiet the mind is essential in recharging one's "batteries" of the body, mind and soul. Have you ever taken the time out to relish the quiet? No buzzing technology, no music and tv blaring. Just quiet. How delightful is that.

By quieting our surroundings from time to time, we may just hear the lovely chirping of birds in the distance and the scamper of wildlife as they ponder their surroundings. And best of all, if you quiet your mind, you may just hear the soft giggles of young children enjoying the splendor of the outdoors!

I dare you, quiet your mind and see what you may hear!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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

Saturday, April 18, 2015

P is for Pandemic by Yvonne Ventresca for the A to Z 2015 Challenge


Today the letter feature is "P" and I'm honored to host Pandemic by Yvonne Ventresca. Yvonne and I are fellow members of The Muffin Commando Squad and I'm humbled by the talent from our group. Without further ado, I present to you Pandemic and Yvonne Ventresca. 


Pandemic (Sky Pony Press, 2014) a young adult novel by Yvonne Ventresca.

Excerpts from a review by Jim Cobb of Survival Weekly:

“I can honestly say this is one of my favorite reads thus far this year and easily ranks in my top 25 favorite disaster novels.  Yeah, it is that good. . . . Rather like many real world examples of flu pandemics, the very young and the very old are largely unaffected, while those in the prime of their lives are among the highest concentrations of victims.  This is just one of many examples throughout Pandemic where it is obvious the author has done her homework. . . . Throughout the book, the characters are very well written, with dialogue being spot on in every scene.  The reactions and motivations of the characters make perfect sense and ring true. . . . All in all, Pandemic is a tremendous read.  It is fast paced, with the reader pulled along page by page.  There are books you read and enjoy and there are books you are disappointed when you reach the end.  Pandemic definitely falls into the latter category.”


Bio:
Yvonne Ventresca is the author of PANDEMIC (Sky Pony Press/Skyhorse Publishing, 2014), a contemporary young adult novel about an emotionally traumatized teenager struggling to survive a deadly flu outbreak. Before becoming an author, Yvonne wrote computer programs and taught others how to use technology. Now she happily spends her days writing stories instead of code. Yvonne’s other writing credits include two nonfiction books for kids, AVRIL LAVIGNE (a biography of the singer) and PUBLISHING (about careers in the field). Yvonne lives with her family and dogs in New Jersey.

Intrigued! For more information about Yvonne and her books visit:








Barnes and Noble www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandemic-yvonne-ventresca/1116107728?ean=9781628736090

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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