Children's author, Dixie Phillips Visits Write What Inspires You

Time goes by ever so quickly and the growth of an author's career may seem a long time between publications, but with talent and perservance the changes do occur. Join me in welcoming children's author, Dixie Phillips as she chats about her latest children's picture book, Stilts the Stork and true inspirational events from her life.

DMc: Congratulations on your latest children's book release, Stilts the Stork. I had the privilege of watching illustrator K.C. Snider demonstrate her artistic talents in St. Louis at the Children's Museum in the Fall of 2010 and I was immediately mesmerized by Stilts! Please share with our readers the premises of Stilts the Stork and how you developed this engaging story.



DP: One morning I was reading an article in the newspaper about a stork that built a nest near a golf course. She discovered a golf ball and thought it was an egg. All day the story danced around in my head. I thought it was such a unique tale and my creative juices started flowing. I sat down and wrote a silly poem about a stork named Stilts and her obsession with becoming a mother. She gathers a family of “eggs” and turns the whole golf course upside down. It’s a “tickle your funny bone” story and written in rhyme. Stilts is very “ditzy.” (not to be confused with Dixie) **grin**

DMc: What was the collaboration process like with Ms. Snider?




DP: K.C. is delightful to work with. This is our second book together. She also illustrated my Christmas story— Baby Jesus is Missing. We always keep in contact by phone or e-mail when we’re working on a project. I just can’t sing K.C.’s praises enough. Her illustrations made my story come to life. When I saw the first pictures she created, I was blown away. They were just perfect. She captured every inch of my text and then some.

I remember one time K.C. and I were talking about how we envisioned Stilts and one of us mentioned Stilts should be wearing high heels. K.C. put her magic paintbrush to work and created a masterpiece. I laughed out loud the first time I saw Stilts wearing high heels and sunglasses.

DMc: Please share with us your background and how you became a children's book author.


DP: My story should inspire others who dream of one day becoming an author, but don’t know how their dream is going to come true.

My husband is a minister and I began writing dramas for the children of our congregation. Someone suggested I submit my dramas to a couple publishers. I was elated when I received a letter stating they wanted to purchase my plays.

My writing started growing in different directions. I started selling articles I had written to Sunday school papers, Christian magazines, and anthologies. Before too long I was ghostwriting books, while continuing Work for Hire assignments.

One day a troubled young girl came into my office and told me she had been “born wrong.” The courts had taken her away from her parents and she was placed with her grandparents. Even though my heart broke for her, my words didn’t seem to get through. She was defeated and convinced she would end up making the same mistakes her parents had. After our visit I sat down and tried to think of how I could help her. Inspiration struck and I wrote Stubby’s Destiny –an inspirational story about a defeated donkey who thought he was born wrong. He wished he was a stallion and could carry kings on his back. Things got worse when someone tied a rope around his neck, but moments later he was chosen to carry the King of Kings on his back—his divine destiny!

Months later, I was surfing the web, I stumbled across Guardian Angel Publishing. I submitted Stubby’s Destiny. Later, I received an e-mail from Lynda Burch from GAP accepting it for publication. GAP has given me the title children’s author.

DMc: What is your driving force in developing such heartwarming characters?


DP: I grew up with two precious grandmothers who invested in my life. They always had little quotes and sayings to help me understand their point of view. They were living examples of the truth tucked in this motto: You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. Both of my grandmothers are gone now, but their influence continues still today.

My maternal grandmother lived in a poor neighborhood called Oak Park. Any of the property in this poverty-stricken location was considered of little value, because the lowlands caused frequent flooding. Many, who lived on high ground, considered Oak Park to be a thorn in the side of their fair city, but this attitude didn’t faze Grandma. She had a heart oozing with God’s love and she was determined to help the neglected and forgotten children of Oak Park. Her home became a soup kitchen, barber shop, safe house, and homeless shelter. If anyone from her neighborhood had a problem, they knew they could count on Grandma. She housed frighten children, battered wives, and after many years of listening to various problems over a hot cup of coffee and a slice of her homemade pie, Grandma became a seasoned counselor. Most people understood her mission, but there were some folks who were prejudice against her simply because of where she lived. I can remember her saying, “It’s not where you live, but how you live that matters most.”

Grandma’s love for people continues to be a driving force in my writing. I want my life to count for something of eternal value. I hope my books plant a seed of hope in the heart of a hopeless child and transplant a smile on the face of a hurting child.

Grandma always sang, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or a song, if I can show somebody that is traveling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain.”

It is very exciting to think the seeds of influence from my books will live longer than I do and produce a harvest of wisdom and help ignite a vibrant faith in the heart of child, which will change a generation and time my eyes may never see.

DMc: How can our readers learn more about your illustrious career?


DP: They can visit my blog at http://www.writing4littleones.blogspot.com/ or go to our ministry website at http://www.floydslighthouse.com/.  

Dixie, beyond the scope of your writing, you’ve provided such a heartwarming insight into your personal life and experiences. Thank you for sharing.


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

Meet the Creator of Stubby's Destiny

I’m proud to have children’s author, Dixie Phillips with me today. As fellow angels at Guardian Angel Publishing we may have never met without being part of this wonderful publishing company. Come along on this heartwarming interview and you will surely be inspired by Ms. Phillips intriguing life.

DMc: What has been the most rewarding/memorable experience in writing for children?

DP: My husband and I have been in fulltime ministry for nearly thirty years. Because we are actively involved with Lighthouse Academy, a Christian school in our church, we deal with children on a continual basis. There have been some children, who have come to us, whose young eyes have already seen more hurt and abuse than many adults. Many of these wee ones already believe they have been “born wrong.” My heart has been thrilled to see hope flicker in their eyes when I read “Stubby’s Destiny” to them. (Stubby was a little donkey who thought he didn’t measure up to the elegant stallions, but one day Stubby discovered his divine destiny.) I never get tired of hearing their little voices cheer for Stubby and my eyes fill with tears when I see them have their own “light bulb” moment and realize they have a divine purpose, too.

DMc: Your have also written seasonal plays for children. How do they differ from writing a children’s book?


DP: I seem to have the gift of gab. (I think I just heard my husband say, “Amen!”) Writing dialogue comes easy for me. Plays and skits are completely different than writing a children’s book because you mainly deal with only dialogue.
Sometimes I get an idea for a play, only to discover it works better as a children’s book or vice versa.

DMc: You recently became a grandparent, has this inspired you even further in continuing to write for children? If yes, how?


DP: Yes, I have contracted grammyitis and I don’t think I’ll ever recover! When I hold our grandsons (Tristan and Easton) I have this overwhelming wave of love that sweeps over me. (I told you it’s bad.) Already they are little sponges soaking up what is happening around them. My prayer is that my love for them and the stories I write will leave eternal “footprints” in their hearts and help shape their small souls.

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


DP: As a little girl, I had a special bond with my paternal grandmother. I have written a story about her and an apron she sewed for me. Of all the stories I have written, I am very excited about Apron Strings.

DMc: What can we expect from you in the publishing pipeline?


DP: I have three new children’s books coming out in the near future with Guardian Angel Publishing – Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother, Stilts the Stork and The Cat Came Back.

I also have new Christmas plays, skits and recitations, which will be coming out with Standard Publishing this fall.

I am excited to be writing downloadable curriculum for Randall House. Presently I am working on some curriculum for children, which will be available later this year.

Guideposts has included one of my stories in their Extraordinary Answers to Prayer – Love and Forgiveness series, which will soon be available.

DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. Dixie, can you please share one with us?


DP: I have been an avid southern gospel fan since I was a young girl. When I was a teenager, most girls had pictures of David Cassidy on their wall. I hung a poster of Vestal Goodman and the Happy Goodmans on my wall.

I was born and raised in northern Iowa. There wasn’t much southern gospel in northern Iowa at that time. In the mid ‘90s, my husband and I started the Floyd Gospel Sing, a two-day, all-day Sing. Over thirty gospel groups from across the United States come and minister through testimony and song. The population of our small rural community (population – 350) swells when around 2,000 southern gospel fans arrive for two days of good old gospel singing.

I enjoy writing songs and have sung in a ladies’ southern gospel trio called Three Redeemed for over fifteen years. We have recorded three projects.

To learn more about Dixie visit: http://writing4littleones.blogspot.com/

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing at Write White Inspires You

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

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing at Write White Inspires You

The remaining days of June and into July are sure to be one of creative inspiration through several interviews with children’s authors and book reviews. Grab yourself a cool refreshment and Cruise on over to http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to jump into the creative minds of:

Saturday, June 19th – In My Bath Virtual Book Tour Schedule – Beth Bence Reinke

Sunday, June 20th – Happy Father’s Day – share your reflections

Monday, June 21st – Children’s author interview: Danika Dinsmore

Wednesday, June 23rd – Children’s author interview: Margot Finke
Thursday, June 24th – Children’s author interview: Dixie Phillips

Tuesday, June 29th – Book Review: In My Bath by Beth Bence Reinke

Wednesday, June 30th – Book Review: Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind by Margot Finke

Thursday, July 1st – How Has Blogging Inspired Your Writing Contest Winner Announcement

Friday, July 2nd – Dynamic Media Release Service sTestimonial

Sunday, July 4th – Happy 4th of July

Tuesday, July 6th – Guardian Angel Publishing May 2010 Releases

Thursday, July 8th – MuseItUp Publishing – Publishing house profile

Monday, July 12th – Hook Boys on Summer Reading by Margot Finke

Wednesday, July 14th – Book Review: Caves, Cannons and Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure

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.

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Creative Inspiration through Interviews at Write What Inspires You

UPDATED SCHEDULE!

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:


Monday, June 7th – Children’s author: J. Aday Kennedy

Wednesday, June 9th - Children's author: Beth Reinke

Friday, June 11th – Illustrator interview: K.C. Snider

Monday, June 21st - Children's author: Danika Dinsmore

Thursday, June 24th - Children's author: Dixie Phillips

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.

###

Guardian Angel Publishing - New Releases

Guardian Angel Publishing - New Releases

September & October 2009

ANCIENT SYMBOLS, ARTWORK, CARVINGS AND ALPHABETS, Academic Wings
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/symbology.htm
Author/Artist: Eugene Ruble
Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-90-0; 1-935137-90-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935137-91-7; 1-935137-91-3

Use as an introduction to our past by studying cave drawings, ancient symbols and alphabets. Professor Hoot teaches with remarkable renderings of numerous artifacts of man's past.

Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster, Littlest Angel
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/humberto.htm
Author: Mayra Calvani
Artist: Kit Grady
Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-92-4; ISBN 10: 1-935137-92-1
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935137-93-1; ISBN 10: 1-935137-93-X

Humberto loves books so much; he reads all day long. His neighbors, the squirrel, the rabbit, the skunk, the hedgehog and the beaver want to become his friends, but Humberto doesn’t have time for them. He’s too busy reading! Then one day, disaster strikes and he must choose between saving his books and helping them.

Secret Service Saint, Wings of Faith
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/secret-saint.htm
Author: Janet Ann Collins
Artist: Eugene Ruble
Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-98-6; 1-935137-98-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935137-99-3; 1-935137-99-9

Loosely based on legends about a famous saint, this book tells the story of Nicholas, who discovered the fun of doing secret good deeds. Kids who read or hear the story at any time of the year will be challenged to do the same.

Baby Jesus Is Missing, Wings of Faith
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/baby-jesus.htm
Author: Dixie Phillips
Artist: K.C. Snider
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-000-2; 1-61633-000-7
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-001-9; 1-61633-001-5

The annual Christmas decorating contest left no room for Jesus until little Josiah Carr teaches his mommy and daddy the true spirit of Christmas is finding Jesus. This captivating story is guaranteed to warm the coldest heart and become a Christmas favorite for families everywhere.

Rainbow Nights, Littlest Angel
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/rainbow-nights.htm
Author: Sally M. Harris
Artist: Kit Grady
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-002-6; 1-61633-002-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-003-3; 1-61633-003-1

Dreams can be filled with fun and adventures! This bedtime story helps children look forward to going to sleep at night. This is a delightful rhyming story with colorful art to capture the imagination of the youngest readers.

Tiny Angel, Chapbook for Tweens
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/tiny-angel.htm
Author: Nancy Carty Lepri
Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-94-8; 1-935137-94-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935137-95-5; 1-935137-95-6

When her dad is transferred to a new town, ten-year-old Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she’s the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.

November 2009

Natalie's Ark, Wings of Faith Chapbook for Tweens
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/natalies-ark.htm
Kevin & Kristen Collier
Print: ISBN: 978-1-61633-007-1; 1-61633-007-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-008-8; 1-61633-008-2

A dam above a small town threatens to burst and Natalie finds herself adrift in a rickety boat surrounded by animals plucked from the raging flood. Natalie's journey leads her to discovery of faith, friendship, love and home.

The Legend of Lumpus & Ogols, Chapbook for Tweens
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/lumpus.htm
Author: Mel McIntyre
Artist: David McQuillan
Print ISBN: 978-1-935137-96-2; 1-935137-96-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935137-97-9; 1-935137-97-2

Lumpus and Ogols discover that by working together and using their special gifts they can defeat the evil Glotabull, the monster responsible for the death of their parents. They hatch a plot and follow it through, helping to make their land a safe place for all who live there. Suggested age for readers: 9-12.

There's A Beetle In My Bed, Academic Wings
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/beetle-bed.htm
Author: Bill Kirk
Artist: Suzy Brown
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-005-7; ISBN 10: 1-61633-005-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-006-4; ISBN 10: 1-61633-006-6

Imagine how surprised a little boy would be if a beetle suddenly appeared in his bed at bedtime. Just look at how big it’s getting! Beetles are cute but couldn’t it find somewhere else to sleep? Maybe Dad will know what to do. Keep reading to find out what happens. Factoids, Glossary and educational pages, too.

If I Could Be Anything, Littlest Angel
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/be-anything.htm
Author: Kevin McNamee
Artist: Marina Movshina
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-011-8; 1-61633-011-2
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-012-5; 1-61633-012-0

If I could be anything, what would I be? I think that eventually I would be me … a boy pretends to be different animals in this warm, rhyming, picture book. In the end, he chooses to be exactly as he is. Love is the anchor that draws him home.

Smileytooth and Bushwhack Plaque, Health & Hygiene
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/smileytooth-series.htm
Author: James Gary Nelson
Artist: Debbie Bumstead
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-009-5; 1-61633-009-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-010-1; 1-61633-010-4

In Smileytooth's next adventure, Bushwhack Plaque and his Cavity outlaws kidnap children from the schoolhouse play yard. Sheriff Smileytooth, his deputies Toothpaste and Toothbrush along with Schoolmarm Sarah, capture the outlaws and save the children. Join in the fun when reading this good dental hygiene book.

One Noble Journey by Dixie Phillips

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY


Wings of Faith

Author: Dixie Phillips

Artist: Kim Sponaugle

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Two cultures collide in the tiny village of Westbury. The orphan from the lowlands and the Count's daughter from the highlands along with a baby raccoon will entertain the hearts of all and is guaranteed to shape small souls.