Focus on Positive Writer Influence - Groups

By Jan Verhoeff
A.C.E. Writers

Effective writer groups often travel a rocky road to success. The leader can make the difference, but the writers who participate often make a bigger difference and create a powerful impact on the process of writing.

In trying moments, a professional writer can make the difference between a huge meltdown in a writer's group and a minor bump in the road. How the professional handles a situation makes the difference between a blow up of massive proportions and the bump.

• Professionalism often goes to the source rather than airing problems over a group or in a public meeting. If contact is made at the meeting, keep it simple and to the point.
• Professional communication gives voice to the problem, but stops short of making assumptions and judging the person without complete knowledge of a situation.
  
• Professionalism steps outside the problem and seeks a solution.
• Professional writers consider the effect of their words on their audience use the freedom of speech privilege with full awareness of their responsibility.
• Professional writers find a way to meet the problem head on with a solution that doesn't disrupt the flow of continuity, unless the problem is too big for "business as usual". (Most often this doesn't happen until AFTER the first contacts.)

As a writer who leads several groups, both online and offline, I've had my share of experiences where one person stirs up a pot of trouble and others follow blindly after the pot stirrer. In most instances, writers have logical thinking skills and use them, but there's that emotional trauma that comes with creativity that sometimes gets ahead of their logical thinking skills when "research" isn't on the heading. Those times when writers allow emotion to lead them and don't stop to put the logical thinking cap on are the times that agitate group events into a frenzy of who said who did what to whom.

One solid hard core leader can effectively regroup after a pot stirrer evacuates the group, but more often, the group either fades into oblivion or implodes. Neither reaction indicates success, and neither reaction will take writers to a professional level of behavior.

A strong leader will:

• Divert the problem and step out of the lime-light, allowing a one-on-one communication to solve the problem without the media glow reflection red lights all over the problem and any possible solutions. (Who needs media attention?)
• Stop escalation of a situation by refusing to be combative on public soil. By stepping out of public into private space, without attacking the attacker, the leader regains control and focuses energy on solutions rather than allowing the problem to take center stage.
  
• Acknowledge and communicate. This is almost always an effective response. "I hear you and we do need to discuss this, can we talk on Friday? I'll call you."
• Ignore the emotional assault and respond directly to the issue without promoting the problem. (a.k.a. I saw this message and I'm reviewing the problem, I'll get back to you as soon as possible.)
• If the problem is simply a pot stirrer on the loose, a leader will acknowledge, capture and delete the problem rapidly.

Whether the pot stirrer is online or in a local group, a leader should have the support and encouragement of several leaders in the group. A quality writing group has a long list of professional writers with strong boundaries who work hard to build a group that will benefit all writers. The professional writer doesn't have time to stir the pot, he's too busy writing.

A pot stirrer usually lacks professionalism in more than one area of their lives and doesn't limit their focus to just one person. They spread it around and feel as if they aren't getting their fair share of attention if the group functions well. They must have drama in their lives.

If you're part of an online group, or a local group and you recognize a pot stirrer, find your leader (hopefully not the pot stirrer) and express your encouragement, support, or expertise (if you have some) in dealing with pot stirrers. Sometimes the leader needs to feel their efforts are worthwhile and not taken for granted. Turning a massive meltdown into a bump in the road won't be easy, but if the group of writers is strong enough to sustain through a meltdown, the resulting efforts will be a better group with stronger writers capable of negotiating through troubled waters.

Bubba And Giganto's Blog Book Tour

For those who may have missed the beginning stages of my blog book
tour, here are the links to go back and try to visit. Each blog stop
has something different to offer. I've noticed many of the same people
following and would love if new faces joined in. Bullying is a topic
parents, grandparents, teachers, and people in general have bumped
into at one point or the other. Hope you enjoy the tour. Leave a
comment or question and you just might be one of the lucky ebook
winners of Bubba and Giganto: Odds Against Us.


http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com/2009/01/lea-schizas-presents-story-of-courage\
.html

http://chrischatreviews.blogspot.com/

http://mizging.blogspot.com/2009/01/bubba-and-gigantos-blog-book-tour.html

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/ scroll down to find the post

http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/2009/01/interview-with-lea-schizas-a\
uthor-of.html

http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/

http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com -

http://goingbeyondreading.blogspot.com/
http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/

January 30
http://abandonedtowers.blogspot.com/


January 30
http://hollyjahangiri.blogspot.com/

February 1
www.ransomnoble.wordpress.com

Feb 2
Imperfect Clarity: http://www.imperfectclarity.net/ as well as
Mama Bear Knows Best: http://www.imperfectclarity.net/mamabear/

Winners will be announced in The Writing Jungle next Friday, Feb. 6.

Thank you for following. I really appreciate it.

Lea Schizas

Let Inspiration work: Have someting to say

by Kevin Scott Collier
Author and Illustrator

One thing I have repeatedly said in interviews in regards to the question,"What advice would you give writers?" is "Have something to write about."

It may sound cruel, but it is honest.

Writing groups are full of "writers" who wear a badge of commitment by proudly telling all, "I spend 5 hours a day writing my novel." What they often do not say, is they are not contracted to a publisher, or they are still struggling with ideas, seemingly making it all up as they move along. Inspiration is a thing that doesn't require starts and stops, seeking pathways, or trying to craft a conclusion. Inspiration places a unique adventure of purpose in your mind in an instant, and your only duty is to record it all by pecking at the computer keys.

Too many people seek to find their identity through writing. It's akin to the person who plays a guitar in a garage band and imagines himself a songwriter. They hunker down in a basement and pluck strings trying to come up with a song. Actually, songs, an expression and art, first are heard inside of your head. Only then, do you pluck the chords you hear in your mind to bring the song to life.

I think the very best writing is accomplished by the select few who spontaneously crank out a book in record time. It's when ideas, themes and purpose overwhelm a person. It compells them to write. They must write. Not for self purpose, but to add purpose to the lives of others.

I am not one who you will ever see posting in some writer's group, "I put in my five hours of writing today." Don't just make writing an exercise. Don't make it a thing of personal self-worth. Make it a result of inspiration.

Committed!

How committed are you to your writing? Do you find yourself excusing any particular day of ‘nonwriting’? We’re entitled to days off, but are you taking more than your fair share? Maybe you simply haven’t made a goal plan for yourself?

What’s your procrastinating excuse:

I’m going to start fresh on Monday.

I had to finish the laundry, cook, clean up and then it was too late to write. Tomorrow.

I just had to answer the phone. Kept me talking for so long my Muse disappeared.

The biggest question I ask writers is this:

Are you prepared to be a professional writer?

What does this entail? Commitment, determination, and perseverance. Writing is tough, let’s not kid ourselves. Those who have been in this business for a while will tell you that it’s not a ‘write one book and you have it made!’ scenario. There’s work involved and knowing ahead of the game to better prepare yourself might just build that tough skin I keep referring to.

First off, finding the time to write is hard, especially when you are a stay-at-home parent, or work outside of the house. There’s family and home obligations to tend to. However, finding time to write must be your priority, as well. Fit it in, stick to your schedule, and write.

Days when the Muse is dormant, read, watch TV, go for a walk, and let your mind relax. Don’t force the creative juices to work. They won’t. You’ll end up staring at a blank screen or piece of paper, get flustered, and just might declare you are not meant to write.

While writing, research various publishers/agents to find those suitable for your type of genre and style. Set up a spreadsheet and mark down the publisher/agent, link, email, guidelines, and any notes to remind you why you jotted them down in the first place. Now go back to writing.

After the book is edited, submit it out there, and begin the next one. Don’t wait around for an answer. Get going on your next project.

Got a sucky review? Toughen that outer core. That’s part of the business. Submit your book to other places and see what they have to say. Continuing to get bad reviews? Then reexamine your writing voice. What are these reviewers all saying? Read between the lines.

Market and promote your book. If you don’t, the neighbor won’t for sure. Yes, it takes time out of your schedule to promote so figure out a system. Either spend a couple of hours a day to do online marketing or spend one full day a week. Pick and choose what’s best for your schedule. Besides online marketing there’s the local legwork, like getting booksigning gigs, sending releases to local newspapers/radio stations/TV, getting a foot through the door to local schools if you’ve written a children’s book. Think out of the box. Shy? Heck, we’re all shy at the beginning. Once you take that first step, the second, third, and so on becomes a piece of cake. Can’t do it on your own? Then bring a buddy along for support. I know I get tongue-tied meeting people face-to-face, but when I have someone there, it’s like I turn into Super Mouth.

So, are you prepared to be a writer? You must be. You’ve read until the end of this post.

Was writing what you expected when you first started? Explain.

New Author Interviews!

There are some new author interviews up this week at Lori Calabrese Writes! I'm pleased to be a part of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour and had the privilege of interviewing author Valerie Zenatti. I also interviewed author/ editor Pat Gaines from Dragonfly Publishing.

Please stop by and check them out!

Audio Interview: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Hi all,

Today on The Author's Show there's a great interviewwith my co-author, Anne K. Edwards, about our book, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.

Check it out if you have the chance:
http://www.theauthorsshow.com

Cheers!
Mayra

Beverly Stowe McClure Interviews Children’s Author, Donna M. McDine

M E D I A R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release

Beverly Stowe McClure Interviews Children’s Author, Donna M. McDine.

Donna M. McDine is one of the most supportive, enthusiastic and energetic authors I know. As busy as she is with her writing, she takes the time to promote and inspire other writers, including me. I am delighted to interview Donna and have her share with us the exciting things that are happening in her career.

Visit Beverly Stowe McClure and Donna M. McDine at:

http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/beverlywriter
http://beverlyjean.livejournal.com/
http://www.facebook.com/

Beverly and Donna talk about how crucial a writer’s attendance at writer’s conferences is, her new Marketing Manager position at Stories for Children Magazine, and her FREE newsletter, “Write What Inspires You!”

###

Meet Dianne Sagan

Dianne Sagan was raised in Texas and is now a full-time ghostwriter and author. Her credits include 35+ editorials for the Amarillo Globe News, a regional newspaper, in addition to short stories and articles published on the internet. Dianne’s works in progress include a flash fiction book with five other women writers, Women’s Bible studies, a series of suspense novels, and Christian fiction. Dianne is working on a line of ebooks. She is active in her church. Her activities there include teaching Women’s Bible studies, teaching Adult Sunday School, and choir. She served as a volunteer for five years with the Sharing Hope Ministry, a prison ministry to incarcerated women. She has also been a Small Group leader. Besides being a full-time writer, Dianne and her husband Greg own a business consulting firm, Sagan & Associates. She is a partner and seminar facilitator. She loves speaking to writer’s groups and women’s groups. Her background includes working in the private sector, small business, academia, non-profits, adult and youth training, and speaking. A member of Panhandle Professional Writers, she can be contacted through her website – Dianne Sagan, Writer – http://dgsagan.tripod.com


Orphaned Rebekah becomes a servant in her uncle’s house in Bethany. Traded from relative to relative, she suffers neglect and abuse. When a Roman soldier assaults her, she flees in fear of her life and hides. Rebekah is discovered and Lazarus becomes her kinsman redeemer. Can Jesus redeem her soul? Can she forgive or break the chains of her past?

Now that you've had a peek into Dianne's novel, stay tuned on Friday when you'll get to know Dianne Sagan further with an upcoming interview.

You're Wrong! No Thank You!

You’re wrong and no thank you sound polite, someone standing up to defend themselves. Right? Hmmm…let’s break it down, however, when these sentiments are expressed when you join a critique group.

First off, if you’re planning on joining a critique group because you believe you have the best seller on your hands and want to prove it – don’t join.

If you believe there is nothing to change in your manuscript – don’t join.

If you believe you know it all and want to show off your expertise – don’t join.

If you don’t take criticism – don’t join.

If you cradle your manuscript baby and afraid of someone hurting it – you guessed it – DON’T JOIN!.

Purpose of a critique group:

•To offer suggestions and helpful tips within areas in your manuscript that might be weak. So when you come back with arms firmly planted on your hips and say, “You’re wrong. No, thank you.” to a critique, you’ll make enemies.

As the writer you have the choice to change anything within your manuscript so please don’t be rude by saying, “You’re wrong. No, thank you.” but instead thank the person for taking the time and giving you what they believed was helpful. You can think whatever you want in your head, but don’t be rude by bashing the other writer’s time and energy spent on reading your ms. But to play devil's advocate, I've come across quite a few donkeys who should have had a thrashing for the way they 'opinionated' themselves with nothing more than crude remarks. Let's leave that for another post.

Another thing, don’t come back and defend your manuscript. Remember, when your book is out there you don’t have the opportunity to reach each reader and say, “By the way, this part on page so and so, what I meant to show was…” Get my drift? Your critique partners are your first initial readers and if they, as writers, don’t have a bloody clue what the heck you meant by any given scene, be objective and look at that passage again. This is important especially when more than one writer has pointed that scene out to you as awkward, or not making sense, or not necessary – please delete.

I’ve been telling writers for years now to build a tough writer’s skin because you need one in order to survive in this business. If you wince at a critique, what are you going to do when the rejections pile on? What are you going to do when a bad review comes your way?

I readily and willingly have opened up my email box to anyone who needs a good kick in the butt of ‘Hellooo! You’re a writer! Get used to it.” motivational speech. We all do sometimes. We’re human and our emotions get the best of us at times. I’ve had my share and some of my cyber pals have been privy of these times. I’ve thanked them for my own quick swift kick in the butt to direct me down the right path once again.

So remember, critique groups are an essential part of a writer’s success to ascertain your ms gets fleshed out. If you can afford a professional editor, hey, all the power to you. I’m for hire. But critique groups – the right critique groups – are the best choice to have for another set of eyes to dissect, chop, and analyze your work.

Now, let's hear your own success and horror stories involving crit groups. By the way, check the sidebar to the left for your very own FREE Crit ebook.

A New Year, a New Market to Target - Home School

By Kevin Scott Collier

As we authors begin 2009, start the year by thinking of a new marketing angle for your books, as well. The home school market is reportedly an 8 billion dollar industry, and one that seems to be least thought of by writers of children's books.

Google around to find many home school networks and sites, then approach them about reviewing your books. Home school parents are always looking for fresh material that will engage their children, and because of the down home roots of schooling at home, they are very receptive to unknown books from small publishing companies.

So, begin this year with a goal of breaking in to the home school market, and creating an awareness by the end of this year for your books in that market. A year from now, you will be glad you did.

(An interview with Kevin Collier appears in the winter 2009 issue of "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine," a leading periodical for home school families.)

Children have "Spoken" - Let's Listen!

How can we begin to live with ourselves knowing very well the number of children with autism are on the rise day by day, month by month, and year by year?

We stand on the sidelines merely as onlookers observing, listening, watching. Yet when the time comes to take a pro-active stance to change, we merely look away, pretend or deny the reality of what is really going on. "Sweeping the issues under the carpet" seems to help clear one's conscience of any wrong-doing. Let's really listen to the children, take a stance, and do our part as righteous citizens.

The children cannot tolerate the polluted air filled with mercury, diesel exhaust and many other pollutants. The polluted water filled with hydrocarbons, pathogens and waste is not drinkable. All their food is filled with chemicals, hormones and antibiotics. Their nutrition has deteriorated from fast foods and processed foods. Vaccinations have doubled in the past twenty years and the frequency and the multiple vaccines in a single injection.

This "cocktail mix " of environmental toxins, and nutritional deteriorations has been tolerated long enough. Just the mere thought of this inside a child's body should be enough to scare the living day-lights out of anyone. It's time to wake up and "smell the coffee!" It's time to "clean up our act!"

The children have "spoken" and it's time we listened!

Contact List - Birth Announcement

Let’s not fool ourselves – marketing and promoting our books is one helluva job. It’s the daunting, neverending sidewalk we need to traipse and overcome with each new book.

As a new writer you might not think twice about the importance of a contact list. What’s a contact list? Oh my…WHIP! A contact list is your steady stream of potential buyers for your upcoming books, people who have emailed you with interest on what you’re writing; fellow writers who have supported you.

How do I use this contact list?

•When you have an upcoming release, send out announcements to them. What I’ve done in the past is I set up a ‘birthday announcement’, telling everyone about the birth of my new baby. Included in the announcement is the title, genre, ISBN, and direct purchase link. I include a very short blurb. That’s it. The announcement is only to tell them about the upcoming or newly released book

•Next, I like to set up a book launch where I get to be spotlight author in a group and/or a chat. And you guessed it, I send out another announcement, a Book Launch Invite, which includes the following:

*jpeg of cover
*title
*author’s name
*release date
*published by ??? and the direct purchase link on the publisher’s website
*date/time/where the book launch is happening
*blurb
*one sentence review with link back to full review
*Publisher’s banner at the bottom
*ending with my name and website link

Here’s an example:

Monday August 18th, 2008
4RV Publishing author, Lea Schizas
is hosting a
Book Launch Party
all day at Bragging Rites
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/BraggingRites/
And a Chat from 7 – 9 PM EST
The party will be in the Bragging Rites chat room at
http://braggingritesunleashed.blogspot.com/
Attendees just need to enter a username and join the fun. There will be 2 random door prizes to win her novella, Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us, and a chance to meet and ask questions to the author:
Lea Schizas
http://www.leaschizas.com

What happens when two boys try out for the high school soccer team and are confronted by bullies?

Bubba meets David (nicknamed Giganto) and immediately bond as friends. However, friends with David prove to be more than what Bubba signed up for. Along come bullies harassing his newfound friend, an impulsive challenge is issued, and a secret threatens one of the boys lives.

Beverly Stowe McClure, author:
“Themes of bullies, soccer, friendship, and forgiveness are woven through this short story, making it one boys can relate to and will enjoy reading. I recommend it for reluctant readers, children who perhaps are facing their own bullies, and also for sports lovers and everyone who enjoys a fast-paced book with continuous action.”
To read the whole review by Beverly Stowe McClure, click here:
http://www.simplyromancereviews.com/srrreviews/disorienteddress.aspx


For more information or to order Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us, link here:
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/Lea_Schizas.html

Lea Schizas: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca http://www.leaschizas.com

Now the formatting might not come out the same but you get the drift. At the top left hand side is where I would add my book’s jpeg.

So, you have a birth announcement and a book launch notice ready to go once you begin building your contact list of potential buyers. Remember, however, don’t abuse this list. Do not send them daily reports on how your writing is progressing, how your day is going, what you ate…you’ll lose them and border spam. Never add anyone in your contact list that you find on a group, either. The emails found in groups are private, for group members. Your list should consist of those who are interested in your career and what you offer.

Hope these help. I’d love to hear back on any other ideas you use your contact list for. There are many ideas out there, folks, don’t be shy – share.

The Meat: Marketing and Promoting

Many writers finish a story and then feel helpless what to do to market their books. Writers tend to forget that writing is only one area they need to perfect. The other side of the business involves knowing how to sell your book, pitching your idea to editors/agents, and building a following. The next few posts should help target some of these topics down the yellow brick road. Never underestimate the power of online marketing.

Blog Book Tours: Although there are many online promotional companies who are there to offer their services, if you have the time to seek out blogs that suit your book’s genre, then you can try to host your very own blog book tour. The magnitude of a blog book tour is you get the opportunity to reach readers outside of your own blog/site.

First off you try to host a month long tour by garnering enough blogs to host you anywhere between one to three days. Longer is great if they have the time to post items on you and your book. However, getting enough blogs to host one day is better than nothing.

Info to prepare ahead of time – media kit (and this media kit can also be used when you approach potential bookstore buyers):

• Contact info, including your blog/site links
• Your bio
• Your pic
• Business card
• Your book’s jpeg
• Your book’s blurb
• An excerpt
• Some review excerpts with links to the full reviews (reputable & known review sites – not mom and/or dad)
• Some clips
• Direct purchase link(s)
• Sample interview questions with answers so your host can pick and choose from. Make sure to highlight the ones chosen or given to any host and change the questions/answers for the next one. You don’t want to have repeat interview questions on each blog. Many readers like to follow a book tour and it gets repetitive to read the same interview questions over and over again. (for a media kit to offer to radio/TV directors, have a complete mock interview with answers)

An idea but not compulsory is to offer a FREE ebook to one reader who leaves a comment on a host’s blog. Many read but don’t leave any comments so this is an enticement to join in the fun. This has to be mentioned to your host/hostess ahead of time so he/she can remind her readers to check on a given day for the name of the winner.

While on tour, make sure you hop on to answer posts by readers. There is nothing more disconcerting than to have someone post a question to the author and the author never shows up again. Remember the host has taken the time to post and invite her readers to meet you so do her a favor and visit during any given tour often not to miss a post.

Blog book tours are fun. You begin to garner a following, meet new cyber friends, and have the opportunity to expose your book and writing out in the Wide World Web.

However, online marketing is not the only arena to target. Remember that local representation is just as important. In either case, the one most important factor to remember is what are you offering your reader/customer? Readers need to be drawn in because they see a benefit for themselves, whether your info is helpful to them or entertaining them in one way or the other by allowing them to connect with your characters and escape their everyday lives. We’ll touch base on several areas over the next few postings.

Have you been involved in a blog book tour? Give us your impressions, good or bad.

Query Letters: Your Own? Big Deal?

I've been following the comments over at Nathan Bransford blog with interest. He posted a question that I would love to hear comments from everyone here. He asked if ghost query letters (written by others) are appropriate, if it's a good strategy. I replied the way we get professional editors to guide and help us in our manuscripts along with critique groups, there is nothing wrong in getting help with query letters.

Well, can I tell you I was floored to read so many agreeing with Nathan that how can a ghost query convey the author's voice? I agree to some extend but for many writing a query and cutting down the whole book in one short letter is the most migraine headache ever. They know that the query is a make or break deal so getting help to finetune it or ask someone to write it is not something I find offensive or sneaky. Hello, we do have ghost writers who write other people's books. Who gets the credit?

This brought up another set of emotions in me:

1- it's beginning to irk me real bad that writers are looked upon as second class citizens. Do we or do we not write the books accepted? Do we or do we not fill in their clientele list of possible best sellers? Do we or do we not add credence to publishing houses when our books hit the top ten list, rave reviews, etc. Although not all books get into that catagory, writers books are what continue to make publishing houses and literary agents survive in this business.

2- are we not asked to please contact them once the date where a response should have been given to our proposal and inquire about its status? Aren't we, the writers, out there promoting our books via booksignings, workshops, conferences, online marketing and promotion, writing our other books? Then I need to know why so many agents/publishing houses state in their submission guidelines "If you don't hear from us in ??? assume your project is not for us." I would gladly accept an automated response from them rejecting my work instead of having me wonder, 'did they get it?', 'did I miss their email?' Our time is just as important. This is called common decency. Which goes back to item 1 above - second class citizens!

3- Is it just me or do you find some agents/editors have a 'diva' aura?

My whole angst here is that without writers there would be no need for literary agencies or publishing houses. As a submissions editor for Red Rose Publishing I am swamped with manuscripts to read. I can't complain. I knowingly went into this business with my eyes wide open. Yes, at times responses are late because of backlog but everyone does/will get a response. I find this is important. You can't have a writer who poured his heart and soul into a book fade away without acknowledging them one way or the other. If time is available, I sometimes add a few notes for improvement but this isn't always. And I don't expect agents or publishers to add notes with every submission they get otherwise their backlog will increase. We are all humans with the same 24 hours in a day.

The whole point to this blog post is to say not to disrespect a writer unless given a reason. There are many writers out there who hassle an agent/editor, with emails or phone calls asking if they got around to their submission yet, why it wasn't accepted, when will they get a contract, etc. As writers, please, let's not give ammo to agents/editors to look at all of us as though we have no manners. Learn the name of the game: patience.

To get back to the query issue: I see nothing wrong with getting help for a query. If agents are worried they are going to spend their time reading a manuscript they believed amazing because of the query, all they need to do is read the first chapter and the writer's voice becomes apparent.

Agents/Editors work very hard for their clients.

Writers work just as hard to write their books and then to market/promote them.

We're on even ground here.

Awarded The Prémio Dardos

I was so honored by not one but 2 of my fellow cyber writing pals:
Karen Ventrice and Holly Jahangiri

The Prémio Dardos is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.

From what I can gather, the origin of the Prémio Dardos began in Portugal or Brazil and this is the closest rendition of the original intent available:

1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.

2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been selected for this award. I am going to pass this honor on to some of the blogs I find are worthy of it in the next few days so stay tuned to find out who they are.

Virtual Book Tour

Today's the day. My virtual book tour for Rebel in Blue Jeans begins. I'm posting the first two stops. Will post others a couple at a time. If you get a chance stop by and meet Rebel and friends. We'd love to read your comments and messages.

Here they are:

Jan 5: http://thebookrack.wordpress.com/2008/12/29/rebel-in-blue-jeans/

Jan 6: http://valleygirlmusings.blogspot.com/ "The Real Hollywood"

More later. Have to run to the hospital now to see about hubby.

Have a good week.

Reviews for Zooprise Party

Here is what people in the zoo world are saying about the books.

“Zooprise Party/ Fiesta Zoorpresa” is a delightful, fresh book that is taking children’s literature to a new level! It will be enjoyed in many parts of the world since it is bilingual (in both English and Spanish languages). Not only educational, this book also comes with a fun Activity book and Teacher’s Guide. Look for more in the “Laughing Zebra” series!

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo, Host, TV’s “Into the Wild”

* * * * *

“Zooprise Party” is a wonderful children’s book that tells the story of an Okapi who believes that all of his animal friends at the zoo have forgotten his birthday. Author Rebekha Delgado and illustrator Joy Delgado use the story to subtly teach the reader some interesting facts about some unique animals. The best lesson of all for the children who will enjoy this book is that friends come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and backgrounds and that our friends represent some of the most important things in our lives.

Ron Magill, Communications & Media Director Miami Metrozoo
* * * * *
Other Reviews

Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa grabbed the attention of our 1-3rd graders with it’s ability to entertain and teach at the same time. I’m ordering a classroom set for next year’s second grade class.

Dr. Lourdez Gonzalez, Director Saint Marcos Elementary School, Guyama, Puerto Rico
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No preschool or elementary classroom should be without this heartwarming book!
(read full review at http://tinyurl.com/5utbwo)
Kathy Stemke Author and teacher
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With the cute story, the animal facts, Activity Book, and Teachers Guide (separate purchase), the Delgado’s have compiled an excellent array of activities to keep children entertained and learning at the same time.
(read full review at http://tinyurl.com/62xhy9)
Donna J. Shepherd Author of Topsy Turvy Land, No More Gunk!, Dotty’s Topsy Turvy Tale
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Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa will delight and entertain children of all ages. A very simple, straightforward book with a message: friends stick together.
(read full review at http://tinyurl.com/6awtgx )
Lea Schizas Award winning Author and Editor
* * * * *
This is a very different book! I've seen some other bilingual books before, but none quite like Zooprise Fiesta. The workbook is full of fun pages for children to fill in and do - all accompanying the story and making it "come to life".
(read full review at http://tinyurl.com/5cl5y7)
Heidi Strawser – Reviews by Heidi
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Zooprise Party” to my grandson. The bright clear pictures and the expressions on the faces allowed him to understand more of what was happening in the story. It is a teaching book as well as a fun story.
Susan Jeszenszky
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I thought the book Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa was very educational and very easy to read to my three year old son.
Soralis mother of two

Zooprise Party

How would YOU like living next door to a group of nosy gerenuks?
You would, IF it was your birthday.

In “Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa” it’s Mori the okapi’s birthday. When Sally the zookeeper wishes Mori a Happy Birthday, Lito, the nosiest of all the gerenuks, is listening at the fence between the two exhibits.

Follow along as he gets his other neighbor, Elvis the king vulture to help him plan and pull off a surprise party for Mori.

Will Mori be surprised? How will all the animals in the zoo get to the party?
Find out in: “Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa” by Rebekha Delgado

This entertaining picture book is fully bilingual, English and Spanish, and
there is an activity book and a teacher’s guide that can also be purchased
to use in your classrooms to take the story beyond reading.

Angeline Jellybeans Review

Angeline Jellybean
By Crystalee Calderwood
Illustrated by Stephen Macquignon

Published by 4RV Publishing
ISBN: 978-09797513-8-7

As a child, I remember picking away at my food, choosing the parts I enjoyed, and mashing the ones I despised. Funny thing is, that habit hasn’t changed much. After reading Ms Calderwood’s “Angeline Jellybean”, a surge of childhood memories attacked me.

Angeline craves Jellybeans. Different colored jellybeans. However, wherever she turns, seems like someone wants to offer her something other than her favorite snack.

Then, on her birthday, Angeline has a surprise…JELLYBEANS. But what transpires is more than she bargained for.

This is a cute picture book for parents to read to their little ones, especially to the little ones who crave a certain food. The illustrations superbly add to Angeline’s adventure.

As I wrote in the beginning, reading children's books always brings back fond memories and Ms Calderwood has done an excellent job in stirring up these memories.

So is Angeline Jellybeans only for kids? Only if your inner child has disappeared.

Writing Jungle Radio presents Karina Fabian

Join me on Wednesday, Jan 14 at 7pm EST where my guest will be Karina Fabian. I'll be drilling Karina on the art of editing, working with others on an anthology project, and what the difference is between Christian sci-fi and regular sci-fi.

Hop on over to:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Lea-Schizas
and make sure you bookmark the page, mark it down on your calendar, and tune in to hear us raving and ranting about the writing world.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1455 Feel free to call in and ask Karina questions that night.

Hear you on Wednesday, January 14 at 7pm EST.

Holiday Love Affair Feb 9 - 14

During February 9 - 14, 2009, Bragging Rites Unleashed will host a week of Romance.

Hop on over there, bookmark, and stay tuned who the Romance Authors will be come February.

Interview with Joy Delgado

I have the pleasure of interviewing and introducing Joy Delgado all week. Tomorrow you'll get to read some interviews from the children's picture book, Zooprise Party /Fiesta Zoorpresa. This is a bilingual (English and Spanish) picture book. To complement it Joy has created an activity book and a teacher’s guide to take the book beyond reading.

Joy, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live?
At the moment I live in Puerto Rico with my husband.

What do you mean by ‘at the moment’?
Well, we live on a 41’ sailboat, so, for the time being we are in Puerto Rico.

How exciting! That’s sure a different way to live. How long have you lived on a boat?
Lets see, we’ve lived aboard for 5 ½ years now.

Where did you start out and where all have you sailed to?
We started in St. Pete, FL, moved aboard and sailed her to Key West, FL. We were there for three years while my husband was on Active Duty with the Coast Guard. He went back to reserve status and in October of 2006 we set sail for Puerto Rico. Along the way we spent 5 months in the Bahamas, time in the Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic. Seven months in all.

Sounds like a great vacation. Do you plan on doing any more sailing?
Yes. We are talking about going to the Virgins (both US and British) for the early part of 2009. then, who knows.

Now, you’re the publisher and illustrator of Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa right? How do you plan to manage your business while you’re on the road, or should I say at sea?
Yes, I’m the illustrator/publisher and my husband is the translator. Well, I’m looking into getting lined up with distributors both in Puerto Rico and the US. We are going to ‘test drive’ the idea in the Virgins. If it doesn’t work, we’ll go back to Puerto Rico and try something else. My plan is to be able to do the bulk of my work on the computer and have printers and distributors lined up to take care of the rest. I am new at this, so there will be some trial and error involved.

Interesting. Now I know this book has a special story behind it. Let’s start with what prompted you to create this book?
I have two grand daughters in Puerto Rico. When it came time to buy presents for the ‘girls’, we decided to buy them bilingual books. We speak both languages and feel it’s very important in this day and age to speak at least two languages. So we started looking around. What we discovered was that bilingual books are hard to find and when you do find them, they are usually about a particular culture.

I asked my daughter Rebekha to help out by writing a few stories. I told her I’d teach myself to draw and her dad could translate them into Spanish. She thought this was great, so she sat down and in something like two days I had three stories from her.

Now you have an activity book and a teacher’s guide that go along with this book. What prompted you to add these?
As we worked on the book, people would ask me what made me draw this okapi thing to look like I did. When I had to explain to several people that an okapi is a real animal from Africa, I realized I needed to do something different. So we started with pictures and some interesting facts at the end of the story. It soon became clear to us that this wasn’t just a book. This was a book that would help teach a second language as well as inform people about animals that aren’t very common. That’s when I decided to developed the Activity Book and the Teacher’s Guide, to take the book beyond reading.

Tell us a bit about Rebekha. What kind of work does she do?
Rebekha is a zookeeper, or as she prefers, and animal keeper at a zoological park/resort in Central Florida.

You know, that’s one of those jobs that when children go to the zoo that they are fascinated with. Is it as great as it seems?
For the most part, from what she tells us, yes, it’s really a dream come true for her. There are certain aspects of the job however that aren’t very pleasant, like cleaning the stalls out. She’s been there long enough that I don’t think she has to do that much anymore.

When did she start to write?
I think it was in about second or third grade. She went to an elementary school that was very pro writing. Each year the students wrote short stories. Then the parents’ group took them, printed them out, gave them back to the student to illustrate it and bound them.

What a great school project. So, has she had anything else published?
Yes she did. Some of her poetry was published as part of a National Poetry contest.

What’s next? Another zoo story or something else?
Several projects are in the works. Rebekha’s second story about a chameleon and a lemur will follow the same format as Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa. Then we have a textbook-workbook project about animals in their natural habitats. Some of the local schools have asked for this, and I think it’s something many schools would be interested in. Of course there are about 20 more stories we’ve both written that I hope someday will see publication.

Well, thank you Joy for such an interesting interview. I wish you and your family the best of luck.

Thank you for having me here today. It was fun.