The Gods Are Coming Contest

Lin Holmes has a The Gods Are Coming Contest going on in her blog. Kat Holmes has a series out with Red Rose Publishing and all you have to do is figure out who the next God in her series will be.

CHECK IT OUT

New Children's Book Explores Big Changes in a Child's Life

Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.

She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.

Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,

Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!

Thus begins this humorous rhyming picture book about the effect that a major change can have in a child’s life and the selfless love that can bring about healing and joy once again.

Ruthie isn’t happy—not happy at all. In fact, she feels as big and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind. That’s because she’s moved house, and that means leaving her old home and her best friend behind. It also means fitting in a new school and going through the stress of making new friends, something Ruthie isn’t willing to do.

Her parents try many things to make Ruthie feel better, but nothing seems to work. One thing is for sure: Ruthie is getting from bad to worse. She hates her dad’s jokes; she hates her mom; she refuses to do her chores. She even decides to dress like a crazy person, with a wild hairdo and socks that don’t match, anything to show her anger, sadness and frustration. Then one day, while Ruthie is sitting alone on the porch, she receives a visit from an unexpected guest and this changes her life forever, transforming her back into the caring, affectionate child she originally was. Want to know who that unexpected visitor is? You’ll have to read the story to find out!

Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind will keep young readers giggling until the end. It is a funny, sweet story of change, one most children will relate to. Author Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and it shows in the smoothness and wittiness of her verses. Oregonian artist K.C. Snider’s illustrations add their own touch of humor, complementing the tone and mood of Ruthie’s tale.

A parent-teacher guide at the end of the book will make discussing the story and exploring its theme easier. I highly recommend reading this to a child who has recently experience a ‘big change,’ such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling or step parent into a home, or going into a new school.

Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind

By Margot Finke

Guardian Angel Publishing

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6

Copyright June 2010

For ages 5-12

Author’s website: http://margotfinke.com

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

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dus-stripbooks-tree&field-keywords=Margot+Finke&x=23&y=16

Also available from Powell’s, Target, B&N and most online retailers.

Watch the trailer: http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/restbcm8/Book%20Trailers.htm#slide

About the author: Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes mid grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. She lives in Oregon with her husband and family. Read Rattlesnake Jam, a picture book published by Guardian Angel and coming soon, Taconi and Claude: Double Trouble, a midgrade adventure for boys set in the Aussie outback.Her seven book “Wild and Wonderful” rhyming PB series (Writer’s Exchange), is fun and educational.

Told in rhyme, they introduce children to cool animals from the US and Australia. Find purchase information about all Margot’s books at: http://www.margotfinke.com

Margot’s Musings column, and website, offer help for new children’s writers. Her Manuscript Critique Service helps writers iron out beginner problems. Nothing gives her a greater thrill than discovering a book she helped a writer polish has been published. mfinke@verizon.net Margot says “I love hearing from kids.”

Children's Author Nicole Weaver Donates Proceeds to Earthquake Victims

Nicole Weaver is a teacher, freelance writer and children's author. Her first picture book, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle, is written in three languages: English, French and Spanish, and was inspired by the author's childhood experience in the beaches in Haiti. Nicole was devastated by the recent Haiti earthquake and is donating part of the proceeds of her book to help victims. In this interview, Nicole talks about her book and what she's been doing to create awareness and raise money for the Lambi Fund of Haiti.

Thanks you for this interview, Nicole. When did you start writing for children?

I started writing for children five years ago. Prior to that I primarily wrote poetry and short stories. It is my heart desire to continue writing tri-lingual children's picture books that portray all children of color in a positive light. I remember asking myself why the children in the books I read were not the same color as me. I feel this is my second calling in life. In six years, I will retire from teaching so I can write fulltime.

Tell us about your children’s book, Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle. What inspired you to write it?

When I was a little girl, I lived near the beach in Haiti. Sea turtles came to shore to lay their eggs. I took daily walks along the shore to collect seashells, low and behold out of the blue I came across this huge sea turtle. At the age of ten I moved to America where I got hooked on reading picture books. After reading so many books I daydreamed of writing a picture book of my own one day. I attended several workshops for writers, it was there I learned that I should focus my writing on personal experiences. The memory of seeing the sea turtle was still very vivid , it was then I decided to write a book about what I saw on the beach so many years ago.

Your book is written in English, French and Spanish, making it quite educational linguistically. What compelled you to do this?

I was compelled to write the book in English, French and Spanish because I am fluent in all three languages. Since I am a French and Spanish teacher I am passionate about finding ways to expose young children to a foreign language. A child’s mind is wired to master a language very naturally at a young age. A tri-lingual book will help expose a child to two new languages, it is a good way to garner interest for other languages and cultures.

What is the main message children will learn from this book?

I tried to convey the importance of friendship and showing compassion for someone in need of help. It also has themes of love and a family coming together to make a sound decision and respecting nature.

I understand you’re donating part of the proceeds from this book to the Lambi Fund of Haiti as a way to help earthquake victims. Please tell us about this.

My mother lost thirteen cousins in the earthquake . Shortly after the earthquake the superintendent of the school district where I have been teaching for twenty years sought my help. I volunteered to do a press conference with the local media.

Many schools participated and hosted bake sales which raised Several thousand dollars . All the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross and the Lambi Fund of Haiti. Lambi Fund provides financial resources that promote social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people. After the initial fundraising with my school district I wanted to continue to help make a difference. I read Malaak Compton-Rock’s book “If It Takes a Village, Build One,” She inspired me and made me realize it is the little things we do that can make a huge difference in the life of someone. It is always a challenge to find ways to become globally responsible citizens , the earthquake propelled me into action. I am taking Malaak’s suggestions very seriously; I am using what I love to do to help benefit Haiti. I have a second children book, written in English, French and Spanish due to be published in 2011 by Guardian Angel Publishing. I will be donating proceeds from that book as well.

For more information about the Lambi Fund , readers can go to www. lambifund.org or email Karen Ashmore, executive director at Karen@lambifund.org

The illustrations in the book were done by fine artist Ruben Chavez. How was your experience working with an illustrator? Did you have input in the artwork? Do you think he captured the mood and tone of the book?

I had a great time working with Ruben, he did a great job capturing the mood and tone of the book. I collaborated with Ruben to make sure the little girl would be representative of not only Haiti but could possibly be from any place in the Caribbean or Spanish speaking countries in South America. I wanted to reach many cultures from around the globe.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

Yes I do, readers can go to the following sites to learn more about me and my work:

http://outskirtspress.com/nicoleweaver

http://www.authorsden.com/nicoleweaver

http://www.jacketflap.com/basket

http://associatedcontent.com/nicoleweaver

http://readyabletolearnfrenchspanish.blogspot.com

http://support4usparentsofhaitianorphans.blogspot.com

Any last words to our readers?

I want all readers to understand that I am very serious about helping with relief efforts for my native Haiti. Every little bit helps no matter how small . It is my earnest desire to continue to write children’s books that will promote language acquisition and other cultures. Readers, I invite you to read the article written about me in my local newspaper March 20th, 2010: Thank you in advance for supporting Haiti relief efforts.

Thanks for the interview, Nicole.

Read a newspaper article about Nicole and her efforts to help Haiti on the Littleton Independent.

Margot Finke talks about "Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind"

A native of Australia, Margot Finke is a freelance editor and children's author. She specializes in fun rhyming books for kids, as well as in stories for reluctant readers, especially boys. Her latest picture book is the hilarious Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind, recently released by Guardian Angel Publishing. She now lives in Oregon, where she continues creating entertaining stories for children. To find out more about her work and manuscript critique services, visit her website.

About the book:

When Ruthie moved, she left all her friends and family behind. She left her old happy self behind too. She sulked, was rude to her parents, and threw tantrums. What had happened to their darling girl? Then, something unexpected surprised Ruthie, and their happy child returned. Find out what made Ruthie her old self again. (Parent-Teacher guide included.)

Watch the trailer.

Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind is available from the author's website, Guardian Angel Publishing, Powell's, Amazon.

Thanks for being my guest today, Margot. Tell us, what got you into writing for children?

Many years ago, when we first arrived here in Oregon from Australia, my three children were young. I became a grade school Teacher’s Aid.

The kids thought I talked funny, and I told them it was because I was an Aussie from Down-under. They asked about OZ, and so I started telling them about the fantastic variety of unique Aussie critters. I would pin a map of Australian animals on the classroom wall, and make up stories about various ones. I also did this for my children each night, right off the top of my head.

After a while, I found I had to write them down, because the kids asked for story repeats, and I had no idea what I’d said the first time around. My writing grew from that small beginning, into my “ Wild and Wonderful” rhyming series, about animals from the US and Australia, and two other books: “Rattlesnake Jam” ( for boys), and my latest, “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind,” for girls. Nine picture books in all + another PB coming, and a mid-grade adventure in the Aussie outback ( for boys) due late next month.

Tell us about your latest children’s picture book, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. What inspired you to write it and how did you come up with that title?

Like my other picture books, “Ruthie” is in rhyme. Now I have a confession to make – rhyme is easy for me. I think I double dipped when they handed out the rhyming gene! Kids today deal with a lot of change – divorce, a move, the death of a loved one etc.

So the idea for “Ruthie,” and that scene stealing pink hippo, came to me late one night in bed – like many of my nuttiest story ideas! These two lines, from the first verse, set the story in my mind:

Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly - like some Hippo's fat behind."

I wanted a fast paced rhyme that was fun to read and visualize, yet also kid and parent friendly. As a teacher’s aid, I discovered that words in rhyme stick with children longer than those in plain text, especially if there is humor involved. Hey! Don’t all authors want their words to be remembered?

Ruthie is an entertaining, fun story told in rhyme yet it offers an important, powerful message. What will children learn from this book?

I am so happy you think so. Yes, I do admit to being a bit sneaky when I wrote “Ruthie.” The disruption of “big change” often plays a huge roll in family life. Children and parents cope far better if they talk together about any coming changes: or encourage children to share their feelings after a sudden big change.

Adding the Parent-Teacher guide opens a window for parents and teachers to ask children how they feel about Ruthie, her parents, and her bratty behavior. If children identify with Ruthie, and share their feelings, the frustration and anger that big change often brings, will shrink to a more manageable size.

I understand the book comes with a Parent-Teacher guide. Is this guide included in the book or available from your website?

Yes, the Parent-Teacher guide is included in the back of the book.
There is an excellent review for “Ruthie” on Jill Osborne’s “Writing and Play Therapy” Page: http://www.jillosborne.org/

Jill is a licensed child therapist.

The artwork in the book was done by award-winning illustrator and fine artist K.C. Snider. How was your experience working with an illustrator?

K.C. was a joy to work with. We chatted back and forth about every illustration, and she was very open to the suggestions I offered. And this is not always the case. Some illustrators like to live in their ivory tower: incommunicado! K.C’s talent is awesome – as is the cool pink hippo that steals the whole book. Her cover art says it all!!

You also offer manuscript critiques to writers. How can readers learn more about your editorial services?

Thanks to the internet, my website, and two blogs, I receive Manuscript Critique requests from clients in many different countries. Unfortunately, some are not ready for a professional critique. These I advise, as gently as possible, to keep writing and rewriting, read many more books, and learn basic grammar and writing skills. Join a private critique group if at all possible.

However, many clients simply need some guidance, or clues about tightening and polishing their chapters or pages. Some critiques are done quickly, while other manuscripts take time and patience from both myself and my client. Yet it is the end result that counts. Nothing gives me more of a thrill than to hear that a client’s book has been published. Manuscript Critique Service – details:
http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/mfinke/Manuscript Critique.htm

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

Find Books, Writing Help + Manuscript Critique Service, on my WEBSITE DIRECTORY.

HOOK KIDS on READING:
http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/

Margot’s Book for Kids + Writing News: http://margotfinke.blogsopot.com/

Any last words to our readers?

Boys are more likely to be reluctant readers. They WILL read, if you find them fun stories with macho action and great humor. I discovered this years ago, when my son did not want to read. My HOOK KIDS on READING offers boy friendly titles.

AND: “Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble,” my coming Aussie adventure, offers action, danger, boy style humor + plus a crazed emu, and all the yabbies, snake, and witchetty grubs a boy could eat.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me, Mayra.

Thanks, Margot!

Article first published as Interview with Margot Finke, author of Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind on Blogcritics.

Does Perseverance pay in the End for Children’s Authors?

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

Does Perseverance pay in the End for Children’s Authors?

An author’s dream is to impact their readers in positive thought provoking words, whether writing for adults or children. When children’s author, Donna McDine, first embarked on her writing career in 2007 she dreamed of the day a child would feel the wow factor through her storytelling. And much to her delight she received those encouraging words from several young muses early in the writing stages of The Golden Pathway.

Visit with Donna McDine through her charismatic interview by freelance author, Nancy Sanders on Friday, June 18 at:

http://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/2010/06/18/author-interview-donna-m-mcdine/.

Stop by for a spell and enjoy the chance to get to know this up and coming children’s author. Donna will be on hand throughout the day to field your questions and to respond to your comments.

Thank you for your interest.

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Nonfiction-10 Secrets to a Winning Book Proposal Webinar

Register today to attend this live webinar!
Session date: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern
Duration: 90 minutes
Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 1 year.

Description

Every year, qualified writers with worthy books find themselves left by the wayside because they neglect the vital step of creating an effective book proposal before submitting their work. The principals in this workshop are designed to empower every writer who employs them with the ability to leave fantasies of success behind in favor of securing a real-world publishing contract from a mainstream publishing house.

For more information and what you'll learn please visit Writer's Digest.

Come Discover What or Whom is Splish-Splashing through Cyberspace

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Beth Bence Reinke, Author and Registered Dietitian

Email: rdwriter@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.bethbencereinke.com/

For Immediate Release



Come Discover What or Whom is Splish-Splashing through Cyberspace

Take a moment to listen for splish-splashing sounds taking over cyberspace. Don’t worry, it won’t damage your computer. What is the source, you may ask? It’s a children’s book entitled, In My Bath by author Beth Bence Reinke.

Join in the virtual book tour introducing an imaginative little boy and all kinds of water-loving animals. Is there room for all in the tub? Find out for yourself through their adventures in cyberspace:

June 8 – Jo Ramsey http://www.joramsey.com/?page_id=9

June 9 – Donna McDine http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/

June 21 – Amy Allgeyer Cook http://lux-st-clare.blogspot.com/

June 23 – Rena Jones http://renajjones.blogspot.com/

June 25 – Nancy Sharpe http://cybrarianbookreviews.blogspot.com/ (book review) and http://nasharpe.blogspot.com/ (interview)

June 28 – Lori Calabrese http://loricalabrese.com/blog  

June 30 - Beverly Stowe McClure http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/ (book review & interview)

July 1 - Scott Heydt http://scotthbooks.blogspot.com/ and http://blog.scotthbooks.com/

July 5 – Danika Dinsmore http://www.theaccidentalnovelist.wordpress.com/

July 7 – Miriam Forster http://msforster.blogspot.com/

July 9 – Carla Mooney http://carlamooney.livejournal.com/

Be sure to post your comments and/or questions for Ms. Reinke. She will be on hand each day to interact with you.

Beth Bence Reinke is an author and registered dietitian. She writes children’s books, devotional books and articles about food and nutrition. Beth’s professional affiliations include The American Dietetic Association and The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She is also a member of Indie-Debut 2010, a group of first-time authors who help promote each other’s books that hail from independent publishers. In My Bath is Beth’s first children’s book.

Author: Beth Bence Reinke

Website: http://www.bethbencereinke.com/  

Food and Faith blog: http://www.bethbencereinke.com/foodandfaith

Beth’s Book Basket blog: http://bethbencereinke.com/bethsbookbasket 

E-mail: rdwriter@hotmail.com

Illustrator: Ginger Nielson

Website: http://www.gingernielson.com/

Blog: http://www.gingerpixels.blogspot.com/


Publisher: 4RV Publishing http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/

Thank you in advance for your interest.



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Ebooks

There are many who still don't believe that e-books will make it in this business. I hate to disappoint but e-books are gaining popularity fast and steady, especially with the introduction of so many handheld readers now open to readers to purchase, upload hundreds of books, and carry it with them wherever they go.

Here's a link with a recent survey that you may find interesting on the % of readers who read e-books on what e-reader: READ ARTICLE

I have a Sony e-Reader and love it. Although a bit pricey I figure the $ I saved purchasing print books comes to about an even level. Also, the fact I can upload and have at least 300 books to read and not worry if I grabbed enough books for a trip...well, what can I say. I love my Sony e-Reader.

How many of you own an e-reader? Which one? What positive or negative do you have to say about them?

Beating Blogger’s Block: Five Tips for Rebooting Your Brain

 Whether you’re just starting out on your journey to a truly legendary blog, or you’ve been working at it for awhile, you may already be aware of the horrifying phenomenon known as blogger’s block, which can strike even the most prolific of bloggers without notice.  It’s possible you’ve even fallen prey to this mysterious malady, which can last minutes, hours, or days (some authors even admit to suffering from writer’s block for years at a time, but let’s not think about that).  Maybe you get to the computer screen and let the blank page psyche you out.  Or maybe you have so many ideas whirling around in your noggin that you simply freeze up at the thought of trying to pick one and develop it.  Whatever the case, there is help for the blogger in serious need of a reboot.  Here are a few tips to get you back on the proverbial horse.

1.    Set a schedule.  Treating your blog as a job rather than a hobby may be the key to success.  So set up a time to write each day to get yourself in the habit.  Even if you need to engage in other types of writing, just putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) will get the creative juices flowing.  You also need to set a hard deadline for posting, and you should try to squeeze in at least one a week.  As you become more practiced, you can increase the number of posts.

2.    Stop staring.  Looking at a blank screen is a great way to fill your mind with…blankness.  So if you find you spent the last ten minutes staring, fingers poised above the keyboard, with nothing to show for it but eye strain and a cramp in your hand, walk away.  Take a break.  Get a snack.  Indulge in some daytime TV or a little light reading, then return to try again.  Sometimes just a few minutes of thinking about something else can help you reset your brain.

3.    Ask questions.  Some good ones are:  What are my interests and how can I incorporate them in my blog?  What am I trying to say?  What do I want others to get from my blog?  Who is my target audience?  What would they like to read?  What would I like to read?  What are other bloggers saying about my topic?  Figuring out the basis for your interest in a topic, as well as what you want to convey and to whom is a good way to get yourself back on track when you stray into the gray areas.  It’s like the through-line of a story, everything has to relate back to one main idea.

4.    Get outside help.  Read books and magazines.  Watch TV shows and YouTube.  Listen to new music.  Go to museums and art galleries.  Whatever you can do to consume other types of media will only serve to inspire you in your writing, so spice up your entertainment and explore new avenues of input.  You are bound to find something exciting to blog about if you’re constantly plugged in to the pulse of pop culture.


5.    Be creative.  This may sound ridiculously simple, but it isn’t.  Forcing yourself to exercise creativity is such an ambiguous idea that it can be nearly impossible to implement.  Luckily, there are forms to get you started.  If you hit a road block with your blog, you must try writing something else.  Whether it’s a short story, an essay, or some strictly formatted poetry, you need to keep writing in order to keep writing (it’s sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy).  Even if you just do a free-write and nothing comes out but rubbish, it’s still better than allowing yourself to be intimidated by a blank page.

If you just can’t seem to get the ball rolling, no matter what you do, there are still a couple of options available to you.  You can start by taking a creative writing class, which will teach you to get in the mindset of a writer.  You can also do a web search for writing prompts.  There are dozens of websites to help you get started.  And if nothing seems to be helping, consider seeking some help from guest blogger’s to cover you for awhile until you get back on your feet.  Many will offer free content for nothing more than including a link back to their own site.  Keep in mind that writer’s block is a temporary condition.  It will probably go away when you stop worrying about it, so if you can’t force it, just wait for inspiration to strike and keep a notebook handy.  It could happen at any time and you want to be prepared.

Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Degree, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.