Author Archives: Tiffany Turner

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About Tiffany Turner

I am a teacher by day, writer during the evening and weekends. I've written a children's fantasy series called the Crystal Keeper Chronicles. I've learned a lot as an Independent author. I want to share that now through blog posts, interviewing fellow authors, and reviewing other children's books. If you don't see it out there, build the blog yourself. I'm hoping to create a resource for people to find quality children's books that don't always fall along the lines of mainstream.
Feb28

The HOT Word in Children’s Books- “Apps.”

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Apps. This was the buzz word that was mentioned time and again in discussions at the SCBWI S.F. South Regional Writing Conference. I just returned from a fascinating weekend given at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, CA. Adding to the beach charm was the excitement of the digital age and what this could mean to children’s writers.

Apps. stand for an application which can be downloaded to smart phones and tablets. Apps. use multimedia with a format like a picture book, but it moves. There may be games and other media included. This is such a new medium that it can be a huge opportunity for many Indie Authors, esp. picture book authors.

There’s been the talk of how picture books will survive the digital age. From my impressions, parents are looking for things to keep their children occupied and happy. Downloading a children’s app. to a tablet or phone can be a way they can share a new experience in reading together while entertaining their child.

To get started, here are some tips from Rick Richter from Ruckus Media Group. He is president and CEO of Ruckus, and spoke at the conference this weekend. Apps should be respectful to kids and the interactivity should make sense. If you are interested in submitting to Ruckus, he suggested to storyboard your idea. If you are interested in finding out more, the website is http://www.ruckusmediagroup.com.

Truly, the future of children’s books seems to be morphing before our eyes. Children of the future may be reading from tablets in school and learning from smart phone apps. It is exciting to be at the beginning of it all.

Feb14

A New Twist on Dragon Myths

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Sam and the Dragon by Eric B. Thomasma

I am always on the look out for new myths and legends. I found this little gem of a picture book that involves dragons on Kindleboards.com. I must say, it was amazing to see a picture book finally on the Kindle. Most of the pictures and text lined up fabulously. There might have been one line or two on an extra page. Plus, the story is a great read-over dragon oriented fable with a new take on modern heating systems.

The story starts out with a boy named Sam not wanting to join the annual migration of his family south for the winter. Instead, he chooses to stay home by hiding from his family. He finds out that winter is colder than he thought. If it wasn’t for the warmth and friendship of his dragon friend, he surely would have perished.

Upon the family’s return, the dragon Freness, has a new metal home in the basement. Metal was the most likely material not to burn from dragon fire. So, soon Sam tells his family how he kept warm for the winter, and soon they realize they can attach piping to all the rooms so Freness’ fiery warmth can spread throughout the home. In the end, the town learns of the wisdom, and everyone is out getting a friend dragon to heat their house.

This delightful tale was illustrated by the author’s brother, Lanin. The dragon illustrations are a winsome, cartoon style. The pictures add to the storytelling style of the writing.

This book is a great read aloud for any child from 2-8 years old. I would especially recommend it to kids that are dragon obsessed. It is similar to old world fairy tales and legends that explain how things work, but instead, explains the modern device of indoor heating. Every child that hears the story will be happy that perhaps the dragon that lives in their furnace will always be their friend.

**** 4 Star Rating. Available on Smashwords, Kindle, and Paperback editions. Format reviewed was from Smashwords.

Feb13

Sample Sunday Feb. 13, 2011

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Thought I’d start adding to the Books Section in my blog by starting my first Sample Sunday blog entry. This is a thread that helps connect different blogs on a Kindle Writers Board that I frequent. I thought I’d start out with an excerpt from one of my books to start to get people familiar with what I’ve done. I’ll later add some drafts of two current writing projects, one being the third book in the Crystal Keeper Series.

Let’s start out the festivities with an excerpt from my first book,

It is a children’s book for ages 8-12, middle reader novel.

Wanda has discovered that the Fairy World is real. She is given a choice by the Fairy Queen. A choice that could end all of her adventures.

Excerpt from starts on page 26-27,

I took a moment to think. This was big. Really big. I mean, when else do you get to hang with fairies. But I didn’t want to be bashing slime all the time either. There’s no reset button in real life, right?

“Well, there’s got to be a reason for everything.” I thought out loud.
“Maybe I was meant to go into the orchard to read right then, and see the crow, and see what the World of Fairy is really like.”

“This must be your choice and yours alone. I would give you more time if there wasn’t such the need for a cure.”

“Cure?”

“Yes, we fairies suffer greatly from what you humans call pollution. It is poison to the land that we draw our magic from. The fairies get sick from the pollution that destroys the land they tend.”

“And you need me to get a cure, don’t you?”

The Queen nodded with a smile. “You are a quick one, Wanda dear.” She chuckled to herself. “You can have some time to think it over.”

I looked down for a sec. This could be dangerous later, I guess. But I’d managed to come through so far, figuring out how to make it. I had the brains. After all, I get tons of “A”s in school.

But then, I remembered the look on Jessica’s face when she got the gold metal at the gymnastics meet, and I hadn’t even placed. I wanted to be good at something. That’s when I dropped out of the advanced class and took intermediate instead.

Then, I felt a knowing that this was right. Like it was somehow my destiny. Somehow, this would help me not only with gymnastics, but with other stuff too.

“I don’t think I want this to be a dream. I want it all to stay real.” I breathed in deep. I was really going to do it. “I’ll be your Keeper.”

For more samplings of Indie Authors, visit this thread KindleBoards.com. There are a variety of Indie authors with several genres represented on the thread.

Feb6

A Sweet Adventure For Your Child

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Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs. The Candy King by R. G. Cordiner

This book is a treat for any child. It has all kinds of elements that will tempt a child’s imagination, as well as their stomach. From chocolate archers to powdered sugared snowmen, this candy tale will lead any child’s fancy into a world that they wish they could explore.

It starts with a brother and sister each finding different paths into a world of the Tooth Fairies and the Candy King. The fascinating fact is that each sibling is on opposing sides, and a Candy War is imminent. The story carries the reader from the different perspectives until finally drawing them together for the ending. A dragon plays a pivotal part in the story, along with the Tooth Fairies characterized as young Valley Girls. I enjoyed this fantasy world that was created. I can see a child getting lost in this turmoil of tooth fairies and candy creatures.

I think the first thing I had to get used to is the style of this author. There were some phrases that were distinctly Aussie English usage, like icing sugar instead of powdered sugar. So, for American children, they will have to use context clue strategies to conclude the meaning of some phrases.

A balance between the real world and fantasy world was thrown off a bit when the teacher caged up the bad children in his classroom, and no one noticed. Maybe I’m just a stickler for real facts embedded in fantasy to make it realistic, but I felt the teacher could be mean without the additional abuse. But then, I’ve never gone to school in England. Maybe there are secret classroom disciplines I know nothing about.

Overall, I found this to be an enlightened, sweet tale full of fantasy to tempt the imagination of any child. I’m sure it will hold most children enthralled throughout the story. It is definitely a sugary tale of adventure without the cavities.

**** Four Star Rating, ages 7-12 years. Middle Reader Book. Available in paperback or Kindle editions.

Jan20

Great Beginning Chapter Book 7-9 year olds

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Crystal Palace Cover

"The Crystal Palace: Rescue of the Baby Fairy Prince" by Michelle Hauser


Review for “The Crystal Palace: Rescue of the Baby Fairy Prince” by Michelle Hauser.

I’m always curious about new crystal and fairy books. This one came under my teacher radar on one of the discussion boards. After ordering, I was surprised at the child friendly candor and easy readability. This is a great book for struggling readers. If your child loves fairies, this will feed the need.

The story begins with a sleepover visit to grandma’s. The granddaughter, Karina, takes her two good friends, Emily Jean and Katie, on a slumber party adventure. They discover that in her specially decorated bedroom of crystals a visit from her grandmother’s tooth fairy, Angela, reveals a problem. The Baby Fairy Prince is missing. The girls must help Angela find him. Off on an adventure with fairy magic, rainbow travels and leprechauns, any reader will discover a safe and fantastic fairy world adventure.

This is a great book to share as a read-aloud or for independent readers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jan2

New Cutting Edge YA Fantasy

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Shadowmagic by John Lenahan


I saw this book on an Amazon.com board for new book releases. I liked the fantasy angle and the concept. Lenahan’s writing style isn’t your typical fantasy writing. He has a real humorous voice that after a bit, grows on you. I do like the connection to the real world. The main character continues to miss our reality and wonders how to get back. A lot of Narnia comes to mind as the main character goes through a lot of difficulties to solve the adventure.

I did like the characters, the imp, hot-headed girl, and the banshee sidekick. There were enough character traits to make them enjoyable and want you to keep reading. The plot wasn’t so predictable, and the twists involved were fun. I enjoyed this book over all and would recommend it to any fantasy reader that wants a new take on what fantasy can be.

Available in Paperback and Kindle Editions.
Rated: 5 out of 5 stars

Jan2

A Different Perspective on Growing Up

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No Irish Need Apply by Edward C. Patterson


I’ve been seeing a lot of posts in the Indie Author world on Amazon and the Kindle boards with this author. So, I wanted to see what the buzz was about. Boy, am I glad I did. This is a great book if you want to get a perspective on what it would be like to be so different in high school; you’re more than alone but estranged. Dedicated to PFLAG, Parents and Family of Lesbians and Gays, this book can give you an understanding of what it might be like growing up gay in today’s high schools.

I really enjoyed the writing style of Edward Patterson. His humor and imagery really pulls you in the book. There is a realistic sense to the minds of these boys, and the build up to the end is a window to their pain. I was able to predict the ending a bit. But by that time, like any well-led reader, I wanted it to happen.

This book does have some areas that would delve into more adult and teen reading. I would not have middle school readers try this book. It is definitely written as an edgy YA. It is a good read for families trying to understand what is behind the feelings of someone who is gay in their family.

Available in Paperback, Kindle and Smashword Editions

Rated: 5 out of 5 stars

Jan2

Took Me Back to My D & D Days

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The Legend of Witchbane by Kevis Hendrickson


The Legend of Witch Bane is a D & D adventure come to life, but of course more with a Norse Mythology twist. The first thing that struck me about this book was the Grimm’s Fairy Tale narration style of the novel. It took some getting used to, but it grew on me. I loved the characters relating to the world of fairy and crossing over into Norse Mythology. It was good fun traveling along with the three children to solve the curse of their kingdom. I felt I was 13 again playing D & D. I think kids will enjoy this, and some adults too, esp. if they’ve played a few role playing games.

Available in Paperback and Kindle Edition

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Oct24

The Season for Good Ghost Stories

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Halloween is the season for a good ghost story. I’ve been remembering the days of sitting around a campfire telling tales of ghost hitchhikers and mysterious experiences. How many of you have heard about the guy that picks up a hitchhiker near a cemetery, only to have them disappear from the back seat when reaching the destination? Or the girl with the red ribbon around her neck that doesn’t reveal why it can’t be removed until her husband finally pushes for an answer?

If you’re looking for a good story or two to tell your friends, here are some of the ones I remember best to share. They are some of the good classic ghost stories I remember from back in my day as a kid. Maybe you can share them with your family.

I think one of the spookiest ghost stories is an interactive story that has to be experienced. There are many a slumber party where this was tried. Often, my friends and I scared ourselves in the process. It begins with the legend that if you look in a mirror in complete darkness and say the words “Bloody Mary” three times, the ghost of some murdered girl with a bloody face is suppose to appear.

Did her face ever appear when my friends, giggling wildly, gazed into the bathroom mirror? Um, no. But just the legend and trying it seems to be a good spook, especially at this time of year. Who can say? Maybe it’s actually worked for others, but never me.

Another good story I’ve heard a few times is the hitchhiking ghost. Mostly it’s told around camp fires or in the dark at a slumber party by flashlight. If you want to make it extra spooky, make the setting be more near your current location. Somewhere nearby locations are great for the pick-up point of the ghost.

The legendary story goes like this: A lone driver goes past a spooky location in the middle of the night. They see a hitchhiker, and feel sorry for them. A description of the hiker like dripping wet in dry weather or looking especially white on a warm night could be a good addition to build suspense.

The driver picks up the mysterious hitchhiker. A lot of the time as they talk, it is revealed that some clue, their name or what they were doing is revealed. Next, upon arrival, the hitchhiker has disappeared. The driver, thinking they got out without seeing, goes to the door to check on them. The people in the house are shocked to hear the name of the hitchhiker. The mysterious rider usually has the name of someone who died earlier. Boo.

Lastly, here’s a great spooky story that has so many variations, you could add your own twist to it. A young girl marries a man. She always wears a red ribbon around her neck. Her husband is always curious about the ribbon, and continuously asks her to take it off. She tells him no. There can be several times through their life that he tries. Sometimes they are newly weds where he asks all week. Sometimes he asks her whole life and asks when she’s an old lady. You can always add your own twist. In the end, she gives in and takes off the ribbon. When she does, her head rolls off her shoulders onto the floor. Boo.

Hopefully, this will be a great way to get your ghost stories going during this time of year. Always if someone has heard the story before, let them know it’s a new version or your own version. You could surprise them, or maybe they can add to the story. Enjoy yourself, and have a fantastic, spooky Halloween! Happy Halloween to all my readers and boo!

Link to the Tiffany Turner Website to try out your own Spooky Writing Project.

Jul29

A New Journey in Research

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You never know where research will take you. Well, at least this is what I’ve found out while researching my books. I love to go to different places and find out about legends and myths. There is adventure in exploring an area and using the description as some setting in your book. This is the joy of writing and researching. They seem to go hand and hand, and they are a very creative, fun step in the writing process.

I recently got back from an adventure in London. I wanted to return to the British Museum book room that had a range of information on things in the museum. I learned the book room had been closed and all the books moved to the British Library in another part of London.

The British Library in London
So, off I went to investigate. I am proud to announce I’m the new proud owner of a British Library card. The librarian got excited when she learned I was an author researching my third book. And I must say, I did find some interesting legends and myths on dwarves and dragons, which I’m focusing in on the third book. Plus, a changeling will play a pivotal part. So, I researched as much as I could on that.

The third book is turning into an adventure that will involve dwarves. So, I was thinking I needed more than just information about legends. I wanted some hands on experience of something that is closely associated with dwarves, mines.

The next logical step would be to find a mine. Luckily, I live in California, and it is famous for the Gold Rush and the many mines in Gold Country, the Sierra Mountain foothills where much of the gold was panned and mined during the Gold Rush. On July 24, 2010, I headed onto Route 49, the highway that connects many of the gold rush boomtowns. And yes, found myself a gold mine.

Tiffany Turner on the Sutter Gold Mine Tour

The Sutter Gold Mine is located off of the old Route 49 which leads through the old boomtowns. Complete with red construction hat, I was driven on a miners’ transport truck 200 ft. underground. There was a chance to walk around and look at the white quartz. Veins of the quartz contain the gold. It is mined and processed as gold ore. The walls were testimonies to the hard working miners that had blasted out the tunnels I traversed.

Unfortunately, the price of gold dropped to around $200 an ounce, and the mine closed in the early 90s. Of course, now the price of gold is around $1,000 an ounce. Talk of reopening the mine has been going on for 10 years. However since it’s closure, it’s being used to give tourists going through the area a look at a real gold mine, both modern and historical.

When you write a story that often includes crystals, a good exploring research trip wouldn’t be complete without discovering a new kind of crystal. I walked into the On Purpose Higher Awareness Book Store in Sutter Creek, and found a fabulous new crystal stone to inspire me for my next book. It’s called Septarian or “Dragon Stone”. It’s a type of fossil stone that includes clay sediment wrapped with ancient shells that formed together with calcite crystal. I leave the beautifully polished stone on my nightstand to inspire me as I write.

This is why I love researching for my books. You have to bring a little of real life into fantasy to make it believable. To go and experience your settings and base them on real adventures breathes life into writing. Writing from experience is the best way to drive writing, and of course, it makes the research an enjoyable part of the writing process.

Writing Exercise:
What can you research and write about?
Post comments and ideas below, and I can share them in a future blog.