Category Archives: General

Mar3

Interview of Noah Quill

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When I was teaching, I was always looking for cute holiday books to help the kids enjoy different seasonal holidays through the year. St. Patrick’s Day was always fun with the Leprechaun hunt through the school and different classrooms. I would leave a trail of gold glitter through the classroom, over and under desks and along counters, to show the Leprechaun had run through our classroom.

I’d seen a lot of Leprechaun books, but I think I’ve found the most unique one of all. “Jack the Farting Leprechaun and the Rainbow of Farts” really takes the cake of all the leprechaun books I’ve read. It’s a book that I think will really give everyone, kids, parents and teachers, some laughter and a few smiles that we may all need about now.

Noah Quill has created a humorous picture book to add to this fun pre-spring holiday. I had a chance to talk with Noah Quill about his childhood reading memories, writing and what future subjects he’d like to work on. Look into the mind behind the book.

  • What is your favorite memory reading as a child?

Noah Quill: As a child in my time there were no eBooks, only books. I remember one of my happy moments was when they let the kids go rampage over a pile of books on a table. We all had to be quick to get the title we wanted.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Noah Quill: I’d like to write some educational picture books for kids ages 3-5. Especially watercolor illustrated stories teaching an important life lesson, learning or simply an entertaining story.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Noah Quill: Writing to me is like giving someone else a glimpse into your world. I enjoy children picture books because a picture is worth a thousand words and children appreciate without judging.

Book blurb:

St. Patrick’s Day is coming. Kids will be excited to read a new story around this special celebration! In this cute watercolor illustrated storybook, children will follow the adventures of Jack the Farting Leprechaun. Jack farts a different color of the rainbow each day of the week (From Monday to Sunday) depending on the type of food he eats. The beautiful illustrations will surely captivate kids and makes learning fun!

Book Features:
*Cute Farting Leprechaun
*Pop-up text feature (Allows Easy reading even on small devices)
*Great educational book for children during St. Patrick’s Day
*Double click/Double tap objects to read their names
*28 Watercolor Illustrated Pages!
*Bright Colors that will peak kids’ curiosity and interest

Find out what happens when one day Jack stumbles upon a rainbow of farts!
Grab this cute St. Patrick’s Day farting leprechaun story today and create lasting memories with your kids.

“Jack the Farting Leprechaun and the Rainbow of Farts” is available at Amazon.com. This book is available as a Kindle Unlimited title and paperback edition.

For more information on the author Noah Quill, please visit his website at: https://www.noahquill.com/ .

Feb11

Interview with Tracy Markley

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Looking for something to inspire fitness and health while teaching Science at the same time? This is a great book about the health of the body as we care for our brain. In Your Brain, The Engine to Your Body – Kids Edition is written by Tracy Markley, and is a wonderful way to get your child focused on how keeping your brain healthy leads to general whole body goodness. Tracy Markley has an extensive background as a fitness trainer, and has led a program to help adults with stroke recovery. Her expertise in the subject helps give her insight to helping others achieve brain health. With this book, she is reaching out to the younger generation to start early in taking care of their brain.

I had a wonderful opportunity to be able to interview Tracy about her childhood reading memories, experience with brain recovery and helping others, and what could be her future writing projects.  

Tracy Markley is the author of the children’s book, In Your Brain, The Engine to Your Body–Kids Edition.
  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child? 

Tracy Markley: I remember being so excited to have the Flintstones Book. It was colorful and simple for me to read. I had it with me all the time. Flintstones was my favorite childhood cartoon in the seventies that some people may remember.

 2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Tracy Markley: As a child my favorite author was Dr. Seuss. As an adult, Wayne Dyer is my favorite author. He has several books, but his book, The Power of Intention, kept me inspired and empowered to keep to my desired goals.

3) Do you have a writing routine?  Share what works for you.

Tracy Markley: I really don’t have a writing routine. I write when I feel like it. Often, I hand write a lot of my book in a notebook, and then I take it to my computer to type. Once I am writing on the computer, more of the book creation and writing comes to play.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects? 

Tracy Markley: I have two new projects coming up in the next few months. One is a book collaboration with other fitness professional leaders and the other is a book on hearing loss. I have hearing loss, and it greatly affected me as a child in my reading and writing skills. It is amazing to me that I became a writer as an adult.

5) What do you hope for kids to take away from reading your book?

Tracy Markley: I want kids to learn how important drinking water and eating healthy is for their brain and body at a youthful age. Sometimes as an adult we learn these things after we have brain or health issues. It’s a fun and quick book that also encourages them to be kind to themselves and others. Also, to remember how important it is to play and laugh for good brain health.


6) Do you think your book would be a nice addition in a classroom setting for teachers to read and discuss with the class?

Tracy Markley: Yes, definitely. It is a terrific book to use in the classroom. There is a page in the book with kids and a teacher showing how kids can focus and learn better at school when eating healthy and staying hydrated.

7) Are the illustrations in your book based on someone you know?

Tracy Markley: Yes. My business logo for my fitness studio is a cartoon illustration made to be me. I took that illustration and asked someone on Fiverr if they could make me a child’s version of it. He did a wonderful job and that is the girl in the book. It’s a mini-me. On the page in the book where she is watering the garden, she has a dog next to her. That was my dog, Wasabi. I gave the illustrator a picture of my dog and asked him if he would cartoon him for the book. I love it.


8) This book seems to be filled with good advice and tips that adults can use too. Would you ever direct it for adult reading too?

Tracy Markley: Yes, this book is actually the Kid’s version of my adult book “Your Brain the Engine to Your Body” A Fitness Trainer’s Guide to Brain Health. Both are simple and to the point. This kid’s edition, of course, is simpler. But the idea to eat healthy, drink water, be kind to others and laugh more is good for everyone at any age.

 9) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Tracy Markley: Helping others with my knowledge and or experience.

Here is the book blurb for “Your Brain: The Engine to Your Body”.

Blurb:

In Your Brain, The Engine to Your Body – Kids Edition, kids will learn some simple fun things about their brain and how to stay healthy as they have fun with fun illustrations. It is easy to read and understand. A healthy brain helps have a healthy body. The brain is the engine to the body. This book can be read alone or with teachers or parents. Tracy also wrote an adult version of this book to help teens and adults learn more about the health and care of their brain. Enjoy the fun illustrations as you learn more about your brain. Exercise, staying hydrated, and good nutrition helps the brain to stay healthy as we grow up.

In Your Brain, The Engine to Your Body – Kids Edition is available at on Amazon as an ebook or print edition. This is a Kindle Unlimited title. Find all her books on her Amazon Author’s Page.

For more information on Tracy Markley, please visit her website here or on Instagram.

Feb1

Interview with S. Marie Hawks

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As February arrives, I know you might be looking for a great Valentine’s Day read aloud to share with your class or little ones. I think I’ve found a great way to kick off this Valentine’s Day with a book by S. Marie Hawks. She has come up with a combination of a letter pattern book and folk tale to compliment any Valentine’s Day reading unit or celebration. She lives in Northern Utah with her husband and family. Her experience as a preschool teacher has given her a unique perspective on children’s literature, and loves to include her human development background within her books.

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a book that combines animals, letter patterns, holidays and Valentine’s Day in a unique way. It will help build vocabulary, create discussion about fighting for what you believe in, and put a few smiles on children’s faces. I got a chance to interview S. Marie Hawks on her childhood influences, reading memories, and what future projects she is working on. 

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
S. Marie Hawks: If my mom had a minute she would say, go get a book and I’ll read it to you. I would run to my room and bring back a laundry basket, my toy shopping cart, or a blanket full of books. Never was one book enough.


2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
S. Marie Hawks: As a child, I loved to check out Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog books. When I started reading on my own, I went crazy on Marc Brown’s Arthur books. I had the entire Arthur book collection and even the stuffed dolls of Arthur and DW. These books were inspiring to me because they focused on learning lessons and kindness, things I love to write about.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

S. Marie Hawks: I love to write about happy, healthy joyful things. I have an allergy-friendly/paleo cookbook that I hope to finish up soon. Also, I’m working on multiple children’s books and two adult fiction novels 🙂

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a wonderful combination of letter patterns, holidays, and folk tales all in one book. It starts with an introduction to how animals celebrate the holidays through the year, leading to how Weasels do not get any Valentines for Valentine’s Day. In which, of course, they decide to lead a movement to make change. It’s a delightful way to create discussion around traditions, vocabulary building, and enjoy a holiday themed book in a new way. This unique story will bring lots of smiles to any child or classroom.

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is available at Amazon.com.

It is available as a print edition or as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook.

Dec17

Interview with Lou Jenkins

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As we get closer to the 25th, you might find yourself browsing the Internet looking for gift ideas for the grandchildren, niece or nephew or other little ones on your Christmas List. Well, I’m sharing some new authors this week to help give you some perfect gifts for this year’s holidays.

Let me introduce you to Lou Jenkins. Having worked as an RN for decades, she earned her MFA in literature and writing after many years of service to her community. She loves to write stories that nurture and connect with nature, animals, and that promote science. In her book, “Goodnight Dear One”, she builds a night of peaceful thoughts as the animals around the world fall asleep, passing gentle comfort and wishes to each other. I had the chance to talk with Lou about her favorite childhood reading memories, author influences, writing routine, and what she has in store with future projects.

Lou Jenkins is the author of the picture book, “Goodnight Dear One”.
  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lou Jenkins: My favorite childhood memories of childhood reading are not from my childhood, but more from the years I read to my children. Some of my favorites: Turning pages with a giggling toddler we read ‘The Monster at the End of this Book;’ going to the library or bookstore with my selections of nature essays while my kids finding their interests in classics, silly books, as well as the popular Harry Potter series and

Jerry Spinelli books: and talking about what we are reading together. I still do this today with my grown kids. Sharing a love of reading builds a rich relationship. When I write a children’s book like ‘Goodnight Dear One,’ I imagine the experience of reading to a little one and the possible alchemy of emotion present while the book is read.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lou Jenkins: One favorite author? Impossible. One of my favorites is Barbara Kingsolver. There is an authenticity to her work that inspires me to find truth on a path to self-actualization. Her essays, memoirs, and fiction all resonate with a love for language, a reverence for the natural world, and a spiritual seeking that seeks to love rather than judge or control. I need to mention another writer. Shel Silverstein’s children’s books helped me to feel free to write for children as well as adults. He was a tough guy who could be silly and loving and stoop down to look into the eyes of a little one and see an important human. He reminds me to respect all readers.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lou Jenkins:

I learned from Natalie Goldberg that I need a writing routine and that, for me, routines sometimes stop working. I used to write in the middle of the night when the house was quiet. Now I write in two blocks of two hours on most days. If things dry up, I switch it up and go to a coffee shop or change rooms. When something works, I stick with it. I write

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Lou Jenkins: I write memoirs, nature, and literary criticism. I’m writing a series of writing courses now for JackWalkerPress.com. I write book reviews for the Sierra Club.  I also write for children as they inspire me, and I have two other titles in the works. See what I’m up to at AmyLouJenkins.com.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lou Jenkins: Writing is an art that can create a contract with the reader that is fulfilled when the words and story become part of the life of a reader.

Book Blurb:

“Goodnight Dear One” is a bedtime story that fills the room with a world of love. The tall Giraffe’s wishes for sweet dreams drift in the breezes above the African plains. The fishes send their good night words of comfort from deep in the water. The lovely moths brush at the window as they offer their evening wishes. All around the world, animals say goodnight with caring words of comfort.

Fill your home with love for your dear one. This is bedtime reading for a bonding, calming, and loving bedtime ritual.

“Goodnight Dear One” is available in eBook and paperback at Amazon.com.

***Hardcover edition will be released on Jan.2, 2022.

Dec16

Interview for Sola Oluwande

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! As we get nearer and nearer to the 25th, you might be stuck looking for the right gift. So, I’m going to continue giving you info on some newly discovered authors and their books for your Christmas List and what will make great additions to under the tree or in a stocking.

I’d like to introduce you to Sola Oluwande. She lives in Illinois with her family, and has a background in pediatric speech language pathologist. As a retired teacher, I have respect for those that work with children’s speech issues. I also used to be one of the kids that went to “speech” as a child back in the 70s. So, I know the work she does is very important. Sola loves helping kids develop their speech and language skills through books and play activities.

Sola Oluwande is the author of the children’s picture book, Polka the Dotted Sock.

Her book, Polka The Dotted Sock, is an engaging book about a unique sock that loves who she is, but has some issues facing a thing she doesn’t like, the dryer. It takes her on a unique journey that will bring a smile to children and their parents.

I had the chance to ask her about her childhood reading memories, influences, her writing routine, and what she has in store for us.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Sola Oluwande: I loved reading nursery rhyme books – Little Miss Muppet, Hickory Dickory Dock, and Itsy Bitsy Spider etc. were my favorite.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Sola Oluwande: I loved Enid Blyton books “Famous Five” books in elementary school. I always wanted to turn the page to find out the next thing.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Sola Oluwande:  I write once an idea comes to me – I jot down on paper or send a text to myself. I get ideas on my walks, when working out, even late at night and I have to jump up and send a text.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in the future?

Sola Oluwande:  Speech impairments, being unique, everyone having at least one talent and discovering how to use it. Basically books that celebrate each person and reminds people we’re all different and we all have different things to offer.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Sola Oluwande: Writing to me, is passion and bliss put together.

Book Blurb:

Polka The Dotted Sock is a fun and creative children’s book about a sock named Polka who lives in a tidy mismatched drawer. Polka loves life, loves being worn, loves folding herself into different shapes and she really enjoys being washed. BUT… she doesn’t like going into the dryer. To avoid it, Polka catapults herself into a life-changing adventure. Where will she go? The mountains? The ocean or even Santa’s workshop? Her heart will lead her, and she’ll take you with her too.

Polka The Dotted Sock is available at Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

Nov25

Interview with Dralan Pierce

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Greetings everyone! This is the time for thanks and for being grateful. I am so grateful for so many things this year, including to all of you for following my blog and making it through this pandemic together. It has been a crazy year, and I am so happy to finally be able to spend it with my family this year. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends as well.

Along those lines of giving and family, I wanted to introduce my next author. Dralan Pierce is an ambitious author that likes to write about redefining family relationships to build a better society while inspiring our youth. He has written a fabulous book called “The Catch”. It deals with building a healthy relationship between fathers and daughters, something I’m thankful for that I had a chance to do with my own father before he died a few years ago. So this story goes to my heart immediately.

I had the chance to talk to Dralan about his favorite author, childhood reading memories, his writing routine, and what future projects he has in mind.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Dralan Pierce: Being able to imagine the book being a movie that I’m a part of is a favorite memory of mine as a kid.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Dralan Pierce: Lance Peeler. I felt like he was writing my life story before I start living my life.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Dralan Pierce: Yes, all I need is a desk and some jazz music.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Dralan Pierce: I’d like to write about my family relationships, especially redefining them from all aspects from my dad to my mother, sister and brother.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Dralan Pierce: Life.

Book Blurb:

“The Catch” is a heart-warming story about a father and daughter bonding during a fishing trip. Together, they learn to enjoy each other’s company and build a healthy relationship that will sustain them through their lives. A great gift for the holiday season, “The Catch” will touch any father and daughter and make a great gift for Father’s Day.

To purchase “The Catch” or for more information on Dralan Pierce, please visit his website at piercetheheart.org.

Nov15

A Second Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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As we head into November, it is time to start thinking about the Holidays and what gifts your little one may love. Plus, with supplies for toys dwindling, maybe considering a fabulous book for your little one this year is a great solution. So, I’m looking high and low for the right gift books to recommend for this Holiday Season.

Stephanie Jane Markham is a children’s author, actress, director, and musician. Her second book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is available now.

I’d like to start with a previously featured author on my blog. She has a new book out, and I can’t resist recommending it for your next purchase. Her new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is the next book in her Second Street Series.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her Sunnyside Street Series draws from her memories from growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. I had the chance to ask more in depth questions on how Stephanie’s acting career has affected her writing, her reasons for writing children’s books, and what advice she has for aspiring writers.

  1. What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn”?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Duncan is Maisie Mae’s best friend. I like the friendship between the two. Maisie is this overly tall, outgoing girl and her best friend is a younger boy. Growing up with two brothers and five boy cousins, I can relate. The book touches on Duncan’s anxiety when he is separated from his unicorn, Letty Lou. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I want to give my son, and any kid who reads the book acceptance. I want them to know they are not alone, even when it seems like it.

2) Why did you decide to start writing children’s books?

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’ve always had ideas, but never took the time or committed to writing a book. Also, I’m writing them for my son, Henry. It’s so fun to hear his feedback. He has lots of opinions.


3) Has working as an actress helped you as a writer? If so, how? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’m not sure. I have always had a flair for the dramatic and a sense of storytelling. Probably.

    
4) What advice do you have for aspiring children’s authors? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: Just tell your story. Don’t take it too seriously. Kids don’t put limits on their imaginations. It’s so freeing to let go of that inner critic that comes with being an adult.


5) What other future writing projects do you have in store next? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: In December, Maisie Mae’s Christmas Cheer will be released! It’s Maisie and Duncan and the whole Sunnyside Street gang. I had so much fun writing that one, Christmas is my favorite holiday. 

Book Blurb:

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is a tender story of childhood anxiety and true friendship.

Duncan and His Unicorn, Letty Lou, go everywhere together. They climbed Rainbow Mountain all the way in Peru, swung on the vines in the jungles of Kanha and flew to Cebu just to eat a banana!

Then, Duncan’s unicorn ran away. Duncan feels anxious without his favorite toy. He’d always been able to count on Letty Lou. Follow Duncan and Maisie Mae as they search high and low for Duncan’s lost unicorn. Will they be able to find her or has she decided to run away forever? Filled with the fearfulness of a lost pet, this story will show the bond of friendship during times of anxiety.

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is available at: Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

To read the first interview with Stephanie Jane Markham on my blog, please link here.

For more information on Stephanie Jane Markham, please visit her social media links below.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaisieMaebooks/


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside/

Oct6

Get Into the Halloween Spirit: Books, Online Course, and More!

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Happy October everyone! Are you ready to have some fun this fall? This was always my favorite time of year as a teacher. I tried to channel all of that creative excitement with Halloween into writing and language arts projects for my students. Through this, I developed a “How to Write a Spooky Story” unit that I have now made available in many different forms through the years. I’ve even written a pumpkin story that originated from one of my own spooky stories as a child. So, if you’re ready to explore the fantastic learning opportunities for your child, here is a list of all that is available that I’ve put together.

Full Online Free Spooky Story Writing Unit: This is a free online unit that I posted over five years ago. I made it a simplified version of what I used to do in my classroom, and it takes about a week. Children can follow along with each post daily, and create their own shareable story by the end. I relist the posts each year. I’ve seen visitors from around the world engage in story writing, and I’m proud to again share the links and posts to keep generations of children writing. This is great for parents or basics for teachers to assign online.

Day 1: Write Your Own Spooky Story, Create Your Main Character

Day 2: Creating a Spooky Setting Or Plot

Day 3: Starting the Rough Draft

Day 4: Continuing Rough Draft with Dialogue

Day 5: Revising and Proofreading Your Story

Day 6: Writing the Final Draft

Spooky Story Online Writing School Course: If you just want to get your child set up and running with a course that will do all the teaching for you, guess what? I’ve started my own online writing school, and have put together the above unit into a self-teaching course. It goes more in-depth than the free online one, and I’m there to support too. Check out the link below to get more information. It’s just $19.99.

Spooky Story Online Course

For Teachers: Teachers Pay Teachers Spooky Story Unit: If you’d like to teach the unit to your own classroom, I’ve got the full writing workshop format unit I developed at Teacher Pay Teachers. I also have a unit on writing mysteries and other helpful writing lesson plans that are available. It’s just $2.95.

Spooky Story Unit @ Teachers Pay Teachers

My own Halloween picture book story, Pumper the Pumpkin, is available online at Amazon.com. I wrote this originally when I was ten in 5th grade, and discovered the magic of writing. The main story stuck with me, and I rewrote it as an adult. This is the latest form of the story illustrated by myself. It was my first attempt at a picture book, and I learned a lot from creating it. It’s just $0.99.

Pumper the Pumpkin on Amazon.com

So, get ready for Halloween and focus all that creative energy into creative writing for your child. All of the writing techniques work for adults too. So, if you’d like to take a stab at spooky or horror story writing along with your child, you could share the stories between you.

Happy Halloween 2021! Stay safe!

-Mrs. Turner

Sep16

Interview with Jessa Matthews

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As our Back to School Blog Tour event comes to a close, I’m sure your munchkins at home and school are already starting to look ahead to the most fabulous and exciting time of the year for a kid, HALLOWEEN! As a teacher, I always fed into the excitement by encouraging spooky stories and other related books to get kids into the mood. It was a wonderful way to encourage their creativity and interests while encouraging reading.

With that said, I’d like to introduce you to a fabulous author with a spooky related series. Jessa Matthews is a wife and mom that loves to camp, go boating and take trips with her family. She also loves to write books that help children learn morals in a light-hearted story. Her recent book, “The Coffinpaw” is a fun, Halloween themed mystery that is part of her series, the Woozy Town Stories.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jessa Matthews: My parents reading my favorite book at night as a kid. The name of the book was I Wish I Had Duck Feet.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Jessa Matthews: I would like to write about children’s emotional support and mental health.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jessa Matthews: Expressing thoughts feelings and ideas.

“The Coffinpaw” is a fun halloween themed early reader children’s chapter book. As part of the Woozy Town Stories collection of books, it encourages children to be brave. This book is a fun mystery aimed at children aged 4-8.

• Great family and classroom read-aloud book
• Appeals to readers of all ages with the light-hearted tone and cheerful illustrations
• Books for kids ages 4–8
• Children’s book for early elementary students

“The Coffinpaw” is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information about Jessa Matthews, please visits her website here.

Sep14

Winner Announcement for the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour Giveaway

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So, another successful blog tour event has come to a close. And with that, it’s time to announce the winner of the giveaway from last week.

I am happy to announce the winner is:

Helen S.

Your email from the entry has been mailed to let you know you are the winner. Plus, the $25 Amazon Gift Card has been sent to your supplied email from the giveaway. Congratulations on being the winner for this year.

And with that, I’d like to wrap up the festivities from this year’s Back to School Blog Tour. I’d like to thank our authors:

But most of all, I’d like to thank you, the reader, for stopping by and continuing to support Indie Children’s Authors. It’s because of you that many of us still keep writing and creating books for the next generation.

Until next year,

Tiffany Turner

Editor/Head Writer for the Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog