Tag Archives: children’s book

Feb17

Interview with Jon Smith: Co-Author of Campus Explorers Series

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I found a unique way to introduce children to colleges. Many have rich traditions that alumni consider part of the experience. What a great way to introduce children to the idea of going to college than to create a children’s book series teaching those traditions.

The first book in the series, Campus Explorers: The Search for Osceola and Renegade by Jon Smith and Stuart Santos, introduces children to the traditions of Florida State University. They got the idea sitting on the steps of their fraternity house, and wrote the book ten years later. Of the two authors, I had a chance to speak with Jon Smith about his childhood memories, subjects he’d like to write about, and what he has in store for us.

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

Jon Smith: I remember the vibrant colors of children’s books and the amazing environments the characters would travel through and experience. In a way, I guess it set the table pretty well for the idea behind Campus Explorers – a journey!

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

Jon Smith: From a children’s book perspective, Shel Silverstein was a master in building depth out of simplicity.

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

Jon Smith: Campus Explorers is a children’s book series using college mascots, campuses and traditions to tell a unique story and teach the children everything you may love about your school. Florida State University is the first school in this series to be featured but many more are on the way!

campusexplorersCampus Explorers: The Search for Osceola and Renegade is a children’s book series that uses college mascots, campuses and traditions to introduce children to colleges around the United States. The first in the series is Florida State University.

“Where are Osceola & Renegade? That’s the question every Seminole fan is asking today. Become an explorer as you discover the traditions of Florida State University. Search through campus landmarks to locate the missing pair again so they can lead the Noles on to another win!”

This first book in the series is a great way to start introducing children to the college experience. It can easily be used as an elementary read-aloud, and it will make a great addition to any school library’s “College Week” display.

Campus Explorers: The Search for Osceola and Renegade is available at Amazon.com.

Feb11

Interview with Elsa Joseph: Author of “Dylan’s CosyDoze”

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valentineclipartLooking for a cute Valentine’s Day gift for your little reader? Here’s an adorable book that I found called “Dylan’s Cosydoze” by Elsa Joseph. A graduate of South Bank University in London, Elsa has pursued her love of writing with a passion. She combines her interests of travel, art, and theater to build interesting plots and develop memorable characters. I had a chance to interview Elsa about her favorite childhood memories and authors, what inspires her and what upcoming projects are in the works.

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

Elsa Joseph: When I think back to what spurred my undying love for reading, I can date it back to the classic children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carie. I remember being introduced to this book by my reception teacher and studying the life cycle of a caterpillar. I can recall joining in discussions of what the caterpillar ate each day and being amazed when, at the end of the book, he becomes a beautiful butterfly.

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

Elsa Joseph: Paulo Coelho is my favourite author. I read The Alchemist two years ago and at first I didn’t like it. However, over time this book has grown on me. The book uses words and storytelling in their simplest forms as a means of portraying something so profound, divine and spiritual. It does it in a way that dissolves all attempts at classification or recapitulating. It is a quick read (at only 170 pages) and the plot is relatively a straight forward one. The style of prose is also clean and an uncomplicated, a-tune to that of a religious parable or childhood fairy tale, both of which this could be likened to.

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

Elsa Joseph: Yes, I do indeed! My alarm starts to ring. It’s 7am. I swing my legs out of bed, stretching as I walk into the bathroom. I splash some water on my face, and head to the kitchen and gulp down a refreshing glass of warm lemon water.

Then I take it back to my desk, where I read for half an hour and jot down some notes that will be important for today’s projects. Once I’m done, I shower and put on my clothes, ready to start the day.
I don’t work well at home, so after eating breakfast I grab my laptop and head on down to the local coffee shop. There, I’ll sit and drink coffee and make a start on the to-do list I wrote out the previous evening.
The day is spent busily tapping away at my keyboard, with the occasional break to eat something or gaze out the window at the busy shoppers as they rush by. Around 5pm I’ll go home, make dinner, chat with my family for a while, and then hit the gym.

I come back fully exhausted but satisfied. The gym is great for clearing your head. Then I’ll shower and watch a movie, read a book, or browse the Internet for a while. I take a few minutes to reflect on the day and write my to-do list for tomorrow. Then I’ll turn the lights out and drift off to sleep at around 10:30pm. I wake up feeling refreshed the next morning, pumped to do the whole thing all over again.

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

Elsa Joseph: I have so many! I have an author blog (http://www.elsajoseph.co.uk) which I am in the process of re-organizing. I would like to write more about some of the things related to my hobbies which are travelling, cooking, health, etc. I am toying around with writing another children’s book — something about disability, something about acceptance, something about how children with conditions such as Spina bifida and Down Syndrome are normal and talented and not abnormal like how the media can sometimes portray.

  • During all your travels, what was the most place that was inspirational and why?

Elsa Joseph: That’s a tough question because each country I have visited is special in its own way. If I had to pick a place it would be Venice. I love the uniqueness of the city, especially its watery canals. I love the architecture, the Grand Canal, the beautiful Rialto Bridge. I love the fact you don’t see cars but boats and gondolas.

So many things make Venice unique from any city in this big world. It’s truly a magical city.

  • With your background in theater, are you planning a series or book?

Elsa Joseph: Last month I made my debut as a playwright at the Young Vic Theatre in London. As much as I enjoy writing books, at the moment I want to solely concentrate on my playwriting.

  • What teacher inspired you when you were younger and why?

Elsa Joseph: When I went to Sixth Form College I was taught English Language & Literature by Lisa James (Ms. James to me), and it was as though she walked into my head and turned all the lights on.

She lent me poems, plays and books she liked. I showed her poems I had written, which weren’t really poems but more an explosion of words. But she took me completely seriously. She introduced me to Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Henrik Ibsen, Eugene O’Neill– all people who have meant more to me than anyone else. Her way of teaching was very searching but also very passionate and scrupulous. She definitely inspired me to write.

  • What do you do to research your books?

Elsa Joseph: It depends on the kind of book I am writing. It also depends a great deal on what topics I am researching, and why I need to research those topics for that book.

For example, let’s say I want to write a novel that has a lawyer as the primary character and don’t know any lawyers. Right away, the kind of book I am writing is fiction — so I would ask myself what’s important to my story. Am I going for technical accuracy, or sensory? Do I want the reader to feel like I know what I am talking about when it comes to the details of the law or am I trying to convey the analytical and judgmental skills of being a lawyer because I want a realistic character? These are some of the questions I would ask myself.

  • How does living in London influence your writing?

Elsa Joseph: It influences my writing a lot. London is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world. For my book Best Kept Secret which is set primarily in London, I drew inspiration from the cities ethnically diverse population.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Elsa Joseph: “Writing” is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation and spaces) to communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form.

Dylan's Cozydoze“Dylan’s CosyDoze” is a younger reader’s rhyme book that delves into that toddler problem of losing your favorite toy. On a visit to grandma’s, Dylan’s blanket or “CosyDoze” gets lost. Can Mum and Dad find it? Or will he have to find another way to get to sleep? Delve into this real life problem that many toddler’s can relate with. A great example of problem solving as a family, “Dylan’s CosyDoze” will be a read-aloud to help any child fall asleep.

“Dylan’s CosyDoze” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

For more information on Elsa Joseph, please visit her website at: http://www.elsajoseph.co.uk.

Jan26

A Great Picture Book About Differences Becoming Superpowers: Lucky, The Left-Pawed Puppy

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luckycvrHere is a must for your read-aloud library. It’s a heart-felt story that was written by left-handed author, Billie Kelpin, to encourage children living in a right-handed world. Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is a picture book that looks at being different as an asset in life. Teachers and parents can use this book to teach a lesson in how to embrace our differences and challenges, not as obstacles, but as superpowers.

Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy lives under the “H” of the Hollywood sign with his owner, Mrs. Poppyset, and his two puppy brothers. But Lucky has a problem. He often does things the opposite direction of others. While his brothers lead with their right paws, he leads with his left.

06Things change when William T. Stagent, the Hollywood agent, books them for a Bow-Wow-Chow-Now commercial. But Lucky has trouble following Hector the Director’s cues. Lucky turns left while his brothers turn right. Leslie, a famous dog trainer, is called in to look over Lucky and discovers he is left-pawed. Just as she is showing what to do be done, an earthquake hits the studio. Lucky saves the day, and it is all thanks to his left-pawed ability of naturally turning left.

11Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. With adorable illustrations by artist Julie Parker, we are drawn into Lucky’s self-discovery journey and into the world of Hollywood with puppies center stage. As a follow-up, matching games, online flashcards, and narration of the story can be found at the website: www.leftpawedpuppy.com. Parents and teachers will love this as an addition to their library. It is a great book for teaching understanding of differences that all children can appreciate.

Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is on sale at Amazon.com and through the website, www.leftpawedpuppy.com.

Link here for an interview with the author, Billie Kelpin.

 

 

Jan18

Interview with Family Traditions Children’s Book Author Margaretta James

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Got someone in the family with tattoos? Well, here is a great gift idea! Plus, it’s a great way to share something that is becoming more of a passed down tradition. I was able to interview Margaretta James, the author of the book “Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos”. Margaretta is a teacher and writer. She likes to focus her writing on contemporary family issues. I had a chance to sit down and talk with her about her memories of reading as a child, subjects should would like to explore in her writing, and what writing means to her.

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

Margaretta James: I loved it when my mother would spend all afternoon reading traditional tales to us.

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

Margaretta James: I am currently working on my novel set in the Australian outback. It is slowly taking shape; however, I keep getting new ideas for children’s picture books!

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Margaretta James: Writing is a compulsion and a joy. I become so immersed that days fly by!

bookcovertattoos2amazon“Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos” is a rhyming book about the weird and wonderful tattoos in a little girl’s family. Where is Aunt Sue’s secret tattoo? And of course, it all ends up with the little girl joining in the tradition and getting her own tattoo. But what will it be?

“Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos” is available at Amazon. It will also be on sale for FREE this weekend only, January 19-23.

 

Oct8

Interview with Daniel Rappaport, Author of The Spellbook

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Daniel Rappaport is the author of the multi-media interactive children’s book, The Spellbook.

I am pleased to introduce the author Daniel Rappaport. He has come up with an inspiring new book, The Spellbook. It combines multi-media with a children’s story so the reader can experience a collection of “spells” thought of by the wizards in the world of two other books, The Legend of Rose and Spark the Flying Frog.

Daniel Rappaport has over twenty-five years working in the multimedia industry and has worked for companies such as Disney, MGM and Fox. He has received the Lieca Photographie International Master Shot Gallery Acceptance. He recently has worked on the film “Wild” that received two Academy Award nominations.

I had the chance to talk with Daniel about his childhood memories and inspiration, a shared appreciation for the role model Walt Disney, and what he has planned as future projects.

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

Daniel Rappaport: My favorite memory is being totally caught up and swept away in the book The Neverending Story.

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

Daniel Rappaport: Walt Disney. While not a traditional book author, he has influenced me more than anybody else. His boundless imagination and forward thinking perspective are very close to my heart.

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

Daniel Rappaport: Not really. I am not one of those who is constantly writing . I tend to think of my work on a more project by project basis.

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

Daniel Rappaport: I am going to do a rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. This will not be a book, but a way to tell the tale, utilizing technology, in a new and fresh format.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Daniel Rappaport: It’s the process of taking imaginative thoughts, organizing them and putting them down on paper, in a compelling way.

  • What are some of your hobbies or what you like to do in your spare time?

Daniel Rappaport: I am a really big foodie, actually. I enjoy cooking. I love keeping up with the food world, and seeing what the latest and greatest is. My favorite kind of food is French haute cuisine. I really appreciate the time, dedication and craft that goes into those detailed, fabulous meals.

  • When you were a child, what would spark your imagination?

Daniel Rappaport: Wow. That was a really, really long time ago, lol! I suppose, many things. So, I think that I got into the industry that I am in, because I totally (and still do) enjoyed watching those wonderful “making of” videos, as they related to film. I always marveled at how special effects were and are created. That also led me into studying magic (which took up a tremendous amount of my childhood). I performed stage illusions, and still do magic today.

  • What were the things that attracted you to Walt Disney as a role model?

Daniel Rappaport: Oh gosh. Countless things. I’ve only more recently discovered this, but he was actually homeless three times. His extraordinary and vastly far reaching imagination, I have always been drawn towards. He never settled for less than the absolute best, and always hired the best.

He instinctively knew what people wanted to go and see, and he just have it to them. He moved every industry he ever touched (weather directly or indirectly) light years forward. Another strong point was diversity. Did you know that he played an extremely valuable role in ending WWII? There was hardly an industry that the man didn’t touch.

I wish that, for today, the company would’ve continued to follow his lead, as it related to the future. Walt was interested in rocketry, outer space, the betterment of humanity through technology, etc. Disney hardly does any of that today.

Well…

More for Pazzaria Productions to do!

  • Tell me about the “The Spellbook”. What gave you the idea to do a book with the multimedia tie-ins?

Daniel Rappaport: So, while the Spellbook is the first in the series, it was actually the last to be written. There are two more. Part 2 is called Spark the Flying Frog and part 3 is called The Legend of the Lost Rose. They get progressively longer. TLOTLR was actually the first to be written. Then, STFF and finally TSB. STFF, at the time, was written because prequels were very popular.

When it was tie to write TSB, when looking at my array of products, I really wanted to come up with a solid, core foundation for the company. This led to writing TSB. The full, touch screen animations are inspired by the other two works. I thought that it would be interesting to have the text from the iBook appear as one progressively touches the screen (as opposed to the animated images that are in the other two works).

In terms of the music, I have ever only seen a soundtrack for a book one time in my life, and this was before the internet. It was on CD.

I love to write music, and it is such an important part of entertainment. Also, Pazzaria Productions was lacking any musical soundtrack of any kind. This was the perfect opportunity to write one. It would introduce my guests to what we can do, musically. It’s in 5.1 surround sound also, and also adds to our core product line.

There wasn’t really one thing that gave me this idea, other than the fact that I love to constantly experiment and do things in a new and fresh way.

  • What advice can you offer aspiring young writers and artists?

Daniel Rappaport: Practice your craft until you feel that you have mastered it. Never stop learning. Be extremely curious about everything. Curiosity is what led me to learn about so many different arenas of entertainment.

Unless you have an extraordinary deal form a publishing company brought over to you on a silver platter, I actually wouldn’t go through the traditional query letter + agent route, to get a book published?

Why?

Within the same amount of time that you would be doing that, you could be reaching out to your own audience, directly. Later on, after you have built up a solid foundation and legacy, and can show an audience who will even purchase your work, THEN, you MIGHT have some bargaining power.

Do your absolute best to not have people take advantage of you. If you are gifted enough to showcase many different skills, and utilize many of them in a job situation, tactfully mention that you are different than the other artists around, and perhaps might command a different rate in pay/salary.

Good luck out there, and all the best!

The_Spellbook_Cover _A_HubDaniel Rappaport’s book The Spellbook is part one of the innovative, epic fantasy entertainment iBook series that revolves around the book, The Legend of the Lost Rose. The Spellbook is a collection of spells created by wizards in the world of Light. It has an integrated sound track, a tie-in to the books “The Legend of the Lost Rose” and “Spark the Flying Frog”. It extends the world experience by connecting the reader to what they buy, see, wear, eat or touch in the World of Light. It also connects you to other people in the realm.

The Spellbook is available at this link HERE.

For more information on Daniel Rappaport and Pazzaria Productions, visit his website HERE.

 

 

 

Sep13

2018 Back To School Blog Tour Day 4

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Back2SchoolBanner2Welcome to day four of the Back to School Blog Tour. First up, still time to enter the giveaways and pick up your free children’s book. Just a couple more days to enter or pick up your book!

Our first featured author for today is Patrice Shavone Brown. Patrice is a mental health counselor, small business owner, mother, speaker and life coach along with being a children’s author. She has counseled and coached many lives for twelve years and operated her own mental health facility for over six years. She likes to transform people that feel stuck and unable to move forward in their lives, relationships or business.

patrice2I had the chance to talk to Patrice about what inspires her, the stories behind her books, and what children can learn from them.

  • What inspired you to write your first children’s book?

Patrice Shavone Brown: I was inspired to write my first children’s book based on my life experience and the world around me. I was a girl that continuously did the wrong thing rather than the right thing. My daughter currently is always into different things and I find myself always redirecting her. So this book is a representative of her and she loved reading it.

  • Do you feel that your own childhood influenced the stories behind your books?

Patrice Shavone Brown: Yes. My childhood and environment are what shaped me into becoming a storyteller and writer. If it were not for my experience and looking at the world around me, my books would have never been birthed.

  • weblendwellcvr.jpgWhat would you like children to learn from your books?

Patrice Shavone Brown: Children will learn lessons about misbehaving in the book “The Day Momma Made Me Dance”. In “We Blend Well Together”, children will be able to learn the importance of a blended family dynamic. Children will be able to relate to both books depending on their environment and background.

  • Do you think parents can learn from your books as well?

Patrice Shavone Brown: Parent’s will be able to laugh and learn some of the thoughts and emotions their child could potentially experience.

  • Are you planning on writing any more children’s books?

Patrice Shavone Brown: Yes, I have three more children’s books in the works. These books focus on family, relationship and parenting issues. In each one of my books, they will all focus on these matters of the heart.

mommadancecvrPatrice Shavone Brown’s books are available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her first book, The Day Momma Made Me Dance, is a story of a little girl who is defiant in school and her home life. One day, her mother decides to teach her to dance as a way to show her discipline and how to follow the rules. In her second book, We Blend Well Together, Caleb goes on a journey to understand why his parents are not still together. Living in two different homes in North Carolina, he feels frustrated by his parent’s divorce and having two homes. Should he voice his feelings about being trapped? Join Caleb on his search to understand why they a new normal of blending families can be something special.

The Day Momma Made Me Dance

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Momma-Made-Dance-Unstoppable-ebook/dp/B075KLRNLQ

Barnes and Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-day-momma-made-me-dance-patrice-s-brown/1127162033

We Blend Well Together

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578203375

Barnes and Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-blend-well-together-patrice-shavone-brown/1128433423

For more information on Patrice Shavone Brown and her books, visit her Amazon Author Page.

headshotOur second featured author is Jacquelyn Simone. She is the author of a fabulous YA book called Outlier. Her debut novel has recently been released, and Jacquelyn goes into the details of her journey to writing her novel HERE ON HER BLOG. Jacquelyn was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She always enjoyed science fiction and fantasy growing up, and loves to watch anime and googling pictures of cats when not writing.

I had the chance to find out about her childhood memories, writing process, and what are some of her exciting new projects ahead.

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

Jacquelyn Simone: My favorite author when I was younger would have to Madeleine L’Engle. A Wrinkle in Time was highly influential to me when I first read it at age eleven, both because of the rich, exciting worlds L’Engle painted, and because of its strong female protagonist. A Wrinkle in Time was the first book that really got me interested in Science Fiction as a genre. I became enthralled by this idea that I could re-write the laws of science and the universe to fit my imagination.

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

Jacquelyn Simone: Since I work full time in a demanding engineering job, it can be difficult for me to find time to make progress writing. However, I’ve recently begun to prioritize getting writing in each day by setting a word count. Currently, I’m sticking to 500 words per day. Even with my hectic schedule, I find it’s fairly easy to manage on even the busiest of days. It can actually be a therapeutic exercise to take a break during work, bring my laptop outside for a while, and escape from the stressful realities of the day-to-day. I hope to soon work my way up to 1000 words per day once I better learn how to fit my writing goals into my daily schedule.

  • Was there anything in school that was difficult for you?

Jacquelyn Simone: In school, though I always did well academically, the hardest struggle for me was making friends and fitting in with my peers. I was shy, awkward, and nerdy, so I wasn’t exactly welcomed into the popular cliques with open arms. During recess and lunch, I spent a lot of time on the sidelines watching others and reading alone. It took a few years for me to feel comfortable enough in my own skin and confident in who I was before I could begin to open myself to others. Still, to this day I feel I made the right choice in never pretending to be something I wasn’t just to fit in. If I couldn’t be accepted as the fantasy-loving geek that I was, then I didn’t want to be accepted by anyone but myself.

4)   What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jacquelyn Simone: Opening doors to the unknown and painting new realities

5)   What advice would you give young writers?

Jacquelyn Simone: Start writing as soon as you can, even if you don’t think you’re good enough. I knew I wanted to be a writer ever since I was ten years old, but I never really pursued it until I was a bit older. At a young age, I was well aware that I wasn’t nearly as skilled a writer as my favorite authors, so I would often get discouraged and stop trying. Even when I was a little older and started submitting my work for review, I would interpret rejection as a sign that I wasn’t meant to be a writer.

It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I realized that no one else’s opinion was going to matter more than my own. No one was going to hold my hand and teach me the secrets of becoming a great writer, so my only option was to write and keep writing, and stop worrying whether or not I was creating the next great American novel. So while ultimately I think there’s nothing wrong with having high standards, it’s important to remember that even the greatest authors had to start somewhere.

outliercvrJacquelyn Simone’s debut novel, Outlier, is a Science Fiction/Fantasy Young Adult novel. Elle Varlette’s life is less than perfect. Her family has been torn apart by tragedy, and all she wants to do is escape her mundane world. But when she starts to discover her new mental powers that open her up to new Outer Spheres of our universe, the mystery starts to unfold about her family. She has to look to herself to save her brother and find out the mystery that tore them all apart in the first place.

Outlier is available on Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information about Jacquelyn Simone, please visit her website at: https://jacquelynthezone.wordpress.com/.

Thank you for stopping by the Back to School Blog Tour Day 4. Please be sure to continue your tour by visiting the author’s websites and checking out their fabulous books!

**There is one fabulous day left! Please come back tomorrow for the last day of the blog tour.

Lost Secret - High Resolution (1)Check back for more author interviews and their featured books tomorrow. And for more information about my new release, The Lost Secret of Time: Bk 4 in the Crystal Keeper Chronicles, please check out its listing on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

-Tiffany Turner

Sep11

2018 Back To School Blog Tour Day 2

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Back2SchoolBanner2Welcome to the second day of the Back to School Blog Tour. Before we get to the featured author interviews, I wanted to repost the giveaways and the book discounts to give everyone plenty of time to take advantage of these great deals. Enter the giveaways daily. The free deals are available through the blog tour and will go until the end of the week. Pick them up now and enjoy filling up your reading list for Back to School.

Plus, I want to take a moment to acknowledge our heroes and heroines that were lost during Sept. 11, 2001. It’s a day that must be remembered in American History. All were Patriots whether they were on one of the fated planes or trapped in the Two Towers or Pentagon Building. May their memories be always honored today!

remember-9-11

 

And now, our first author for the day. May I introduce you to Melody J. Bremen. She has written several novels for middle grade readers and a YA Fantasy novel. She lives in New Jersey with her family and her faithful computer named Oswald.

I was able to chat with Melody about her school memories, writing routines, and her successes at being an author.

melodybremenbiopic1) Who was your favorite children’s author and how did they influence you?

Melody Bremen: One of my favorite middle grade authors until this day who still continues to influence my writing is Sharon Creech, the author of Walk Two Moons and Moo. She has a way of crafting sentences that are so pleasing to read and she makes it look deceptively easy. I’ve read many of her books more than once in the hope that some of her talent will rub off on my by osmosis. Reading her books in verse inspired me to feel that I can write a book in verse as well.

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

Melody Bremen: I work during the day, so I write at night and on the weekends. I always start my novels with an outline and I’ve found that the more detailed my outline, the smoother the writing process is. The amount I write each day varies widely, from 50 to 1500 words. I’ve learned not to think too much about the word count. The main thing is to keep moving forward.

3)   What is writing to you in one sentence?
Melody Bremen: Writing is something that I need, and will always need, to do.

4)   What projects are you working on right now?

Melody Bremen: Currently, I am working on a middle grade novel, in which two boys find themselves on a meandering, unplanned road trip.

5)   What advice would you give young writers?

Melody Bremen: Read, read, read. For a writer, reading is doing research. Isn’t that the best research ever? Also, practice a lot. Don’t worry about writing well, just do it often. That’s the best way to gain experience, find your voice as a writer, and take your skills to the next level.

flyingincagecvrMelody Bremen’s featured book is Flying In A Cage. It is a story about a girl that has an inner song in her head. It manifests into songs and poetic dreams that a music teacher seeks to pull from her. A magical story about not your so average ten year old girl. Flying In A Cage can be purchased at Amazon.com.

***You can also enter to win your very own copy in a giveaway by the author.

GIVEAWAY FOR FLYING IN A CAGE!

For more information about Melody Bremen, please visit her website at:

http://melodyjbremen.com/

Author-Sherry-SouleOur second featured author for today is Sherry Soule. She is the author of the YA Starlight Saga with its first book, Lost in Starlight, featured today. Sherry writes exciting tales of passionate romance, epic drama, and thrilling suspense with strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes. She lives in Northern California with her family and two spoiled rescue cats.

I had the pleasure to chat with Sherry about children’s authors that influenced her, advice for young writers, and what she is working on now.

Who was your favorite children’s author and how did they influence you?

Sherry Soule: I’ve been obsessed by the written word since I held my first book in my hands at age seven. I seriously can’t imagine not being a writer…

And it was the late author, V.C. Andrews, who was my favorite author as a young adult. Her books inspired me to be a writer and from her I developed a love of gothic horror. I have reread her books many times, and although the ghostwriter who took over after her death is talented, the newer books never quite captured my attention as the original author’s work did.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Sherry Soule: Perfecting the art of storytelling.

What projects are you working on right now?

Sherry Soule: I’m currently rewriting, and then republishing the books in the Charmed Chronicles, a young adult urban fantasy, with a Buffy-like heroine. It is the heart-pounding, genre-defying tale of Shiloh, the snarky, teenage witch. Her epic origin story is full of creepy stuff like rogue demon slayers, über-cool magical powers, swoony love triangles, page-turning action, supernatural monsters, and loads of heart-melting kisses.

This series is a humble slice of awesomeness packed with more plot twists than a demon’s intestines and more family drama than the Kardashians!

What advice would you give young writers? 

Sherry Soule: Read a lot. Study your genre and the tropes. Find a mentor. And I have blog devoted to writers, “Fiction Writing Tools” that has tons of advice for writers at any stage in their career, author interviews, and insider publishing secrets.

Please visit my blog for writing/publishing tips: http://fictionwritingtools.blogspot.com/

What is your typical day as a writer? 

Sherry Soule: I drink coffee, take a shower, and then put on clean pajamas. When I’m in the “writing zone” I can write for about 10 hours straight (only breaking to use the bathroom or grab a snack), unless I’m stuck on a scene. Then I’ll surf the web, read online poetry, and check emails until my creative juices start flowing again.

lostinstarlightSherry Soule’s book, Lost in Starlight, features a strong reporter, Sloane Masterson, keen to find the secret of hottie Hayden Lancaster. When she discovers his supernatural powers, she discovers the darkness he has been hiding. That’s when things get to be really fun. It is available on Amazon.com.

For more information on Sherry Soule, please visit her website/blog at: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

back2schoolbanner2018Thank you for stopping by the Back to School Blog Tour Day 2. Please be sure to continue your tour by visiting the author’s websites and checking out their fabulous books!

Lost Secret - High Resolution (1)Check back for more author interviews and their featured books tomorrow. And for more information about my new release, The Lost Secret of Time: Bk 4 in the Crystal Keeper Chronicles, please check out its listing on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

-Tiffany Turner

 

Aug17

It’s a Launch! The Lost Secret of Time is Now Available as an Ebook Preorder!

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Lost Secret - High Resolution (1)

The last book in the Crystal Keeper Chronicles is releasing on Sept. 10, 2018!

It’s here! Finally after three years of blood, sweat and tears, the last in the Crystal Keeper Chronicles is available for preorder. The official launch date is Sept. 10,  2018. But you can get your ebook ordered and ready ahead of time. It is available for preorder on all retail platforms. The links below will take you to your preferred retailer to get the ball rolling for your own copy. The price is $3.99!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iTunes/iBook

The print book is in the process of being ready for preorder too. It is just taking a little bit longer than the ebook. But I’ll have all the links up as soon as they are available. I just wanted to get the links for the ebook out there, because I know there are some people that have been waiting for this book to drop. 😉

Thank you to EVERYONE that has supported me over the last 3 years through my illness and new normal. This whole series has been a work of love and I am so proud to be able to finally bring it to you now. It is a life’s work and I’m happy to be able to see it through to it’s end in spite of my heart condition and illness. I cannot wait to see what you all think of it.

Plus, the Back to School Blog Tour is in the process of planning. Different authors will be participating, giving insights to behind the scenes of writing their books through interviews, and there will even be some special discount deals to start off the new school year. My new book, The Lost Secret of Time, will be releasing on the first day of the blog tour.

So stay tuned over the next few weeks. It will prove to be very exciting.

UPDATE: The print edition is now available for The Lost Secret of Time. Due to the Createspace merge, there will be no preorder for the print edition. It is AVAILABLE NOW to be shipped to your preferred address.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Secret-Crystal-Keeper-Chronicles/dp/0997817054

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-secret-of-time-tiffany-turner/1129320107

 

-Tiffany Turner

 

 

Jun2

Picture Book Review: Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

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Door32 CoverWhat’s behind door number thirty-two? That’s the question that leads a reader through this marvelous counting picture book called “Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32” by B.C.R. Fegan. Illustrations are by Lenny Wen. Through visiting the fantastical Hoo Hotel, your introduced around by the owner to all the rooms, each time warned not to open room number thirty-two. Fairies, trolls, mad scientists, vampire mermaids and other magical amusing creatures await to greet you behind each door. Just don’t open door number thirty-two. By the time you get to the door, the surprise is a logical laugh to end the book.

BCR-Fegan

B.C.R. Fegan is the author of “Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32”.

I enjoyed reading through this book thinking about all of the teaching applications possible. It is the beginnings of Math at its best combined with a journey through the imagination. You are curious to see what awaits behind each door. The illustrations are a treat for the eyes lending to the creativity of the story.

This book would be a great read-aloud for beginning counting and looking for patterns in literature. With all the fantastic creatures, it lends itself as a Halloween read as well. I’d recommend this book for beginning readers and preschool age children. Parents will enjoy reading this book over and over to help their child enjoy the process of counting.

This book is available at: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Jan30

Children’s Picture Book Review: The Raspberry Sassafras Series

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Allison Holland is the author of the Raspberry Sassafras picture book series.

I have found a cute picture book series that stresses the unique factors in each of us. It’s called the Raspberry Sassafras series. With books titled Raspberry Sassafras, Raspberry Sassafras: I Am a Cow and Raspberry Sassafras: The Famous Flying Cow, it’s a series that brings back memories of other animal books like Curious George.

The author of the series, Allison Holland, has created a world where animals have secret abilities that humans never see. The main character, Jane, finds Raspberry Sassafras at a nearby farm on a family trip. Her family adopts the little cow, and that is where the fun begins.

RS01_Raspberry_SassafrasRaspberry Sassafras, the first picture book in the series, starts off with Jane and her family adopting Raspberry Sassafras from a local farm. They bring the little cow back to the city, and introduce her to her new apartment home and the big city. Jane teaches Raspberry Sassafras about how to adapt to her new surroundings and discovers a secret; Raspberry Sassafras can fly and even talk. Apparently, it’s what most cows do when humans aren’t around. The secret is kept by the family setting up the possible reveal in future books.

RS02_I_Am_A_Cow

The second book in the Raspberry Sassafras series.

The second picture book, Raspberry Sassafras: I Am A Cow, deals with Raspberry Sassafras learning to explore her neighborhood and to be accepted by the dogs at the dog park. After a visit to the park, Raspberry Sassafras finds hostility towards her, and soon a sign goes up banning all cows from the dog park. Jane convinces Raspberry Sassafras to face the dogs and their owners, and speak her truth about how she may be different, but still unique, and be allowed to play at the park. Her bravery to face her feelings and the people that were prejudice against her as a cow helps bring change to the park. Cows are officially allowed.

RS03_Fab_Flying_Cow

The third book in the Raspberry Sassafras series.

The third picture book in the series is called Raspberry Sassafras: The Famous Flying Cow. Raspberry Sassafras uses her ability to fly to save people from a burning building exposing her secret. Jane and Raspberry return home to find the media is trying to find her. The press is everywhere, and Raspberry Sassafras becomes famous. But fame doesn’t stop here, in fact, she embraces that she can teach others about herself and help people understand more about her differences. She finds herself on TV shows doing interviews and on magazine covers. This all helps her to realize she can finally be herself and not have to hide her real abilities anymore. In the end, Raspberry Sassafras can finally be the real cow she wants to be.

The Raspberry Sassafras series reminds me a lot of the old children’s stories involving Curious George. Raspberry Sassafras is a loveable character that children can relate to. All of the stories make great read-alouds for the classroom since they deal with different themes that can be discussed with a class. The stories all deal with several important themes such being unique, accepting your self, standing up for your feelings, and not hiding and being your true self. I can see this series being a valuable addition to any family’s bedtime collection, and I’m looking forward to seeing what new books will be added to the series.

For more information on Allison Holland, visit her website at: raspberrysassafras.com.

Buy Links for all three books:

Raspberry Sassafras

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Sassafras-Allison-Holland/dp/B01GLC0RAS

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raspberry-sassafras-allison-holland/1126574449

Raspberry Sassafras: I Am A Cow

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Sassafras-I-Am-Cow/dp/1365956229

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raspberry-sassafras-allison-holland/1126575024

Raspberry Sassafras: The Famous Flying Cow


Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Sassafras-Famous-Flying-Cow/dp/1365989879

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raspberry-sassafras-allison-holland/1126575037