Tag Archives: children’s book

Jun12

#SampleSunday June 12, 2011 Summer Reading Tribute

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I was out on my porch enjoying the summer weather, when it dawned on me. This is the time that my first book, The Lost Secret of Fairies, takes place. What a perfect time to put up the beginning of the story to get everyone into the summer reading mood.

Before the excerpt, I will share the inspiration for this part of the story. As a kid, I would love to hop the fence and read in quiet seclusion in the middle of the orchard behind my house. I grew up in the Silicon Valley before all the orchards were torn down and turned into computer companies.

Back then, it was more often called the Santa Clara Valley. I was lucky enough to grow up with an orchard that was the starting point of many kid adventures. Throw in a creek nearby, and you have a perfect run-around adventure playland.

My books include many of the childhood adventures come to life. At the start of the first book, Wanda is reading in the orchard behind the fence. Many summers started out in the same way for me as a kid. I invite you to enter into that world of adventure with an added bonus, fairies and cats. They seem to go well together.

Excerpt from The Lost Secret of Fairies pages 7-9:

So, you want to know how I became a Keeper? I’d probably have to explain the last few years. I guess I could begin at the beginning, but that would be too much like a fairy tale. This is anything but your average fairy tale. But then, the fairies always say “There is a beginning to every ending,” so maybe I should start there.

Let’s just say my name is Wanda, and no one understands me. That’s why I was out there in the middle of the orchard that first day I had free from gymnastics practice. It was the end of June, you know, that time you’re finally free from school. You know, when no one bosses you around.

I had escaped from my mom long enough to sneak over the back fence of my house and hide in the orchard. I was reading my favorite fantasy series at the time. Nothing much different than what I normally do.

I didn’t notice the air smelled extra fresh. I remember my hair tied back in a ponytail because of the heat, and wanting it to be a different color than my stupid, boring brown. I’d make a better outcast if I had some cool off the wall color hair, like jet black or cherry red. I’d studied the bottles carefully in the drug store.

I didn’t notice the sun doing strange reflections as I walked out to my favorite spot to read. I mashed down the grass into a perfect fairy bowery. The kind that is perfect to read in, hidden and secluded. I could see around the orchard at cat level. Nothing was crawling or walking around. There was just a slight breeze to disturb the tall grass growing around my hiding spot.

I remembered the last scene of my current book-de-jour. The princess was escaping from Landau, the dark sorcerer who was trying to take over her kingdom. Now, what would she do?
Would she use her secret power of flight? Or would she some how find the way to the locket she needed to free her frozen Mother Queen?

Yes, she’s going to have to fight him. I checked to see how many pages were left. Twelve. Good, I’m getting close to the climax.

I wiggled to get more comfortable in my grass hide-away. Glancing up, I blinked as the sun above me looked no different than before. A sharp bright flash came to the side of my vision. I shrugged, and figured it was a reflection of my glasses. Back then; I thought most things were just a flash, or something that I imagined. I know better now. But back to the story, or it just won’t make sense to you later.

I closed my eyes to listen to the breeze drifting across the grass. I was feeling pretty free right then. No more Jessica Newark to bother me. I hated her making fun of my fashion sense. Like I really cared about their group of popular trends and know-it-all about boys. What point was there? I liked being a loner. It was easier.

I was going to have to see them at gymnastics class. Thing with being in the same area of school and community center, sometimes the two overlapped. But for now, I could ignore them as long as I stood on the other side of the gym. Too bad Michelle moved. Emailing isn’t the same as being there. Good friends are hard to find when you’re fighting to save the world. But that comes later in the story.

Like I said, I was enjoying the summer weather, in my favorite reading spot, alone, how I liked it. I heard a little swoosh of something approaching. I thought it was my cat Brewford coming out to visit me, so I looked up.

“Caw!”

I was startled by the bird squawk. Shaking my head, I tried to find the source and saw nothing. Oh well, time to get back to where the princess was just about to make her move out of her hiding place to reach for the magic locket and….

“Caw.”

Not again! I looked around for the source of the awkward noise. Nothing. I shrugged, looked down to read and…

“Caw. Caw!”

A great black bird hopped into the grass alcove I had created. The bird stalked forward with a grace that gave him authority. His large beak dipped down as he pointed one eye to look at me.
This was odd, but I wasn’t scared. Animals can be friendlier than people most of the time. “What are you doing here crow?” He continued to eye me, twisting his head back and forth. Then hopped up next to my arm. Now, this got me to back up a little. Mind you, it was only from being startled. I mean, how scary can a crow be? Except that normally crows didn’t act like this.

“Caw.” He fixed his eye on me again.

I was afraid to make any movement. Mostly, I was fascinated why the crow was doing this. Was I in his territory? Was it a female crow guarding her nest? I looked around for something in the grass. I thought of my butt crushing her eggs. Oops.

The crow came forward and dropped something that sparkled as it landed in my lap. It hopped backwards and looked at me with puppy dog eyes. This was definitely a strange bird.

I picked the thing up by the cord, and let it dangle in front of me. The crow watched, moving its head to follow the crystal pendant.

“Caw.” He/she/it continued to eye me sideways as I looked at the pendant.

The leather cord was worn, but still strong. It wrapped around a clear quartz crystal. Hints of sunlight sparkled as I turned it in my palm.

Definitely weird. “Curiouser and curiouser” kept repeating in my head like from a bad “Alice in Wonderland” cable movie. I turned it over watching the crystal catch the light. Etched into the crystal were lines or maybe writing, but it was nothing I’d seen before.

If I had known better, I would have dropped the crystal, and ran for my backyard fence. I could have never looked back. But I didn’t want that. And that Alice in Wonderland movie in my mind kept playing. Where did curious get her?

“Is this what you’ve been cawing so much about crow?” I held up the crystal.

“Caw.”

“Are you trying to tell me something,” I felt like one of the heroines in my books. Strange. I sat down leaning closer to the crow.

“Caw.” He hopped away from me and looked back. “Caw.” He began to bob up and down, moving back and forth.

“You want me to follow?” I kept my voice calm as the crow bobbed again, seemed to nod, and turned hopping through the tall grass.

That’s when I took a moment to think. I mean, this could have been my way out? But my sense of adventure was sparked. What was going on? Crows didn’t turn up out of nowhere, drop a crystal pendant in your lap, and hop away beggin’ you with a look to follow? That stuff only happened in movies or books.
I wanted to see what was going on. It could be a trained crow out drawing unsuspecting kids to some weirdo’s house. Like what they show on the news. Or even some new reality show catching unsuspecting kids in orchards. You know, cameras in the bushes somewhere. I tried to look around for something mounted on a tripod. But I doubted it. Nothing that exciting could happen to me. So I thought.

I looked at the crystal. It winked back a flash of light. Was there movement in it? What would the princess do? I had a choice, I guess, like her. I could go after the crow, or go back to reading.

I looked around. There was a rustling movement along the tops of grass stems as a flutter of black feathers rose above the jungle of high grass.

I got up, brushed off the clinging grass stems. I placed my book down under a half-covered rock, and held the crystal in my hand. I felt the wire wrapped tightly around the crystal.
Something began to puzzle me. I guess that’s why I decided to follow. Why was the crow doing this? What was this pendant? And if the crow was leading me on an adventure, it might be more exciting than just sitting here and reading. There was only one way to find out. I headed out after the crow and towards my destiny.

**The Lost Secret of Fairies is available on Amazon.com with paperback and Kindle editions. Also available at Barnesandnoble.com as paperback or Nook editions.

May15

#Samplesunday May 15, 2011 First Look into Dragonfire

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I’ve been working diligently on the third book in the Crystal Keeper Chronicles. I want to post the first look at the progress of the book. Some new things are going to be happening to Wanda. Plus, dwarves are starting to become a pivotal part of the Dragonfire secret. It’s all starting to come together. Keep in mind, this is an early draft and will be subject to revision. But I want to give my fans a first glimpse, and then you can let me know what you think. Wanda has just arrived home from school:

When I got home, I dumped my books on the ground and tried to think of something to do. I felt so tired from everything. My head was spinning, and I thought I’d lay down. Maybe a nap would be good. Anything to forget the horrible day I’d had at school.

I took off my crystal pendant and put it by my nightstand. I always did this when I went to sleep. The crystal hummed and warmed in my hand. The crystal fairy that lived within was like an adviser from time to time. I’d learned that if it got warm, she usually had a message. I held it and listened for her head voice. Her voice hummed in my head. Sometimes a break from your problems can help you sort them out later. Rest, and all will be well when you awaken.

Before drifting off to sleep, I remember thinking of Chyra, my unicorn guide in the World of Fairy. She was a master of the fairy paths, and had helped me find Balkazaar’s hidden cave. I wonder what she would think about Eddie. Maybe I just had to rely on my fairy friends now. Malik, a brownie from my home fairy realm, was a real trickster that loved to give advice when not wanted. Lavendora was another fairy that didn’t seem to trust cats. And then there was Brewford. At least he would be there to help. He’d said it often enough.

I thought of Chyra, riding the fairy paths, crossing the large waters to Ireland and maybe other lands. The last thing I remember before my subconscious took over was Chyra stepping onto a rainbow path as I saw her leave from our last adventure.

Then I heard laughter. Small giggles at first, that turned into bubbling laughter. It was followed by a mind voice that sounded like cutting glass. HELP! Wanda, help me. I opened my eyes to see my little brother standing near my bed. He was holding my crystal pendant and pulling on the cord. He started swinging it with a big smile.

“Heah, put that down.”

With an eruption of laughter, my brother ran out my bedroom door and down the hall.

I could hear a scream in my head from my crystal fairy. Help me. I am flying around and hitting the walls.

I scrambled out of bed as fast as I could. I ran down the hall and grabbed him by the shoulders. “Give it back to me now. MOM!”

“No, it’s my pretty necklace NOW.” My brother’s toddler voice spit the t’s at me. “I found it. All mine.”

“No it’s not. I put it there before I went to sleep. MOM!”

“Alright, alright. What has he done now?”. My Mom circled the distance from the kitchen to living room. “You’re only back for a few hours from visiting your father, and already into trouble.”

He smiled back at her. He got the “Puss and Boots” look from Shrek, and gave my Mom the flash of the big brown eyes. My brother got away with a lot by just smiling.

“My pret-ty.” He stressed the ts in a long drawn out demand of ownership. “MINE.”

“No dear, it is your sister’s necklace. Please give it back.”

“No.”

“Please dear, it will make Mommy very happy.”

“No.”

“Come on you brat, give it back.” I was losing my patience.

Mom turned to me and said, “Wanda, you have to be gentle with him. He doesn’t understand.”

“Yes he does. He thinks if he holds anything it’s his. That’s how he understands.”

Mom ignored my quip and continued with her pleading. “Give it to Mama, and I’ll give you a big surprise in return.”

His face lit up for a moment. His shaggy brown hair fell in his eyes as his knobby hands flexed on the pendant. “What surprise?”

Mom eyed him back leading him into the bait. She leaned inward. “A big cookie, just for my little man.”

“Cookie.” He dropped the pendant and toddled into the kitchen. Mom followed as I swooped up my pendant. I looked it over. The wire had broken on one section and I could see a crack on the bottom point. This didn’t look good.

“Mom, why couldn’t he have just stayed at Dad’s until Christmas or something?” I was filled with seething rage. “Why did he have to come back today?”

Mom’s voice echoed from the kitchen. “You know the arrangement with your father Wanda. These month long visits are suppose to help them bond more as men. Plus, it helps out with the budget and preschool schedule.”

“Yeah, this month it’s our turn to shuttle him back and forth. I know I’m going to hate October. Can November and December count as one month?” I always got Mom and Dad’s crazy mixed-up custody schedule confused. They switched off watching the little terror to help each of them. He was a lot to deal with at once. But I think it was just to help with Mom’s budget. Things were always quieter the month he was visiting Dad.

Now the mischief-maker of the house was back. I could at least escape during the summer by hopping the fence and reading. But now that he was here again, I’ll have to make sure everything was far out of reach. I’d lost track of so much just trying to find Eddie and help the fairies.

I looked at the pendant again. Yes, there was definitely a large crack at the bottom of the crystal. I held it to see if I could get any warmth from the crystal fairy within. I thought talked to her, Are you all right? Did he hurt you?

I felt massive pain in my head. I hurt. He cracked the crystal. You need to take me to the Fairy Queen. And then more pain rushing between my eyeballs. Ouch. It hurt more than sinus pressure headaches from my allergies.

Ok, hold on. I put the necklace around my neck and looked at the clock. 4:30pm. There was enough time for a quick trip to the Fairy World before dinner. “Mom, I’m going out in the orchard to read. I’ll be back in an hour.”

“Ok dear, no more than an hour. I’ll have dinner ready at 5:30pm.” I headed for the sliding glass door that lead out to our backyard. I saw my brother round the corner of the kitchen into the living room stuffing his face with a big, chocolate chip cookie.

“Brat,” I whispered back at him.

“I got a cookie and you don’t.” He smiled again while I stepped out onto the porch and didn’t look back. That’s one thing good about the Fairy World, I can at least get away from my little brother.

**The Crystal Keeper Chronicles are available on Amazon.com as paperback or Kindle editions.

Apr28

Is Going to a Writing Conference a Good Idea?

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If you’re serious about writing, a conference can set you on the right road. From how to submit, workshops on writing craft,or meeting editors and agents, a writing conference can teach you how to turn writing from a hobby into a working career. But which conference would be the best to start at? How do you know when and where to get started? Here are some tips on what I’ve learned from attending conferences and starting my writing career over the last 5 years.

There are several things to consider when choosing to go a writing conference. The first step is to find a conference for your writing genre. Many conferences are genre or writing market based. Whether you write adult fiction, children’s books, or romance novels, some conferences zero in on your specific writing. This will be a crucial first step so you can find a starting point. If you know what writing you are already doing, this will guide you to the right market and conference.

Another starting point are writing groups. There are several organizations for writers that support with conferences for their members. My writing group, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, is for writers and illustrators in the area of children’s books. Another writing group I’ve heard of is the Mystery Writers of America. Both these groups host their own national and regional writing conferences. Other resources are literary magazines that offer workshops to writers. I’ve been invited to several, including one hosted by Highlights Magazine.

However, sometimes the next factor really comes into play, the cost. I found I get a lot out of the smaller, local chapter conferences than national. The cost also tends to be lower for local chapter conferences. Some literary magazines sponsor workshops. They are helpful for craft, but tend to be very expensive. The higher cost doesn’t mean better. So I suggest to shop around to find the best deal within your budget. Plus, travel costs do need to be factored in, especially if you need to stay in a hotel. Sometimes the local conferences are more cost effective since hotel stays are not needed.

You also need to learn where you are in the writing process. Are you just beginning? Do you have a manuscript ready or you want to find an agent? Not sure where you are at now as a writer? Sometimes just going to a writing conference can sort out all this confusion. The steps of writing and the writing business are presented and reviewed in many conference classes. It will help you discover what part of the writing process you are currently at.

After five years of following this dream, I have two self-published books that are currently selling on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble.com, and Smashwords. I’ve just received a fabulous Kirkus Review for my second book, and I’m working on my third book’s first draft manuscript. Going to writing conferences has allowed me to find out the information I needed to get my dream started. I’ve developed my writing craft, learned how to promote myself, and continue to keep writing books that inspire my readers. In the end, going to a writing conference will pay off for the effort and money put into it. It is all worth it if it contributes to a fabulous book that sells. This is everyone’s dream.

Crystal Cluster“The Lost Secret of the Green Man” can be purchased at Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble.com. Both the paperback and a new hardback edition are available. Ebook editions will be available soon.