Thank you to one and all for your never ending support before and during The Golden Pathway virtual book tour.
The two month tour has flown by and today is the last day and celebration I'm hosted with two UNIQUE interviews at:
The Story Ideas Virtuoso is thrilled to be part of The Golden Pathway's virtual book tour at http://tinyurl.com/2fpr3p4
It's hard to believe that The Golden Pathway virtual book tour coordinated by Pump Up Your Book Promotion reaches homestretch. The adventure of introducing David and Jenkins to the literary world has been a wonderful opportunity to meet so many advid readers I may have never met otherwise. Even though this portion of the journey will end on October 29, I'm anxious to keep their story swirling through cyberspace and into classrooms, libraries, and bookstores. So don't forget to check back for updates on appearances both vritually and in person.
Thank you to one and all for your never ending support and please follow along on the last stops, for when one's journey ends, another adventure awaits.
Marvin Wilson and I are members of VBT - Writers on the Move marketing group and I am pleased to host Marvin today, especially since he is in the midst of an additional virtual book tour beyond the scope of VBT. Marvin will be checking in throughout the day, so please feel free to leave your comments and/or questions.
Marvin D. Wilson is the author of three published books, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie), Owen Fiddler, and Between the Storm and the Rainbow. Owen Fiddler has been awarded the prestigious AVATAR award for excellence in spiritual books. Wilson has had articles published in several Ezines, and has been interviewed on hundreds of blogs, radio and TV shows, both over the internet and on the airwaves. A prolific blogger, his internationally popular blog, Free Spirit, was voted first place in the 2008 Book Blogger Appreciation Week award contest, in the Christian/Inspirational Fiction category. His other blog, Tie Dyed Tirades, is also growing in global popularity.
Wilson is a family man, married for thirty three years, with three adult children and six grandchildren. He has been around the block of life several times, through the ups and downs, and has survived in good enough spirits to desire to write about life, to write about living life on purpose. Wilson is a self-described “non-religious, dogma-free, Maverick spiritualist Christian.” He writes books that deliver spiritual and inspirational messages in an engaging, thought provoking, often times humorous, more than often irreverent, sometimes sexy and even ribald way, through the spinning of an entertaining tale.
Marvin D Wilson is an editor with All Things That Matter Press and also does freelance editing.
Synopsis of Beware of the Devil's Hugs:
What if a homeless, smelly, ugly, unkempt old man had a hug so powerful it could cure cancer? Cause a prostitute to stop hooking and seek true love? Shake the demons of addiction free from a junkie? Make a radical terrorist Muslim want to befriend and love a Christian and visa versa? But rare is the beneficiary of his divine embrace รข€“ nobody wants to come near him out of fear. Beware the Devil's Hug is available on amazon.com at:
Reviews of Beware of the Devil's Hugs are pouring in:
“The story begins with the apparently innocent doings of a bum: but he’s much more than that. He possesses supernatural abilities and plays an important role in a cast of multi-faceted international characters. A planned meeting of a new organization whose goal is to seek peace by diluting religious dogmas is under threat of destruction in an Islamic terrorist plot. With a hostage as leverage, the extremists set their plan in motion using a trusted member of the organization. Will the member fulfill the mission to save his loved ones or be used simply as a decoy in a much broader scheme? Timely and provocative, packed with interracial, erotic and bizarre relationships, this novel keeps the reader in a constant state of suspense.
The author weaves a tale with credibility and realism. I give this book a five-star rating and expect to see it on the bestseller list.”
“Beware the Devil’s Hug has an interesting cast of varied characters from many walks in life. The old smelly homeless man known as simply ‘The Old Man’ or ‘Iam’ is a true gem and the star of this novel. He has been around for more than one hundred years, but none of the other people he is involved with would know, or suspect, that. He wanders the streets and begs for a large portion of this tale. He never seems to let the nasty disposition of some people get him down. Iam also has a wonderful ability to heal, create peace, love, forgiveness, and understanding in the most unlikely of circumstances. I fell in love with him almost from the beginning and even asked the author where I might find my own old smelly homeless saviour.
“The story takes many twists and turns. The characters can be anyone. The lessons learned are humbling, poignant, and apt. There is a little something for everyone regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. It will make you laugh, cry, ponder some of life’s critical questions, and smile. I found it a delightful read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be entertained and doesn’t mind learning a lesson about humility or introspection along the way.”
– Michelle Malsbury, author, The Swindler, BSBM, MM
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Sit back and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the Beware of the Devil's Hugs book trailer:
Be sure to follow the next featured author from VBT - Writers on the Move - Heidi Thomas hosted by Shelby Patrick at http://writershideaway.blogspot.com/.
It has been quite the exhilirating journey for The Golden Pathway and David and Jenkins. Overcoming prejudice and obstacles has developed into an endearing friendship for both David and Jenkins even though they know it will end bittersweet, for once success is met they will never see each other again. Journey along with David and Jenkins and learn from these two determined characters what it means to truly care for another human being. Monday, October 18
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / August 2010
ISBN-13: 978-161633-085-9
E-book ISBN: 978-161633-086-6
Wise beyond his years, young Obed has become a seasoned shepherd boy. Acutely aware of the hillside surroundings while tending his flock Obed stares at the sky in wonderment. A single bright light fills the sky. At first afraid, Obed felt a calmness wash over him as the beautiful angels descend, proclaiming “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Unsure what their message means, Obed looks to his father for guidance. With reassurances from his father, Obed and the older shepherds journey to Bethlehem to meet the newborn King. Their journey and meeting Christ the Lord is nothing less than miraculous.
Your fist reaction may be, oh goodness another story on the birth of Christ. Toss those thoughts away and immerse yourself and your children into the magical arrival of Christ the Lord. Children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos has re-explored and created a beautiful re-enactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe inspiring rendition which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries.
The old time illustrations expertly created by illustrator, Eugene Ruble will leave you feeling that you journeyed through the countryside with Obed and his fellow shepherds.
I have spoken often how characters many times take over a writers thoughts and demand for their story to be told. David and Jenkins of The Golden Pathway are those type of characters for me. I shelved their story for quite some time and tried to ignore their cries. They begged and pleaded in my mind, to the point I started dreaming of them. When it came to this, I could no longer ignore them and finally let their story be told and I couldn't be happier.
Come along for this historical fiction story of the Underground Railroad and the unlikely friendship that formed.
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / August 2010
ISBN-13: 978-161633-083-5
E-book ISBN: 978-1-61633-084-2
The old expression, “things are they way they are meant to be” stands true for Animal Sound Mix-up. Chaos would certainly ensue if animals suddenly made different noises than what they always have. Could you imagine the looks on humans faces if this happened? Eyes would bulge and jaws would drop when encountering:
“What if you were at the park and a nearby horse began to bark?”
Amazingly so, chaos does not ensue in animal language, because by the grace of God each animal has their own unique and special voice.
Children’s author, Connie Arnold takes the reader on a fun and thought provoking adventure of “what if” through Animal Sound Mix-up, which will surely have child and adult laughing out loud.
I have spoken often how characters many times take over a writers thoughts and demand for their story to be told. David and Jenkins of The Golden Pathway are those type of characters for me. I shelved their story for quite some time and tried to ignore their cries. They begged and pleaded in my mind, to the point I started dreaming of them. When it came to this, I could no longer ignore them and finally let their story be told and I couldn't be happier.
Come along for this historical fiction story of the Underground Railroad and the unlikely friendship that formed.
This month I'm hosting Day 4 of Karen Cioffi's Virtual Book Tour for all the children's book authors/illustrators who are part of the October Showcase at the National Writing for Children Center. Without further ado, I'm pleased to announce: Writing Tips from Children’s Writer Karen Cioffi.
How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues – October 4-8, 2010
The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.
Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821
Published: August 2010
Synopsis:
Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa. Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
Virtual Book Tour stops the week of October 4-8, 2010:
Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.
Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.
Thank you in advance for your interest and support.
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Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.
Publisher: Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. / August 2010
ISBN-10: 1-936381-05-2
ISBN-13: 978-1936381050
A bug enthusiast, Matt ventures on his quest to find the most unusual bug to present at the school Bug-A-Fair and that is when the play on words causes chaos of the strangest kind. For you see not only did Matt discover a bug which he was sure would secure him the accolades of his teachers and classmates he caught the dreaded cold bug too.
As persuasive as Matt can be his mother allowed him to attend school to submit his bug into the Bug-A-Fair. In attempts to control his sniffles Matt exploded with a forceful sneeze flipping the lid clear off the bug jar when he arrived at school and the bug flew right into the third grade.
Matt’s excitement overflows as well as his running nose and he bursts into his classroom to capture the bug once again. The obstacles he encounters with his teacher who is focused on Matt’s cold bug will have you chuckling and cheering for the bugs capture. Will Matt succeed and convince his teacher that he truly captured an unusual bug for real or will he be sent home because he caught the cold bug? Find out while you read the hilarious tale of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade told in perfect rhyme.
Visit children’s author, Lori Calabrese http://www.loricalabrese.com/ and become mesmerized by her enchanting world.
Follow The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade virtual book tour at:
October 6
Dancing With Dragons is Hard on Your Shoes (Miriam S. Forster)
Guest Post: POD Publishing and Why It's Helping Small Presses Thrive - http://msforster.blogspot.com/
I am pleased to host children's author, Lori Calabrese today as The Bug that Plagued the Entire Third Grade buzzes through cyberspace.
Sailing the Rough Seas of the Picture Book Market
By: Lori Calabrese
Are you a picture book author who has heard, “Cute story, but ultimately not right for us,” or the ever-so popular, “Rhyming books don’t sell?” If you’ve attended writer’s conferences and read numerous blogs, you’re aware of the fact that rough seas are churning in the picture book market. Few agents will even consider them and publishers aren’t plucking them out of the slush pile. It’s not impossible to sell a picture book by a newcomer, but there are many big waves one needs to conquer and authors need to be aware that the market is bad.
The market is overcrowded and competition is fierce. Attend a writer’s conference and you’ll meet numerous aspiring picture book authors, who are sending their manuscripts to publishers each month. Elana Roth, an agent with the Caren Johnson Literary Agency says in her blog post, The Picture Book Problem, “Most industry professionals (even those of us who LIKE picture books) have an automatic internal eye-roll at this point, because the bulk of the quality of these manuscripts is not stellar. They are on overdone topics, and don’t really add anything to an already-crowded market.” Even publishers who specialize in picture books sometimes stop accepting manuscripts because their schedules are booked for years to come, especially by well established children’s writers and illustrators such as Mo Willems.
A really great picture book is a difficult art to pull off, but many new children’s book writers flock to picture books because they think they’re easier to write than perhaps a novel that could take years. But truth be told, picture books are one of the most difficult to write. Since there are so few words, every one must be exactly right. Attention to rhythm, alliteration, and onomatopoeia must also be perfected. Since so many details go into writing a picture book, it’s important to realize many agents don’t have the time needed to perfect a manuscript. Michael Stearns, the founder of Upstart Crow Literary and an agent specializing in children’s books, says in his blog post, Agenting Picture Books vs. Agenting Novels, “For the agent (and editor, I’d wager), editing and responding to the picture book requires an artist’s heart and patience as well. It is rarely obvious in a well-written picture book draft what, exactly, is missing.”
However, one of the biggest problems with publishing picture books is money. “We can love picture books as much as we want, but they are ROUGH financially, and when I need to pay rent, that's not the best way for me to do it,” says Roth. Advances for picture books are low, production is expensive, picture books take years to produce and bring to market, and the shelf life of picture books has shrunk over the years. “Now, just as elsewhere, there is a big initial sales window in the chains, and then books are returned and a few copies placed spine out. So if a picture book doesn’t hit big initially, it will be difficult for it to build and gain ‘legs,’ as they say,” says Stearns.
Despite the picture book market being so difficult to break into, writers continue to send queries. But why? Many picture book authors fondly remember how a particular book shaped their love of words as a child and long to do the same for a new generation; a good author believes in herself and her story and knows there’s always a chance; and writers write for the sheer enjoyment, no matter what the market dictates. Fortunately, there are also small presses who are championing new voices and focusing on niche markets, allowing picture books to be shared.
So if you have a passion for writing picture books, keep a stack of them by your nightstand to read and re-read, learn as much about them as you possibly can, continue to hone your writing skills and know that smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
About the author:
Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children’s author. Her first picture book, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade, was named Dragonfly Publishing Inc.’s 2009 Best Children’s Book. She writes for various children’s magazines, is the National Children’s Books Examiner at Examiner.com, and enjoys sharing her passion for children’s books at festivals, schools and events. Visit her website to learn more, http://www.loricalabrese.com/.
Be sure to stop back tomorrow for my book review of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade.
VBT - Writers on the Move continues to swirl through cyberspace. Take the time out to visit with each unique author on their quest in making reading enjoyable for all age levels.