Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Writers Workshop: Making the Most out of Your Membership in the Working Writer’s Club with Suzanne Lieurance
As you network around cyberspace you most likely have come across announcements about the Working Writer’s Club, but are not sure how you can benefit by becoming a member. We’ve taken the guess work out of it and are now providing you with a unique opportunity to attend a live FREE writer’s workshop so that you can learn all about the ins and outs of the Working Writer’s Club.
Please join Suzanne Lieurance on Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm CDT for Making the Most out of Your Membership in the Working Writer’s Club workshop.
Details:
Topic: Making the Most Out of Your Membership in the Working Writer’s Club
Date: Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m. CDT
Presenter: Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer’s Coach
Description: In this 55-minute writers workshop, we’ll learn and discover…
1. The benefits of membership in the Working Writer’s Club
2. Steps to take to make the most of your club membership
3. Answers to Your Questions about the Working Writer’s Club
Our holiday gift to you is this FREE writer's workshop for club members and non-club members. Working Writer’s Club members will automatically receive an invite to this workshop and if you are not a Working Writer’s Club member send an email to Suzanne Lieurance at suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com and receive an invitation to this writer's workshop. Don’t wait contact Suzanne to secure your spot. We look forward to hearing from you.
About Suzanne Lieurance:
Suzanne Lieurance is a children’s writer with (at last count) 23 published books for children. She was also an instructor with the Institute of Children’s Literature (located in West Redding, Connecticut) for over 8 years. As The Working Writer’s Coach, Lieurance helps people who love to write become “working” freelance writers and make a living doing what they love to do best.
Visit the Working Writer’s Club, and become a Facebook Fan today at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Working-Writers-Club/221038321276421. By becoming a Facebook Fan it will ensure that you are updated on all of the valuable resources and articles at The Working Writer’s Club.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Monday, November 28, 2011
USA Book News Announces Winners and Finalists of the USA "Best Books 2011" Awards
ME D I A R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release
Contact: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
USA BOOK NEWS ANNOUNCES WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS
Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of Independent Houses contribute to this year’s Outstanding Competition!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced two of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s books were among those that placed in THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS on November 1, 2011. Awards were presented for titles published in 2010 and 2011.
Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries. Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding competition. Keen adds, “Our success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”
Award highlights include the following:
(Full results listing available on USABooknews.com)
The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher (Second Edition) by Carolyn Howard-Johnson won best business book in the writing category.
Blooming Red: Christmas Poetry for the Rational by Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball was a finalist in the poetry category.
Prodigal Father Pagan Son: Growing Up Inside the Dangerous World of the Pagans Motorcycle Club by Anthony Menginie and Kerrie Droban (St. Martin's Press) was honored in the “Autobiography/Memoirs” category
Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley (Crown Books/Random House) was awarded “Best Biography"
Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers by Pam Anderson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) placed number one in “Cookbooks”
The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick (Water Brook/Random House) took home the “Best General Fiction” prize
One reviewer said reading Howard-Johnson’s books is like picking the brains of a master marketer. It received plaudits from industry shakers like Marilyn Ross, founder of Small Publishers or North America and Tim Bete, director of Dayton University’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Conference. The new one carries endorsements from the likes of Dan Poynter and Tony Eldridge.
Howard-Johnson, an instructor for nearly a decade at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program, chose to have the new edition published in both e-book format and paperback in order to give her struggling students and clients affordable and convenient choices. Whichever format a reader chooses, The Frugal Book Promoter assures an author’s book the best possible start in life. Full of nitty-gritty how-tos for getting nearly free publicity, the author shares her professional experience as well as practical tips gleaned from the successes of her own book campaigns. A former journalist and publicist (she wrote media releases for fashion designers like Christian Dior), she tells authors how to do what their publishers can’t or won’t and why authors can often do their own promotion better than a PR professional. Her poetry is published in dozens of literary and review journals worldwide.
USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. JPX Media Group, in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.
A complete list of the winners and finalists of The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards are available online at http://www.usabooknews.com/.
Learn more about Howard-Johnson at http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com and http://carolynhoward-johnson.com/.
# # # #
Cover image and media kit available on request at HoJoNews@aol.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
For Immediate Release
Contact: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
USA BOOK NEWS ANNOUNCES WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS
Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of Independent Houses contribute to this year’s Outstanding Competition!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced two of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s books were among those that placed in THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS on November 1, 2011. Awards were presented for titles published in 2010 and 2011.
Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries. Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding competition. Keen adds, “Our success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”
Award highlights include the following:
(Full results listing available on USABooknews.com)
The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher (Second Edition) by Carolyn Howard-Johnson won best business book in the writing category.
Blooming Red: Christmas Poetry for the Rational by Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball was a finalist in the poetry category.
Prodigal Father Pagan Son: Growing Up Inside the Dangerous World of the Pagans Motorcycle Club by Anthony Menginie and Kerrie Droban (St. Martin's Press) was honored in the “Autobiography/Memoirs” category
Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley (Crown Books/Random House) was awarded “Best Biography"
Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers by Pam Anderson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) placed number one in “Cookbooks”
The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick (Water Brook/Random House) took home the “Best General Fiction” prize
One reviewer said reading Howard-Johnson’s books is like picking the brains of a master marketer. It received plaudits from industry shakers like Marilyn Ross, founder of Small Publishers or North America and Tim Bete, director of Dayton University’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Conference. The new one carries endorsements from the likes of Dan Poynter and Tony Eldridge.
Howard-Johnson, an instructor for nearly a decade at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program, chose to have the new edition published in both e-book format and paperback in order to give her struggling students and clients affordable and convenient choices. Whichever format a reader chooses, The Frugal Book Promoter assures an author’s book the best possible start in life. Full of nitty-gritty how-tos for getting nearly free publicity, the author shares her professional experience as well as practical tips gleaned from the successes of her own book campaigns. A former journalist and publicist (she wrote media releases for fashion designers like Christian Dior), she tells authors how to do what their publishers can’t or won’t and why authors can often do their own promotion better than a PR professional. Her poetry is published in dozens of literary and review journals worldwide.
USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. JPX Media Group, in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.
A complete list of the winners and finalists of The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards are available online at http://www.usabooknews.com/.
Learn more about Howard-Johnson at http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com and http://carolynhoward-johnson.com/.
# # # #
Cover image and media kit available on request at HoJoNews@aol.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Prayer
For Appreciation of Each Other
We thank you, Father, for the gift of Jesus your Son
who came to our earth and lived in a simple home.
We have a greater appreciation of the value and dignity
of the human family because he loved and was loved
within its shelter. Bless us this day; may we grow in love
for each other in our family and so give thanks to you
who are the maker of all human families and our abiding peace. From The Catholic Prayer Book, compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Guest Author, Maggie Grinnell talks about the Orange County Children's Book Festival
My name is Maggie Grinnell and my first children's picture book, The Ketchup Bottle and the Takeover was published October 2010. When word got around about my book, I was asked to participate in the Orange County Children's Book Festival.
Well, I gladly accepted the invitation and then the fear of 'what if's' came to my mind. What if my book doesn't sell?, What if I am late to the event?, What if the event is rained out? Not one 'what if' happened on October 2, 2011, the day of the festival. I arrived two hours early, sun was blaring down and my book did sell. I set up my display: books, posters, candy, fun ketchup facts and a raffle for a free book. I was only there for 3 1/2 hours but it was worth it. I had a great experience and would recommend any children's author to partake in a children's festival just once.
Learn more about me and The Ketchup Bottle and the Takeover at http://www.writer65.com/.
Maggie, it was a pleasure hosting you today. Best wishes for your continued success!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Monday, November 21, 2011
Children's Book Review: My Sister Is My Best Friend by Nicole Weaver
Title: My Sister Is My Best Friend, a Trilingual Story
Written by: Nicole Weaver
Illustrated by: Clara Batton Smith
Soft cover: 16 pages
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Print ISBN 13: 978-1616332099
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1616332105
Published: November 2011
Come explore the wonderful world of sisterhood both together and with mother in Nicole Weaver’s latest children’s book, My Sister Is My Best Friend. The playful antics of the sisters along with the vibrant illustrations brings their lives into focus. The security of knowing that neither is alone in this vast world with the companionship and love of a sister is heartwarming.
My Sister Is My Best Friend is a trilingual story told in English, Spanish, and French making for a delightful reading and learning experience. Nicole Weaver tells a story of the simplicities of enjoying one’s sister with gratitude, bringing back fond memories of my own childhood with my twin sister and our unique shared experiences.
Clara Batton Smith’s delightful illustrations show the love of both sisters making the heart glow.
To learn more about Nicole Weaver, visit http://www.nicole-weaver.com/.
Visit Clara Batton Smith’s colorful word, http://cbsillos.blogspot.com/.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Written by: Nicole Weaver
Illustrated by: Clara Batton Smith
Soft cover: 16 pages
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Print ISBN 13: 978-1616332099
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1616332105
Published: November 2011
Come explore the wonderful world of sisterhood both together and with mother in Nicole Weaver’s latest children’s book, My Sister Is My Best Friend. The playful antics of the sisters along with the vibrant illustrations brings their lives into focus. The security of knowing that neither is alone in this vast world with the companionship and love of a sister is heartwarming.
My Sister Is My Best Friend is a trilingual story told in English, Spanish, and French making for a delightful reading and learning experience. Nicole Weaver tells a story of the simplicities of enjoying one’s sister with gratitude, bringing back fond memories of my own childhood with my twin sister and our unique shared experiences.
Clara Batton Smith’s delightful illustrations show the love of both sisters making the heart glow.
To learn more about Nicole Weaver, visit http://www.nicole-weaver.com/.
Visit Clara Batton Smith’s colorful word, http://cbsillos.blogspot.com/.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Friday, November 18, 2011
To Pseudonym or Not to Pseudonym by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
One of the writers I trust for promotion advice is launching the second edition of her multi award-winning Frugal Book Promoter. And now it is available for Kindle (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkProKindle) . I'm helping her celebrate with this short piece, a partial excerpt from the new edition.
To Pseudonym or Not to Pseudonym
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Nora Roberts, the author of more than 150 romance novels, was asked why she writes romantic suspense novels under a pen name. Here is her answer:
"It's marketing."
She says because she writes quickly that makes it difficult for her publisher to publish all of her work with an appropriate amount of time between each of them. So she writes works which are “edgier” than her romance novels under the pseudonym J. D. Robb. She says. "Putting it under a pseudonym helps brand it for the reader." Children’s writers often separate their real names or their “other” writing names from their children’s work to keep work intended for children untainted.
Writers will find information on the concept of branding in the second edition of The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo) including some of the reasons why you shouldn’t use a pen name. You will, of course, have to weigh the pros and cons, but keep in mind that Ms. Roberts has a powerhouse publisher and its marketing department to help her navigate the difficulties inherent in using a pseudonym. If you are considering using a pen name here's what you should know:
1. It is very hard to keep a pen name secret. Everyone knows who Kristie Leigh Maguire is, as an example, but most know that it is a pen name. If people didn't know before that Robb was Nora Roberts' pen name, most of them will now that Time magazine let the cat out of the bag. They also revealed (big time) that Nora Roberts is also a pen name!
2. It is very hard to promote a book in person when you use a pen name—especially if you choose an opposite-sex pen name. In fact, promotion of all kinds can become touchy if you use a pen name because you are intent upon keeping your real identity a secret.
3. Using a pen name isn't necessarily an effective barrier against law suits.
Read more about Roberts in Time magazine's "10 Questions" feature, page 6 of the Dec. 10, 2007, issue.
----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, is a multi award-winning novelist and poet and has a hard enough time keeping those identities separate from her work as the author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books—one for writers and one for retailers. Learn more about all of them at www.howtodoitfrugally.com. She also blogs at http://www.sharingingwithwriters.blogspot.com/ and at http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Instructor for nearly a decade at the renowned UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Author of the multi award-winning series of HowToDoItFrugally books including the second edition honored by USA BOOK NEWS
The Frugal Book Promoter (http://budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo):
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/carolynhowardjohnson
Web site: http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/
Carolyn, it's been a pleasure hosting you today. Very interesting information on Nora Roberts. Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
To Pseudonym or Not to Pseudonym
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Nora Roberts, the author of more than 150 romance novels, was asked why she writes romantic suspense novels under a pen name. Here is her answer:
"It's marketing."
She says because she writes quickly that makes it difficult for her publisher to publish all of her work with an appropriate amount of time between each of them. So she writes works which are “edgier” than her romance novels under the pseudonym J. D. Robb. She says. "Putting it under a pseudonym helps brand it for the reader." Children’s writers often separate their real names or their “other” writing names from their children’s work to keep work intended for children untainted.
Writers will find information on the concept of branding in the second edition of The Frugal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo) including some of the reasons why you shouldn’t use a pen name. You will, of course, have to weigh the pros and cons, but keep in mind that Ms. Roberts has a powerhouse publisher and its marketing department to help her navigate the difficulties inherent in using a pseudonym. If you are considering using a pen name here's what you should know:
1. It is very hard to keep a pen name secret. Everyone knows who Kristie Leigh Maguire is, as an example, but most know that it is a pen name. If people didn't know before that Robb was Nora Roberts' pen name, most of them will now that Time magazine let the cat out of the bag. They also revealed (big time) that Nora Roberts is also a pen name!
2. It is very hard to promote a book in person when you use a pen name—especially if you choose an opposite-sex pen name. In fact, promotion of all kinds can become touchy if you use a pen name because you are intent upon keeping your real identity a secret.
3. Using a pen name isn't necessarily an effective barrier against law suits.
Read more about Roberts in Time magazine's "10 Questions" feature, page 6 of the Dec. 10, 2007, issue.
----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, is a multi award-winning novelist and poet and has a hard enough time keeping those identities separate from her work as the author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books—one for writers and one for retailers. Learn more about all of them at www.howtodoitfrugally.com. She also blogs at http://www.sharingingwithwriters.blogspot.com/ and at http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Instructor for nearly a decade at the renowned UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Author of the multi award-winning series of HowToDoItFrugally books including the second edition honored by USA BOOK NEWS
The Frugal Book Promoter (http://budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo):
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/carolynhowardjohnson
Web site: http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/
Carolyn, it's been a pleasure hosting you today. Very interesting information on Nora Roberts. Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Children’s Violin Picture Book – The Doll Violinist by Mayra Calvani
M E D I A R E L E A S E
CONTACT: Mayra Calvani
Email: mayra.calvani@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mayracalvani.com/
For Immediate Release
Children’s Violin Picture Book – The Doll Violinist by Mayra Calvani
Award-winning children’s picture book intertwines the magical season of Christmas, lost loves, and the violin making for an endearing story of human kindness and empathy.
(ST. LOUIS, MO) – Award-winning children’s author, Mayra Calvani releases her third children’s violin picture book The Doll Violinist, which is the recipient of the ABC's Children's Picture Book Finalist and Honorable Mention Award in the 75th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition. The book release is in perfect timing for the 2011 holiday season to help you introduce the love of the violin to your youngster.
Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together?
About the author: Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. Her love for the violin has inspired her to pen three “violin” children’s picture books: The Magic Violin, Frederico the Mouse Violinist, and now the latest, The Doll Violinist www.violinandbooks.wordpress.com/books-i-wrote.
Visit her website at http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/ and get the first two lessons of her popular Walking on a Rainbow Picture Book Workshop free!
Title: The Doll Violinist
Author: Mayra Calvani
Illustrations: Amy Cullings Moreno
Genre: Children 4-8
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-185-6; 1616331852
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-186-3; 1616331860
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-187-0; 1616331879
Published: September 28, 2011
Pages: 28
Price: $11.95 paperback; $15.95 hardcover; $5.00 e-Book
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/doll-violinist.htm
###
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Writers Workshop: How to Enter Your Children’s Book into Award Contests with Award-winning author, Donna McDine
The world of book award contests is immense and the wealth of information cannot be covered in one workshop, so please mark your calendar and join us at the Working Writer’s Club on Thursday, November 17 at 11 am CST and December 15 at 11 am CST and join multi-award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine.
Her first children’s book The Golden Pathway has received numerous awards: Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from someone in the trenches of children’s book award contests as she reveals what she has learned along the way.
Here’s the scoop on this two-part LIVE Writer’s Workshop at the Working Writer’s Club:
Topic: How to Create and Present Effective Instructional Workshops & Teleclasses
Date: Thursday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. CDT
Presenter: Donna McDine, Award-winning children’s author
Cost: Free for Working Writer’s Club Members
$19.97 for Non-club members (includes both sessions)
Description: In this 55-minute writers workshop, we’ll learn and discover…
On Thursday, November 17, Donna will discuss:
• The importance of entering book award contests
• Where and how to research contests
• How far in advance should you research contest
• How to prepare your contest entry
• To pay or not to pay an entry fee
On Thursday, December 15, Donna will discuss:
• Estimating how many books you need on hand
• Author copies from your publisher, negotiate with your publisher
• Determining your budget
• The importance of having a prepared hard copy media kit and website presence
• Do contests payoff in the end
Not a Working Writer’s Club member? Register at the Working Writer’s Club http://www.workingwritersclub.com/events-2 for both sessions of “How to Enter Your Children’s Book into Award Contests” and receive an email invitation to this live event, PLUS the replay the day after for just $19.97.
About Donna McDine:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway.
Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Author PR Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.
Visit the Working Writer’s Club, and become a Facebook Fan today at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Working-Writers-Club/221038321276421. By becoming a Facebook Fan it will ensure that you are updated on all of the valuable resources and articles at The Working Writer’s Club.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Her first children’s book The Golden Pathway has received numerous awards: Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from someone in the trenches of children’s book award contests as she reveals what she has learned along the way.
Here’s the scoop on this two-part LIVE Writer’s Workshop at the Working Writer’s Club:
Topic: How to Create and Present Effective Instructional Workshops & Teleclasses
Date: Thursday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. CDT
Presenter: Donna McDine, Award-winning children’s author
Cost: Free for Working Writer’s Club Members
$19.97 for Non-club members (includes both sessions)
Description: In this 55-minute writers workshop, we’ll learn and discover…
On Thursday, November 17, Donna will discuss:
• The importance of entering book award contests
• Where and how to research contests
• How far in advance should you research contest
• How to prepare your contest entry
• To pay or not to pay an entry fee
On Thursday, December 15, Donna will discuss:
• Estimating how many books you need on hand
• Author copies from your publisher, negotiate with your publisher
• Determining your budget
• The importance of having a prepared hard copy media kit and website presence
• Do contests payoff in the end
Not a Working Writer’s Club member? Register at the Working Writer’s Club http://www.workingwritersclub.com/events-2 for both sessions of “How to Enter Your Children’s Book into Award Contests” and receive an email invitation to this live event, PLUS the replay the day after for just $19.97.
About Donna McDine:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway.
Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Author PR Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.
Visit the Working Writer’s Club, and become a Facebook Fan today at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Working-Writers-Club/221038321276421. By becoming a Facebook Fan it will ensure that you are updated on all of the valuable resources and articles at The Working Writer’s Club.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day Prayer
Veteran’s Day Prayer
Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans,
worthy men and women
who gave their best
when they were called upon
to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them, Lord,
for their unselfish service
in the continual struggle
to preserve our freedoms, our safety,
and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly
for the hardships they faced,
for the sacrifices they made
for their many different contributions
to America’s victories
over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them,
we honor them, we are proud of them,
and we pray that you will watch over
these special people
and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Monday, November 7, 2011
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid Announced as Finalist in the 16th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minneapolis, MN (November 3, 2011)—Free Spirit Publishing is thrilled to announce that How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is a finalist for the 16th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards, sponsored by The New York City–Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. The awards honor authors of self-improvement books.
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski’s first-person account of what it’s like to have autism, with his advice on how to be a good friend to someone who’s autistic. The Autism National Committee called How to Talk to an Autistic Kid “one of the best children’s books on autism . . . This book will help the children and teens of today become the compassionate adults of tomorrow, as they learn how to relate to the increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with ASD.” Publishers Weekly said the book “clearly explain[s] the difficulties with communication and social interactions that frequently accompany autism, while urging readers to reach out to and stick up for autistic children.”
The Books for a Better Life Awards recognize self-improvement, self-help, and motivational books in ten categories, with five finalists in each. How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is a finalist in the “Relationships” category. The winners of the Books for a Better Life Awards will be announced during a ceremony at The New York Times Center in New York City on Monday, March 12, 2012.
###
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Minneapolis, MN (November 3, 2011)—Free Spirit Publishing is thrilled to announce that How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is a finalist for the 16th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards, sponsored by The New York City–Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. The awards honor authors of self-improvement books.
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski’s first-person account of what it’s like to have autism, with his advice on how to be a good friend to someone who’s autistic. The Autism National Committee called How to Talk to an Autistic Kid “one of the best children’s books on autism . . . This book will help the children and teens of today become the compassionate adults of tomorrow, as they learn how to relate to the increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with ASD.” Publishers Weekly said the book “clearly explain[s] the difficulties with communication and social interactions that frequently accompany autism, while urging readers to reach out to and stick up for autistic children.”
The Books for a Better Life Awards recognize self-improvement, self-help, and motivational books in ten categories, with five finalists in each. How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is a finalist in the “Relationships” category. The winners of the Books for a Better Life Awards will be announced during a ceremony at The New York Times Center in New York City on Monday, March 12, 2012.
###
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Saturday, November 5, 2011
How to Become a Freelance Writer: Interview with Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer's Coach
Ready to start a freelance writing business but you don't know how?
Have you been looking online for someone or something that will help you?
Then find out more about the Working Writer's Club in this interview with the club's founder and president, Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer's Coach.
The Working Writer's Club might be just what you're searching for!
Q: Suzanne, as the founder and director of the Working Writer's Club what is the first thing you would like people to know when visiting www.workingwritersclub.com?
A: I'd like visitors to know that our club is all about helping freelance writers learn to write better, make more money, and live the writer's life they've always dreamed of living.
Q: Having created your own successful freelance writing career you know what it takes to build momentum. What is one of the most critical steps a writer needs to take consistently to develop their own freelance writing career?
A: The most critical step is to develop your goals - you have to KNOW what you want before you can figure out HOW to get there. Yet, this is the one thing that so many new writers don't take the time to do - or at least they don't take enough time to do it well. They may think that "write a novel this year" is a goal. But actually, I think of a goal as something even BIGGER than that. Writing a novel is an action step toward a goal rather than a goal itself. To get to the goal, consider WHY do you want to write a novel? What do you want this novel to do for you or your career? Your answer to that question is closer to your goal (or at least one of your major goals).
Q: What advice would you give to a newbie in freelance writing? And the intermediate freelance writer that has seen some success, but seems to be in a holding pattern at the moment?
A: Whether you're a newbie or an intermediate freelance writer - or even a very experienced, successful writer - continue to learn from other successful writers.
Join our club or another organization for writers. Then take an active part in whatever group you join. Next, develop a focus for your writing and create no more than 3 major writing/career goals for yourself that you hope to attain within the next 12 months.
Also, constantly evaluate what you're doing to see if it's getting you closer to your goals. If it isn't, then change what you're doing.
Q: By becoming a member of the Working Writer's Club what can a freelancer expect?
A: Well, for one thing, you can expect us to help you create a focus for your writing career or your writing business. And, we can help you create no more than 3 major goals - so you'll get really, really clear about WHAT you want, WHERE you're wanting to go, and then we'll help you stay focused so you take the steps to attain your goals and build your writing career and/or your writing business.
Q: With the wealth of freelance writing information available on the Internet what makes the Working Writer's Club unique?
A: I think the one thing that makes the Working Writer's Club unique is that we're not out to get you into our club so we can sell you a bunch of other high priced programs or products. We just want people who love to write and want to build a business or a career around writing to join our club and make use of all the resources, information, training, networking and support they'll receive for just $9.99 per month. I think another unique thing about the Working Writer's Club is that we all genuinely have fun helping each other be more successful.
Visit the Working Writer’s Club http://www.workingwritersclub.com/ today and explore all they have to offer.
Thank you for your time. We look forward to your visit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Have you been looking online for someone or something that will help you?
Then find out more about the Working Writer's Club in this interview with the club's founder and president, Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer's Coach.
The Working Writer's Club might be just what you're searching for!
Q: Suzanne, as the founder and director of the Working Writer's Club what is the first thing you would like people to know when visiting www.workingwritersclub.com?
A: I'd like visitors to know that our club is all about helping freelance writers learn to write better, make more money, and live the writer's life they've always dreamed of living.
Q: Having created your own successful freelance writing career you know what it takes to build momentum. What is one of the most critical steps a writer needs to take consistently to develop their own freelance writing career?
A: The most critical step is to develop your goals - you have to KNOW what you want before you can figure out HOW to get there. Yet, this is the one thing that so many new writers don't take the time to do - or at least they don't take enough time to do it well. They may think that "write a novel this year" is a goal. But actually, I think of a goal as something even BIGGER than that. Writing a novel is an action step toward a goal rather than a goal itself. To get to the goal, consider WHY do you want to write a novel? What do you want this novel to do for you or your career? Your answer to that question is closer to your goal (or at least one of your major goals).
Q: What advice would you give to a newbie in freelance writing? And the intermediate freelance writer that has seen some success, but seems to be in a holding pattern at the moment?
A: Whether you're a newbie or an intermediate freelance writer - or even a very experienced, successful writer - continue to learn from other successful writers.
Join our club or another organization for writers. Then take an active part in whatever group you join. Next, develop a focus for your writing and create no more than 3 major writing/career goals for yourself that you hope to attain within the next 12 months.
Also, constantly evaluate what you're doing to see if it's getting you closer to your goals. If it isn't, then change what you're doing.
Q: By becoming a member of the Working Writer's Club what can a freelancer expect?
A: Well, for one thing, you can expect us to help you create a focus for your writing career or your writing business. And, we can help you create no more than 3 major goals - so you'll get really, really clear about WHAT you want, WHERE you're wanting to go, and then we'll help you stay focused so you take the steps to attain your goals and build your writing career and/or your writing business.
Q: With the wealth of freelance writing information available on the Internet what makes the Working Writer's Club unique?
A: I think the one thing that makes the Working Writer's Club unique is that we're not out to get you into our club so we can sell you a bunch of other high priced programs or products. We just want people who love to write and want to build a business or a career around writing to join our club and make use of all the resources, information, training, networking and support they'll receive for just $9.99 per month. I think another unique thing about the Working Writer's Club is that we all genuinely have fun helping each other be more successful.
Visit the Working Writer’s Club http://www.workingwritersclub.com/ today and explore all they have to offer.
Thank you for your time. We look forward to your visit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Dogs – November 2011 Issue
This time of the year brings back fond childhood memories of riding bicycles through the neighborhood with the leaves swirling around the wheel spokes and my collie, Champ, running alongside. What better way to spend a crisp autumn day but with the companionship of one’s dog. Looking back on this memory, the simplicity of the day is what captivates me the most. Time is fleeting and before you know it your children are grown and starting families of their own and that opens a whole other wonderful door for memories to be created.
For now cherish each moment and take the time out today and visit Guardian Angel Kids Ezine and captivate your children with the November issue of “dogs” with the delightful and unique poetry, stories, and articles that will surely spark up memories of time spent with your dog and times to be had.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine
FEATURED BOOK AND VIDEO:
Crash! Flip Book by Mayra Calvani and illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk
Poodle and Doodle by Donna Shepherd and illustrated by Jack Foster
CHILDREN’S POETRY, SHORT STORIES, AND ARTICLES:
“Dog-Gone Dog,” by Ellen Javernick – get that dog to stop barking.
“My Free Pup,” Carol Zook – the needs of your dog at different times.
“Michael Finds Lonesome,” by Barbara Bockman and illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen – Michael’s determination to adopt a dog.
“Beemer Rings the Bell,” by Allyn M. Stotz and illustrated by Jack Foster – An ingenious idea by a dog owner to get his puppy potty trained.
“Fido’s Long-Lost Resume,” by Jennifer A. Buchet – discover the original reasons why particular dogs were bred and their history.
“A Wolf in Dog’s Clothing,” by Mary Reina – The connection between humans and dogs.
FEATURED DRAWING, GAMES & ACTIVITIES:
Draw a dog with Painting Board
Featured Games from Books
Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.
We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.
Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to please!
The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.
###
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
For now cherish each moment and take the time out today and visit Guardian Angel Kids Ezine and captivate your children with the November issue of “dogs” with the delightful and unique poetry, stories, and articles that will surely spark up memories of time spent with your dog and times to be had.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine
FEATURED BOOK AND VIDEO:
Crash! Flip Book by Mayra Calvani and illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk
Poodle and Doodle by Donna Shepherd and illustrated by Jack Foster
CHILDREN’S POETRY, SHORT STORIES, AND ARTICLES:
“Dog-Gone Dog,” by Ellen Javernick – get that dog to stop barking.
“My Free Pup,” Carol Zook – the needs of your dog at different times.
“Michael Finds Lonesome,” by Barbara Bockman and illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen – Michael’s determination to adopt a dog.
“Beemer Rings the Bell,” by Allyn M. Stotz and illustrated by Jack Foster – An ingenious idea by a dog owner to get his puppy potty trained.
“Fido’s Long-Lost Resume,” by Jennifer A. Buchet – discover the original reasons why particular dogs were bred and their history.
“A Wolf in Dog’s Clothing,” by Mary Reina – The connection between humans and dogs.
FEATURED DRAWING, GAMES & ACTIVITIES:
Draw a dog with Painting Board
Featured Games from Books
Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.
We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.
Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to please!
The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.
###
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Blog Writing Ideas Contest Winner Announced
Congratulations to Denise of http://www.denise-roomtowrite.blogspot.com/ for winning: The Glimmer Train Guide to Writing Fiction: Inspiration and Discipline book.
A great conversation ensued with the Blog Writing Ideas contest held over the last two weeks.
Thank you to all who visited and commented. I am now a follower of your blog, if I wasn't already.
Here's to an inspriational day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
A great conversation ensued with the Blog Writing Ideas contest held over the last two weeks.
Thank you to all who visited and commented. I am now a follower of your blog, if I wasn't already.
Here's to an inspriational day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
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