Inspiration for my Two New Children's Books

Thanks to OTP for publishing two more of my children’s picture books. Both books were published this month and are about Monarch butterflies. Butterfly Girls is about two young sisters who find a butterfly chrysalis in their backyard and watch for the butterfly to emerge. The butterfly teaches the girls how to fly, and the girls spend many happy hours flying with their new friend. One day, the butterfly disappears, and the girls are deeply disappointed. They soon learn that the butterflies have migrated south for the winter and more will return in the spring.

When Caterpillars Dream is about a Monarch caterpillar and what she dreams while in her chrysalis becoming a butterfly. She dreams about the incredible journey she will take south for the winter once she emerges. In the course of this dream, she learns to trust her instincts. This book introduces children to the life cycle and migration patterns of Monarch butterflies in a fantasy format.

The inspiration for both books came two year ago when I gave my two granddaughters butterfly habitats, so they could watch butterflies grow from a tiny egg to a full-grown butterfly. I saw how excited they were to view this process and how delighted they were to let the butterflies fly away, once they had emerged from their chrysalis. I thought what fun it would be to actually fly with a butterfly and wrote Butterfly Girls for them.  After that, I became intrigued about what went on in the chrysalis and what caterpillars might dream while becoming butterflies. After researching the migration patterns of Monarchs, I decided to write When Caterpillars Dream as a fantasy with basic information about the incredible journey Monarchs take, flying south for the winter.

We have a Monarch habitat nearby where they congregate during the winter. I felt these two books might be a natural for sale at this habitat and at a local wildlife museum, as well as the normal bookstores, gift shops and children’s stores. And of course,  children (especially little girls ) love these amazing insects. I've learned it's always good to think ahead.

Friday Round-Up for June 14, 2013

Welcome to the Weekly Round-Up everyone. Let me take a moment to thank SUNNY FRAZIER for giving me the opportunity to do this very important job. I also have to give her a pat on the back because you Oak Tree Press authors have a LOT going on! It has been quite an eye opener to compile all of the information this week. I hope I can continue to do as fine of a job as she has been doing. Please send me all of your happenings, big or small. If I miss a beat please let me know, you can reach me, SUZI YAZELL, at otpoffice@aol.com. Also, here is a picture of me, so you all can put a face to my name...I guess that is appropriate since I have been corresponding with you for almost two years! With that said, on to the Round-Up!

MARILYN MEREDITH has received many 5 star reviews on Amazon for “Angel Lost” the 7^th book in her Rocky Bluff P. D. series. Reading through these reviews, it seems that her entire series is a huge hit! LORNA COLLINS, OTP author of “Ghost Writer” says it is the best of the series – so far. Way to go, Marilyn! http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Lost-Dark-Oak-mystery/dp/1610090055/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370970496&sr=1-1&keywords=Angel+Lost+by+F.+M.+Meredith

 


ILENE SCHNEIDER, author of “Unleavened Dead” has a very nice review by Denise Zendel. Click the following link to give it a look: http://cozymysterybookreview.com/?p=3697

 



CHRIS KULLSTROEM, author of "Deadly Roles," continues her series of seminars. The latest being,"Drawn to the Dark: The Social Benefits of Halloween.” Her website is www.monstersandbooks.com

OTP would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to JOHN M. WILLS, author of the upcoming novel “The Year Without Christmas.” John would like to announce the launch of his blog which is dedicated to writing and related matters. I took a peek at his blog and it looks great! Welcome to the OTP family, John.

http://jwillsbooks.com/ 

On June 13, JAMES CALLAN, author of "A Ton of Gold" had an interview on Paul Western-Pittard's site, "That Thing I Said." I took a look at the site, which is wonderful, but James' interview isn't posted yet. Please keep an eye out for it at:
http://cerullean.net/author/ceru8167/






On June 17, JAMES will have an interview as author of "Character: The Heartbeat of the Novel" on Mary Lou Writes at  http://bit.ly/14JGAk4.

Also on June 17, he will have an interview on Heidi Glick's blog. Wow, James, you have been busy!
http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

 

 

 

MARJA MCGRAW, author of The Bogey series, is featured on the Kittling: Books, Your Scene of the Crime blog. It’s an in-depth interview with great questions. Please take a look at the following link: http://www.kittlingbooks.com/2013/06/scene-of-crime-with-author-marja-mcgraw.html

Cathy at Kittling:Books also read and reviewed “Bogey Nights.” She said that she really enjoyed the book. Here is a separate link for that review:
http://www.kittlingbooks.com/2013/06/bogey-nights-by-marja-mcgraw.html

BERYL REICHENBERG, children's picture book author, has two new books published by Oak Tree Press. "When Caterpillars Dream" and "Butterfly Girls" are both about Monarch Butterflies. Told in a fantasy format, these books include many facts about Monarchs and their migration patterns. They will delight children ages three to seven. Both books are now available through Oak Tree Press. Just look at these covers, so colorful, I think they are fabulous!

MIKE BEFELER, author of “The V V Agency,” gets a nice mention on the Boulder Bookshelf website http://www.dailycamera.com/books/ci_23411734/books-by-boulder-county-authors-range-from-fiction-real-life

 


 
SUNNY FRAZIER, author of "Fools Rush In" has an interview over at Maria Ruiz' site on how a book goes from submission to production. Check out the following link:

www.mariaruizauthor.com

ROBERT WEIBEZAHL, author of the just released "The Dead Don't Forget," offers copies of his book to two lucky winners at a Good Reads Giveaway. The contest runs until June 25. http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/54212-the-dead-don-t-forget

 

 

 

 

Students from a local school went to visit Miss Liberty recently. Everyone received a "Liberty's Legion" lapel pin. “By joining Liberty's Legion, they will wear these pins on their own summer vacations and, as a band of ambassadors, just like Liberty, will encourage friends, relatives, and fellow travelers to come to Taylorville and view ‘the world's only statue of Abe Lincoln and a pig,’” said CAROL ALEXANDER. Carol's book, "The Big Squeal" is going to be available as paperback soon and is getting a lot of attention. The photo below is of the real Miss Liberty being visited by the children.

COMING EVENTS

On June 15, J. L. GREGER and her canine companion, Bug, will be doing a question and answer period on J. L.'s OTP books, "Coming Flu" and "Murder: A New Way to Lose Weight" at the Menaul Book Exchange (9409 Menaul Blvd., Albuquerque).

 

 On Wednesday, June 19, WENDY GAGER, author of The Mitch Malone series, and three other local authors talk about our road to publishing at the Newaygo Area District Library at 6:30 p.m. in Newaygo, Michigan. For details, go to:
http://wsgager.blogspot.com/2013/06/local-authors-kick-off-summer-reading.html

BERYL REICHENBURG, author of children's books, will be at the Coalesce Bookstore on Main Street in Morro Bay, CA on Saturday, June 22 from 2 pm to 4 pm to sign her Wildlife Series books, “Wild Africa, Elephant Families in the Wild,” “Wild Hippos” and “Backyard Birds.” She will also be demonstrating how to fold accordion books to children. Drop by and join the fun! 

BLOG CORRAL

JOHN BRANTINGHAM, author of  “Mann of War,” is downsizing his living space to open up space for more adventures:
http://venturegalleries.com/blog/packing-up-and-leaving-our-distractions-behind-the-authors-collection/

On June 20, J. L. GREGER, "Murder: A New Way to Lose Weight," will be the guest blogger on the TBR blog. Her title is "Why is dieting like solving a murder?"
http://tbrtheblog.blogspot.com

JOHN DANIEL, author of “Behind the Redwood Door,” wonders about how "historical" a historical novel has to be, on his blog this week. How far back in time do you need to set the story? check it out: http://johnmdaniel.blogspot.com/









DAC CROSSLEY, author of The Border Trilogy, has a blog post about chigger mites. Also, old favorites of Dac's; the topic of his dissertation and his renewed interest at the Museum. But right now - when will chiggers appear? Let him know, if you would!

www.daccrossley.typepad.com.

What stops writers from entering writing contests? Afraid of competition or is there something more at stake? SUNNY FRAZIER can't help but wonder--and write about the conundrum. http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/the-contest-conundrum/

Also, here is a link to SUNNY's monthly blog for Novel Spaces. I love her title: Is that a cowlick in your bangs or are you just happy to see me?! Check it out, it is a great read:

http://novelspaces.blogspot.com/2013/06/is-that-cowlick-in-your-bangs-or-are.html

 
JAMES CALLAN, author of “A Ton of Gold,” had a guest blog titled, "Quiet Time is Quite Important" on www.venturegalleries,com.










That wraps up the Round-Up! Our Oak Tree Press Authors are busy, busy, busy! Be sure to share the link to our blog so we can get the word out on our awesome authors and everything they have been doing. Have a great weekend everyone :)

Joan Parker, Robert (Spenser) Parker's, wife, has died

Hi, folks:

Sad news but for those who may not have heard, Joan Parker has died.

She is the widow (I never liked that word but can't think of another way to say it) of Robert B. Parker, author of the Spenser novels, among others. He died three years ago.

Nice obit here from the NY Times. I got a sentimental laugh upon reading that she is survived by, among others, a grandson -- named Spenser.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/books/joan-h-parker-inspiration-for-heroine-of-spenser-mysteries-dies-at-80.html?hpw

Is public speaking fun?

By W. S. Gager

 I thought I would continue with Beryl Reichenberg’s  post from Sunday about the class she did and how you always learn from each one you do. I enjoy doing public speaking appearances. And, no, I’m not crazy. Even when I try, no presentation is ever exactly like another.

My favorite presentations are with seventh graders. It is part of an enrichment segment for students who are interested in writing at Vandercook Lake Schools. I usually go a couple times a year to talk to students. I have an hour to discuss what makes good characters and how to describe them without telling. I use some crazy hats that students get to wear and we talk about what the characters would be like wearing it. Then we tip it, turn it or in some way adjust it and what does that say about the character. The energy and creativity is awesome and always makes for a great start to the day. (These presentations start at 7:45 a.m.)

This is Joey from A Case of Infatuation.

I also do presentations with adults but those are more difficult to get. I have teamed with the writers in my critic group to do some speaking in the area. We will be the first author speakers at a newly-expanded library in Newaygo, MI, next Wednesday. We have another set at the Artsplace in Fremont, MI on Aug. 1. For each one we have picked a different topic to discuss and we write in different genres and formats. to provide a variety of information. There will be four of us and because we are together, hopefully we will get a bigger turnout.

Being prepared is the biggest thing to make you feel comfortable standing in front of people, but that being said, you can’t be rigid. You have to be able to flow with questions that may take the discussion in another direction. Sometimes the things you think will be successful aren’t and you have to quickly regroup. Just don’t panic. Pause, and take a look at your notes. To you that time seems very long but your audience doesn’t even realize it. When you are taking about something you are passionate about, you will be entertaining and your audience will love you. If they love you, they will buy your books. Everyone wins!

Award winning mystery author W.S. Gager has lived in Michigan for most of her life except when she was interviewing race car drivers or professional woman's golfers. She enjoyed the fast-paced life of a newspaper reporter until deciding to settle down and realized babies didn't adapt well to running down story details on deadline. Since then she honed her skills on other forms of writing before deciding to do what she always wanted with her life and that was to write mystery novels. Her main character is Mitch Malone who is an edgy crime-beat reporter always on the hunt for the next Pulitzer and won't let anyone stop him. Her third book, A CASE OF HOMETOWN BLUES, was a finalist in the 2012 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS is the latest in the Mitch series.

 

Writing and Publishing Children's Stories: A Class for Adults

 

                                   

         I was expecting four adults to attend my class on Writing and Publishing Children’s Stories. When I arrived at the Curious Cup Bookstore, I found that thirteen people had signed up. Fortunately, I had enough handouts for that many participants. 

The class was to run only an hour. Those that came were in various stages of their creative journey. One woman had already self-published a book; while another woman came because writing stories for young children sounded like something she might like to do. Most of the participants had started a story or had an idea of the kind of book they wanted to write.

         We sat around a big table and introduced ourselves. I had asked them to say something about where they were in this process and what they wanted to learn from the class. That way, I could tell how to structure my presentation.

         I started the class with the definitions of children’s books, focusing on each genre and how they differed from one another. Then I moved to a more detailed discussion of picture books. This was the type of book the majority of those present wanted to write. Then, I turned to how to write a story and some considerations that must be taken into account, including types of illustrations and size of the book. The final part was reserved for publishing, both self-publishing options, as well was traditional publishing.

         In looking back, I learned valuable lessons about giving this class. Some of the things I did were effective. In other instances, I learned where I could make improvements in both my presentation and timing.

1.    Definitely have handouts that summarize the presentation and bring more copies than anticipated. I basically followed the information in these handouts in my presentation.

2.    Circulate an email signup list. I told them that this was in case I found something else on the internet that might be of interest. Next time, I’ll include a column where they can specify what information particularly interests them.

3.    Hand out business cards and brochures and encourage class members to contact me if they have further questions or need something clarified.

4.    Sit around a table, if possible. Participants feel more comfortable and can  

     interact with one another in a more relaxed atmosphere.  Thus the class 

becomes more of a discussion, than a lecture. I encouraged questions and participation.

5.    I started on time. Nobody wants to wait for those people who are late. After all, people value their time and so should I.

6.    Have samples and examples of what I would be discussing, preferably from my own books.

7.    I tried to pack in too much information. I should have allowed two hours rather than one. Although I stayed late until I had answered all their questions, some people had to leave, and I found I rushed through the last part of the presentation.

8.    Send out emails afterwards, asking for comments and suggestions.

9.    Thirteen people seemed to be enough given the size of the room. I would not have wanted more than 15 participants.

Maybe you have other suggestions that I should try next time. I could consider a power point presentation for a large audience. I’ve never done one, so I would need to learn how to set one up and practice.  However, I liked the informality of the class as I had structured it, and I think those who attended did too.

Beryl Reichenberg, Children's Book Author and Illustrator, has five books published by Oak Tree Press. Two new books, Butterfly Girls and When Caterpillar Dream, have just been published. She also has five Wildlife books available through Amazon.

Today's Blogger: Shirley Skufca Hickman

I’m a writing junkie. I’m addicted to words, selling books and praise. Promoting my romance novel, Sarah Darlin’ continues to be surprising and fun. A retired policemen from L.A. loved the book and wants a sequel.

I spoke to the Unitarian Fellowship on Mother’s Day, and at first I wondered how I could connect the holiday with my novel, but then I thought about my mother and how she supported whatever I wanted to do. She always told me, “You can do anything you want as long as you’re willing to work hard.” 

The Porterville Art Association carries my books in their gift shop for a 20% profit. They also opened the gallery for me on Sunday for my interview for the television show, California Life with Heather Dawson, which reaches eleven million homes. Before the interview I wrote a list of questions for the reporter to help me focus on what I wanted to say. I told the reporter to ignore the list if he wished, but he used all of the questions. The tape will be shown after it is edited.

I offered my quilt club 20% of the profit on the sale of my books. This worked well in the past and enlarged my readership. Some people who never go into a bookstore or online will buy a book to support their clubs.

Since two articles have appeared in our local paper about my books, I’ve had people ask to buy them when I’m at the market, exercising, and even the lady at UPS wanted one. Now I carry a few copies in my car.

I am very proud of Sarah Darlin’ and look forward to the debut of Fall in Love with an Orange Tree or a Book.

Shirley Skufca Hickman

WEEKLY ROUND-UP FOR JUNE 7, 2013

This is the start of a busy summer for Oak Tree Press authors! Street fairs, library events, book store appearances and even some radio air time. Get in on a book give-away and have a laugh at the You Tube video of a reading flash mob—sort of. 

On June 2, TERRY AMBROSE, author of “License to Lie,” appeared at the RB Alive! street fair in Rancho Bernardo, CA, where he met plenty of new readers while promoting his novel. And, on June 6, he met with the Grantville Kiwanis Club to discuss how to avoid scams and cons

A Local Christian radio station just aired a one-hour interview with DAC CROSSLEY about writing, writers, Texas and GOK. Dac says “This was quite different for me. I've had short interviews, mostly science reporting, where I knew what was coming. Today was entirely unscripted. I followed a sermon by a black minister and ended with a program of gospel music. All in all -- an experience.”

http://oconee.patch.com/articles/theyre-here-and-uga-wants-your-cicadas#photo-14645320

Also, check out two of Dac's blogs in the Blog Corral.

NYU Alumni Arts and Science blog/newspaper is putting up a note about "Dragon Sutra" by RICHARD MARRANCA. Says Richard: “I have MA and doc from NYU -- I paid them a fortune so I'm glad they're coming through on this.” Ha!

D.R. RANSDELL, author of “Mariachi Murder” said: “I had so much fun watching Sunny's flash mob scene that I wanted to do something similar. I didn't have enough people for a mob, but I did gather some friends and make a little video. I had fun, they had fun, and if I'm lucky, I might get a few people interested in my book!” This one is fun to watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBx7wUZ3PA8&feature=youtu.be

MARY MONTAGUE SIKES was notified that her novel, "Daddy's Christmas Angel", that was entered in the adult readers category in the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest has won Third Place! Although she probably won't get to Salt Lake City, Utah for the awards banquet in August, she’s excited that others love "Daddy's Christmas Angel" too. Her book went to the National competition after winning First Place in the Virginia Press Women’s Communication Contest. Congratulations Monti!

On Monday, she was Alex Cavanaugh’s first guest feature interview about the A to Z Blog Challenge. Here’s the link:

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2013/06/challenge-participant-feature-mary.html

Sikes talked about her writing journey at the Gloucester Point Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday. She gave some of the background of how her travels inspired her books.

One of our just released novels, “The Dead Don't Forget” by ROBERT WEIBEZAHL, got a great Amazon review. "This is the first time I've read one of Robert's books, and I was pleasantly surprised. Surprised because a LOT of mysteries are set in LA environs, and I tend toward third-person in selecting what I read, BUT, Billy Winnetka (what a great name) is so very engaging, likable, and a character I could cheer for! I also like a lot of secondary characters in books, especially ones that are multidimensional, and this book has a lot of great characters. And I loved the set scenes, and as a movie-land outsider, found them very interesting. I didn't feel this was just another LA/Hollywood book, but a unique look into a particular segment of the film industry. I read right through in one sitting on a particularly windy day when I could just curl up and read. Robert's writing is professional, snappy, but also rich in places. I enjoyed visiting with Billy!" We have to agree!

Robert offers copies of his book to two lucky winners at a Good Reads giveaway. The contest runs until June 25.

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/54212-the-dead-don-t-forget

The Thousand Oaks Acorn gave Robert some love as well:

http://www.toacorn.com/news/2013-06-06/Community/Local resident publishes crime novel.html  

COMING EVENTS

MICHAEL BLACK, author of  “The Incredible Adventures of Doc Atlas” and “Pope's Last Case. . . .and Other Stories” will be showing at Printers Row on June 8 & 9 in Chicago.

On Wednesday, June 19, WENDY GAGER, author of the Mitch Malone series, (latest: “A Case of Volatile Deeds”) and three other local authors talk about our road to publishing at the Newaygo Area District Library at 6:30 p.m. in Newaygo, Michigan. For details, go to:

http://wsgager.blogspot.com/2013/06/local-authors-kick-off-summer-reading.html

BERYL REICHENBURG, author of children's books, will be at the Coalesce Bookstore on Main Street in Morro Bay CA on Saturday, June 22 from 2 pm to 4 pm to sign her Wildlife Series books, “Wild Africa, Elephant Families in the Wild,” “Wild Hippos” and “Backyard Birds.” She will also be demonstrating how to fold accordion books to children. Drop by and join the fun. 

BLOG CORRAL

DAC CROSSLEY, author of “The Return of the Texas Ranger" (cover coming soon) talks about the Seventeen-Year Cicadas in Georgia. He also does a patriotic salute to D Day:

www.daccrossley.typepad.com.

JOHN DANIEL, author of “Behind the Redwood Door,” has three good stories up and the challenge for next month up on his blog:

http://johnmdaniel.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-duchess-speaks.html

LESLEY DIEHL, author of “Dumpster Dying” and “Chilled, Grilled and Killed,” begins Sunday on her blog a discussion of  places where mystery writers could hide or find a body. She hasn't exhausted the list of possible locations, so you're invited to join in the fun by suggesting some spots of your own.

http://anotherdraught.blogspot.com

WENDY GAGER, author of the Mitch Malone series, is the featured author on Jungle Red Blog with Hank Phillipi Ryan as host. She's talking hockey and how it made it in the pages of her book:

http://www.jungleredwriters.com/

MARJA MCGRAW, author of the Bogey series, talks about lessons learned the hard way. Check out the free book promotion:

http://www.marjamcgraw.com

SHARON MOORE, upcoming “Mission Impastable,” writes about "What's in a Name" on her "Parsley, Sage, and Rosemary Time" blog (it's about titling manuscripts). She shares the culinary mystery titles she plans to use, and then gives away nearly four dozen others!

http://sharonarthurmoore.blogspot.com/2013/06/whats-in-name.html

Over at "Write Away," Sharon posts the final entry on writing a business plan.

http://samwriteaway.blogspot.com/2013/06/getting-down-to-business-part-iv.html

P.J. NUNN, promotion maven, and author of soon-to-be-released “Angel Killer,” posted a must-read blog on promotional madness:

http://bookbrowsing.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/is-there-a-method-to-your-promotional-madness-by-pj-nunn/