Book Review and Author Interviews

Author interview with Katy Farber about new book release SALAMANDER SKY

March 8, 2018February 17, 2019 admin

I recently became acquainted with a fabulous group of writers. We all have one thing in common. We are 2018 debut picture book authors. We have a new website that promotes our books. You can find all of us at: Fireworks and Foliage Debut Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

One if the authors is Katy Farber. Her book, SALAMANDER SKY released this week. I’m thrilled for her accomplishment, and wanted to take a moment to interview her and get the inside scoop. Her book looks fascinating!

Here is the link where you can order SALAMANDER SKY online:

Order SALAMANDER SKY on Amazon

Katy, thanks for stopping by! I’m so glad you could join me today to talk about your new book, SALAMANDER SKY. If you don’t mind, let’s get right to the questions!

It seems like you have a true passion for nature. Have you always had this passion, or was there a life experience that caused it to exist and/or grow?

I remember visiting my grandmother and wading up the stream behind her house. I loved the way the mud felt between my toes, and discovering growing tadpoles among the mossy rocks. But I also remember my parents calling me in from the creek, saying, that water is polluted! The pipe above stream is pumping in waste! I was outraged in my 8 year old body. I wrote a series if tiny books about that creek, a local river, and a giant teddy bear that was missing an eye. Turns out, the bear saves the creek and river from pollution.

The tree behind my house was my world away from everything. I would take my pillow up into the giant tree and read, draw and daydream for hours. These memories fueled the kind of writing I do today.

I can see how the wading experience would leave quite an impression on you as a young child. I love that you were a writer even from a young age. I’m also fascinated by the giant tree–that seems like something out of a book. Every child should have a tree like that! I know I would’ve loved one.

My next question is… what inspired the story Salamander Sky?

Salamander Sky was a poem I wrote when considering the brief, magical, and fleeting migration events on the dirt road in front of my house. I had always loved searching for salamanders and frogs in the spring, and had been helping them cross safely for years. Then I had my daughters, and I knew I wanted to share this with them. We have gone out and helped the salamanders and frogs cross since they could stay up late enough to join me. I thought about how I could inspire kids and families to head out into the rainy nights and experience the magic themselves, and I wrote this story.

But really, the inspiration started long before that, when I found my first newt in a Pennsylvania creek and found it fascinating and beautiful.

That sounds like a really fun parent-child adventure! For those of us who have not ever experienced a salamander crossing, can you describe the experience more in-depth? What is the highlight of experiencing it? If you go out to try this, what should you bring? What should you wear?

The highlight for me is when the light from your flashlight falls on a tiny, vulnerable creature, and you go to it, carefully pick up, visit for a moment, and release it safely. You see the tiny toes, the round eyes, the long tail. There is a deep connection, a feeling of purpose and warmth in knowing that you helped this creature survive.

You should wear all your rain gear, rain books, a reflective vest, and a headlamp. If your children are very young, a bucket helps for placing the animals in gently for the crossing. You should wear a ball cap so water doesn’t drip into your eyes, and prepare to get wet! It is all part of the experience. You are also teaching your children to not be afraid of the night and dark. Of course, be on the constant lookout for cars and have a plan for moving to the side of the road immediately if one is coming, no matter what.

I think I found the next thing to put on my bucket list. Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing! My next question is in regards to those who read SALAMANDER SKY. What take-away do you hope your readers gain from your book?

I hope that readers take away an awareness of the importance of salamanders to forest ecology and the biodiversity of our world, and how they can participate in citizen science to help vulnerable populations of different species. I hope readers fall in love with the salamanders like I have, and vow to protect nature in all the ways they can. I also hope we inspire more girls to become scientists and activists.

I love your answer! I hope they they gain those take-aways, too! I am also curious, who is your illustrator?

I feel so lucky to have Meg Sodano’s incredibly beautiful and moving illustrations in this book. They extend and deepen the story, they inspire, they transport, and they so clearly teach about the spotted salamander species, and April and her mom’s experience and joy in helping them.

Let’s get practical. I’m sure you have a few writing tips and techniques up your sleeve that could really help beginning writers. Would you mind sharing some advice?

Write with reckless abandon. Explore your world through words, write about what bothers you, how you think the world should be, whatever is in your mind. Silence your inner critic and anyone else who limits your ideas. Bring a journal with you everywhere– capture ideas and your thoughts before they move on.

Those are some excellent words of wisdom. And, I just have to ask…do you have any other future works to promote?

I have two other works in various phases right now, but I would love to share about my middle grade eco-adventure novel published in 2015 called The Order of the Trees (Green Writers Press). Cedar was found as a baby under an old growth tree in the northern Vermont woods. She’s as different from the other kids as she could be. Cedar finds her first friend, Phillip, and shares her forest home with him. When Cedar suddenly falls ill Phillip has to figure out why and fast– before he loses her forever.

I learned something new about you today. I didn’t know that you are also a middle grade author. That is so wonderful. A big congratulations on your 2015 eco-adventure novel, and now, with this debut picture book. SALAMANDER SKY looks very fascinating! I wish you all the best. Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with me today!

Katy Farber website

Katy Farber is a writer, researcher and educator from Vermont. She has loved and defended salamanders since standing in a Pennsylvania creek at the age of ten. Salamander Sky is her first picture book. Her other book for children is a middle grade novel called The Order of the Trees, which won Green Earth Honor book award in 2015. She also writes about education, the environment, parenting and sustainability for various websites and publications.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Introducing…Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

February 17, 2018February 17, 2019 admin

Buy book on Amazon

This wonderful new book in the Love Letters from God series is another treasure, helping children to understand the depth and significance of the Easter holiday.

It is divided into 7 sections emphasizing different elements of the Easter story, each with a note to the reader from God, helping to apply each lesson to his/her life.

The sections are:

King of Kings–the Ride into Jerusalem

What Love Looks Like–Washing Feet

The Secret Supper–Last Supper

The Gloomy Garden–Gethsemane

The Darkest Day–Crucifixion

The Quiet Cave–Burial

The Super Surprise–Resurrection

I loved the depiction of Jesus showing what love looks like, washing the disciples’ feet.

I loved the pages that described heaven and how to get there.

And most of all I loved the description of God working inside the tomb.

“But inside that quiet cave God was working. If you tried to peek inside, you couldn’t see anything. If you stood outside and put your ear to the big stone, you couldn’t hear anything. If you tried to imagine what was happening, you couldn’t. But inside, God was doing something utterly amazing. Something only God could do.”

I love Glenys’ writing because although it is written for children, I still find a take-a-way for myself as an adult, too.

I am in a season of waiting for God. I need to believe that even though I can’t see it, hear it, or imagine it, HE IS AT WORK!

Thanks Glenys, for your writing. It touches and encourages souls of all ages.

I would highly recommend buying this book for any little readers in your home!

Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.

Glenys blog/website

Glenys on Twitter: @GlenysNellist

Book Review and Author Interviews

Author interview with Rebecca J. Gomez

January 20, 2018February 17, 2019 admin

I’m thrilled to welcome children’s book author Rebecca J. Gomez to my blog today. Rebecca is the author of WHAT ABOUT MOOSE (Atheneum 2015) and HANSEL AND GRETAL: NINJA CHICKS (Putnam 2016).

Rebecca, thank you so much for being willing to join us and answer a few questions. I can’t wait to hear the inside scoop on your writing.

Let’s get to the questions!

First, I see that you have a writing partner, Corey Rosen Schwartz. How did you get started working together? How do you collaborate together to create a manuscript? Do you still write together?

Corey and I met in 2005 when we were members of the same online critique group. Corey liked working with a partner, and she asked me if I would consider collaborating. I said yes, and we have been writing together ever since!

We do a lot of brainstorming together. Once we hit on an idea that appeals to both of us, we open a document on Google drive and just start writing! For the most part, we write together from beginning to end, but we occasionally separate if we get stuck or if our visions aren’t completely meshing.

Technology makes that possible–so fascinating. That must involve a lot of mutual trust and respect. Your collaborations have definitely produced some wonderful books!

I wanted to ask you about rhyme and rhythm. Your book WHAT ABOUT MOOSE demonstrates that you have a wonderful flair for rhyme and rhythm. Do you have any “tips” for authors who are trying to hone their skills at rhyming?

Thank you! I think one thing that makes my and Corey’s rhyme really work is that we live in different parts of the country, so what rhymes for me doesn’t always rhyme for her. We have to work extra hard to make sure the rhymes “work.” This is true for the rhythm too. I think authors who write on their own can learn from that. So one piece of advice is to find a variety of readers, especially readers who talk a little differently than you, to see how well your work flows for them.

I also suggest reading a lot of rhyming books and taking note of what works and what doesn’t. Rhyming well is hard work, so don’t do it if you’re not willing to commit. In truth, no rhyming book will be perfect for every reader, but it’s worth the effort to make it as smooth as it can be.

I never considered the different ways of pronouncing English, and I’m even a language teacher. Great advice!

Next, I noticed that you are working on a middle grade fantasy novel. How is the technique for picture book writing different for you than when you are writing a longer manuscript? Which you do you prefer and why?

In some ways it’s very similar. When I write, whether it is a short picture book or a novel, I tend to focus on getting the story down and not worrying about good writing. Then I let the draft sit before reading through it to tackle revisions. For a picture book, I leave it for a few days or a week. For a novel, I leave it for a few weeks at least.

But writing a picture book, especially a rhyming picture book, is generally harder than writing a novel. I think that’s because there is so much story to fit into so few words. When I’m writing a novel, I feel like I have so much room to work with, so much of the story and characters that I can explore. There’s a sense of freedom that I don’t have when writing a picture book. But I love the unique challenge that writing a picture book presents. A well-written picture book is one of life’s best things.

That said, my favorite thing to write is the verse novel. It combines the conciseness of a picture book with the freedom of a novel. It’s the best of both worlds!

Now I really respect you! (I have to admit I googled verse novel) A verse novel sounds very complicated. I admire the skill it would take to do that!

The next question comes from your social media presence. You seem to have a heart for parent-child connection through reading. I notice you offer a free ebook, “How to SUPERCHARGE your story time,” and I see that you tweet regularly highlighting activities that parents can do with their children after reading a story. What advice do you have for parents in today’s world of technology when it comes to reading with their children? Why do you feel it is so important?

Books and reading played a significant roll in my childhood. Though I don’t have a lot of specific memories of reading with my parents, poetry, stories, and books are woven in to my childhood memories. I remember books being around, especially Dr. Seuss and Shell Silverstein, and I can still hear my mother’s voice reading The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service. And I remember my mother telling me about her favorites and recommending some of them to me as I got older.

There are lots of reasons to read with your children, not the least of which is that it helps establish a foundation for learning. But to me, the best reason to read with your kids is because of the way it helps you connect with them. Sharing a story is like sharing an experience that opens doors to discussions and even more experiences! That’s the thought behind my Read, Discuss, Do! social media campaign. When you read with your child, discuss the story with them, and do a fun activity together, you are creating fond memories, building a foundation for learning, and creating connections that will last a lifetime.

My advice to parents is to read with their children every day, even before their children are born. I also think it’s important to make “story time” as pleasant as possible. Some kids are always willing to curl up with their mom or dad for a story. Other kids want to go, go, go! So, work with your kid. Read to them while they’re busy playing with blocks or splashing in the tub. Read to them at bed time or on the road. Don’t stop just because they get old enough to read on their own. Talk about the books you read together, and the books your kids read on their own. Draw pictures, act out stories, make the recipes at the ends of books! You can check out #ReadDiscussDo on Facebook and Twitter for more simple ideas.

I also think it’s important to delay your children’s access to electronic devices as long as possible in order to encourage them to seek more healthy options of entertainment. This may seem obvious, but look around at how many parents are letting their toddlers play games on a tablet or phone when they are in public. It’s disheartening. Give your children books instead! (Or let them get bored. It’s good for them.)

I couldn’t agree more! Keep up the great work producing resources for parents! I love the #ReadDiscussDo activities that you suggest!

Finally, I have to ask, what’s next? Do you have any upcoming publications that you can share with us?

Corey and I have a picture book forthcoming with Scholastic titled TWO TOUGH TRUCKS, which will be published some time in 2019, with a sequel to follow. I also have more news that I hope to be able to announce soon. Stay tuned!

WOW! Congratulations! Two truck books on the way AND the promise of an announcement! We will definitely be watching for your good news and celebrate with you!

Click here for Rebecca’s website

Author bio:

Rebecca J. Gomez doesn’t know much about building a tree house, but she is an expert at setting up blanket forts! When she isn’t building forts or writing books, she enjoys reading, making recycled art, and hanging out with her family. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, three kids, two poodles and one parrotlet. Visit her online at RebccaJGomez.com

Once again, Rebecca, thank you very much for taking the time to stop by and chat with me. I learned a lot from your answers and I wish you all the best!

Author life, Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Writing tips with Jackie Yeager, Author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

January 9, 2018February 17, 2019 admin

Thanks for joining me again today, Jackie. Congrats on the release of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB! I appreciate you being willing to share some writing tips with us. I would love to glean some wonderful words of advice from you!

First of all, I would like to talk about character development. As an author, how do you go about creating your characters to be unique and realistic?

That’s a great question and something that’s so important because a story may have the most fabulous plot, but if the reader doesn’t care about the characters or relate to them on some level, they’ll never read to the end. When I create my characters, I usually have some hard to define ambiguous quality that gets me wanting to write about them in the first place. It could be their way of speaking, their mannerisms, or their determination—something that pops into my head and makes me want to write about them. Once I have an idea like that in my mind, I can add on to it. The most important thing for me when creating characters is to make them memorable. So hair color or height is not so important but a unique characteristic is.

When I created Kia Krumpet, the main character in Spin the Golden Light Bulb, I knew that she was going to be a very determined and focused eleven year-old, with tunnel vision—a sort of one track mind when it came to the competition in the story, the Piedmont Challenge. From there it was easy to add characteristics like biting her nails—a lot and talking about the Piedmont Challenge—a lot in almost an obsessive way. I had to be careful not to make her stereotypical though, and instead unique. I guess that’s the challenge we all have when creating characters!

Secondly, I am curious about how to develop sequels. When you began this novel, did you plan it to have a sequel, or did that just come about naturally through the writing process?

I guess I would say it came about naturally through the writing process. When I originally began thinking about the plot for Spin the Golden Light Bulb, the first of THE CRIMSON FIVE books, I had no idea that it could turn into more than one book. At first, the story was simply about an over-the-top creative problem solving competition based loosely on my experience as an Odyssey of the Mind coach. But as the ideas began to solidify in my mind, I realized that the world I was trying to create was pretty big and it was going to be very difficult to fit all of my ideas into one book!

At what point then did you know you had sequel material?

As I molded the plot, I soon realized with certainty that it would take more than one book for me to tell the entire story of these five kids. Breaking the story into two books was actually quite easy because it revolves around a competition and the different levels involved. So I decided to write a stand-alone book only, leaving the door open for a sequel, and developed a loose outline for the second book right away.

Do you think there is potential for a third book?

Yes, I do think there’s potential for a third book! With these five kids and the world they live in, it’s very possible. With that said, the sequel, is also written as a stand-alone book. But, never say never. I do have a loose outline written for a third, so you never know!

I hope that happens! I think the whole process is fascinating. As a writer of picture books, I admire the skill of creating a “world” as you have done!

Once again, thank you so much for your willingness to talk with us and share your writing tips! I wish you all the best with SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB and its sequel.

About the author:
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could. When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games. She does a lot of cheering! She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals. They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

You can find Jackie at her website:
http://www.swirlandspark.com

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