Tag: book launch team

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Jackie Yeager, middle grade debut author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

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Book summary:
An eleven year old and her four teammates (The Crimson Five) discover a world full of spinning bunk beds, floating playgrounds, and an invention task more complex than anything they’d prepared for at home.  These kids are on a competitive adventure in a world of magical realism where anything is possible.
Jackie, so glad you can join me today!  I can’t wait to hear your answers to my questions. 

 First off, I love the behind-the-scenes information when it comes to how authors get their inspiration.  I have read that you based SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB off of an Odyssey of the Mind Competition in which you were involved.  I would love to know, what is the Odyssey of the Mind Competition?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving competition. Kids work in teams of 5-7 and are supported by one or more volunteer coaches—usually a parent. They work through the school year on a one of five long term complex problems. On competition day, the team presents their solution to a panel of judges in the form of a skit. That day, they also solve an on-the-spot type verbal, hands on, or verbal/hands on problem that they are not given until they walk into the judging room. The program helps to develop team work and creative problem solving skills and is available in many schools around the country. My kids were lucky that there was a strong Odyssey of the Mind program already in place in their school district.
So your own kids were in this competition and you were the coach?

When my daughter was in fourth grade I coached her team and continued to do so for several years after that. When my son was in fourth grade I began coaching his team as well. The kids had a lot of fun through the years and I did too. 
Sounds fun!  Can you tell us what happened with that team and how you used it as a springboard for the novel?
In 2011, the first year that my son’s team worked together, they placed first in the regional competition and earned a chance to compete at the New York state competition. It was an amazing experience and the kids were just thrilled to be competing there. In a shocking turn of events, the team placed second at the NY state competition earning them a chance to compete at the World Finals along with 850 other international teams and teams from around the US. It was an amazing experience for all of us—not just for the kids and me but for all of our families too, one I’m sure none of us will ever forget. It was like being at the Olympics of Imagination, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, parades, and incredible performances by kids from all over the world! 
At the time, I had been querying another middle grade novel, without much luck. It was during and after our trip to the World Finals that I realized that this could be the bases for an incredible story. It took me a year after that to formulate an idea, not really an Odyssey of the Mind Story, but a story of five kids who compete in something on a larger than life scale. It eventually became the backdrop for THE CRIMSON FIVE books.   
That is fascinating.  I am also curious whether there is a scene in the novel that you are most proud of or that was most difficult to write?
                                                                                            
There’s a heartbreaking scene between Kia Krumpet (the main character) and her Grandma Kitty that was particularly difficult to write. It’s a scene where I hope to show the moment in a child’s life when he or she realizes that a family member (like a parent or grandparent) is not perfect—that moment when that illusion is shattered. It happens to every child at some point in their life and can be a defining moment for them. 
Now you have my interest piqued!  I will enjoy reading how you handled that delicate scene.  

Is there a takeaway you hope your readers have after reading your book?

I’m all about positive thinking and dreaming big. One of my favorite quotes by Kia Krumpet is, “I know my chances stink, but somebody has to win. I pick me.” That quote is not meant to show that Kia is conceited but rather that her dreams are bigger than her present reality and she’s not afraid of them. I hope if there’s one thing my book will inspire readers to do, it’s to Dream Big!

That is beautiful!  The sky is the limit when we dream big!  Love it!  
When will SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB be available for pre-order?

The publication date is January 9, 2018 but it’s available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also through any independent bookseller on the IndieBound website. Here are the links:


Finally, I’ve heard that there is a sequel!  Is that true?  If so, can you share the title of the sequel and its release date?
                  
The sequel to Spin the Golden Light Bulbis Flip the Silver Switch and it’ll be released on July 10, 2018 almost exactly six months later.



Ooh–congrats on the sequel, as well!  2018 is going to be a special year for you.  I’m so happy for you!  Finally, I’m sure everyone is so curious to know…what happens when you spin the light bulb?

I definitely cannot give that one away. Kia and her teammates would be disqualified from the competition if I did! But…January 9th is coming fast, so at least you won’t have to wait too long to find out! 

Well, I tried 🙂  I can’t wait to read the book and find out!     

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mindy. It was fun answering your questions!

You’re welcome!  I’m hoping you’ll join me again sometime soon!  I want to ask you about some writing tips…


Sure thing!

In the meantime, best wishes on this fabulous book and its sequel!
Author blog: www.swirlandspark.com  (Jackie has a BOOK NOOK where she recommends great middle grade fiction, and SCRIBBLE TIPS where she gives helpful writing advice, along with her fabulous blog entries)
Twitter:  @JackieYeager
What is Magical Realism? It is realistic fiction that includes an element or two that relies on the reader believing in magic or the possibility that it could happen in the future through science. Jackie’s book is futuristic magical realism relying on the possibility of things being different in the future.

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

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.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Interview with Glenys Nellist and Book Review of ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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On Christmas Eve, many families read Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”  Now, thanks to Glenys’s beautiful words, they can share the story of Jesus’ birth to the familiar rhythms of an old classic.

In my opinion, Glenys has a natural gift and flair for rhyme and rhythm.
Here is a sample from one of the darling pages:

“Now donkeys, now cows, now pigeons, and sheep,
Now oxen and mice in the manger did peep.
His eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples so sweet,
As they nuzzled his fingers and cute little feet.”

One of my favorite rhymes describes the shepherds:

“They ran to the stable and peeked through the door,
And saw something never imagined before!
There, in a manger, a baby boy lay–
No blankets, no pillow, his bed made of hay.”

It is a wonderful book!  If you would like to buy it, here is the link on Amazon:

Link to buy ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas on Amazon

And, as a treat to all of you, Glenys is here today to answer some of my questions.

Hi Glenys, welcome!  I’m so glad you could join me on my blog!  Let me congratulate you on your newest book (well at least I think it is your newest) ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas.  I absolutely love the cover with the three wisemen.  But it is the rhyme and content of the words that I admire the most.

But, since I can’t wait anymore to hear your answers to my questions, let’s get started…

First, do you have a process you use in order to tell God’s story in such new and creative ways?

Well before I begin any new project, I pause to ask God to help me and to be with me as I write. Since I believe that God’s creative, Holy Spirit is limitless, and IN all of us, I always pray that God would show me a new, creative way to share the story. 

That is beautiful.  God definitely answers that prayer!  In my opinion, you have a special way with word choice, rhyme, and rhythm.  Besides that being a natural gift, is there anything else you have done to improve that skill?

I do three things in particular: Firstly, I pay attention to other writers, such as Crystal Bowman (who is the queen of rhyme), to see how they do it. Secondly, I always read my poems out loud because it helps to see if the words fit and flow. The third thing is that I literally count the syllables on my fingers,to make sure that the rhythm of each verse is consistent and concise.

I can picture the counting on the fingers thing, because I have tried it.  I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who does this! Another question I have is,  Looking back over the last three years as an author, how has God surprised you?

When I look back on the last three years, I am completely and utterly amazed that one little book became a series of four (soon to be five!), which led to another series (Snuggle Time) and more titles beyond that. I can honesty say that although I work hard as a writer, I don’t really know how that happened. The only possible explanation is the principle of Ephesians 3:20 at work in my life: God is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I could ever ask or imagine.  


God has done an immeasurable blessing.  And as your friend, I have had a chance to see how genuine you are.  I love how your beautiful heart shines through everything you do.  I am sure may people reading this are wondering, what advice do you have for aspiring authors?  

Pray a lot, work hard, be patient, and NEVER give up. 

That sounds like great advice!  I do want to know, what is the most rewarding part for you in writing picture books for children? 

For me, the most rewarding part is reading my words to them. Children are a great audience!  Also, because I’m British, but live in the USA, when I visit schools here to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the British author.” Then, when I visit schools in England to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the American author!” It is so cute, and a total win-win for me! 

I can see how that would be very rewarding.  Also, I would love to visit Britain!  I have been there before, but I can never get enough travel.  And btw, I do love your accent.  It is very charming!

My last question is…What’s next?  Do you have any new projects that you are able to share with us?  
Well EASTER LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD will be on the shelves in January, along with two cute titles for Mother’s and Father’s Day, called  GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL and GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL. I’ll also be making an exciting announcement soon, but I can’t say any more about that at the moment!

Three new books around the corner is so exciting!  And I can’t wait for your announcement.  Well I guess I will wait, but it will be exciting 🙂  So thrilled for you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.  I wish you all the best!  Thanks, Glenys!

    

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist’s Website
Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author
Book Review and Author Interviews

Book Promo of HOME FIELD and Author Interview with Laurie Winter

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 “Lyrical, emotional and utterly romantic, Home Field reminds us of what’s most important in life: home, family and most of all, love.”
 ~Karen Rock, award-winning romance author of A League of Her Own
Summary:

One year after her husband is killed in action, Julie Ellis is back in her hometown and focused on raising her young son. Then Reagan Harrison burst into her life–a cocky, charming, linebacker who leaves her off balance.

As a successful, professional athlete, Reagan believes he has it all. But after meeting Julie, he finds every excuse in the book to spend time with her. Despite his best efforts not to fall too hard, Reagan envisions a future with Julie, along with the little boy he’s come to love as his own.

While Reagan’s love begins to mend Julie’s spirit, she can’t suppress her continued deep devotion to her late husband’s memory.  And when a letter arrives from beyond the grave, Reagan resolves to provide her with the answers she desperately needs to heal. Now Julie must choose either to keep her heart closed off or remove the lock and fight for a future with Reagan. Can a second chance at love be just as sweet?

Amazon
Wild Rose Press

Author interview:

Q. Tell us a little about your journey to publication. What were a few of the bumps in the road (if any), and how did you persevere?

A. I’ve had more than a few bumps in the road to publication. During the querying process, I had plenty of rejections. I also entered Home Field in various contests. Some feedback was very helpful, while others stung. In the end, though, they all made for a stronger manuscript. I signed with Jessica Schmeidler from Golden Wheat Lit in the summer of 2015. I was offered a three book deal later that year. I had received my covers and was working on the blurb and edits when out of the blue I received an email from the publisher stating they were shutting down. The entire process almost broke my spirit, but I never lost faith in my writing. My agent, Jessica, acted fast and got my rights back asap. She got in touch with The Wild Rose Press, and they offered a contract for Home Field. I now have three books of the Warriors of the Heart series contracted with them.

Thanks for your transparency. I know I can relate to your story on many levels, and it is an encouragement to hear how your perseverance paid off!  I’m so thrilled with the happy ending you are able to share with us!  

Q. Do you have a special connection with the military that allowed you to have special insight into your characters’ perspective?

A. Both my grandfathers served in WWII. One served in the Army as an airplane mechanic, the other in the Navy. I have relied heavily on reading first hand written accounts from current and former members of the US military. A few I would highly recommend are Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Lions of Kandahar by Kevin Maurer and Rusty Bradley.

I am sure you are so proud of your family legacy in the military.  And, I love book recommendations!  I will give those a try.  

Q. As an author do you have a special technique that helps you to create believable and realistic characters? Did any of the characters undergo a transformation that surprised you by the end of the writing process?

A.  Authors become both directors and actors during the writing process. When I write a scene, I visualize the space and the characters, and then let them play out the action. It’s good to feel the emotions along with your characters. Cry, laugh, punch a wall (just kidding). If you as the author feel the emotions, so will your readers.

My characters in Home Field stayed pretty much the same during each draft. I did have to work on giving them faults, as well as giving them moments when they weren’t so nice. Real people aren’t always pleasant. Flawed characters help build tension in a story.
I agree that flaws make the characters more interesting and well-rounded.  It is fun to picture you punching a wall (ha ha).

Q. Do you have a particular scene or chapter that you are the most proud of or that was the most difficult to write?

A. My favorite and most difficult scene to write was the dream sequence with Julie and John. I told my family to leave me alone so I could write the emotional scene. I think my exact words were, “Don’t bother me unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire.”

I can see where that would be very emotional.  Your family sounds very supportive. 

Q. What is a takeaway that you want your reader to have from your book?

A.  I hope readers come away with a belief in second chances. Despite Julie’s pain and fear, she was lucky to find love again with a wonderful man like Reagan.

I am thankful for the second and sometimes third/fourth chances that I have had in life.  It is never too late!


Q. Is this book a part of a series? If so, when is the next title being released?


A. Home Field is the first book in the Warriors of the Heart series. There are a total of five books in the series. Book two, True Horizon, is deep in the editing process right now. I’m hoping for an early 2018 release date. True Horizon is up on Goodreads. Please add the title to your bookshelf!
I will definitely do that!  

About the author:
Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she’s enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.  
Excerpt:
            “Thanks for understanding me.” Julie softly kissed his cheek. The rough stubble tickled her lips. “Even when I don’t understand myself.” She went to sit in her chair to finish her cup of coffee.
            At that moment, she noticed the kitchen. What an unbelievable mess! Who’d actually cooked breakfast…aclass of rowdy five-year-olds? She gave Reagan a sideways glance, to see him moving the last piece of waffle around his plate, collecting any remaining egg and syrup. “Did you use every bowl I own?”
            He was the messiest cook she’d ever seen. A huge pile of dirty dishes sat on the counter, covered in dried waffle batter and egg. Bits of syrup-laden crumbs dotted the kitchen floor, like a sticky breadcrumb trail.
            His smile held no hint of guilt, and he shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”
            No, not perfect—but he was pretty darn close.


The Warriors of the Heart series is a refreshing take on contemporary romance.  Each book highlights the strength of those who have served in the US military, along with the emotional fortitude of those who love them.

Laurie:  Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us a little of your writing journey and inside scoop to this fabulous book.  I wish you all the best!