Children's Playground Week 13-An Interview with Jennifer Garden

Today, we will give highlight to work of a famous blogger in our community, let’s welcome Jennifer Garden and her lovely Children’s Books…She has two books published and her third book is cooking and will be done soon…instead of digging deep to her particular books, let’s hear what she has to say about publishing as children’s author of 6 years…

Bio:  Author and Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine-Jennifer Gladen, she also does Book Reviews on Children’s Playground at Bluebell Books, To have your book reviewed, please send an e-mail with your book, info and contact information to jennifer_gladen5@msn.com

Why do you decide to get published?

I have always loved writing for children and always knew this is something I wanted to do. Once my children were born and I was home with them for a while (I have 3 children and 2 of them have chronic medical problems) I decided to pursue my writing.

What kind of books do you have out there?

I have two published books : A Star in the Night and Teresa’s Shadow.  My third one, Angel Donor, is being illustrated and should be out shortly.  All three are children’s picture books. 

Angel Donor is a special book about a young girl in need of a liver transplant. When my own daughter was going through this situation herself, I tried to prepare her by reading about it, but we couldn’t find anything out there.

Teresa’s Shadow - Every child once in a while expresses a fear at bedtime. Some fear the dark. Some fear the possibilities of monsters. Some, fear both!

One night at bedtime Teresa discovers Corky, a furry visitor, in her room. Corky is no ordinary monster. In fact he seems just as scared as Teresa. Teresa soon realizes she must help Corky get home. But how can she when she’s afraid of the dark and Corky is afraid of the light?

A Star in the Night: Geared for children 5-12, this is a Christmas story about the true meaning of Christmas. Is it all about the shopping, gifts, cookies and parties? Or is there something more David is missing?

As taken from the book's blurb: "David makes his way home on Christmas Eve and sees this is no ordinary night. Accompanied by a shimmering star and some tough decisions, David encounters three experiences that will change his view of Christmas forever. Join David on his wondrous journey home."

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for over 6 years.

Do you have previous publishing experiences?

Yes. In addition to my picture books, I have written poems,articles and stories for publications such as Once Upon a Time, Stories for Children, Voices for the Unborn. I also write for a column on Catholic Mom. In addition I started my own Catholic magazine for children.

What is the reason you choose the host of your publishing? 


I chose Guardian Angel Publishing because I Iike the books they publish and I respect the authors who have had their work published there.

Which part of the book do you believe is most charming to readers? Please include 2 or 3 poems in your book. For fiction, please pick out a paragraph to share.

Here is a paragraph from A Star in the Night :

A longhaired man with a beard clung to the curb

inches away from the crowd of holiday shoppers.

Softball sized holes engulfed his white clothes. The

man spotted David and limped closer to him. A chill

ran down David’s back. He knew he shouldn’t talk to

strangers, and this one smelled terrible!

Do you have any hints on how to get published?

Keep at it. It may take several rejections before your first publication.  If you stick with it and accept any advice from an editor, you will succeed. Remember, it takes time.

Check out Jennifer’s Books from Links Below: She is a gem writer for today’s children!

A Star in the Night at Amazon

Teresa's Shadow at  Amazon:

To read her and know more about her books, please visit:

Her Blog: http://jgladen.blogspot.com/

Her Book Site:http://a-star-in-the-night.blogspot.com/

Sunday Interview Week 12

Traditional publishing is of most attractive during the past decades, yet, due to tense competitions and extensive numbers of populations who wish to get published, self-publishing has rapid growth during recent years, today, we have the opportunity to meet a supportive and  talented poet from our community to see how he has chosen to get self-published, he is a Texas resident and supports 

Thursday Poets Rally, Jingle Poetry Community, and Bluebell Books (Short Story Slam)!

Why do you decide to get published?

I had been writing Daily Encouragements and emailing them to family and friends for about one and one-half years, when I decided to publish a book of Daily Encouragements. The purpose was quite simply to honor my mother. It was she who inspired me to write encouragements, and I wanted to honor her by presenting the book to her for Christmas in Decemebr of 2010.

What kind of book you have there?

As I stated above, the book is a book of Daily Encouragements. The more familiar term is Daily Devotions, but I try to keep my writings uplifting, and hope they encourage those who read them each day. The book is called "Be Still... and know that I am God."

How long have you been writing?

I started writing right after I met my wife, Sherry, in 1996. I had always wanted to write--I'm an avid reader--but always felt I wasn't educated enough to do it. Sherry, it turns out, is very smart and when she saw what I could do with respect to poetry and spinning tales, she volunteered to be my editor. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have written hundreds of poems and short stories, and--I've lost count--approximately a dozen novels.

Do you have previous publishing experiences?

Yes. I have two novels published in the thriller genre; The Devil's Dust - 2000, and Shelter – 2001

What is the reason you choose the host of your publishing?

I chose West Bow Press to publish my book because they seemed to have the best package of publishing and promotional tools for the price. I also liked the fact that they are connected to a parent company, Thomas Nelson; one of the most prominent Christian based publishers in the world. I thought if my book was moderately successful, it would be good to be in their proximity.

What is the cost of getting everything done?

The package I used which included many promational tools and features has thus far cost me around $5000.00. However, I have invested another $3000.00 in advertising, promotional touring, and other expenses.

  

Which part of the book you believe most charming to readers?  ....  please pick out a paragraph to share.

Due to the type of book this is, I cannot really pick a favorite, although I can supply you with one written about my favorite Bible verse,Philippians 3:13:

August 4

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

I had to write an encouragement to you (but more to me) using this verse. This has been “my”verse for about twenty-five years or so. I claimed it as mine back then due to a mix-up with some church-league softball shirts. The pastor of the church and I had both chosen the number three, and I told Him to keep the number for his shirt, and I would change mine. I came up with the idea to find a verse that said something about me and change the 3 to 3:whatever. After much searching through all the chapter threes in the Bible, I came to this one, and on the back of the shirt I placed Philippians above the 3, and :13 beside it. A lot of the guys followed suit—no pun intended.

The verse fit me well back then, and it still fits today. I may know more about God, I may understand God better, but I do not consider myself as having even put a dent in what there is to know and understand about Him. But one thing I do: forget what is behind and strain forward to what is ahead.

I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life—some big, some small and everything in between—but I’ve learned to let them go and move on. Some of them still linger in my mind and maybe always will, but I don’t let them get me down like I used to. I’ve found loving God is a full time job, and the pay is great. Some of those mistakes hurt me, and some hurt others; some were costly. But I learned something from most of them—I seemed to always have to learn the hard way. And as for the costly ones, Jesus paid for those. Yes, sir, He paid them all.

Thank you, Jesus.

Page 216

Do you have any hints on how to get published?

Since my books are self-published, I really can't give advice on how to get published. with self-publishing, it is simply a matter of finding a reputable firm, and a price you can afford.

Do you have a favorite author?

I have tow, actually; Stephen King and Robert McCammon. Both of them are talented beyond my comprehension. I have lots of other authors I enjoy reading though, as I read an average of a novel every couple of weeks. One or two favorites just wouldn't keep me in reading material!

What are your major inspirations?

At this time, my inspiration comes mostly from my love of God and His love for me, but I am also greatly inspired at the notion that the things I write encourage people who read them. This is true mostly with regard to my Daily Encouragements, but I believe even the poems and stories I share on my blog are at times encouraaging, comforting,, and inspirational to those who read them. Helping others in this small way, is a tremendous blessing and inspiration to me.

What’s your writing plan for the future?

I do not plan to publish anything in 2011, and have no definte plans for 2012. I would like to publish more "encouragement" books, but I am also strongly considering publishing some books of poetry, and books of short stories. A book of my memoirs might also be in the works, and another novel or two is not out of the realm of possibilities.

PS: I have answered all the questions as best I can, but if something peaks your interest and you would like more information, don't hesitate t contact me. 

Read me at

www.charleslmashburn.wordpress.com

Thanks a ton for your input at Bluebell Books today, Charles, we love your work, best wishes in your future agenda.

   

Sunday Interview on Kim Nelson

 Hello,

This is Luna and today we have interviewed Kim Nelson from  www.Kimnelsonwrites.com

On her new chapbook, Woman’s Evolution. She is a wonderful poet and it is my honor

To do this interview. Please go to her site and read some of her poetry and you WILL want to go and get her book. So let’s get started!

So Kim Why do you decide to get published?

I had  previously published three nonfiction books and wondered if  my poetry was good enough to attract a commercial publisher, so I began submitting manuscripts to test the waters.

What kind of book do you have there?

Woman’s Evolution is a traditional poetry chapbook, which means it contains about 25 poems  in a paperback format, with an artwork cover.

How long have you been writing?

I cannot remember a time when I did not write. I am a writer in my essence, having kept journals, manuscripts and note books  filled with poems, outlines and stories from the time I was a child.

Do you have previous publishing experiences?

Yes. Rio Nuevo Publishers  released my first two books, A Desert Gardener’s Companion and Southwest Kitchen Garden. Behler Publications released my third book, Mommy I’m Still in Here, which I wrote using a pen name.

What is the reason you choose the host of your publishing?

In all four cases, the publisher chose me and then we agreed to the contract terms, including royalties.. This is the normal course of events.

What is the cost of getting everything done?

I did not pay for any of my manuscripts to be published. In all four cases, I received payment from the publishing companies. 

Which part of the book do you believe most charming to readers?

I think  more than any given part, the flow and progression of the poems will most intrigue readers. The book is laid out to guide one through a woman’s personal evolvement. This is its strength, it’s hook.

Do You have a couple poems you would like to share with us

N My YOUth

A child alone yet never lone

A spirit quashed before could hone

An intellect mocked and bemoaned

But in the world, seemed fine.

Injured, broken, damaged, scared

I let few know, I rarely dared

What consequence, when tempers flared

Hurt, pain, no obvious sign.

I lost myself before I grew

Then sought to find that self in you

Safety, peace, my soul renew

A chance (who knew?) was mine.

Into your shelter I would steal

Your faith my inner self revealed

I learned love, kind and gentle, real

My light, you lit. I shined.

Into the world I then could go

My growing sense of self aglow

With confidence and certainty know

I was, I AM, divine.

Focused Energy

Wherein lies the value

Of your focused energy?

Will it bring joy, peace, love?

Serenity?

Will it improve the life of a child?

Enlighten the beguiled?

Soothe the wild?

Will it offer civility?

Increase good will?

If not,

Why

Are you

So

Focused?

Do you have any hints on how to get published?

Take the risk to share your work with others. Edit and revise when necessary. Write and rewrite and rewrite again. Be brave enough to endure the myriad rejections that inevitably precede acceptance and publication.

Do you have a favorite author?

I read voraciously, in nearly all genres. If you’re asking about poetry, Billy Collins, Mary Oliver and Robert Frost are the poets I read and re-read most frequently.

What are your major inspirations?

My writing has always been inspired by my personal experiences and by nature. One or both weave through every poem or piece.

What’s your writing plan for the future?

I’ll do what I have always done. I’ll simply write… every single day.  At the moment, I’m ensnared in poetry’s web, and quite enjoying the experience. That might change. If it does, I’ll write something else. The Good Husband keeps telling me to write a good sex story. “It’ll make you rich!” LOL!

Kim Nelson

kim@kimnelsonwrites.com

www.Kimnelsonwrites.com

Here are two links for purchasing Woman’s Evolution:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65150107/womans-evolution?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=Woman%26%2339%3Bs+Evolution&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fbooks_and_zines

http://finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm  Scroll down to listing, alphabetical by author last name.

 

The book will soon be available on Amazon.com as well.

Thank you Kim, We wish you all the best in your new book!

This is Luna from Luna’s world http:lunawitch15.wordpress.com saying adieu for now.

Sunday Interview Week 4-Luna, The Gem Poet

Hello, My name is Luna, and I am doing an Interview For The Book Titled, “ Survivor” By Mia Lombardi

It is a book of poetry That I wrote to help others know that whatever they are going through, They can make it through, Because I have. I felt that it could not just have my own poems it it because there are so many people who have gone through so much so I also have poems from other poets.

K.Shawn Edgar,
Paula Tohline Calhoun
Celeste Mixer.
Riki Hutchison
Adriana McCutcheon
And my brother
Atreyu Lombardo.

So now some questions I will answer for you.

Why do you decide to get published?

I really have wanted to help others know that life is really hard, but you can get through it.

What kind of book you have there?

I like to think that this book is an inspirational book that will help, guide, and encourage others that may have lost faith.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember, But I never thought to be a writer, I had always wanted to own my own bookstore. Everyone kept telling me I was crazy for that dream, and then after My car accident which left me with mild brain damage and was told I could not work anymore, I gave up my dream and This happened instead.

Do you have previous publishing experiences?

Of a sort if you count I used to design poetry based websites for people in my spare time.

Fifteen years ago I came up with my own trademark, Dreamsagain Designs.

I have never published a book before though.

What is the reason you choose the host of your publishing?

Amazon was pretty easy to follow and upload, and everyone I know buys from them.
So it seemed like the most logical choice. They also let you keep all rights and you can distribute elsewhere such as bookstores and Libraries.

What is the cost of getting everything done?

For me it had cost around $50 dollars, but There are options that can make it go higher.

Which part of the book you believe most charming to readers?

Ooo I am not sure charming would be the right word. I have been told by a few readers that Some have really moved them. Here are a couple that people have mentioned to me so far.
Just because I left


Just because I left
don’t mean I don’t love you
Just because I left
it doesn’t mean i don’t care
Just because I left
don’t mean
I’m not your little girl anymore.

I need my mommy
I need My dad
Just because I left
it don’t mean I’m not sad.

We all have dreams we want to follow
We all have things we want to share
When I wake from bad dreams
I still want you there.

I wanted to stay
I needed to go
What was I supposed to do?
I don’t know.

I left.

But I love you so.
Please don’t get angry
Please don’t be sad

I’m still your little girl
and I need my mom and dad.


I love you both
till the end of time.

The Ballad of the Unread Poet

By Paula Tohline Calhoun

In vain she has searched
Feeling besmirched
By all the un churched

yet unwashed

Who read not her work
But dismiss with a smirk
Like she's some young Turk

and unwashed.)

Now, how on earth did this start?
Oh yes! she was falling apart
In search of readers with heart

though unwashed.

But she's found no one who'll care
To read her abominable fare
With plenty of guts to spare

all unwashed.

But without rhyme or meter
She has neither fan nor reader
Alas! Are there none to heed her

so unwashed?


Do you have any hints on how to get published?

There are many great publishers out there that will publish your book if you are willing to wait up to a year, but that is why I decided to self publish my own. I did not want to wait!

Do you have a favorite author?

I have several depending on the genre, but right now I am reading
Kim Harrison, YasmineGalanorn, Laurell k Hamilton, and Dean Koontz

What are your major inspirations?

Life what happens in it, and the beauty that we see if we care to look.

What’s your writing plan for the future?

The second volume of Survivor, which will deal with; you have survived, now you need to remember to see the beauty that is still out there and continue to dream.


The link for the kindle edition is;

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZS8PBO

and the link for the print edition is;

http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Poetry-lost-broken-downtrodden/dp/1461122953
/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306716334&sr=1-3

and you can also find me on my blog

Luna’s world at http://lunawitch15.wordpress.com/