My Writing Processes Blog Tour
Margot Finke tagged me to join the "My Writing Processes Blog Tour." Each week, authors post answers to four Writing Process questions, then tag friends to play along the following week. Read Margot's post, and learn what she's working on here.
I just received a sneak peek at the cover of a new book from Guardian Angel Publishing coming soon called "Miss Emma Ant." Emma is the head designer of the ant hills, but some of the other ants are jealous, thinking they can do a better job. Jack Foster is illustrating and with the fun text and his funny illustrations, I think it will make children laugh and help them to see that everyone has gifts and talents unique to them.
Jack and I have also completed another book soon to be released on Kindle. And of course, I always have a few others simmering on the stove.
On the grownup writing front, I'm finishing up a novella - something different and challenging, but I love it.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?I write across multiple genres. I've written adult fiction, non-fiction, and for children. I've also written workshops, songs, and many magazine articles and reviews. both print and online.
Why do I write what I do?
I write picture books because I'm four years old inside. I love to go back to a simpler time and see the world through a child's eyes.
How does my writing process work?
I usually see the end of a story, then a path to get there. The beginning is the last to get written. I'm left-handed so maybe that explains why I seem to work in a backward manner!
WHO'S UP NEXT MONDAY?
Hidden Picture - Can You Find the Animal in this Picture?
The dome on top of the bird feeder is supposed to be able to keep out critters. Did it?
PiBoIdMo and Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland
For the past three years, I've participated in PiBoIdMo or Picture Book Idea Month, the creation of Tara Lazar on her excellent blog, Writing for Kids (While Raising Them).
The challenge for participants is to create thirty picture book concepts in thirty days. Writers who register and complete the challenge are eligible for prizes. This year, I received a wonderful prize - a signed hardcover copy of "Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook" written AND illustrated by Michael Garland.
What a fun book! It tells the tale of a teacher with a magical storybook where the characters leap from the pages into the classroom. The word 'incredible' is used in the title to describe the storybook, but what's really incredible is the artwork. If you look closely, you see many, many favorite characters from your childhood fairy tales. I'm sure this book will inspire many children to develop a love for books and discover that reading is not just a chore or an assignment, but one of the most fun things you can do!
One Writer's Journey: Donna J. Shepherd, Ava's Secret Tea Party, plus #giveaway
Would you like to win a copy of "Ava's Secret Tea Party"? Click the link below!
One Writer's Journey: Donna J. Shepherd, Ava's Secret Tea Party, plus #g...:
AUTHOR: Donna J. Shepherd BOOK TITLE: Ava’s Secret Tea Party PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing
One Writer's Journey: Donna J. Shepherd, Ava's Secret Tea Party, plus #g...:
AUTHOR: Donna J. Shepherd BOOK TITLE: Ava’s Secret Tea Party PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing
Coloring Page - Santa and Ava
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Connie Wilson, Author, Visits Topsy Turvy Land
It's December and the start of the December showcase at the National Writing for Children Center. Today my guest is Connie Wilson. Day 2 of Connie's virtual book tour sponsored by the National Writing for Children Center.
The Writer's Life with Children's Author Constance (Corcoran) Wilson
I am a "streak" writer, and proud of it. It was music to my ears to learn at ITW (International Thriller Writers) conference last July in New York City that Anne Rice (Interview with a Vampire) is a streak writer, as well.
I do like to focus when I'm "in the zone". I cannot have distractions, or I procrastinate. My best (and longest) streak on one of my 4 novels (the first was a science fiction novel from Lachesis) took place when I couldn't leave the condo because of a blizzard---if that tells you anything.
After retirement, I purchased a 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom "Writer's Lair" in Chicago, where I hole up to write when I really need to meet a deadline. Since 2003, I have written 15 books and contributed to a couple of anthologies, as well as continuing to "write short."
That means that I still do such fun things for online blogs as cover the 2008 DNC and RNC and the Chicago Film Festivals, for Yahoo and other online clients. (I was named Content Producer of the Year for Yahoo in 2009 and just yesterday I went out to photograph a tugboat that is sinking in the Mississippi River near LeClaire, Iowa, and spilling fuel oil into the water.) Google Connie Wilson and sign up to follow my articles on Yahoo or on my own blog, www.WeeklyWilson.com, where I review film and books and write about interesting things.
It is true to say that I also bought the Chicago condominium because my son and his wife and granddaughters live in Chicago, and I thought my daughter was going to attend college at DePaul (she ended up in Nashville, TN!), but I do force myself to go to Chicago and isolate myself to finish projects that are "on deadline." Otherwise, I live on the border with Iowa in the Illinois Quad Cities (350,000 people).
I have 3 ongoing series (plus some random titles). The Christmas Cats books (www.TheXmasCats.com) are for my granddaughters and the girls are integral to helping me plot new books. They can't write yet at only 4, but, this way, I know that they will learn how to write well, by assisting me.
Another series I write is a novel series for adults and YA readers entitled The Color of Evil, with the second book (Red Is for Rage) named a Pinnacle Thriller winner in spring, 2013 by NABE (National Association of Book Entrepreneurs) and soon to be featured (December, 2013) on Shelf Unbound online magazine as a Page-turner Winner. Khaki = Killer will be out in February.
I was named Midwest Writing Center Writer of the Year (March 20, 2010) and Illinois Women's Press Association Silver Feather Winner (June 6, 2012) by the Chicago chapter. I've written for 5 newspapers and 11 blogs.
Since 2003, I have averaged 4 books a year. I have an agent, and I've had 6 small publishers, but, with the advent of POD printing and self-publishing, I'm enjoying publishing my own works as Quad Cities' Learning, Inc., doing business as Quad Cities' Press (www.quadcitieslearning.com).
You can read more about my adult works at www.ConnieCWilson.com. Be sure to learn how to follow the rest of this tour by going to www.writingforchildrencenter.
Oodles of Fun Thanksgiving
Liz Ball shares a Hidden Picture Puzzle for Thanksgiving. Hidden Pictures Publishing released the first book in Mama Donna's Topsy Tales Series, Topsy Turvy Land
. Enjoy!
. Enjoy! *Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Topsy Turvy Moment and Blog Tour with Giveaway with Cheryl Malandrinos
We've all had moments when our life, career, or writing journey turned topsy turvy. Things change - many times for the better, although it might not seem so at the time.Today my guest is Cheryl Malandrinos. Let's read about her life-changing moment when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"
Have there been times when everything turned ‘topsy turvy’? Gosh, do you have a few hours? I guess when you’ve chosen a career that consists of pouring out your heart and soul for days, weeks, months, maybe years and then hoping others find it worth buying, you’re bound to have some ‘topsy turvy’ moments.
Perhaps the most challenging moment was when I realized I couldn’t count on my husband to support my writing career. When he declared writing was akin to a figure skating competition—no matter how good you are, it’s up to the judges—I knew it meant trouble. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a wonderful man. But he’s also a numbers guy. And when it comes to writing, the numbers don’t often add up. With two young girls at home, living mainly off one salary can be hard.
The reality is I can spend weeks fine-tuning a project and it still gets rejected. I’m in the middle of it right now. I wrote a fractured fairy tale that I absolutely love. So far there’s no love coming from the agent end. Good thing quitting isn’t in my genes.
Writing has been my dream since I was around six. It took until I became a stay-at-home to pursue that dream; I can’t turn my back on it now. Though my husband has suggested putting my writing on hold several times, selfishly I rarely contemplated it. When I sat down to write an article about my less-than-supportive spouse for a potential anthology on the topic, God gently reminded me of something I told my son and daughter-in-law on their wedding day:Cheryl is the author of "Little Shepherd" (Guardian Angel Publishing).Since 2007, Cheryl has been an online book publicist specializing in virtual book tours. She is a member of the SCBWI, a book reviewer, and blogger. Visit her online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ or http://ccgevry.com/.
“Compromise isn’t about grudgingly giving up what you want. It’s saying I love you so much that I want to do this for you.”
Our compromise: I wouldn’t stop writing, but I would look for part-time work outside of the house. This way, I can keep writing and still help to alleviate my husband’s financial concerns. I’m also trying to submit more often in the hopes my writing income increases. That would be a win for both of us.
About Little Shepherd:
Obed is in the hills outside
Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior's birth. Can he trust
that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he
visits the newborn King?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Little Shepherd Virtual Book
Tour Schedule
Nov 4
Book spotlight at The Story of a Writer
Book review at Margo
Dill’s Read These Books and Use Them!
Nov 5
Book review and interview at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books
Nov 6
Guest post at I’m A
Reader, Not A Writer
Nov 7
Guest post at This
Little Book of Mine
Guest post at Topsy Turvy Land
Nov 8
Interview at Between
the Covers
Nov 11
Guest post at Marilyn’s
Musings
Guest post at Authors
and Appetizers
Nov 12
Book review at Janet
Ann Collins On Words
Guest post at Bookingly
Yours
Book review and giveaway at Mom
Loves 2 Read
Nov 13
Book review at Maureen’s
Musings
Nov 14
Guest post at The Children’s
and Teens’ Book Connection
Nov 15
Guest post at Paperback Writer
Book trailer reveal at Broken
Teepee
Nov 18
Book review at Blooming
with Books
Nov 19
Book review at Nancy
Stewart Books
Radio interview at Stories from
Unknown Authors at 1 PM.
Nov 20
Guest post at 4
the Love of Books
Book trailer reveal at Thoughts
in Progress
Nov 21
Guest post at Literarily
Speaking
Nov 22
Book review at Cheryl’s
Book Nook
Nov 23
Book review at Freda’s
Voice
Nov 26
Book trailer reveal at CelticLady’s Reviews
Nov 27
Book review at ASC Book Reviews (ASC Photos
and Designs)
Guest post Tribute Books Reviews and
Giveaways
Nov 29
Book spotlight at Cheryl’s Book Nook
Coloring Page: Trick or Treat from Poodle and Doodle!
Jack Foster, illustrator of Poodle and Doodle
, shares this wonderful coloring page. Enjoy!
, shares this wonderful coloring page. Enjoy! 
Coloring Page of Chizzy for Trick or Treat
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Poodle and Doodle say, "Trick or Treat!"
Jack Foster, illustrator of Poodle and Doodle, shares this wonderful coloring page. Enjoy!
, shares this wonderful coloring page. Enjoy! 
*Click
on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be
colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the
picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out
using your photo program.
I Won a Book! - "The Spy Game" by J.D. Holiday
You know the contests you see on blogs all the time? Be sure to enter when you have time (and of course - if you're a child, ask your parents first!). I won a book by J.D. Holiday called "The Spy Game." It's a lovely story about a little boy who wants a puppy, but instead gets an older dog. As he feeds and walks the dog, he gets to know and appreciate the uniqueness of his new friend - and he gets involved in a mystery, too! I hope you'll check out "The Spy Game."
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