Harold Underdown's take on Children's Books and the Recession of 2008-09

For years,
Harold Underdown's Purple Crayon has been the
place to go when you need nitty-gritty information
about all aspects of writing
and publishing books
for children.


Purple Crayon
Still Delivers the Goods!

Read Harold's take about the effects on those
Working in Children's Books and the
Recession of 2008-09

(The Purple Crayon Blog January 2009 / Revised June 2009)

For more than a year the attention of everyone working in the U.S. children's books publishing industry has been focused on the economy. And though 2009 began with some reasonably good news about retail book sales in 2008, and early information for 2009 suggested only modest declines, we still feel uncertain about the future of our industry. I've followed the news and write these comments to put what's been happening in context, to share my thoughts about what could happen in the coming months, and to suggest how we should respond.

Keep in mind that publishing generally does not move in synch with the economy as a whole, and children's book publishing does not always move in synch with publishing as a whole. One major cause of the lack of synchronicity is the impact of school and library funding, changes in which take time to take effect. I'll come back to that....

For his in-depth insights into how
publishing is affected READ ON HERE.

Useful Resources:

* Publishers Weekly -- A good place to follow the publishing news.

* Minders of Make-Believe -- I mentioned this book above, and I'm mentioning it again, because it tells the story of American children's book publishing from the beginning to the 1990's.

* Purple Crayon -- more resources

* Trends in Children's Book Publishing: A page of links to web sites, news articles, and
opinion pieces, covering the industry generally and news of 2008/2009.

* Publishing Articles -- The index page for articles related to children's publishing on my
site.

* Who's Moving Where

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Books - Critique Service - Writing Help
HOOK KIDS on READING
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FREE: A Link to me reading any Autographed
picture book you BUY from my website.
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Cynthia's Attic Hosts JULIANNE MOORE and her latest CHILDREN'S BOOK.

STOP PRESS!

June 19th a date with actress/author
Julianne Moore
Don't miss this!

"The National, virtual blog tour for actress,
Julianne Moore's latest picture book:

"Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully,"


is making a stop in
Cynthia's Attic.

Children's author, Mary Cunningham (Cynthia's Attic Series) is hosting Ms. Moore today, June 19, with interviews and information about Book Two in the delightful "Freckleface" series.

For tour information and the complete schedule,
visit Ms. Moor's Virtual Blog Tour home page.


Go comment! Ask Questions! Buy the book!


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Manuscript Critiques - My Books!

HOOK KIDS on READING
Margot's BOOKS for Kids + Writing News
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BUY any Autographed Book from my website, and
receive a FREE LINK to me READING that story!
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Wind Up the "Bounding for Books" Tour

Today we finally wrap up the
Bounding for Books Tour

Two weeks of author interviews, great children's

books, and secrets revealed.

And what better way to end it,
than with author Shari Soffe and
her delightful books.

Illustrator Kevin Scott Collier

plus her upcoming . . .

Illustrator Eugene Ruble

"Nothing Stops Noah"
Guardian Angel Publishing
Age 3-9
Paperback 23 pages
ISBN 978-1-935137-19-1

Amazon:
Barnes & Noble
Pub. Guardian Angel

Also as an eBook
ISBN 978-1-935137-20-7

Review:
PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc. (2008)
ISBN-13: 978-1-935137-19-1 (Print)
ISBN-10: 978-1-935137-20-7 (eBook)
READING LEVEL: Ages 4–8
RATING: 5 stars

REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker,
reviewer with Stories for Children Magazine

Can you imagine what might happen if a young boy is left alone in his grandfather's pet shop? Noah needs money to buy his mother a present and decides to ask his grandfather, who owns a pet store, if he can have a job. Grandpa asks him if he can count, and Noah says yes (Noah can count to ten.). Noah's job is to count the rawhide bones in the storeroom. There are a lot more than ten, so Noah counts to ten several times and has seven left over. When he tells Grandpa that he has counted tens and had seven left over, Grandpa misunderstands and rushes out to get some more before they open.

Noah's job while Grandpa is gone is to feed the animals. But when he opens the cage to feed the mice, they dart into the kittens' cage. When Noah opens the kittens' cage to get the mice, two kittens spring out and head for the canary cage, which flies open to release the canaries, and another kitten tips over the goldfish tank. Noah opens the puppies' cage to use the water bowl to catch the fish while the kittens chase the mice, and the puppies chase the kittens. Will Noah ever be able to get all the animals back into their cages before Grandpa gets back? And what will they do with all those extra rawhide bones?

Children, especially those who love animals, will absolutely adore Shari Lyle-Soffe’s exciting and suspenseful story, which is accompanied by the striking illustrations of Kevin Scott Collier. Any child, or adult for that matter, who has ever been involved in a series of accidental mishaps should be able to identify with Noah's plight. And most of us who have had young ones can sympathize with the fact that “problems never stop Noah.” Also, parents who read the book to their youngsters or whose youngsters read the book may want to ask them if they can think of any connection between Noah's name and the fact that his adventures take place in a pet shop. Nothing Stops Noah is a really great children's picture book that I highly recommend.

And at the end of this tour, Shari will give away an autographed copy of Nothing Stops Noah to some lucky commenter.

** View the fun Book Trailer for
Nothing Stops Noah

Check out Shari's many cool and informative Blogs. They offer writing advice, interviews, her current books, plus her series about Roother and Snuffle - two mischievous raccoons kids love - FREE coloring sheets too!

• NOTHING STOPS NOAH
• ROOTER AND SNUFFLE
• A HORSE OF COURSE
• CRAFTY FUN FOR KIDS
• SHARI'S BOOKS
• SHARI LYLE-SOFFE'S APPEARANCES
• FREE COLORING PAGE

Now, let's see what secrets I can winkle out of Shari:

1 - Please tell us why you write for children, and if you also have an upcoming book, as well as your current one.

I write for children because I love it and I have fond memories of being read to as a child. I currently have four books out, Nothing Stops Noah is the fourth. Book # five will be A Horse of Course.

2 - Do you usually write about specific topics, or does a great idea for a story simply pop into your head?

Definitely pop, but I think all of my books are influenced by a desire to make us all be kinder to one another and to animals.

3 – What do you find is the easiest way to sell your books – school visits, library visits, bookstore signings, or some other way?

Bookstore signings and personal contact with people I know.

4 – Do you consciously choose story themes that you know will sell, or just write what is in your heart?

I write what is in my heart.

5 - Are your friends and relatives thrilled you are published – or couldn’t care less?

Yes, I think some of them are thrilled, others not so much. I can tell you I am thrilled.

6- When eBook Readers eventually fall in price, do you think e-Books will become far more popular – after all, they can hold dozens of books – musical as well as voice.

Absolutely! I would buy one now if I could afford it. I am hopeful that they will not only be cheaper, but will support color illustrations as well. It will happen. New technology is usually scoffed at in the beginning.

7 – Would you ever ask a writing friend to recommend you to their agent?

Never! I don't think it would be appropriate.

8 – Do you feel that Blogging helps you sell your books? I hope so, but it is hard to know.

I keep trying to improve my blogging and attract the people who would be interested in buying my books...what more can you do?

Thanks Shari, for sharing your insights and your wonderful children's books with us.

And that WRAPS up our
"Bounding for Books" Tour!

Thanks to all who read my Blog entries, and
commented, as well as those who did the
same for the other participating
authors.

The three "comments" winners for this week
will receive a FREE AUDIO link to me
reading one of my stories.
(Winners announced Saturday the 13th)

I don't know about YOU - but I had a BALL!

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My Website - Manuscript Critiques

"WILD and WONDERFUL"
my 7 book rhyming series: Fun facts
about animals from the US and Australia.

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"Bounding for Books" - More Cool Stuff and Author Interviews.

Today,
The "Bounding For Books" Summer Tour
offers you a DEAL -

TWO for the price of ONE!

First, there's Joy Delgado, head honcho and Illustrator at

A division of J.O.Y. Publishing

Then there's writer and "Zoo Animal Protector,"
Rebekha Delgado

Could these ladies be related. . . Hmmmm?

This dynamic duo is responsible for the smash hit
children's book, Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa
-Written by Rebekha Delgado and illustrated and
published by Joy Delgado.

Reading level - Ages 4-8 years
e-Book - coming soon
Soft cover - 40 pages.
Picture book - ISBN: 978-0-9755454-1-6 $11.95
Activity book - ISBN: 978-0-9755454-2-3 $4.95
Teacher’s guide - ISBN: 978-0-9755454-3-0 $8.95

BUY From Website Store -
free shipping, discounts and autographed copies
Amazon.com
This Old Schoolhouse Store -
Free shipping and discounts

Book Review:
“Zooprise Party/ Fiesta Zoorpresa” is a delightful, fresh book that is taking children’s literature to a new level! It will beenjoyed in many parts of the world since it is bilingual (in both English and Spanish languages). Not only educational, this book also comes with a fun Activity book and Teacher’s Guide. Look for more in the “Laughing Zebra” series!
:
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo Host, TV’s “Into the Wild”

Follow along with Mori the okapi, Lito the gerenuk and his side kick Elvis the king vulture in this delightful bilingualchildren’s story. It’s Mori’s birthday. He doesn’t know it but Lito is planning a surprise party for him. Who does Lito get to help him on this endeavor? Does the party really surprise Mori?

For some lucky winner:
Joy will give an autographed set of her books
( as e-Books)to the comments winner on her blog.

Another book in the making:
Joy plans to develop this series furhter, with a
book she hasjust begun illustrating:

The working title is “Squeals and Growls,” about a chameleon and a red ruffed lemur. Parson, a newly hatched chameleon is exploring her home and surroundings she hears a loud squealing noise that scares her. See how she overcomes her fear and the new friends she meets along the way.

And Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa comes with a host of terrific extras that will keep your child's interest long after reading this delightful book.

Teacher's Guides
Easiest Carrot Cake Ever
Word Games Galore
Puzzle Fun for all Ages
A Fun Book Trailer that will HOOK Your Interest

And now, I'm going to infiltrate this publisher's mind (don't you all wish you could do that ?), and try to discover her future plans .

1 - Please tell us why you publish bilingual children books with activity books and teacher guides, and if you also have an upcoming book, as well as your current one.

I saw that my daughter Rebekha had a talent for writing when she was very young. When my stepdaughter had her two girls, we wanted to give them books for gifts instead of toys like everyone else. Since they live in Puerto Rico and speak Spanish, we decided to give them bilingual books. Well, bilingual books are hard to find and when you do find them, they are usually about a particular culture. So, I asked Rebekha, for help. She wrote three stories and I picked Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa to be our first one. I taught myself how to draw on the computer and illustrated the book and Julio then translated the story to Spanish.

As the ‘project’ developed, it became clear that this wasn’t just a book. This was a book that would help teach a second language as well as inform people about animals that aren’t very common. From that realization, I developed the Activity Book and the Teacher’s Guide to take the book beyond reading.

See links above.
Plus:
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa
Books go Beyond Reading

2 - Do you usually write about specific topics?

For now we are sticking with animals. In the future I plan to try my hand at historical fiction for 4th, 5ht and 6th graders, but that’s several years down the road.

3 - Are your friends and relatives thrilled you are published – or couldn’t care less?

My mom brags all the time as does my husband. The rest of the family, well they are waiting to see how well the books do first

4 - When eBook Readers eventually fall in price, do you think e-Books will become far more popular – after all, they can hold dozens of books – musical as well as voice.

I like the idea of a Reader and want to get one. I’m looking forward to being able to have picture books on an eBook Reader.

5 – What do you find is the easiest way to sell your books – school visits, library visits, bookstore signings, or some other way?

I try to get them in the hands of the buyers at schools, zoos and libraries. I’ve had success with school visits and library visits as well.

6 – Do you consciously choose story themes that you know will sell, or just write what is in your heart.

Right now, I choose stories that I feel will sell. At the same time, they are written from the heart which makes them good stories that will sell.

7 – Would you ever ask a writing friend to recommend you to their agent?

Na!

8 - Do you think that Blogging, FaceBook, Twitter and such, help you sell books?

I haven’t seen many sales from my blogging, FaceBook or Twittering as yet, but I think it will play into sales in the future. Right now I’m learning how to use all the above mentioned tools and having lots of fun with them.

Thanks, Joy, for a fascinating peek into the workings of a publisher's mind. Great stuff, mate!

The Bounding for Books tour
is heading into the final stretch


Friday, June 12th, is our last day.

Donna Shepherd hosts me, and I host
Shari Soffe right here!

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My Website - Manuscript Critiques
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"Bouncing for Books" Tour - Week 2 Begins!

STOP PRESS!

To start off the second week of our
Children's Book Tour,
I get to interview an author with more
Online Magazine and Blog contacts
than a Mafia Don has
Goombahs!

Drum roll please. . . Introducing

Mayra Calvani. . .
and friend Amigo.

And at the end of this tour, Maura will give a signed
copy of her book "CRASH" to some
lucky commenter.

Bio
Multi-genre author, reviewer, dog lover and animal
advocate Mayra Calvani hails from San Juan, Puerto
Rico. She's a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine
and Suite101. When she is not writing, she enjoys
reading, playing the violin, interviewing other authors
for her blogs and newsletters, and watching too many
reruns of Gilmore Girls and I Dream of Jeannie. She’s
the author of the picture book, The Magic Violin, also
published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She's also
the Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com.

This woman can take your Book, your Bio, and a few
details about you and your writing, and introduce
you to the Blogosphere via a dozen or more classy
venues.

She also writes delightful books for children
Her latest being

"CRASH!"

Illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk
Guardian Angel Publishing

"CRASH" the Book - read all about it!
This PUP also has his own Blog,
with games and coloring pages for kids

Synopsis:
Marcelo is thrilled when he gets a golden retriever
puppy for his birthday, but now he faces one of the
toughest jobs of his life, not only because owning a
pet is a huge responsibility, but because he has
to find the perfect name for it-and that's hard!

ISBN: 1-933090-54-5
April 2008
Paperback, 32 pages, $10.95
Picture Book, Ages 2-6
Now in English and Spanish

Review:

"I just read the cutest children’s book: it’s called
Crash!

Written by Mayra Calvani, Crash! tells the story of
a young boy who receives a Golden Retriever puppy
for his 5th birthday. After living with the puppy for
several days, the little boy still can’t figure out what
to name his new best friend. He eventually figures it
out after observing the puppy’s antics and silly
behavior…

Crash! is a great read and a fun children’s book for any
kid who loves dogs and puppies. It’s worth adding to the
children’s book collection!"

--Thoughts Fur Paws

More reviews and information
+ a really COOL
Book Trailer HERE

An animal lover from way-back, Mayra is donating
50% of her royalties to the Almost Heaven Golden

Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.

And for "pet" insights into the lives and passions of
their author owners, Mayra has bribed many pets
to dish the dirt on their owners - HERE!

To fill the few empty cracks in her day, Mayra writes for
the Latino Books Examiner And yes, you guessed it,
Mayra is also the author of three "Dog Friendly" columns:
Finding the Perfect Name for Your Puppy
The Responsibilities of Owning a Dog
Online Resource for Dog Owners

To winkle out the other secrets Mayra was
hiding, I asked her to answer the questions below.

1 - Please tell us why you write for children, and if
you also have an upcoming book, as well as your
current one.

I write for children because I love it and because I have
to --I'd probably go crazy if I couldn't do it. My current
children's picture book is Crash!, about a little boy and
his first puppy and the ordeal of finding the perfect
name for it. I'm donating 50% of my royalties to a golden
retriever rescue. Readers may learn all about it HERE
The Spanish edition is scheduled for release in about a
month. I also have three more titles coming soon from
Guardian Angel Publishing: Humberto the
Bookworm Hamster, The Doll Violinist, and
Frederico the Mouse Violinist.

2 - Do you usually write about specific topics, and
are you always happy with your illustrations?

What happens with me is that I will be struck by an idea,
a concept, a premise... then I won't let it go--or my brain
won't let it go--until I put it on paper. I get obsessive this
way. So I don't go consciously looking out for topics. They
come to me. Since they're always coming to me, I never
run out of ideas. I have enough ideas right now to keep
me busy for the next ten years. :-)

In general, I'm always happy with the illustrations, but
not always. When I feel strongly about it, I let the publisher
and artist know my concerns. Of course, I do this in the most
polite way possible. I think it's great when an author and
illustrator understand each other and the book, but I also
try to let the artist do her part as far as the art goes.

3 - Are your friends and relatives thrilled you are
published – or couldn't care less?

I think those beyond my immediate family couldn't care
less! LOL

4 - When eBook Readers eventually fall in price, do
you think e-Books will become far more popular –
after all, they can hold dozens of books – musical
as well as voice.

That's definitely an important factor. For children's picture
books, however, we need an inexpensive device that will be
in color. I have a Sony Reader. I love it for novels, but reading
children's picture books there is no fun!

5 – I know you live in Europe. Does this make selling
books in English harder? What do you find is the
easiest way to sell your books – school visits, library
visits, bookstore signings, or some other way?

I live in Belgium and yes, this makes it more difficult to sell
my books in English. There are only a few English bookstores
and only one English library where I live. There are also few
English schools. I've visited about 3-4 schools since last
October and so far it's been great and I've been invited to
come back. My most successful sales have been with school
visits, but I think I do my most effective promotion online.

6 – You write book reviews and articles for a large
number of online magazines and other sources.
What started you down that road, and do you find
it helps you sell your books, or just gives you wider
name recognition?

I love writing reviews and interviewing authors so those
online magazines are a venue to publish my work. I do it
because I enjoy it, but also to promote my name and my
books. Writing for online publications is also an effective
way to bring traffic to your website, and though this may
not always lead to sales, it does bring your work into the
eyes of a wider reading audience.

7 – Do you have an agent, and if not, would you like
to have one? Do you think an agent would get your
books noticedby larger publishers?

I landed an agent last November. She started to approach
big publishers about my work this February, but so far no
luck. I'm staying hopeful. A good agent is a must if you want
to knock on the door of big NY publishers. Most will consider
looking at your work only through an agent.

8 – Do you feel that Blogging, Twitter and Facebook
etc, helps with sales and name recognition?

I'm not sure to what extend they help sales, but they
definitely help with name recognition and visibility.

Mayra, you are a whirlwind of Talent, Energy
and Imagination - a pleasure to host, mate.

Thank you.

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NOTE from Margot Finke:
The paragraph layout of this page was
hijacked by Blogspot Gremlins!
I had no say in the matter!!

**********************

Wed, June 10th
I host Joy Delgado - Publisher and illustrator.

The 3 winners of last week's best comments have already
received their AUDIOS of me reading one of my stories
+ the illustrations.

See if YOUR sassy comment can win one
of my 3, FREE, AUDIO story
readings this week.

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My Website - Manuscript Critiques
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BUY any Autographed Book from my website, and
receive a FREE LINK to me READING that story!
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Bounding for Books - How to Find Books Your Kids Will Devour!

Friday June 5th 

The 

"Bounding For Books" 

Summer Tour is . . . 

HOT! 

Today is the end of week #1. Tomorrow I choose the 3 most interesting posts of the week, and send each of you a FREE AUDIO link of me reading one of my stories. 

So keep the great comments coming, mates - you could be a  WINNER! 

And others on this tour also offer free gifts to their winners,so keep your eyes open for freebies, mates! 

Today I am lucky to host 

Jennifer Gladen, 

a rising star in the writing firmament! 

and her new book. 

"A Star in the Night" 

illustrated by John Blackford

Publisher - Guardian Angel Publishing 

Reading level ages 8 and up. 

Coming SOON 

Available as a Softcover Book or eBook 

Synopsis:

On a cold Christmas Eve night, David rushes from the mall to buy Mr. Rennetti’s special Christmas cookies. After visiting the store and buying the only two cookies left, David makes his way home. On the way, he has three encounters, which makes him rethink the meaning of Christmas. David faces challenges and tough decisions, even ones that Mom may not approve of. All the while a sparkling star seems to be following him. Join David on his adventurous way home.

If you want to find out stuff about Jennifer,  link to these fun places where she hangs out 

My Light Magazine
Where she is the founder and Editor in Chief. 

Jen’s Blog

Where she hosts other writers, and offers has helpful links and advice. 

My Light’s Blog

G.A.P. (Guardian Angel) Blog

My Space

My Light on My Space

Facebook

Twitter

Author’s Den

And now
The Interview! 

If you've ever longed to write for children, read on. This is  where I bring out the thumb-screws, and drag all Jennifer's writing secrets out into the harsh glare of this Blog. . . 

If you've ever longed to write for children, read on. This is where I bring out the thumb-screws, and drag all Jennifer's writing secrets out into the harsh glare of this Blog. . .

1 - Please tell us why you write for children, and if you also have an upcoming book, as well as your current one.

I write for children because I enjoy writing and I've always loved children's books. One weekend when I was little, I read our entire children's book collection. Now that I'm a mom, I
enjoy reading those stories to the children. I enjoy the whole creative world from creation of the story to reading the written word itself.

2 - Do you usually write about specific topics, and are you always happy with your illustrations?

I love the illustrations John Blackford has done so far with A Star in the Night. He has a real talent for art and instantly caught the essence of the story. I usually write stories with a
little bit of spirituality in it. I don't like to make it preachy because I want to keep the reader's interest, but I like to add that spiritual essence to it.

3 - Are your friends and relatives thrilled you are published - or couldn't care less?

My friends and relatives are ecstatic that my book is about to be published. My critique group can't wait to see it in print, as they have been an invaluable resource in perfecting the work.

4 - When eBook Readers eventually fall in price, do you think e-Books will become far more popular - after all, they can hold dozens of books - musical as well as voice.

Yes, I definitely think eBook Readers will become popular after their prices fall. Children are more high tech than they ever have been today. Often times, when I put my son to bed, he likes me to read a story off my laptop. Of course, I do it for him. However, I often though how easy it would be to have something much smaller to do the same job. Every other industry is using higher technology and it only makes sense that the publishing industry follows.

5 - What do you find is the easiest way to sell your books - school visits, library visits, bookstore signings, or some other way?

I think once the book comes out, a combination of all the above will increase the sales of the book. The point is to get the word out about the book, so your readers will know about it. You
could have the greatest book in the world, but if nobody knows about it you won't be able to sell it.

6 - Do you consciously choose story themes that you know will sell, or just write what is in your heart.

I always write what's in my heart. I think that is the secret to making the story real. I don't write a word until I see it, feel it and experience it myself. I think if you write about what's in

your heart, the whole manuscript is more alive and engaging because the reader will feel your enthusiasm.

7 - Do you have an agent, and if not, would you ever ask a writing friend to recommend you to their agent?

Oooh. Good question. I don't have an agent yet. I would hesitate before asking someone to recommend me to their agent. Agents, like publishers, each have their individual taste. I think anytime someone recommends an author to their agent, they are stepping out on a limb. They would be putting their own reputation on the line as well. I think both authors should be
absolutely sure the author in question matches the agent's unique tastes.

8 - Do you feel that Blogging helps with sales and name recognition?

Yes. Anytime you have your name out there more people will learn about you. People will be able to see how much you love writing - after all you spend the day writing your manuscripts
- and write blogs as well.

** I love torturing. . . er, sorry. I mean hosting talented new writers. I didn't use the thumb-screws on Jen - she caved and spilled all, just at the site of them. 

A real pleasure hosting you, Jen. Can't wait to read "A Star in the Night." 

Week #2 of our Bounding for Books Tour begins  Monday June 8th. Come back for more authors and their terrific books for kids, + FUN! INTERVIEWS! PRIZES! 

For a list of Authors, and a short Bio of each, visit the Bounding for Books Blog Tour - 

BUY any Autographed Book from my website, and receive a FREE LINK to me READING that story! 

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My Website - Manuscript Critiques 

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June 3rd - COOL BOOKS for KIDS on the "BOUNDING FOR BOOKS" Tour.

"Bounding for Books,"
Our 7 Author Summer Tour Rolls On.

Today, I host the multi-talented



Kim Chatel -
writer, fabric artist and photographer,
plus her latest book:

" A Talent For Quiet"

Publisher: Guardian Angel

Reading level: Ages 6-12

** eBook ISBN 978-1-935137-57-3

+ links to where available:

Guardian Angel

Fictionwise

** Print ISBN 978-1-935137-56-6
+ links to where available

Amazon

Borders

REVIEW


Developing a relationship with a step-parent can be heart
wrenching, difficult, and life changing.It can also be the best
adult-child relationship some kids ever have. Author Kim Chatel
has written a book describing just that... a girl and her relationship
with her new step-father and what a wonderful experience that can be.

This story is heartwarming and shows that children can have
wonderful relationships with good and kind step-parents. These
relationships can help the child to develop new interests, hobbies,
and self-confidence. This book has fabulous photos and will spark
interest in photography for readers of all ages. There are even a
few tips on starting photography as a new hobby.

Reviewed by Terri Forehand

On top of this, Kim is also the 2009 EPPIE Winner
for RAINBOW SHEEP
- Best Children's ebook

Not satisfied with these winners under her belt,
Kim immediately wrote another book. . .

Kim's Upcoming Book

GAP has contracted “Burgher and the Woebegone,”
an interactive chapter book for readers aged 8-12. Each
chapter Read the book over-and-over, and have a different
story each time! Samantha Bell will illustrate it. No cover
yet, but you can take a sneak-peak HERE

And generous to a fault, Kim is offering the gift
of a copy of her book, "A Talent For Quiet," to
some lucky winner.

Links to the fascinating and diverse talents of
Kim Chatel:

Browse Kim's Blog

Camp out on her Website

Enjoy her Book Trailer

And there's MORE!

Between the Cracks Fiction
Children's and YA Fiction

Blazing Trailers Book Previews

WHEW! The woman has gotta be twins to do half of this
stuff. Now to put the screws on and discover how she
does it ALL. . .

1 - Tell us about yourself, why you write for children, and if you also have an upcoming book as well as your current one.

My daughter would say I write for children because I’m just a
big kid. My mom was like that too and I still giggle over some
of the silly things she did. There’s not enough silliness in the
world. And while I love to add my own silliness, I think literature
is also a great way to connect with kids and impart some wisdom
too. For instance, my YA novella, The Stone Beach, was a way to
talk to kids about the death of a beloved pet. A Talent for Quiet
(my newest release) is a fun way to learn about photography,
(one of my passions) and also a forum for a discussion about
the relationship between step-parent and child.

My mid-grade interactive novel, Burgher and the Woebegone,
will soon be coming out from Guardian Angel Publishing. In this
book I went back to pure silliness and I had a wonderful time
writing it. I’m always working on several projects at once and
right now I’m in the middle of 3 adult fantasy novels (one is under
contract) and three picture books including another one illustrate
these as they are still in the early stages. But you can see the cover
for my new fiber art book, King of the Sky, here:
http://www.kimchatel.com/J4A_King_of_the_Sky.html

2a - Do you usually write about specific topics?

I write about all different topics, but you might see some similar
themes running through my stories: photography has always been
a big part of my life and it sneaks into many of my stories.
A Talent for Quiet came from an idea to make a photo collage
of my time living along a the Yamaska river in Quebec. It’s the
first time I set out to actually write a book about photography.

Aslo, most of my books have some kind of animal in them. As I
type this, I have two guinea pigs tucked under my chin and a
cat on my lap. The dog is jealous, but at 65 pounds, she’s too big
to join us. My daughter and I volunteer and an equine rescue
ranch in our area and I will be on the fundraising committee for
the fund raising gala for our local zoo. So animals are a big part
of my life, as they are in the lives of many children.

2b - Are you always happy with your illustrations?

I’ve been the illustrator for both my picture books, once with
fiber art ‘paintings’ (Rainbow Sheep) and once with photography
(A Talent for Quiet). I think like many artists, I look back at
Rainbow Sheep and think I could have done better. But the felt
illustrations in this book were so unique that I’m happy as they
stand. My felting skills have improved since then however, and
my next felt book will be even better.

The photographs from A Talent for Quiet hold a special place in
my heart, regardless of technique. The models for many of the
pictures are my daughter, my husband and my dog. We had a
great day filming these and I won’t ever forget it.

3 - Are your friends and relatives thrilled you are
published – or couldn’t care less?

My daughter is my biggest fan. She comes to all my library and
craft fair events. She’s the first one to hear my stories and
reviews. My husband is very supportive of my writing, though
he doesn’t read much fantasy (which is what I write for adults).
The rest of my family toot my horn to everyone they know,
though I think they like my children’s literature better. Seems
more professional to say “My daughter is a children’s author”
than “My daughter writes about vampires.”

4 – Kim, I know you developed the wonderful Chatel
Village Blog, and Blazing Trailers is a huge success.
Tell our readers WHY Chatel Village, and HOW Blazing
Trailers grew from a few trailers for friends, into a fully
fledged business?

Okay, now you’re cheating. That’s definitely two questions! I’ll
split them up. First, Chatel Village (www.kimchatel.com) came
about because my children’s site just got too unwieldy. It had
grown so huge that even I got lost it it. Articles were spilling out
over my keyboard. Interviews and reviews were oozing off the
screen. Felties were running amok. It was just a mess. So I
decided to contain it all in an imaginary village. This way, I could
showcase my fiber art and keep everything under control. The
homepage is a needle-felted village. Each house takes you to a
different part of the site. There are recipes, crafts, letters from
students, movies, more and more. But at least I can find my way
around now. The new navigation also gives me room to grow. I
already have plans to add more to the village as new books come
out. I blog in the village at the Daily News building.

Blazing Trailers is my site dedicated to books with video previews.
This came about because I made some trailers for myself and
thought “What fun!” Then other authors asked if I would make
trailers for them. At first I said no, because I’m a writer, not a
movie producer. But like most starving artists, it was hard for
me to turn down a source of income. So I said yes, one day and
made a trailer for someone else. Suddenly, I was making 3-4
trailers a week and I didn’t even advertise.

This experience made me realize two things. First, that trailers
are the up-and-coming hot promo. Second, there are few places
to showcase them properly on the web. Most video sharing sites
are designed for silly movies, not for commercial use. They offer
no easy way to link to the author’s webpage or to actually BUY
THE BOOK. That is what a trailer is for, after all. So I created
Blazing Trailers as a center for readers to browse and authors
to promote their trailers and their books.

We now have over 400 books listed in all different genres. Soon
we will be adding more interactive features such as reader
comments and author pages. We hope people will stop hanging
out at the mall and hang with us instead.

5 – What do you find is the easiest way to sell your
books – school visits, library visits, bookstore signings,
or some other way?

I certainly sell more books at schools than anywhere else, but
that’s because I have a large captive audience! But seriously,
I love school readings and I wouldn’t give them up even if I
didn’t sell one book. You’ve never really lived unless you’ve
stood in front of three-hundred kindergartners and asked
“Does anyone know what ‘guffaw’ means?”

I haven’t been successful at bookstores. Perhaps there’s too much
competition there. But I play up the local factor in my books at
craft fairs and make many great contacts that way.

6 – Do you have an agent? If you don't, do you think
having one would get you into some of the larger, more
well known publishers?

I think agents are a myth, like the Holy Grail. If they do exist,
I’ve never seen one. Would they help with sales? Probably,
but so would a unicorn, if I could find one of those. Can you imagine
book signings with a real, live unicorn?

7 – Do you feel that Blogging really helps with sales
and name recognition?

Successful blogging requires two things. No three. Wait. Six things.
But let’s concentrate only on three. 1. Consistency. 2. Great content.
3. Hours a week to spend perusing other people’s blogs and posting
comments. I have only one of those things, so I’m a bad blogger.
But like most forms of promotion, I think blogging can be very
powerful for name recognition (which inevitably leads to sales)
if it’s done right. (The sixth thing, btw, is a unicorn. I heard they
love to blog.)

Kim, you're a marvel! I'm exhausted just writing it all down. Readers will eat this up, mate. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Thanks so much for visiting my Blog.

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My Website - Manuscript Critiques
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