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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