Thursday, December 17, 2015

Mercy's Prince, by Katy Huth Jones, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



Well written and surprisingly believable for a work of fantasy, Mercy’s Prince is a highly engaging tale which is difficult to put down.  When a young prince groomed to be ruler is killed in battle his scholarly younger brother, Valerian,  must fill the role.  After he becomes the crowned prince Valerian befriends a peasant girl who is a healer; he soon learns he can communicate with her telepathically.  To save his people Valerian attempts the impossible as he elicits the help of dragons to help save mankind.

This novel is replete with tales of royalty, magic, dragons, love, adventure, and life-and-death struggles.  This exciting work of fantasy fiction is suspenseful and well written. Mercy’s Prince is an entertaining venture into another world, a time of mystery, a time long gone.

The exciting adventures within the pages of this book offer escape to another world and an alternate way of life. Katy Huth Jones keeps things interesting with continuous twists and well developed and refreshingly unexpected characters.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Mama, How Does the Wind Start to Blow?, by Jeanne Styczinski, earns the CLC Seal of Approval


Mama, How Does the Wind Start to Blow?, by Jeanne Styczinski, is an oh-so-sweet book of numbers for young children.  When a child asks, "Mama, how does the wind start to blow?", a series of potential answers are posed one by one, counting up to the number ten.  Starting with the rising of the moon, and finishing with seeds falling from a flower, the numbers one through ten are represented in enchanting scenarios.

Author and illustrator, Jeanne Styczinski's simply sweet book of counting's crowning glory is the delightful illustrations which are sure to enthrall young readers.  This book is sure to become a favorite with young readers and is an excellent selection for home and school libraries.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Papa, Why Does the Sun Shine? earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Papa, Why Does the Sun Shine?, written and illustrated by Jeanne Styczinski, is a lovely counting book for children. When a young child asks Papa why the sun shines, each time posing a seemingly random theory, Papa responds, "no, that is not why the sun shines".  From one sleepy moon, to ten fish going to school, the queries continue, until Papa provides a simply charming response that is sure to melt the hearts of readers both young and old.

This is a book which children are sure to enjoy again and again as they learn their numbers.  Cheerful illustrations are perfectly paired with this happy little book of counting which is likely to be a favorite in home and school libraries as well as in classroom settings.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monday, December 14, 2015

Don't Forget to Breathe by Cathrina Constantine, earns Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Don't Forget to Breathe is a chilling psychological  thriller about Leocadia, (Leo) a young girl whose mother was murdered in her own home.  Leo was still in the house when the murder took place, and as a result of the trauma she incurred that day, suffers from amnesia and recurring nightmares.  Her lifestyle is that of a troubled teen trying to escape the horrific realities which haunt her daily.  While struggling with the day-to-day issues of being a teen, she does her best to wade through the loss, fears and confusion of her mother's untimely and tragic death.

Author Cathrina Constantine has crafted a suspenseful book which will keep readers guessing from page one clear through to the climactic finish.  This is a multi-faceted novel which offers much to readers of all ages who are sure to be drawn into this gripping young adult mystery.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author DJ Corchin on his award winning titles - CLC Author Spotlight


​WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
As a creative-type person I always explored new ways to share stories and my thoughts on certain topics. At some point writing became one of those avenues I enjoyed more than any other art form I’ve explored; in particular, through children’s books. I loved the challenge of trying to say something meaningful in a succinct and witty way. I also learned it’s O.K. to have an opinion in the message you share. It became important to me as my writing evolved that all of my books have a socially conscious message. I feel a tremendous amount of pride and purpose when I know my books have helped start a conversation about life with a child. Oh, and writing about monkeys, feelings, superheroes, and boogers is super fun!
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 
I wanted to be a doctor. So I became a music teacher. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
 With Mystical Rules For My Magical Daughter not only is it a very practical description of the book but it’s important that the title be empowering to “daughters” of all ages. With the I Feel… Series each book has a specific emotional theme. The titles are meant to be examples of the theme not the themes themselves. For example, I Feel…Awesome is about doing good things will make you feel amazing!
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?  
Thunderfeet, Sam & The Jungle Band, You Got A Boogie, Strings, Silly Goose, The Band Nerds Book Series: Band Nerds Poetry, The Marching Band Nerds Handbook, Confessions & Confusion, The Marching Band Nerds Awards
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: 1.) I had the privilege of having a few conversations with John Hughes before he passed away. He asked me what I did. I said that I was trying to be a writer. He replied, “Have your written something?” I said, “Yes.” He shot back, “Then you’re a writer.” It was a turning point in how I view my work. 
2.) My grandmother went to high school with Shel Silverstein. I have her year book with his signature to her in it. My grandparents always read his books to me and I became a huge fan. Years later I would end up working with one of his cousins! 
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?Shel Silverstein
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The Missing Piece
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?: A mother once wrote me that she used my book I Feel…Different to read to her child to begin the conversation telling him he has Aspergers. It was an emotional letter as she was searching for the words to help answer questions he had. 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Learn about the business of publishing. Know about printing, bindings, inks, distribution, contracts, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. You’ll gain a larger perspective as to why decisions are made by publishers and understand the time it takes to make things happen. 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
YES! 4 more! 
Wonder & Fear is about experiencing an eventful day with different filters. Will you go through the day with a fear of what might happen if you don’t act, or a sense of wonderment of what could happen if you do?
Do You Speak Fish? is about sometimes needing to learn how others need to be spoken to in order to communicate.
I Feel…Meh & I Feel…Lonely are great additions to the I Feel…Children’s Series  
All books will be available in 2016 available at bookstores and on-line!

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monday, November 30, 2015

She Yelled I Screamed... She Pulled my Hair! by Tracy Leshay, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



She Yelled I Screamed... She Pulled my Hair! by Tracy Leshay is a wonderfully unfairy-tale-ish story of two sisters who just can't seem to get along.  Whenever Phoebe, the big sister, asks her little sister to share, screaming and hair-pulling ensues leaving Phoebe feeling frustrated and angry. But when she encounters a winged fairy she learns of some magical leaves which the fairy assures her will cure her sister's stinginess.  While the outcome isn't quite what Phoebe hopes for, in time something even more magical occurs.

Written and photographed by Tracy Leshay, this book is not your typical children's fairy tale.  Told in rhyme, each page is  adorned with lovely black and white photographs which, when paired with this enchanting story, help make this book one which little girls will surely treasure.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Spotlight - J.E. Rogers on her award winning title The Gift of Sunderland



​WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER? 
I can't remember when, it just always seemed to be a part of my life. However, it wasn't until about ten years ago that I zeroed in on exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to combine my love of writing with my concern for the environment and love of animals. Hence, Australian Fantasy Adventures was born. 

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 
I always wanted to be a teacher. Just like so many other people, life got in the way. I majored in history at Western Connecticut State University, but ultimately did not want to teach history. I rewrote my own history soon after graduating and headed in a totally different direction. However, after all these years, I now find myself in the classroom. I am continually invited to present my 'Australia, Land of Imagination' presentation. I teach youngsters what makes Australia so different and why. I teach about endangerment, the role man plays in causing animals to be endangered, and the way we have had a profound effect on the environment not just in Australia, but around the world. My message is very clear - we are the stewards on this planet and we must learn to live in harmony with nature. Our survival depends on it. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? 
This is actually my second book in this genre. My first book, The Sword of Demelza, has also won a number of awards. It too is rife with endangered animal heroes, and it includes a glossary at the back which gives the reader details on the unusual flora and fauna mentioned within the adventure. My love for Australia is the foundation of both of these titles, and a third, The Last Ayer, will be coming out in 2016. 
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER 
In order to really get close to the animals in my stories, my husband and I planned a trip to Australia. We spent about three weeks traveling through the country. While in Melbourne, we visited Healesville Sanctuary. It's a beautiful retreat for some of the country's unusual animals. It was there that I was able to see most of the critters that roam within my stories. The sanctuary was about to close and I had not yet seen the Quoll, which is one of my favorite animals, and a major player in both of my books. I ran up to one of the keepers of the sanctuary and was told that the quolls were in the hospital. The sanctuary had a first class hospital where they cared for any sick or injured animal. It was there I found the quolls. They were simply being quarantined and I was very glad to hear that. It was a highlight of my trip.
I was also able to fulfill a lifelong dream at the sanctuary. I sat with and fed a kangaroo. I could ask for nothing more. Life was complete. 
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? 
I would have to say that Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall Series, played a large part in influencing my writing. However, I wanted to come down a bit, reach younger readers, the readers that were reluctant, and hadn't been bitten by the reading bug. I therefore made it my goal to write so that the pre-teen readers would enjoy these fast-paced stories. I made the chapters short, the action quick, and buried the moral lessons within the adventure. I am positive that they are savvy enough to uncover all those lessons. I also did not create a series. I wanted my readers to get to the end of my book and say, "I'd love to read another one like that," as opposed to "now I have to buy book two to find out what happened." My third book, The Last Ayer, will also stand alone - just one more exciting story, introducing more unusual places, plants and animals of Australia, with a glossary to offer details. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Thus far, I am so stunned by what I have accomplished with both of my books. I hope to continue to create wonderful tales for others to enjoy.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
I tried for eighteen months to land an agent. I received a lot of rejection letters. They would make a great piece of decoupage. I am certain that many authors would say I did not give it enough time, but time is the operative word here. If you are young and you have the time to wait and to try hundreds of times to wait for an agent, then I would advise that you go that route. I did not have the time and age is a factor that has an impact on many self-published authors. 
I also believe that new writers need tenacity. You have to keep trying. Depending on where you are in your writing process, whether you are in the midst of writing that book you always wanted to write, or you're still in school studying the craft, the best advice I can give is keep at it. It's the fire in the belly, the sense of urgency that will get you to where you want to be. Lastly, I would have to add that you must write for yourself, in other words, write about what you love and the rest will fall into place.
You also need to master the craft. Make sure that before you either decide to self-publish or go the traditional publishing route, that you have created a pristine manuscript, that you have established a platform, and brand, and that you have learned as much as you can about the publishing business because it is in constant flux. What is happening this week may not be happening next. What is number one on the hit parade this month many be in the trash next. 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? 
Promoting your book starts way before the book is published. My best advice to fledgling authors would be to put the foundation in place so that when the book is published all you have to do is turn the switch and everything will reach your readers in a seamless way.  
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes. My next book is in the works right now. It is entitled The Last Ayer, and it will put the final touches on my Australian Fantasy Adventure stories. In this last book, a final Guardian of the Forest comes to the fore in a very unlikely way. A reluctant hero emerges from hiding. She not only finds the courage to leave the safe cocoon in which she has lived, but she will become brave enough to face her past as well as her future.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Friday, November 20, 2015

Hello, Wigwam, by L.John Lawrence, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Hello, Wigwam is the story of Albert, a young private fresh out of high school who, through a series of miscommunications, finds himself in the heart of a critical top secret mission during the Vietnam war.  Author L. John Lawrence's depiction of the absurdities of combat and its impact on the occasional unwitting pawn is an introspective study of humanity vs. war.

L. John Lawrence exhibits a true gift of the pen in his depiction of a young man who is swept into a world of blood and battle which is not without its ironically funny moments.  This riveting story is superbly written, displaying poignant moments interspersed with a healthy dose of satire.  Hello, Wigwam is recommended for a mature young adult audience and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Author Spotlight - Penelope Anne Cole on her award winning children's book

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; I LOVED TO READ BOOKS TO MYSELF AND TO OTHERS--BOOKS CAN BE SPELLBINDING. I WANT MY BOOKS TO CAPTURE READERS' IMAGINATIONS AND FURTHER POSITIVE VALUES OF SELF-ESTEEM, SHARING, GIVING, CARING, AND KINDNESS.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 
A WRITER AND A TEACHER; I AM BOTH.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? 
FROM SEEING THREE RACCOONS OUT AT NIGHT AND THINKING MAYBE THEY WERE ACTUALLY WITCHES IN DISGUISE. THEN THE FIRST VERSE CAME TO ME AND THE BOOK DEVELOPED AS A FUN REVERSE COUNTING BOOK (FEATURING THE LONG 'E' SOUND, EE/EA/EI) WITH TRICK OR TREATERS OUT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT.


WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?  
MAGICAL MATTHEW
MAGICAL MEA 
MAGICAL MEA GOES TO SCHOOL, AND 
MAGICAL MAX AND MAGICAL MICKEY 
(All may be purchased on Amazon)
TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:  
MOST OF MY CHILDREN'S BOOK IDEAS CAME TO ME WHILE OUT WALKING MY DOGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
SO MANY: J.K. ROWLING, HEMINGWAY, 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? 
ALL THE CLASSICS, BUT MOST RECENTLY: "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE," BECAUSE IT REAWAKENED MY INTEREST IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? 
ALTHOUGH I AM VERY PROUD OF ALL OF MY CHILDREN'S BOOKS, I BELIEVE MY GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT WILL BE MY FICTIONALIZED MEMOIR WHICH IS IN PROCESS.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
I FOUND MY ARTIST, KEVIN COLLIER, ONLINE AND HE INTRODUCED ME TO MY GAP PUBLISHER -- A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM BOOK IDEA TO ARTWORK TO PUBLICATION. I RECOMMEND READING, READING, READING, ALSO, PARTICIPATING IN SCBWI, AND IN OTHER WRITING CLUBS AND GROUPS, PLUS TAKING INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS AND WRITING DAILY.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?  
FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS, DOING SCHOOL VISITS AND CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND SCHOOL LIBRARIANS IS BEST.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? 
WRITING, THOUGH SOLITARY, CONNECTS WRITERS AND AUTHORS TO THE WORLD THROUGH OUR IDEAS, EXPERIENCES, AND BOOKS. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONNECT WITH OTHER WRITERS, SHARE WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED, AND HELP EACH OTHER.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
YES, FOUR BOOKS:  
MAGICAL MAX & MAGICAL MICKEY'S BIG SURPRISE, 
IN AND OUT, ALL 'ROUND ABOUT - OPPOSITE FRIENDS, 
MY GRANDMA'S PINK HOUSE,  
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
WHAT'S FOR DINNER? IS ABOUT A GIRL WORRIED ABOUT EATING AT HER NIGERIAN FRIEND'S HOUSE FOR DINNER. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON SOON. CHECK MY PENELOPE ANNE COLE AUTHOR PAGE ON AMAZON AND WWW.PENELOPEANNECOLE.COM.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

A Peacock Among Pigeons, by Tyler Curry, earns the CLC Seal of Approval


If ever there were a picture book which every child should read, this could quite possibly be that book. Beautifully written, fancifully illustrated, and truly inspired, A Peacock Among Pigeons teaches children to embrace those qualities which make them unique.  Not preachy, or verbose, this book is just straight-forward in a perfectly simplistic way which will enchant young readers and leave them with a smile at the delightfully feel-good ending.

Peter is a peacock living with a flock of pigeons.  But the pigeons refuse to accept him because he's not like them.  They give Peter a hard time for being different, telling him he's strange and doesn't belong.  Sadly, Peter comes to believe all the negative things the pigeons say about him until one day he broadens his horizons; and that's when his perspective begins to change.

A Peacock Among Pigeons, written by Tyler Curry and illustrated by Clarione Gutierrez, is a literary treasure and highly recommended for home and school libraries.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

A Cluster of Cancers, by Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



A Cluster of Cancers is an insightful guide written by cancer survivor, Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg.  This is an uplifting book which helps educate and enlighten cancer patients on taking control of their overall health.  Meinberg shares countless quotes which provide cancer patients with the gift of  encouragement through empowerment.  She effectively flips a switch from patients as victims, to that of individuals with the resilience and courage to tackle their condition head on as they begin their journey of treatment and healing. The overall message is one of strength, hope and positivity.  In addition to addressing the mind and its power to heal, she touches on diet, exercise and spirituality, helping patients discover a path towards happiness and wellness.

This book is highly recommended for readers of all ages and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Author Spotlight - Lincoln Cole on his award winning book, Ripples Through Time



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I wrote my first novel when I was fourteen years old, and I knew even before then that I wanted to be a writer. I loved to tell stories, and there was something extra appealing about the way a novel can captivate a reader and pull them into a world. Nothing else allows people to escape so thoroughly from their everyday lives.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I wanted to be a Renaissance man and jack-of-all-trades. While the world was getting more and more specific where people might spend their entire lives never branching out of a specific topic, I always craved the chance to dabble in everything. As far as a specific career? I never really wanted to just do one thing.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? 
From my family and friends. I wrote the character Emily in a short story and started to wonder what else might have happened in her life. I imagined the scenes and the discussions and the way they played out, and then I tried to put it all together. It was something different than what I normally write, so I had a lot of fun trying something outside my comfort zone. I feel that it has helped me grow as a writer and develop my style.


WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 
Graveyard of Empires (Galaxy Science Fiction/Space Opera)
Second Chances (the spiritual successor to Ripples Through Time)
UAV (Technological Thriller about drone technology and terrorism)
Raven’s Peak (Paranormal horror)
All of these works are available at http://www.LincolnCole.net
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
One of the ways I add dialogue to a story is by listening to random conversations between people and then tuning it to fit into my novel. I have on numerous occasions had friends and family make mention of a passage in one of my novels that was similar to a conversation I might have had with them months or even years earlier.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Stephen King, hands down. I loved his works and read most of them growing up, and the way in which he is able to bring characters to life and put them in front of you is unparalleled by most other authors I’ve read. He doesn’t have the greatest stories, and he certainly can’t rival other literary geniuses who have put together masterful works of art, but his horror is derived from how life-like his characters are and how real they become in our lives.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
This is a tough one because a lot of books have impacted my life. When I’m not feeling like writing or hit with a bout of writer’s block, I like to read and watch television or movies. I don’t like mediocre content, but rather extremely bad or extremely good. Something extremely good makes me think ‘I want to write that well’ and inspires me to pick up my pen again, and something terrible makes me think ‘I can do better than that’ and has the same effect. Mediocrity, though, just leaves me feeling ‘meh’.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I can’t say exactly, though I greatly appreciate winning this award from Literary Classics. I have won one other writing award in my life, and that was when I was seventeen and won a writing award for an international magazine. I think, for me, my greatest accomplishment is actually being able to finish a novel and be satisfied with what it is.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Write because you love to write, not because you want to get published or make money. In general, having a publisher can make life easier for making your book available, but the burden of promotion still falls heavily on the author. If you don’t love to promote yourself, than maybe working with an international publisher isn’t what you want. If you are hoping to have a personal conversation with your audience, maybe self-publishing is what you are really after. It’s more work on your part, but it lowers the burden, removes deadlines, and makes the experience more enjoyable.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tactics. You’re going to try a lot of things that don’t work, and occasionally something will perform way better than you had hoped. Also, be patient, because it takes a lot of time to get your book into different channels and in front of people. If it’s good, then word of mouth will take you a long way. Also, writing competitions and awards can help set you and your book apart, so put yourself out there.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Writing is a journey of self-discovery. Sometimes you have to look inside yourself to find a story and sometimes it’s outside waiting for you to pick it up and run with it. Don’t be afraid to try something different, whether as a writer or in your life, because you never know just what will inspire you.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
I have a tendency to start new works when I finish a project and move on from genre to genre. So far I’ve written literary fiction, science fiction, espionage thriller, paranormal horror, and I’m finishing up a fantasy work I’m hoping to have published in the near future. Four of these are new series where I’ve started something and have to continue, so now I’m going to turn my attention toward second books in each of these series. I just enjoy starting new books with a blank slate so much that it’s hard for me to dive back into something with so many moving parts.
All of my works can be found through my website and on amazon:
I also have a lot of exclusive content, including chapters from each of my works and upcoming content. I also like to do giveaways and anyone who subscribes to my mailing list is eligible for weekly giveaways including free copies of my novels, upcoming sample copies of new works, and other great prizes!

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Author Spotlight - Angela Blount, on her award winning book, Once Upon a Road Trip


WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?: 
I think I knew when I was in the sixth grade, and I couldn't stop narrating my own daydreams. (Fortunately I kept it all in my head, so I didn't question my sanity much beyond what seemed reasonable for a near-teenager.) I'd started asking "What if...?" questions to all kinds of scenarios--visualizing alternate endings to both reality and fiction. 
I'd been a voracious reader all through elementary school, but it suddenly occurred to me that I could try writing my own story. My first book was done all in pencil and filled an entire spiral-bound notebook. It was an adventurous tale about a group of kids (conveniently my age) who were valiantly attempting to save a herd of endangered white rhinos. It was terrible. Most authors have a starter book that should never see the light of day, and that one was mine. For some reason, the admitted awfulness only made me want to get better at it.  
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?:
I spent most of my elementary years telling people I wanted to be an Oceanographer. I didn't. It sounded impressive at the time, and I was one of those kids who didn't have some burning dream job I'd picked out early on. The idea of doing the same thing--all day, every day, 5 days a week--sounding dauntingly boring. For a time I gave serious thought to becoming an astronaut...until I found out how many math courses would be involved.  



HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
In my case, it wasn't so much a story idea as a piece of my life that happened to make a great story. Every time someone asked me how I met my husband I had to pause and decide how best to condense a novel-sized account down to a few tidbits...which inevitably made me sound a little crazy when I got to the "Well, technically I met him on the internet when I was 15--but I didn't meet him face-to-face until I turned 18 and went on this cross-country road trip..."
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 
Once Upon an Ever After (The sequel to Once Upon a Road Trip.)
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
Even after I realized how much I enjoyed writing, I resisted doing anything serious with it for many years. It was too impractical. So many articles I read made it seem as though I had a better chance of winning the lottery than I did of making a living off of being a writer. It took me a while to realize there was no shame in keeping my "day job" and working toward my writing career on the side. 
I realized this was meant for me when I tried to quit and discovered I couldn't. No matter how discouraged I was, I couldn't turn off the storytelling part of me. 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?:
Offhand, I would have to say Lois Lowry's The Giver. That was my first taste of dystopian, and it hit me at an impressionable time in my mental and literary development. Lowry presented difficult but realistic subject material, and did so in a way that was impactful without being preachy. It haunted me for weeks. I knew after reading it that I wanted to write things that could make people think, or at least think about something important in a different way. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
To date, I think my greatest moment was realizing I'd seen two of my books published by the age of 30. I hadn't set that as a goal for myself, but it was a deeply satisfying realization.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?: 
For me, becoming published was a 5-year intensive journey of learning, rejection, skin-thickening, and persistence.  
My personal tip for aspiring authors: Get connected. If you can't find a knowledgeable writing group that meets near you, join one online. Your skills will advance much faster within a support group that can offer you workshops and feedback. I didn't know how much I didn't know until I joined the RWA (Romance Writers of America). And honestly, that's probably for the best! If I'd realized the learning curve I was about to scale, I might have been intimidated into having second thoughts. 
Also, take the time to review books you're reading. Even if it's just for your own archival reasons on a site like Amazon or Goodreads, reviewing will help you analyze what you do and don't like about books and why. It has a lot of potential to give you a new insights into your own writing.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
For me, Goodreads has been an invaluable resource. They facilitate book giveaways that can offer noteworthy exposure, and a good number of their groups offer Read-to-Review programs that can help get the word out. 
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?:
Thank you for reading! :) Without you, I'm just a functional-eccentric who can't seem to stop telling herself stories.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?:
I do! Several, in fact. I've found myself alternating back and forth between an interconnected set of Contemporary YA books, and a YA sci-fi series. Drastically different genres, but strangely refreshing to have the variety. New developments coming soon on that front. Stay tuned!  
“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life 
are the detours you didn't mean to take.”
  ― Angela N. Blount, Once Upon an Ever After 



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org