Saturday, April 25, 2015

Author Spotlight - Author Eric Price on his award winning book, Unveling the Wizards' Shroud



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY? As a child, I didn’t like reading. That all changed in junior high when I picked up a second hand copy of Stephen King’s The Shining. The same year I had the first excellent literature teacher of my life. She turned me on to the likes of Poe and Irving. At some point, I realized these authors were just regular people too. I decided I could do it if I really wanted. Seventeen years later I sold my first story. 
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child, I always figured I’d become a veterinarian. I changed my mind when I saw how much school it took and how little it paid when finished. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? I took a writing course and I had to submit three possible story ideas. One of them turned into Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud



TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: My book is aimed at young adults, especially males. So far, most of my readers, at least the ones who’ve made contact with me, have been 30+ year old women. 
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? 
I love how well Stephen King develops his characters. I strive to have characters interesting enough people will want to read about them regardless of what they’re doing. 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s so simple, yet such an amazing story. I never had to read this as an assignment for school, and I’m glad. Had I been forced to read it, I’d have never enjoyed it as much as I did by ‘discovering’ it on my own. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? Having a publisher accept my first novel has to be my greatest achievement. The Literary Classics award for best first novel means a lot, but it, and any future novels I publish may not have happened without that first acceptance letter. 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS? I wrote Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud with the one-on-one instruction of a published author and editor. When I finished it, I eventually submitted it to publishers. After a handful of rejections, Muse It Up Publishing showed interest in it. They sent me a list of changes I’d need to make before they would send me a contract. I also had some ideas for changes of my own, most notably the addition of another character who would play a bigger role in a potential sequel.
I rewrote the complete manuscript. I intended on introducing this character at the beginning and showing her again at the end, but as characters often do, she had a mind of her own, and she stuck around for the whole book.
Muse It Up Publishing accepted the new version. There it went through six rounds of edits with three different editors, and the book could have never been anywhere near as good without each of them.
My advice to aspiring authors is don’t fear/get discouraged by rejection letters. They don’t necessarily mean your work isn’t good. Many publishers are so busy, they don’t do much more than glace at your cover-letter and synopsis. After you’ve written the best story you can, make sure your cover-letter and synopsis are held to the same high standard. If you still get rejected, make sure there’s nothing you can improve and send it somewhere else. 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? Promoting is the hardest part. I’ve tried a lot with mixed results. My current angle is to make connections with teachers and try to get them to have their classes read it. It helps if you make yourself available to speak to the classes as well. 
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? You can’t self-edit. Even if you decide self-publishing is the way you want to go, hire a freelance editor.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? The first sequel to Unveiling the Wizards’ ShroudThe Squire and the Slave Master, is scheduled for an August 4 release.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? Yes. I've started the third and final book in The Saga of the Wizards series called, A Wizard Reborn. I’m also searching for an agent for a middle-grade sports/adventure book called Catching a Break. 

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE LITERARY CLASSICS BOOK AWARDS? After winning my award for Best First Novel, I received a contract for a paperback printing of my book. This likely would have happened anyway, but I think my publisher was extra excited to have a gold seal printed on the cover.



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

Friday, April 24, 2015

I Live in a Doghouse earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



I Live in a Doghouse, by Beverly Stowe McClure, is the story of Nick, his dog who is named Accident, and the blended family with whom they live. Things were mostly fine when it was just Nick, his mom and their four-legged friend.  But now he has to share a home with a bossy step-sister, Grace (who is allergic to Accident), a step-dad, and a new baby sister. To make matters worse, he's always being asked to babysit. When Nick wants to escape, mostly to avoid babysitting, he hides out in the doghouse with Accident, who has been banished from the house due to Grace's allergies.

On the surface this book is a light-hearted read with lots fun and comical events taking place.  The overall story provides greater depth with interesting and well developed characters, and a back-story which gives this book true substance.  As the book progresses, it takes on a more serious tone, while maintaining a whimsical vein.  I Live in a Doghouse is an excellent book that will appeal to young readers, especially those with a blended family experience.  This book comes highly recommended for school and home libraries.

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

Monday, April 20, 2015

The Violets are Mine earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




The Violets are Mine, a memoir by Lester Morris, is the story of a young boy growing up in England’s orphanages during World War II.  Morris’s retelling of the harrowing experiences he endured as a child is told with true grace and charm.

A heartfelt thank you to Les Morris for sharing his early childhood memories. His rich descriptions force the reader to pause and marvel at his genuine will to survive some horrific events which no child should ever be expected withstand. The message of endurance and hope resonate throughout his stories and remind us that good people exist in society and that a kindness extended is returned a thousand times more. 

The Violets are Mine comes highly recommended 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

Friday, April 17, 2015

Knights of Nevertheless earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



R.A. McClure's Knights of Nevertheless, Escape from the Shadows is a riveting post apocalyptic novel about two boys and their mother who must escape the shadows of darkness which threaten their very existence.  Brothers, Stranth and Onar are on the cusp of manhood.  The two have a keen connection with each other and with their mother who will stop at nothing to ensure their protection from the evil which lurks in every corner.  Together, they battle darkness while clinging to the hope that they may somehow find a place where light casts out the shadows of darkness.

Escape from the Shadows is the first book in The Knights of Nevertheless series.  Destined to be a cherished classic, this book offers all the elements of young adult reading at its finest.  From the first page to the last, this book will capture and keep the attention of readers young and old.  McClure exhibits rare talent as a story-teller in this eloquently penned fantasy fiction novel.  We look forward to reading the next installment in the series by McClure who shows true promise as an up-and-coming author.


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

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Jeremiah Lucky and the Guardian Angel earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


The only thing lucky about Jeremiah Lucky is his name.  But on his way to school one day, he finds a lucky penny; and that's when things start to change for him. After realizing he'd forgotten his library books and his field-trip permission slip, a peculiar little man appears and announces that he's Jeremiah's guardian angel.  Angus McDermit, as the angel is called, helps Jeremiah make good choices while coming to understand and accept that things in life don't always have to be perfect, even himself.

Jeremiah Lucky and the Guardian Angel is suggested for youth ages 7-10 and skillfully addresses such issues as latchkey children, dealing with death and loss, and kids being raised by a single parent.  This book is a quick and easy read and is recommended for classroom reading and 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

Greenheart of the Forest earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



In Book II of the Bethloria series by Lizbeth Klein, orphaned brothers Robbie and Dougray find themselves once again embroiled in adventure as they seek the Greenheart of the Forest. Author Lizbeth Klein takes readers on an exploration of mystery, adventure and discovery in this riveting fantasy for young readers. While on their quest, the boys learn their parents may still be living. Robbie and Dougray struggle to find truth as they, along with a quirky entourage, join efforts to survive attacks by black wolves and raging rivers. Magical forces help to guide them as they seek to find truth on their journey towards realizing their destiny.

Klein continues to engage readers with book two in her Bethloria series which is well-developed and interwoven with threads and undertones which keep this story interesting and entertaining on many levels. Fans of Firelight of Heaven are sure to love this book in the Firelight Series.

Greenheart of the Forest is a delightful addition to Klein's fantasy series which comes highly recommended.

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Pancakes with Papa earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



When a young boy loses his grandfather, his heart aches to see him again.  His mother tells him his Papa can only return to visit him in his dreams; but those dreams fail to provide him with the reunion he so desperately longs for.  One day at breakfast he asks his grandmother when his Papa will visit him.  That's when the young boy's grandmother helps him find a very special way to see his grandfather whenever he wishes.

Pancakes with Papa is a beautiful story of an enduring love which transcends beyond the grave. Author Dena Albergo Jayson has penned a tale which will help young readers find hope in the lasting memories of loved ones who have passed away.  Lovely illustrations by Rainer M. Osinger are perfectly paired with this children's picture book which is sure to create opportunities for discussion with youngsters dealing with loss.  Young and old alike will be touched by this heart-warming book which we highly recommend 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

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Dragon and Captain earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Dragon and Captain is a real joy to behold.  Told in comic book style, it is a quick and light read which is simply enchanting.  But the crowning glory of this whimsical book is the illustrations which nearly steal the show from the witty humor penned within the pages of this delightful book.  Author P.R. Allabach and Illustrator Lucas Turnbloom are quite a team as they depict a day in the life of two boys playing make-believe.  Vivid illustrations charmingly depict the boys becoming immersed in a wild and daring adventure.  As they don makeshift costumes the two are transformed into a life-like dragon and his wily companion, a ship's captain.  Creativity runs rampant in this book which is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of young children.

Dragon and Captain comes highly recommended 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