Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Author Spotlight, Sally Loughridge on her award winning book, Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I have always enjoyed writing, but during my career as a clinical psychologist it initially took the form of psychological reports, custodial evaluations, and teaching materials. With several colleagues, I also co-wrote three books on family change which incorporated many children's drawings.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
When my children were infants, I made each a "starry night blanket" which became favorite security objects. We took our infant daughter and later our baby son up the hill behind our house and, in introduction, lifted each to the sky. "World, this is our daughter (son). Daughter (son), this is the World." I used the concept of a starry night blanket in my book as an object providing visual continuity for the reader and as a symbol of Daniel's developmental growth, in terms of how he uses and needs his blanket. It seemed natural to include the blanket in the book's title.
I first published Rad Art: A Journey Through Radiation Treatment (American Cancer Society, 2012).
I did not think about creating another book until my experience having cancer propelled me toward "paying it forward."  Rad Art: A Journey Through Radiation Treatment was an "accidental" book rather than intentionally planned. It shares the private visual and written daily log I kept during radiation treatment for cancer. Creating a small painting in 20 minutes or less immediately after each of 33 treatment sessions was a personal strategy I devised to help me express and better understand my intense and unsettling emotions about having cancer. Only later did I agree to share it as a book.
I created my second book, Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love, which won a Gold Medal in the Literary Classics International Book Awards Program (Picture Book/Preschool Category), as a way to bring attention to very young children who are emotionally impacted by illness in an older sibling. My experiences as a clinical psychologist, cancer survivor, and now professional artist underlie the development of the book – both in words and illustrations.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
As the child of a curious father and artistic mother, I've always loved solving problems and creating things. In college I initially wanted to be a philosopher because I was so drawn to ideas and the mysteries and conundrums of life. As an offshoot, I began studying psychology, especially developmental and clinical psychology. All of these studies were also no doubt in pursuit of understanding myself. I later switched my major to psychology because it resonated with me emotionally as well as intellectually.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
"Dad borrowed a microscope to show them cells from plants and animals. Daniel pretended they were Kate's cancer cells and yelled at them, 'GO AWAY, RIGHT NOW!' Then the whole family roared, 'GO AWAY, RIGHT NOW!' in their biggest voices. Soon they were laughing together."
I like this quotation because it depicts the father helping the children learn about cells and Kate's cancer. It also communicates Daniel's desire to chase away his sister's illness. And together, the family members find empowering humor in the situation as they yell at the cells.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
I identify with the children and their parents, each trying to cope with their emotional response to Kate being so ill. I have great empathy for sick children and for family members who may feel ill-attended and left out. The mother in my book no doubt reflects my own way of parenting my children — hopefully with kindness, acceptance, and guidance.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I want readers to understand more fully the impact of pediatric illness on each person in a family, not just the ill child. I want the book to give young children encouragement to express their feelings in such a tough situation, increase empathy for healthy siblings as well as an ill child, and support parents in the challenge of juggling the needs of all their children.
TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM/INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
Neither of my books was created in a traditional manner — straight-forward "writing" per se. The first, Rad Art, evolved from a private visual strategy I devised to help keep myself steady during cancer treatment. This material only later became a book when professionals and friends repeatedly urged me to share my painting and written log to help others on the same journey.
I created my second book, Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love, by painting an illustration and then crafting the words to accompany the picture. I would get an idea about how to visually portray an interaction in the family, and after creating the painting, would find the verbal narrative to go with it.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Among children's books, I have always admired Maurice Sendak's work and Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible Horrible Very Bad Day. Both authors have whimsy, wit, and warmth. 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
I am widely read and cannot pick just one book!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Perhaps completing my dissertation! More seriously, I don't think of myself as having literary accomplishments, but just someone who has created several books that are compassionate and visually appealing resources in tough medical situations.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS?
My writing often evolves out of my painting, which centers and calms me. This state then allows words to arise and take shape as a description or a narrative. I am trying to become more lean in both my painting and my writing, leaving greater space for viewer and reader interpretation and reaction.
Sometimes a painting will inspire a haiku. Now I am trying to reverse this by experimenting with writing haikus, which may then inspire paintings.
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
For Rad Art, I decided that I would actively try, literally for a week, to find a publisher. I knew this was insufficient time, but I was ambivalent about putting my private cancer story out there publicly and very busy in my art career. I am so glad that I contacted the American Cancer Society during that trial week, because the book director responded positively within several days. Having learned subsequently from readers how much the book has helped them, I am now very happy I shared my story.
Finding a publisher for Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love was quite different. I tried for a number of months and gathered some rejections. But along the way, I found that many people, both professionals and those personally touched by pediatric cancer, saw the book as potentially very helpful to families. My strong belief in the project's worth propelled me toward self-publishing. In spite of the high cost and the huge challenges of marketing, I am glad that I went forward.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION/PUBLISH DATE/OR OTHER OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
When I finally saw the first printed copy, I breathed deeply and rested for a couple of days!
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
· Believe in your project, or don't proceed!
· Don't rush any of the stages of getting your manuscript ready for publication.
· Accept and embrace that creating a successful book entails far more than writing.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
· Promote your book in multiple arenas — print, social media, blogs, talks, signings, and more.
· Identify your niche audience and find ways to reach them.
· Don't assume that being on Amazon.com is enough to get your book out there.
· Carefully pick and use key words online.
· Be involved and patient during the marketing process.
· If you are shy about promoting your book, remember that marketing is key to anyone discovering (and buying!) your book.

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

Monday, February 13, 2017

Skinny White Freak, by Paul Haddad, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Growing up in the 70s in California meant baking in the sun, while slathered in baby oil, catching rays for that golden tan considered a prerequisite for looking one's best.  But Adam Lipsitz can't catch a break.  Not only is his skin entirely pigment challenged, he also takes gangly and geeky to bizarre extremes.  He might just as well paint a bullseye on his forehead to alert bullies looking for an easy target.  Add to this his list of prior summer camp fiascos and one can easily imagine his apprehension at being shipped off to suffer six weeks of hell at Kamp Kickapoo.

Skinny White Freak, by Paul Haddad, is an often snarky and entirely entertaining coming-of-age tale of a teenaged boy who has finally reached his bullying threshold.  Pushed to his limits he digs deep within to find a resolve he didn't know he had.  Often witty, occasionally heart-rending, but always honest, this book offers an introspective glimpse into the tender frailty of youth.  Skinny White Freak is a triumphant exploration of the weaknesses and strengths of the human spirit and a book that will resonate with readers of all ages.


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

Author Spotlight - Beverly Stowe McClure on her award winning book, Under a Purple Moon



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
When I was teaching fifth-grade, we read Newbery honor books. Seeing how much my students enjoyed the stories, what great reports they did, sometimes even dressing like the main character, I started wondering what it would be like to write stories young people loved. So, I took a writing course and discovered that writing a novel was even better than reading one. That was almost 20 years ago, and I'm still writing.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A ballerina or an opera singer.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? One day, a girl (I hear voices a lot) whispered in my ear that her mother criticized everything she did and all she wanted was her mother and father to love her. So, Eden's story was born, the story of a broken family and their struggles to find that elusive word: love. 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
"Who's to argue with the butterfly?"
It's hard to choose just one line but this one is a theme throughout the story about butterflies granting wishes.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
Josh is most like me. He keeps his troubles to himself, not wanting to bother others.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I hope teen readers will see from the story that they are not alone in their troubles. They can get help, from friends and from school counselors. Others do care.
TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I laugh about it now, but was rather annoyed when it happened. My first book signing at a bookstore, they forgot I was coming. They apologized, of course, and hurried about setting up a table. In the meantime, I wandered through the store and decided to talk to customers. So, I pushed some popular author's books to one side of a table, put my book beside them and gave out my freebies to people that passed by. A lot of them talked to me. We had fun. Finally, my table was ready and I even sold a few books.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
Gone With The Wind
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
One of them is winning the Children's Literary Classics Award. Five of my books have been honored with other awards. My historical fiction for teens also won or was a finalist in the Eric Hoffer Awards, Next Generation Indie Publishing Awards, Sharp Writ Awards, and Reader's Favorites. 
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS?
No. I just write better in the mornings.
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
I got published the hard way, without an agent. I sent lots of queries to publishers and agents.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I smiled, said, "Finished," and searched for a publisher to submit it to. No special celebration. Then the acceptance letter arrived in my mail. I was happy. 
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? I have 14 other books published and short stories in 3 Chicken Soup for the Soul Anthologies. 
These are the latest: 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
I started writing articles for children's magazine and they were published in Humpty Dumpty, Ladybug, Clubhouse Jr. and others. My accomplishments in the magazines gave me the confidence to submit to book publishers. I received a lot of "no thanks" letters, but I never gave up. I learned from the editors' comments what wasn't working and studied to improve my writing. All I can say to aspiring others is "Never give up. Be tough. Learn what the publisher wants. And send it." 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Promotion is tough for me. I'm very shy and hate to seem "pushy." So I hesitate when talking about my stories. I'm working on doing better. I have two blogs, belong to Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads, Book Bub, Lit Pick and Library Thing. I watch what other authors do to promote their books. I love contests. Helping my writer friends promote their work goes both ways; they help me in return. I read their books and write reviews. There's so much to do.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Just hang in there. Take it one day at a time. If a former non-reader like me became a reader and a writer, you can do it too. A prayer helps.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Three other stories are in various stages, mostly rough drafts.

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

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Do Awards Matter?



My name is Gary Scogin and I am the author of the multiple award-winning children's series about Penny the Palomino Quarter Horse.  Winning the awards has been a wonderful and fruitful experience for me.  

Some of the benefits since receiving the awards include the ability to place 'award-winning author' on the cover of my books along with the image of the medals, the ability to interact with other award-winning authors in my genre as well as other genres, and to get in touch with and eventually work with my very first editor, as well as noticeable increased sales.  

This came through a meet and greet we had at the awards celebration.  I have since teamed up with another author I met at the event a few months ago and we will be attending a horse expo together in Denver.  She writes middle grade fiction about horses and I write children's books about a quarter horse.  This is a perfect partnership that would not have happened if it weren't for the awards and the meet and greet. I see us working together on many future endeavors. 

I would say to anyone on the fence about submitting their book for the awards given by Literary Classics that it is a great opportunity for you as an author and you never know what will come by putting yourself out there (which can be difficult). I am forever grateful for Literary Classics and the wonderful people that work there.

I look forward to submitting future works.


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

Monday, February 6, 2017

Heaven Breaks In, by Nicholas Cappas, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Heaven Breaks In is the story of Davis Chandler, a freshman going away for his first year of college.   Davis has always been firmly rooted in his faith.  But now that he is in a new environment the secular world and many seemingly innocuous moments threaten to weaken his resolve to remain strong in his faith.

But the spiritual warfare going on in Davis' life is deeper than one might see on the surface. Fighting on the frontlines are a team of angels assigned to help Davis maintain, despite the many obstacles in his path.  The Archangel Michael, and Littleton, the angel assigned to intercede on Davis' behalf, engage in a series of letters between each other as they strategize a series of plans to steer Davis in the right direction.

This thought provoking book  provides a unique perspective of another dimension in which angels and demons duke it out in a battle to win human souls.  Author Nicholas Cappas puts a modern spin on C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters offering readers an introspective glimpse into the seductive ways in which secular influences can insidiously whittle away at the foundations of a person's faith.



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

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Hopping to America, by Diana Pishner Walker, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Joby Riepules, a young rabbit, and his family took a very long trip across the ocean from Italy to live in America.  The family soon became a part of the community where they lived and worked on a farm.  The Riepules family slowly came to feel at home in America, but they still loved and missed Italy along with the family, friends, and traditions they had left behind.

Hopping to America teaches young readers about immigrant families, their hopes and dreams and the longing they sometimes have for their homeland.  This heartwarming tale of a tightly-knit family of rabbits will help youngsters gain empathy and a better understanding of what immigrants experience when they come to America.  Expressive illustrations by Ashley Teets are a wonderful addition to this book which is 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

Corinne's Fin, by Dayle Dabney, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Corinne, a gold-fish, is the fastest swimmer in Lavendar Lake.  She is revered by the young fish which all aspire to swim like her.  But one day Corinne experiences a tragic accident and her fin is permanently damaged.  Nobody knows how to talk to her, or what to say after the accident.  They want to help, but they just don't know how.  Finally one of her friends helps her understand there's more to her than her damaged fin.

Corinne's Fin is an inspiring book about learning to cope with disability and finding a "new normal".  Author Dayle Dabney tackles a tough subject in a tender way that kids will find highly relatable.  Powerfully expressive illustrations by Ashley Teets help reinforce Dabney's message of hope for young readers.  Corinne's Fin is recommended for home and school libraries and for use in clinical settings.  This book earns 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, February 1, 2017

Drummer Girl, by Hiba Masood, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



As a young girl Najma was warmed by the wonderful traditions surrounding Ramadan in the lovely town where she lived in Istanbul.  She loved the lights, the steaming bowls of shorba, and the sound of night prayers at the mosque near her small white house with the brick red roof.  But most of all, Najma enjoyed waking before dawn to the sound of the musaharati strolling through the neighborhood beating a drum and chanting songs.  Najma dreamed of one day becoming a musaharati, but she'd never before heard of a girl who had fulfilled this special role.

Drummer Girl, by Hiba Masood, is a story that will inspire young girls to reach for their dreams regardless of what others might say or think.  This lovely picture book, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi, depicts the many sights, scents and sounds of this very special time of year. Young readers will delight in the rich traditions of Ramadan as seen through the eyes of Najma, a child who wishes to become a drummer girl.

This book is recommended for home and school libraries 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