AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

AUTHOR, FIONA INGRAM

On her award winning book: THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB
 
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? I began by inventing stories to

entertain my 3 younger brothers when I was about 10. Later I 

graduated in theater studies, moved into journalism and have 

been writing ever since.
 
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? I love the creative thrill 

from making something come alive; I also love entertaining people. 

I love the magical world between the pages of a book.
 
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE 

THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB? 

I went to Egypt with my mother and my 2 young nephews (aged 

10 and 12)for a family holiday. Upon our return I decided 

to write them a short story about our adventures with my 

nephews as the young heroes. They never got to read the 

short story because it became a book. it changed my life and 

my career.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY? That's really hard 

to answer but I love Jane Austen for the wit and deceptive 

simplicity of her books; her perception of human nature 

is gifted. I also love JRR Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS for 

the grandeur and scope of the battle between good and evil 

within the heroes and within the context of his magical world.
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK... AND WHY? I am a fan of good 

detective novels, and THE MOONSTONE by Wilkie Collins has 

to be the perfect book. It has many layers, multiple narration 

and point of view which works amazingly; it has intrigue, 

mystery and again a great insight into human nature. It is 

also the forerunner of the great British detective novel.
 
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

I also like to write other genres for fun. I have co-authored 

THIS ENCHANTED LAND, a Viking adventure, 
(http://www.viking-sagas.com) with William P. Robertson who 

writes prolifically about the American Civil War. I have also 

written a Regency Romance entitled THE DANGEROUS DUKE for MUSA 

Publishing, a traditional style publisher, 

(http://www.musapublishing.com) under the pseudonym Arabella 

Sheraton. I am halfway through my next historical for MUSA 

Publishing entitled MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT.
 
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: I love books, writing, art, 

the theater, movies and animals. I have an adopted African 

child, from a disadvantaged background, who has decided to 

become a writer (just like me!). She is about to graduate from 

high school. I care for my disabled Mom and live in a big, 

beautiful house in Johannesburg, South Africa, with 4 cats 

(Cuddles, Bertie, Pushkin and Oliver), 3 dogs (Chloe, 

Jasper and Pumpkin), a fierce duck called Charlemagne and 

a lively cockatoo called Cleopatra. The birds are in 
charge of everything!
 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? I have finished the 

second book in my MG adventure series The Chronicles of the 

Stone. This is the sequel to THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB. 

Book Two is called THE SEARCH FOR THE STONE OF EXCALIBUR. 

My two heroes are plunged into more adventure and mystery as 

they stumble upon the greatest sword of all - Excalibur! 

I am in the editing process and will update interested readers 

via my author site. I have planned and am about to start Book 

Three entitled THE TEMPLE OF THE CRYSTAL TIME KEEPER which takes 

my heroes to Mexico and embroils them in Mayan and Aztec legends 

and conflicts.
 
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR? I have so many ideas 

jumping around in my head at one time that it's hard to write 

fast enough. Marketing also takes a lot of time. One has to get 

out there and let people know about one's work. There are so 

many books being published each year that the competition is 

fierce.
 
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS? I have 4 

golden rules I discovered while I was writing and later 

marketing my first book. I have also written articles on 

how to get your book completed and out there (See my Media 

Page on my author site). THE FOUR GOLDEN RULES: 1. Never 

give up. 2. Make sure your book meets the industry standards 

and spend time and money on proper editing and achieving a 

final polished result. 3. Do something every day to market 

your book to the world. 4. Make sure you have a good author 

or book site with details on where to find your book, and 

information about you and your work.
 
DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER'S BLOCK? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU 

DO TO OVERCOME THIS? No, I never have writer's block. I 

occasionally have a problem getting through a sticky patch 

but I tell my characters to sort themselves out while I move 

onto the next section. When I come back to the problem area 

I find the characters have worked it out. I think writers 

should trust the creative process more. If something is not 

working then leave it and work on something else. You will 

find that something has changed and you can continue.
 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED? I would have 

preferred the traditional route with my children's book but 

after 35 rejections from agents I was so naive I thought I 

had no options but to self-publish. I have done very well 

with my book in terms of reviews and book awards, but only 
because I have worked at getting the accolades. With 

e-publishing on the rise it seems that anyone can publish 

themselves. However, I would suggest going the agent route 

first to get an idea if your work has merit, what needs to 

be changed or cleaned up, and if there is a market for your 

book. Self-publishing can be expensive and writers can still 

fall into the trap of not paying enough attention to industry 

standards. E-publishing (DIY) holds even greater threats 

because a self-publishing company will at least cast an 
experienced eye over the book before going ahead.
 
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? 

Persistence pays off. I have garnered great book reviews and 

book awards wins and nominations for THE SECRET OF THE 

SACRED SCARAB. I have also just signed a movie option for 

the book with a British movie company. They read a review 

I tweeted (is that a word, I wonder?) and contacted me, saying 

they had bought, read, and loved the book. I cannot emphasize 

strongly enough to make sure your book has merit. A good book 

will find its way to the right readers, and the right rewards 

will come from it.
 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Bella & Harry Adventures Continue to earn our Seal of Approval!

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the two newest additions to the Bella & Harry adventure series have been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

Bella & Harry, Let's Visit London!, and Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Venice!, the latest in the series of Bella & Harry adventures, are both equally as educational and entertaining as Lisa Manzione's first book in the Bella & Harry series, Let's Visit Paris, the 2011 Literary Classics Gold Medal recipient of Best First Picture Book award. 

In both new books, Bella & Harry, chihuahua siblings with the great fortune of traveling around the world with their family, encounter many famous landmarks and culinary delights of the regions in which they are traveling.  Bella, being the older of the two chihuahuas, continues to offer countless fascinating factoids about the sights and history of the area which they are visiting. 

As always, Kristine Lucco brings Ms. Manziones's stories to life with exceptional illustrations which are both entertaining and captivating. 

It is with eager anticipation that we await the next book in the Bella & Harry series. 

With the Christmas shopping season nearly upon us, we wholeheartedly recommend this series for little ones on your shopping list. 

Manzione's Bella & Harry books are absolutely delightful in every way, and we are pleased to add her most recent titles, Bella & Harry, Let's Visit London! and Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Venice! to our list of accomplished titles in children's literature which have earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Animal Analogies - Simply Fabulous!

Animalogy - Animal Analogies, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Cathy Morrison, is an educator's dream when it comes to teaching youngsters about analogies. Vibrant, expressive and beautiful full color images spring to life from the pages of this wonderfully illustrated picture book. 

Profoundly educational in its simplicity, Animology offers many easy-to-comprehend examples of analogies as they relate to animals, such as..."Ant is to tiny, as hippo is to big."

In addition, the educational section in the back provides cross-curricular teaching activities, interactive quizzes and more. 

Animalogy - Animal Analogies, would make an excellent addition to any P-3 teacher's academic library.  We highly recommend this book, which has earned our Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Trouble on Earth Day

Trouble on Earth Day, by Kathy Stemke, is the story of Shelby Squirrel, a youngster who is thrilled to have won an Earth Day Poster contest. As Shelby's family of squirrels contemplate the meaning of her poster, namely to "re-think" how some items might be recycled, they start brainstorming ways to put their saved and cast-off items to good use. 

When Shelby encounters a bird in short supply of materials with which to build her nest, she comes to the rescue with some of the items her family had recently decided to recycle.  Shelby and her new friend pool their efforts and resources to create a beautiful new nest. 

With interactive games and projects, including additional Earth Day history information at the back, this book is an excellent resource for educators on the topic of recycling.


Trouble on Earth Day earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, written by Kathy Stemke and illustrated by Jack Foster is the story of a fantastic series of adventures as seen through the eyes of Zachary, a boy who is struggling to adjust to life with a new baby sister.  Young Zachary becomes a "super hero"whenever he puts on his glasses.  Donning his glasses as he does his best to help protect his baby sister from noises which might wake her, he encounters all sorts of noisy nuisances, including birds, trains and bears.  This whimsical book creatively incorporates consonant blends in a story which will surely transport youngsters to new levels of imagination in their quest for adventure and learning.

Zachary's journey is only beginning at the conclusion of this story.  Complete with teacher's supplements including rhymes, songs, worksheets and more, this book has much to offer young readers as well as educators.

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep,earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

One Pelican at a Time

One Pelican at a Time, written by Nancy Stewart and illustrated by Samantha Bell, is the story of two young girls who frequent a beach near their home.  When a gulf oil spill threatens their beach and the animals which inhabit it, they are saddened by the knowledge that there is little they can do to help.
But when their old friend, the pelican is put in harm's way after diving into the oil coated water, the girls act quickly to save the pelican's life.
One Pelican at a Time is a timely book which touches on important issues regarding environmental stewardship and responsibility.  Lovely illustrations help enhance this book which would be an exceptional classroom aid for prompting discussion about caring for our planet.

One Pelican at a Time earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Young Author Breathes Life into Characters

 At the tender age of ten, Natalie Tinti has done what many adults only dream of doing.  Young Natalie has written and illustrated a book which has now been published.  Sewing a Friendship is the story of four young girls who each display very unique character traits.  A fifth little girl, Kiki Shaver, "the meanest girl on the planet" joins this cast of characters as the girls learn to work together to accomplish their goal of participating in a fashion show.

Miss Tinti possesses raw talent in her ability to create imagery through her adventure in story-telling.  Her book, Sewing a Friendship, paired with vivid illustrations is a true inspiration to aspiring authors, both young and old.

We look forward to following Miss Tinti's burgeoning writing career and wish her the best of luck in her literary endeavors.




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie

Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie, by Jonathan Graves, is the story of a young girl who happens upon a beanie while playing in her grandmother's attic.  Through a series of events, she encounters a woman who, legend has it, lives in a cave nearby and possesses the gift of flight.  Upon meeting the "wind keeper" Isabella receives the gift of a red feather, along with the knowledge that she too possesses the gift of flying. 

Children are sure to be enchanted by this picture book which will most certainly light a fervent spark of imagination.  Illustrations by Gail Haley are a wonderful addition to this delectable literary treat.

Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie comes highly recommended and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear is the charming tale of Bilbo, the teddy bear who has been passed over (yet again) as the shop in which he resides closes for business on Christmas Eve.  Bilbo's only dream is to become a special gift on Christmas.  But over time, as Bilbo has waited on the shelves to be purchased, he has become "damaged goods." Now on the clearance shelf, with great sadness, he realizes that yet another Christmas shopping season has come and gone... and he fears he may never have the opportunity to bring someone Christmas joy.  When Santa arrives in Bilbo's shop, Bilbo is ecstatic!  With great delight, he is taken on a grand adventure as he helps Santa with his Christmas Eve tasks.  Bilbo travels around the world, helping Santa deliver presents to good little boys and girls everywhere.  As they make their journey, Bilbo experiences various cultures and landmarks, while being reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas carols, some classic and some obscure, are skillfully woven within the text of this beautifully written and illustrated book. 

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear, written and illustrated by Peter John Lucking, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Yvonne Capitelli

 on her award winning book:

Daria Rose and The Day She Chose

www.dariarosebooks.com

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

As a young girl I was always writing poems. One of my dreams was that one day I would be an author of children's books.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

As a child my favorite class was English. It gives me joy to write my thoughts and feelings down on paper. Writing makes me happy whether it’s a poem, writing in a journal or my inspiring children’s books.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE, Daria Rose and The Day She Chose?   

When my daughter Daria was in third grade, she would often bring friends home after school to do homework. They would sit at the kitchen table and we would talk about their day. I was surprised at the various conflicts they were facing at such an early age. That’s when I decided I would bring together my love of helping children and my dream of writing children’s books. My amazing girl is definitely my inspiration.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

Two of my favorite children’s books are The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein and One Enchanted Evening, by Mark Kimball Moulton.

I enjoy books that inspire me to be a better person like The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The agreements are: Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions and Always do your best.

Another fun and inspiring book is The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher. It is a very short story of a desperate Knight in search of his true self.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out will be released in January 2012.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I love my family, laughing, doing anything creative, being by the ocean, taking a nap with the sun on my face, chocolate, helping others and positive thinking. I do not believe in the word can’t. I feel that with faith and determination I can figure anything out!

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I’m working on the second book of my Daria Rose Series as well as a Daria Rose chapter book series.

I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out. Is a story of one boy’s journey and triumph with Auditory Processing Disorder. It will be available January 2012 at www.dariarosebooks.com and Amazon.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Write about what you're passionate about. Even before I had my own child, I loved children. I want to inspire children to be kind, confident, determined and realize the power they have within. My love of children and writing come together in my Daria Rose Series.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED?

Be determined and patient. It took two years for me to publish Daria Rose and The Day She Chose.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

Follow your dreams and never ever give up because all things are possible. You need to set your mind on the goal and take one step at a time. Don’t waste time thinking about what’s difficult. Concentrate on the solution and before you know it, you’ll reach your goal.

_________________________________________________________

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

EVELYN ROTHSTEIN

On her Award Winning Title . . .
DAVE LEARNS SPANISH

AUTHOR'S NAME:  Evelyn Rothstein

TITLE OF LITERARY CLASSICS AWARD WINNING BOOK:  Dave Learns Spanish

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
About 30 years.
 
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING PROFESSIONALLY?
I was a very poor writer throughout my school years.  But many years later when I was a classroom teacher, I had no ideas about how to teach my students to write.  I was frustrated when I had the good fortune of attending a workshop given by two people.   Their message was simple:  You learn to write when you have TEACHERS who TEACH you to write, not ask you.  With this message, I began to learn teaching strategies that first benefited me, then eventually benefited my students.  In 1980 I wrote my first book for teachers called TEACHING WRITING.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR BOOK Dave Learns Spanish ?
Several years ago, having written several books for teachers, I decided I wanted my grandchildren to know about my parents, or as I said to my grandchildren, “Your Daddy’s grandma and grandpa.  Luckily both my parents had told me numerous stories about their childhood and growing up and I retained all of them.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
Victor Hugo who wrote empathetically and dramatically about the struggles of poor people in France of the middle ages through the times of Napoleon.  He brought every character to life, those with compassion and those who practiced cruelty.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK... AND WHY?
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.  The central character is Jean Valjean, an ex-convict for the crime of stealing a loaf of bread for his sister and her children.  Upon freedom from jail after 19 years, he seeks a path of what he calls redemption, but finds obstacles.  Then through his rescue of an orphaned child, Cosette, he finds the goal of his life.
 
HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS?
Writing As Learning
Write for Mathematics
English Grammar Instruction That Works
My Great Grandma Clara
My Great Grandpa Dave
Dave the Boxer
Clara Becomes a Citizen
Clara’s Great War


TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I’m an Educational Consultant who has worked with teachers and students in numerous school districts throughout the United States and in the last few years have presented in France, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Evelyn and the Two Evas -  It will out in about six months from Marble House Editions

For teachers, I have just completed DEFINING EXCELLENCE: CULTURAL RELEVANCE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENTS.  Will be out in January.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?
Getting my books marketed in a world of competition.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Write about what you know.  That’s what I tell young students and then always get great writing.

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER'S BLOCK?
No block, as much as working up the energy.  Writing is hard work.  It’s not like speaking.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED?
This is tough.  One way is to partner with an emerging publisher who you believe has publishing talent.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Don’t be discouraged and never let anyone tell you “you can’t write”.  Yes you can.  Just be sure you write from what you know.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com