Literary Classics is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in literature. Through our AWARDS, BOOK REVIEWS, and SEAL OF APPROVAL PROGRAM, we help you sort through the many books in circulation today. It is our goal to help you select the finest books available. Additionally, our programs offer opportunities for publishers, authors and illustrators to receive recognition for providing excellence in literature.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Adoptive Father, by Kayleen West, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Adoptive Father is a children's picture book, written and illustrated by Kayleen West, that epitomizes the perfect love exhibited by God the Father and his son Jesus. Every child wants to be accepted and loved, yet not all children experience unconditional love. Adoptive Father teaches children that they are all children of God and that their Father God in heaven knows no bounds in his ability to love them completely.
Beautifully colorful and expressive illustrations paired with lovely words to comfort and guide children make this a book that is sure to become a favorite to be returned to again and again.
Adoptive Father 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
Monday, December 29, 2014
Odie's Best Friend, by Kristen Mott, earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Odie's Best Friend is the precious story of Odie and his old friend Bandit. One day Odie asks his friend how he came to the farm where they both live.
Bandit shares with Odie the tale of how he was abandoned at a shelter by the family of a young girl who had loved him very much. As his sad story unfolds, Odie learns how, over time, Bandit finally came to find a place to call home. Author Kristen Mott has a very lovely way of relaying the sense of sadness that Bandit once felt, and his reluctance to trust someone to fully love him after he's been hurt so many times. As Bandit learns to trust, he finds a forever home, a girl to love and care for him, and his very best friend Odie.
Odie's Best Friend is a story that will connect with young readers on many levels. There is the message that animals have feelings and that the responsibility to love and care for an animal is a decision not to be taken lightly. This book teaches compassion and would also translate well for youngsters who may have their own personal experience with foster homes and other areas of sadness and personal loss.
Odie's Best friend comes highly 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
Bandit shares with Odie the tale of how he was abandoned at a shelter by the family of a young girl who had loved him very much. As his sad story unfolds, Odie learns how, over time, Bandit finally came to find a place to call home. Author Kristen Mott has a very lovely way of relaying the sense of sadness that Bandit once felt, and his reluctance to trust someone to fully love him after he's been hurt so many times. As Bandit learns to trust, he finds a forever home, a girl to love and care for him, and his very best friend Odie.
Odie's Best Friend is a story that will connect with young readers on many levels. There is the message that animals have feelings and that the responsibility to love and care for an animal is a decision not to be taken lightly. This book teaches compassion and would also translate well for youngsters who may have their own personal experience with foster homes and other areas of sadness and personal loss.
Odie's Best friend comes highly 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
Author Spotlight, Robin Donaruma, on her award winning YA book, The Undecided
AUTHOR ROBIN DONARUMA
THE UNDECIDED
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?: My senior year of high school when I met Chaucer, Shakespeare, Twain, Donne and Austen.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A famous writer.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WRITING THE UNDECIDED: I began this story with my main character, Lucas, being color blind. It wasn't until I was nearly finished with the novel that I realized Lucas kept referring to colors in the text. Oops. A rewrite was born.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?: Growing up I loved Dean Koontz who beautifully blended the supernatural with intrigue.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?: The Scarlet Pimpernel started my love affair with reading and writing.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?: Getting published!
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?: Go in understanding that it can be a longer journey than first anticipated. My journey lasted three years. Try not to take it personally and never, ever give up.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? Libraries are our friends and the more you get it out there, the more it will be read and talked about.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?: Even after being published, the work isn't done. Marketing is the next hurdle to really get your book out there and get it known.
HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS? Yes, Sweetest Confection (Historical Romance)
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?: The sequel is brewing in my brain as we speak.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
Saturday, December 27, 2014
The Reign, by Lynne Stringer, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval
The Reign, by Lynne Stringer, is a gripping novel which takes readers on a veritable roller-coaster ride of sci-fi adventure. Sarah is the Overlord of the planet where she has lived for only a short time. Her position and title is her birthright, but there are those who do not respect her as the newly appointed leader of their world. Thankfully she is under the protection of some the finest and most faithful guards who will risk anything to ensure her safety. But when someone from Sarah's past shows up, Sarah is haunted by questions that have plagued her for years. Determined to get answers, she sets out to find the truths that have been hidden from her since her childhood.
Book #3 in the Verindon series is filled with action, romance, and enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing all the way to the end. Stringer has skillfully crafted a tale which will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, romance, mystery and even action novels. This book reads well as a stand-alone, but should be read as part of the series to be fully appreciated.
The Reign is 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
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Night of Pan, by Gail Strickland, earns the CLC Seal of Approval
Thaleia is a young girl who was betrothed to Brygos, a considerably older brute of a man, when she was just five years old. Night of Pan begins when Thaleia is fifteen years of age. The day has come for her to be married, but feeling she can't possibly marry Brygos, she flees her village. As she takes flight through the woods she has a face-to face encounter with the god Pan, who persuades her to stay in Delphi, where she is needed by her people.
As the story progresses, Thaleia comes to learn who she is and what her role is as the Oracle of Delphi. But realizing her potential and fulfilling her destiny will not be easy when an imposter Oracle is already established. Saving Delphi seems nearly impossible when she must prove that she is the true Oracle and find a way to defeat the power-hungry priest, Diokles, who is determined to stop Thaleia at all costs.
Night of Pan is a suspenseful and intriguing book that will appeal to a broad audience, especially those interested in Greek mythology. Author Gail Strickland has skillfully woven mythology and history into an engaging coming of age novel that is sure to connect with young readers on many levels.
Night of Pan has received 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
Monday, December 22, 2014
Author, Steven Whibley, on his award-winning title, Glimpse
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?:
I think deep down I knew I wanted to write stories. I remember getting totally and completely lost in the Hardy Boys books, and wishing I could write an adventure like that. I still gravitate to those books when I’m in the library. That said, it wasn’t until 2008, after an injury laid me up that I started to seriously consider trying to write novels.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
My father was a firefighter, and I was sure that was the route for me. The excitement of it. The rushing out of the house in the middle of the night to put out a burning building. It was exactly what I aspired to.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
The idea came from a day-dream. A single scene played out in my mind’s eye: There was a boy, about 13 or 14 years old, sitting in history class while his teacher droned on about the War of 1812. Suddenly his teacher was beside him… only not really, because she was still at the front of the class too. He straightened up and blinked at the new teacher, and then glanced at the teacher at the front of the room, then back to the new teacher, then over his shoulder at his best friend sitting behind him, who, it seemed, hadn’t noticed the arrival of the peculiar twin.
The twin-teacher slowly began to shift… She dropped a shoulder and twisted her waist. Then she hunched forward, and her right arm stiffened and twisted upward. Her face became the color of wet clay, and her mouth slowly opened until she resembled a crumpled, zombie-like version of herself.
Then she screamed.
It was a terrifying shrill cry that sent the already horrified kid to the ground. And, just like that, it was over. The kid was on the ground, panting and sweating, but the twisted version of his teacher was gone. More than that, it was clear he’d been the only one to notice the apparition.
My daydream ended, and I just knew the teacher had 24 hours to live and the boy was the only one who could save her.
TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
One of the reasons I’m able to write as much as I do, is because I don’t sleep very much. 2-3 hours a night. I even have a novel I’m working on about a kid who doesn’t sleep. I’m treating it like a fictionalized autobiography.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?:
As common as it is to hear, I have to say that the Harry Potter series did. I picked up those books in my late teens and was transported (along with millions of others) into the world JK Rowling had created. It reignited my love of reading. And in particular, my love of children’s literature.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
Of course, it’s winning the gold medal from Literary Classics.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?:
It is a great time to be a writer. So many options exist for people who write. The trade route, which often involves a literary agent and a publisher, is a great way to do things, but so too is the self-publishing route. My sincere advice for aspiring authors is to learn as much as they can about the industry. Not just the self-publishing model, or the trade model, but everything. Make the decision carefully, but when it’s time, walk boldly.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?:
Just a big THANK YOU for taking the time to read this interview and for checking out my books.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?:
Always! Book 4 in the Dean Curse Chronicles is well underway. Book 2 in my CAMBRIDGE FILES is in editing. Plus my agent is pitching a new series I’ve been working on, to publishers.
HOW CAN OUR READERS LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK?
They can visit my website and subscribe to my mailing list if they’re at all interested in hearing about my newest titles. A link to that mailing list is here.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
Within the Dean Curse Chronicles I currently have three books for sale: Glimpse (book 1), Relic (book 2), and Impact (book 3). I also have book 1 of another series, DISRUPTION (THE CAMBRIDGE FILES: BOOK 1), which is geared for the same, and perhaps slightly older audience.
The eBook of Glimpse is currently FREE (until January 2015), and can be downloaded at virtually all online vendors. -- The print version is also available for purchase.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Celia and Nonna, by Victoria Lane, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Celia and Nonna, by Victoria Lane, is the story of a young girl who cherishes her visits with her Nonna. But when Nonna starts to forget things, she moves into a home where people can help her remember the things she must. At first Celia does not like Nonna's new home; it smells like lemons and vinegar and the walls are gray and bare. But then Celia finds a way to hold onto the fond memories she and her Nonna shared together.
Celia and Nonna is a heartwarming story about change, adapting, and finding joy wherever you are. Illustrations by Kayleen West are a lovely addition to this picture book which is an excellent way to help children learn to accept change.
Celia and Nonna 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, December 10, 2014
My Fingerpaint Masterpiece, by Sherrill S. Cannon, Earns the CLC Seal of Approval
My Fingerpaint Masterpiece is the story of a child whose fingerpainting project gets blown away by the wind. To the child's dismay, the painting finds its way to an art gallery where it ends up being judged along with the other paintings in a show.
Sherrill S. Cannon has created a picture book in rhyme which explores the concept of art and it's value and perception to others. My Fingerpaint Masterpiece is a multifaceted book with several underlying messages including the importance of seeking and speaking the truth.
This book would make an excellent classroom or library book and will provide excellent opportunities for open discussion. My Fingerpaint Masterpiece 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
Recommended Reading - Kid Presidents
No-one can claim perfection and that goes for the many and varied individuals who have graced our nation's history to serve as President of the United States. From Washington to Obama, this book introduces a younger version of the men who eventually went on to become the leaders of this great nation. Whimsical stories with illustrations that enhance the good-natured tone of this book help keep it a fun read from beginning to end. Readers of all ages will enjoy reading Kid Presidents which is as entertaining as it is educational. Young readers are sure to find comfort and inspiration knowing that even our nation's great leaders experienced bullying, clumsiness, getting into trouble and more.
Kid Presidents is a great read which reinforces the point that anyone can grow up to be president.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
Seal of Approval Recipient, Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger
Occasionally we come across a book which transports us to another time or place as it feeds the mind and nurtures the soul; Precious Bones is one of those joyously rare literary finds.
Precious Bones is the entrancing story of Bones, a ten year old girl growing up in the swamplands of Florida in the 1940s. In this, her debut novel, Author Mika Ashley-Hollinger has conjured up a vividly colorful cast of characters that nearly saunter off the pages of her book to take up residence in the hearts of its readers.
Bones is a bright girl who isn't afraid of much. But when her daddy is put in jail on charges of murder, she's afraid it will take a miracle to set him free. With wide-eyed curiosity and wiser-than-her-years introspection, she resolves to get answers and find her own miracles.
Growing up in a small town, steeped in culture and folklore, she is embraced by a community which nurtures her inquisitive nature. Bones and her best-friend do a little sleuthing of their own as they search for evidence that will absolve her father of any wrong-doing. Along the way she learns that sometimes one must search beneath the surface of things to find real truth . . . and that things aren't always as they seem.
Precious Bones is a book that will intrigue and delight readers of all ages and is sure to become a timeless classic. This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is 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, December 9, 2014
Author Spotlight - Award Winning Author Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg
on her award winning title...
The Cockroach Invasion
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
I have published eleven nonfiction books total, so far, all on different subjects: Breadcrumbs for Beginners: Following the Writing Trail; Diabetes ABC; Imperfect Weddings are Best; Recess is Over! No Nonsense Strategies and Tips for Student Teachers and New Teachers; It’s All Thought! The Science, Psychology, and Spirituality of Happiness (Teacher’s Guide); Autism ABC; The Bogeyman: Stalking and its Aftermath; Toxic Attention: Keeping Safe from Stalkers, Abusers, and Intruders; Be the Boss of Your Brain! Take Control of Your Life; Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul (Story); Into the Hornet’s Nest: An Incredible Look at Life in an Inner City School.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
When I was in the third grade, I would write stories at night, and my teacher would let me read them to the class the next morning. I loved sharing the adventures of the twins, Tizzy and Izzy. (I was shocked, in later years, to find that people actually had those names!). Unfortunately, I was an exceptional reader, and compared my beginner writings with those of adult professional authors. There was no comparison. So, at the tender age of seven, I decided that I couldn’t write. And I didn’t write, for another forty years. (I wasted all that time, when I could have been practicing!)
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE?
Since I thought I could never be a writer, in the fifth grade, I decided to become an archaeologist. I even founded an Archaeology Club. My friends and I would meet at separate houses each month, and share books, articles, maps, and things we’d learned. And we had refreshments. I maintained a large scrapbook of our interests. My favorite motivating book was, The Complete Book of Marvels, by Richard Haliburton. It was fascinating! I held on to this dream, until around the 7th grade, when I found out that there was no running water at the digs. I was shaken to the core! Realizing that I wouldn’t be able to take bubble baths, I moved on to other interests. (My younger brother, however, also read the book, and caught the same history bug. And when he became older, he made 51 trips down into Aztec and Mayan territories, as an amateur archaeologist. (He had a large family, and businesses to run, so his passion became a hobby, instead of a career. He did, in fact, give many speeches about the topic and his adventures. One day, when he was visiting me from Oregon, he came across my old Archaeology scrapbook, and went nuts! He took that, and my beat-up copy of Haliburton’s book, and I never saw them again.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR TITLE?
The Cockroach Invasion says it all! The incident actually happened in my third grade classroom, years ago, and every time I thought of it, I laughed. So I decided to share the fun, and write about the invasion of kajillions of cockroaches that erupted out of Room 8’s classroom sink.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER.
The book publisher wanted each of the 21 small sketches on a separate disk, so I placed the disks in a tall black plastic canister, which didn’t allow marker ink to be seen. And the lid had a complicated handle on the top, so there was no way to add my name, or the title of the book. I couldn’t see how the publisher would be able to identify the title. So, I placed three realistic-looking cockroach stickers on the lid, thinking he could easily figure it out. I then took the canister to the Mail Service, so it could be carefully packed. When I got to the front of the line, I pushed the canister across the counter, and the owner freaked. Shouting, “You’ve got cockroaches!”, he waved his arms, back and forth, repeating himself as he backed up. His young female assistant, made gulping sounds, looking somewhat like a gasping fish, as she backed up alongside her boss. They both smacked into the wall behind them, and couldn’t go any further. They appeared to be terrified! During their histrionics, I was saying, “No, no, no, no,” while flapping my arms, trying to reason with them. Finally, when all else failed, I just started laughing. Because this was an unexpected response, they both calmed down, as I turned to address the long line people behind me, who were watching the nonsense with saucer-sized eyes. I simply explained, “I wrote a book about cockroaches,” as I shrugged my shoulders. Everyone was agog.
I left to drive to a local restaurant, where five friends were giving me a birthday lunch that day. I was so excited to tell them all about the fuss. I was laughing as I told the story. They, in turn, were horrified. All displayed prune faces. They looked like they had swallowed vinegar. After tackling serious subjects, for so many years, they couldn’t believe that I was going to write about cockroaches. They thought I had taken leave of my senses, and were not supportive in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Oh, well. They couldn’t deter me in the least, because I thought the story was funny, with great teaching possibilities.
The kicker was that almost a year later, I went back to the Mail Service, and gave the owner a printed copy of The Cockroach Invasion. We laughed about the incident together. Then he excitedly told me that when he took a step inside his shop that morning, there was a dead cockroach on the floor. He remembered me, and thought it might be a sign. And then, suddenly, I marched through the door!
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I read a book a day (when I’m not writing, that is). And I always have two to six books going at a time. I read most anything and everything (except for horror, graphic medical and grisly autopsy scenes, or porn). As such, I’ve read tons of authors, and glean info from them all, even if it’s just, “Yikes! Don’t do this!” I wrote a book called Breadcrumbs for Beginners: Following the Writing Trail, which quotes scores of wonderful well-known authors.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
How can one book stand out among thousands upon thousands? Many have meant so much to me that I have bought them for others. But, in terms of long-term impact, I will go back to The Complete Book of Marvels, by Richard Haliburton.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
According to the FBI, I have the dubious honor of being the longest-stalked person in the nation (over 50 years). The bulk of my experiences happened before the word stalking was coined or understood, so no one knew what I was talking about. As such, I set about to raise awareness. I helped as many victims as possible, on a one-to-one basis, until the numbers became too great. So I wrote The Bogeyman: Stalking and its Aftermath (2003) which chronicles my personal experiences up to that point, as well as a companion How-To: Toxic Attention: Keeping Safe From Stalkers, Abusers, and Intruders (2003). I was interviewed on numerous radio, television, and cable stations. I spoke at many conferences, conventions, and organizations. I received a ton of press, but it was a half-page article in the Los Angeles Times, by Jill Stewart, that really got things rolling. Former students from all around California, began calling. They couldn’t believe that I was being stalked, when they were in my third grade classes, and were irate.
Many movie producers sent me letters, imploring me to sign their contracts. So many, in fact, that I had to hire a media lawyer to sift through them, and find the best representation. I then signed with the William Morris Agency, for a year. As we were finally going into production, the O.J. trial began, and that was the end of that. Everyone in the world knew who Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden were, and, sadly, no one knew me. So I was kicked to the curb (understandable from a business standpoint), and they both signed contracts.
Years later, one morning in 2011, I received a phone call from a man I didn’t know, and thinking it was at my stalker’s behest, I hung up on him. He called again later, and I hung up on him. When he called a third time in the afternoon, I gave him a big lecture, which he waited out. He then explained that he was a TV producer in New York, and wanted to film my book, for the Investigation Discovery Channel (ID). I was thrilled, thinking he was talking about my latest book. Our conversation was confusing, until I finally blurted out, “What book are you talking about?” Imagine my surprise! So, The Bogeyman became the Premier episode (12/12/12) of the Stalking: Someone’s Watching series. I’ve been told that it is their most popular rerun, and I can always tell when it is shown, because more copies are sold. (Not many people can say that they hung up on a producer!)
A side story: On October 4, 2014, I hung up on yet another man. He called back, wanting to talk to my husband. When he got on the phone, my husband paled. The caller was his long-lost son (that the family hadn’t heard from in 32 years)! He and his wife had been watching my TV show rerun (in Texas), in which both my husband and I were interviewed. The two discussed the situation, and decided to make contact. How exciting is that?! We immediately informed the rest of the family!
CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY TIPS FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Perseverance is the best trait you can have. No matter what set-backs befall you, keep on truckin’. Move forward. Don’t take no for an answer. Let nothing deter you from your goal. Find a way to accomplish what you want. Stay positive.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO PROMOTE BOOKS?
Promotion is not my area of expertise. I suggest using all the free publicity you can find, before you start spending money on publicity. My latest book, The Cockroach Invasion, has nothing to do with Halloween, but it is a scary subject for most people, and the cover of the book is scary to many, so I saturated my publicity in October. I had a Book Signing, lengthy articles in two newspapers and one magazine, and ads in four newspapers. At the same time, it won six awards, so it was listed on six different websites.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK.
On the last page of The Cockroach Invasion (p.116), readers are invited to choose the next adventure, featuring Room 8 third graders. There are seven titles. All revolve around science and/or mysteries in some way (ants, worms, snails, experiments, trees, footprints, volcanoes), and are incidents that actually happened in my classroom over the years. If there is not enough interest shown, however, I will return to writing adult nonfiction.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews
International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval
http://www.clcawards.org
Monday, December 1, 2014
Author Spotlight - Award Winning Author L.D. Taylor
Author L.D. Taylor
on her award winning title:
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Either a musician or a writer. Too bad we don't have a "bard" job these days (probably should have been born in the Middle Ages).
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?: Around age 12 -- I understood it was one of my strongest skills (so I thought I might be a journalist) but then I realized I wanted to tell stories... actually that I was kind of compelled to tell stories, even if I didn't want to. I knew that some of the things I would write would be challenging for me to say and possibly (at times) for others to hear.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
My sons, who were then coming into their teenage years, inspired me to write to young people, and to set the story in the videogame industry. I was already quite familiar with this industry because of my work with 3D animation companies and magazines -- I had visited many game development studios as part of that. I wanted to make it a mystery partly because I loved mysteries myself, but also because mysteries were the "games" I played as a kid. The video game is in many ways just the next iteration of the detective novel.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
My whole family gets involved in writing the mysteries... especially my husband who is a computer programmer. However, I don't fill in any of the details for them until I've drafted a chapter. My youngest (daughter) who is not yet a teenager, always says after I read the draft... "Ah no. Not another cliff hanger. You can't stop there! What happens next." To which I always answer, "I have no idea. But I can't wait to find out!"
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?:
I read many YA authors and do try and emulate their style to some degree... however, I also have my own unique voice as well. Authors who have influenced the style used in Motive Games would be: JK Rowling, Louis Sacchar, Madeleine L'Engle, and C.S. Lewis
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?:
The book that most impacts my life is an ancient work of non-fiction and poetry that records the teachings of my best friend. But in terms of fiction I think I would have to say The Chronicles of Narnia.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
Getting traditionally published. After that: winning two awards with my debut novel (including a Literary Classics award).
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?:
I spent decades writing professionally as a copywriter and trade publication journalist. I also spent years studying literature (I have a BA in English Lit and History). It really helps to both read and practice writing. You also need to study the art of writing in your genre. Once you have a really solid story, written in the best practices of your genre, seek out small presses. Few debut authors get published immediately with one of the "Big 5" publishing houses.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
I think that having a presentation prepared on one of the key themes of your book -- and seeking out opportunities to speak to your target audience -- can be one of the most important ways to get the word out about your book to the right people. Other than that: enter awards (good media opportunities there) and have a website that you keep up to date.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?:
Balance your life with more active things as well as reading. It's by getting out there and "living" that we find topics to write on.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?:
I am planning a third Motive Games book ... and you'll never guess where this one will be set....
It will most likely be available via Rhza press. I'm hoping it will be available in fall 2016.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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