I was fortunate to be asked to assist with a lecture at Salford University earlier this year, with the wonderful Gill James, and was very impressed with the standard of writing craft being taught. I’m sure Gill won’t mind if I share a little of what we all learned on the subject of Pace; or, How to Keep Your Reader Turning those Pages.
My name is K. S. Brooks and I’m the founder of Indie Authors for Hurricane Sandy Libraries. We’re a group of over 100 authors from around the world who have mobilized to provide libraries devastated by Hurricane Sandy with new books.
With more libraries signing on each week, we are now in need of new authors to supply books, especially children’s. We have opportunities for authors to get their works into major library systems as well as elementary and high school libraries.
Please keep in mind not all books are accepted – they are vetted to make certain they fit the specific criteria provided by each library.
Author’s children’s book helps parents address kids’ question: Why do bad things happen?
Hélène Clarke, author of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ and her cat Boo.
Children’s picture book with a practical purpose
“I decided to order a few of these [‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’] for our store because we need books that will address this issue clearly for kids.” Paul Wilkinson of the blog, Thinking Out Loud.
Hi, Hélène. Welcome to 4writersand readers; it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. First, can you tell us about you and about your life?
I grew up as an only child. I would have loved siblings but it wasn’t to be. Even as a child I loved to read. Some of my favorites were ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schulz, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ by A.A. Milne and ‘Narnia‘ by C.S. Lewis. My stuffed Snoopy dog and Winnie the Pooh bear both had the stuffing hugged out of them. I grew up loving the wonders of the imagination and I always loved…and still love, when good triumphs over evil.
What about your family?
When I was 25 I married the love of my life and best friend. We were never blessed with children but my husband comes from a large family and so we have 21 nieces and nephews to inspire and make us laugh.
How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?
I have been writing for eight years. I’ve always written for children but I write many genres and for many age groups within those categories.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’
My book is about a young boy who grows up knowing that God is good. He believes this wholeheartedly but one day an Osprey poops on his head. He is then hit by another tragedy and so questions that if God is good, why do bad things happen. The story ends with him realizing that bad things happening does not determine God’s goodness. God is good because he is.
I love your book’s video introduction. Let’s give our readers a preview:
What prompted you to write?
As a girl out of college I traveled to Perth, Australia to join up with a missions group called Youth With A Mission or YWAM for short. During my year and a half with YWAM I saw many different countries and cultures. I was introduced to the poorest of poor and I’m embarrassed to say that there were times that I wished I was home watching it on TV so I could just change the channel. It was all a bit overwhelming. The amazing thing about people living in desperate situations is that you often still hear laughter. We were there to help where we could by sharing love through singing, puppets or hugging; but, the miracle of going out to bless others is that you’re often blessed yourself. Seeing the orphans laugh at the puppet shows inspired me more than I realized.
When I came home it took me awhile to find what I wanted to do. All through the years I was writing some small skits and puppet dialogues. I enjoyed doing this but never saw it as a career opportunity until I decided to take a correspondent writing course from the Institute of Children’s Literature. Once I completed this course, I realized that I was in love. I had found my passion. I wanted to write books for children to inspire them, teach them, and make them laugh. There’s no better sound in the world than a child’s laughter.
Do you have a favorite line from the book?
“We can’t explain everything. All we can be sure of is that God loves us and that he is good.”
Who is your favorite character and why?
Definitely Timmy, as this character is based on my husband. Joe the gecko is pretty cute though.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
My biggest challenge was in keeping this faith concept simple without minimizing it.
You definitely deserve an A for meeting that challenge, Hélène. Do you do anything besides write?
When I started writing I worked out of the home while writing on the side. For the past few years I have dedicated my time solely to writing and marketing. Writers are often natural hermits so the learning curve on how to get out there and market a book is a challenge to say the least. A need for more finances may alter this plan but for now I’m holding fast to it.
How can my readers get a copy of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ My book is available as a soft cover with a free audio download OR as an eBook. You can get it from amazon, barneandnobles.com, www.heleneclarke.com, Bell Tower books in Kelowna, BC or Searchlight books in Port Hope, Ontario.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully more books! I have many stories written for different age groups and in different genres. I continue to send them out and I’ll definitely post on my website the day another book gets published.
I just love the title and concept of your book, Hélène. The topic, ‘why do bad things happen’, is a timely one for parents everywhere. ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ provides the perfect opportunity for parents and other adults to talk about it with the kids in their lives. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to reading and sharing many more of your children’s stories. And with a FREE audio download or eBook to accompany your print edition, how can a parent or grandparent resist? It’s a fantastic idea and a real bonus. Thanks so much, Hélène Clarke, for joining us today. Happy writing. ~ Bette A. Stevens, www.4writersandreaders.com
Find out more about author Hélène Clarke and her books:
Author’s children’s book helps parents address kids’ question: Why do bad things happen?
Hélène Clarke, author of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ and her cat Boo.
Children’s picture book with a practical purpose
“I decided to order a few of these [‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’] for our store because we need books that will address this issue clearly for kids.” Paul Wilkinson of the blog, Thinking Out Loud.
Hi, Hélène. Welcome to 4writersand readers; it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. First, can you tell us about you and about your life?
I grew up as an only child. I would have loved siblings but it wasn’t to be. Even as a child I loved to read. Some of my favorites were ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schulz, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ by A.A. Milne and ‘Narnia‘ by C.S. Lewis. My stuffed Snoopy dog and Winnie the Pooh bear both had the stuffing hugged out of them. I grew up loving the wonders of the imagination and I always loved…and still love, when good triumphs over evil.
What about your family?
When I was 25 I married the love of my life and best friend. We were never blessed with children but my husband comes from a large family and so we have 21 nieces and nephews to inspire and make us laugh.
How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?
I have been writing for eight years. I’ve always written for children but I write many genres and for many age groups within those categories.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’
My book is about a young boy who grows up knowing that God is good. He believes this wholeheartedly but one day an Osprey poops on his head. He is then hit by another tragedy and so questions that if God is good, why do bad things happen. The story ends with him realizing that bad things happening does not determine God’s goodness. God is good because he is.
I love your book’s video introduction. Let’s give our readers a preview:
What prompted you to write?
As a girl out of college I traveled to Perth, Australia to join up with a missions group called Youth With A Mission or YWAM for short. During my year and a half with YWAM I saw many different countries and cultures. I was introduced to the poorest of poor and I’m embarrassed to say that there were times that I wished I was home watching it on TV so I could just change the channel. It was all a bit overwhelming. The amazing thing about people living in desperate situations is that you often still hear laughter. We were there to help where we could by sharing love through singing, puppets or hugging; but, the miracle of going out to bless others is that you’re often blessed yourself. Seeing the orphans laugh at the puppet shows inspired me more than I realized.
When I came home it took me awhile to find what I wanted to do. All through the years I was writing some small skits and puppet dialogues. I enjoyed doing this but never saw it as a career opportunity until I decided to take a correspondent writing course from the Institute of Children’s Literature. Once I completed this course, I realized that I was in love. I had found my passion. I wanted to write books for children to inspire them, teach them, and make them laugh. There’s no better sound in the world than a child’s laughter.
Do you have a favorite line from the book?
“We can’t explain everything. All we can be sure of is that God loves us and that he is good.”
Who is your favorite character and why?
Definitely Timmy, as this character is based on my husband. Joe the gecko is pretty cute though.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
My biggest challenge was in keeping this faith concept simple without minimizing it.
You definitely deserve an A for meeting that challenge, Hélène. Do you do anything besides write?
When I started writing I worked out of the home while writing on the side. For the past few years I have dedicated my time solely to writing and marketing. Writers are often natural hermits so the learning curve on how to get out there and market a book is a challenge to say the least. A need for more finances may alter this plan but for now I’m holding fast to it.
How can my readers get a copy of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ My book is available as a soft cover with a free audio download OR as an eBook. You can get it from amazon, barneandnobles.com, www.heleneclarke.com, Bell Tower books in Kelowna, BC or Searchlight books in Port Hope, Ontario.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully more books! I have many stories written for different age groups and in different genres. I continue to send them out and I’ll definitely post on my website the day another book gets published.
I just love the title and concept of your book, Hélène. The topic, ‘why do bad things happen’, is a timely one for parents everywhere. ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ provides the perfect opportunity for parents and other adults to talk about it with the kids in their lives. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to reading and sharing many more of your children’s stories. And with a FREE audio download or eBook to accompany your print edition, how can a parent or grandparent resist? It’s a fantastic idea and a real bonus. Thanks so much, Hélène Clarke, for joining us today. Happy writing. ~ Bette A. Stevens, www.4writersandreaders.com
Find out more about author Hélène Clarke and her books:
Mungai and the Goa Constrictor: A contemporary tale with a timely message for all of us living here on Planet Earth! MEET AMELIA CURZON, one of my favorite authors. ~ Bette A. Stevens
Guest Post by Bette A. Stevens —SHARING WITH WRITERS, The Newsletter of Carolyn Howard-Johnson (March 15, 2013)
The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher. (How to Do It Frugally) Carolyn Howard-Johnson (Author), Chaz DeSimone (Cover Design)
Readers and writers are very busy people, but they love to help promote their favorite authors and their books. Ever try to LIKE one of your favorite author’s books and find that the ‘Like’ button has disappeared from the book’s page? Feel like you’ve wasted your time? Don’t fret. Don’t get discouraged. There’s still plenty you can do while you’re on your author’s book page. Here’s a short list:
Read the reviews and YES the ones that are helpful.
Go to the author’s page (you’ll find the link at the top of the book’s page).
‘Like’ the author page and check it out. You may find other books that you can ‘like’ and more reviews to vote as helpful.
On the Author’s Page, you just might discover some very interesting information and want to find out more. I’ve discovered some awesome authors, contacted them and interviewed some of them on my blog http://www.4writersandreaders.com . Interviewing authors is another way to help promote authors and their books.
If you’ve already read your author’s book, you can leave a review right on the book’s page.
Authors helping authors. Don’t get discouraged, there are plenty of ways to share the love… of our fellow authors and their books!
FREE 2-Day Promotion: March 24-25, 2013 AMAZING MATILDA will be FREE for Kindle, eReaders, Kindle for PC, MAC and other devices. Be sure to get your FREE copy and share the good news. Inspire the kids in your life!
AMAZING MATILDA is a children’s picture book whose plot inspires kids to meet challenges with patience and persistence. When you stop by for a visit, be sure to check out the great reviews! Plus there’s an awesome video trailer debut for Matilda on Stevens’s author page.
Sign up for Carolyn’s SHARING WITH WRITERS Newsletter and find out more about her great books athttp://www.HowToDoItFrugally.com Carolyn Howard-Johnson Instructor for nearly a decade at the renowned UCLA Extension Writers’ Program
Author of the multi award-winning series of HowToDoItFrugally books including the second edition honored by USA BOOK NEWS
A fierce debate raged in the press and the coffee-houses of London when Double Falsehood was first published in 1728.
By Jonathan Bate, Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature at the University of Warwick
Published: 8:00AM GMT 16 Mar 2010
Had Lewis Theobald unearthed the holy grail of literary scholarship, a lost Shakespeare play? Or was he boldly conning the public with a forgery?
Theobald always maintained that he had worked from an authentic manuscript, but he did not include the play in his subsequent edition of Shakespeare’s complete works. What accounts for this seeming inconsistency?
Welcome to 4writersandreaders
I’m a writer inspired by nature and human nature. You’ll find great books, authors, writing tips and more right here. I advocate for kids & families, childhood literacy and the protection of monarch butterflies and their habitat.Happy reading & writing!~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Written
on 03/28/2013