A writer inspired by nature and human nature

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RRBC Back to School Book & Blog Block Party!


1gift-boxes🍃CONGRATS to WINNERS for this PARTY SITE🍃

  • $10 Amazon Gift Card—Marlena Hand
  •  e-Book copy of DOG BONE SOUP—Jo Robinson
  • e-Book copy of PURE TRASH—P. H. Solomon
  • Paperback copy of AMAZING MATILDA—Micki Peluso
  • Paperback copy of THE TANGRAM ZOO & WORD PUZZLES TOO!—Yvette M. Calleiro

Welcome to Rave Reviews Book Club’s “BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY” at author Bette A. Stevens’s website/blog 4writersandreaders ONLINE! Location: Hartland, Maine where five (5) awesome prizes will be giving away today—September 10th!

Block Party Badge(1)

Hi and thanks so much for visiting my blog and joining RRBC’s  September “Book & Blog Block Party” today. To ENTER today’s GIVEAWAY, simply read along and leave a comment at the bottom of this post. You’ll get a glimpse into my books and find a short author bio too. As a writer inspired by nature and human nature, I continue to advocate for children and families, for childhood literacy and for monarch butterflies and their environment. To find out more about my books and poetry I invite you to explore my blog. I feature fellow authors and their books, share helpful writing tips and inspirational posts from my writer/blogger friends too. I hope you enjoy your visit! ~ Bette A. Stevens

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Prizes Bette’s giving away today!

  • One $10 Amazon Gift Card
  • One e-Book copy of DOG BONE SOUP
  • One e-Book copy of PURE TRASH
  • One Paperback copy of AMAZING MATILDA
  • One Paperback copy of THE TANGRAM ZOO & WORD PUZZLES TOO!

Number of winners for this stop: 5!

Bette BOOKS white border 2015

BOOK BLURBS:

“DOG BONE SOUP is not only a fabulous title for a novel, it’s also the staple diet of the young hero, Shawn Daniels. But it takes more than an impoverished family life, exacerbated by a drunken father, to keep our Shawn and his brothers and sisters down.” ~ Charles Bray (MG/YA/Adult coming-of-age historical fiction)

“PURE TRASH (Short story prequel to DOG BONE SOUP) is an emotional and soul-searching short story read. Compassion is a beautiful thing.” ~Amazon reviewer

“How can so much imagery fit in such a small space? A host of human emotions and an entire era are crammed within a handful of pages. What’s even more impressive, is that it’s all accomplished from the point of view of a simple boy.” ~ Nicholas Rossis

Inspire the kids with AMAZING MATILDA, an award-winning Monarch Butterfly picture book adventure! (ages 4-11)

  • CLICK, WATCH & LISTEN as “Blossom” (author Pamela Beckford) reads AMAZING MATILDA—with permission from author Bette A. Stevens—for United Way literacy campaign.

Encourage the kids (elementary and middle-graders) with THE TANGRAM ZOO & Word Puzzles Too!—a great resource for home or school. Puzzles, poetry, reading, research, writing and projects too!

  • “I’ve used The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too! in my classroom with students(grades 4-8))—The Zoo is a great resource for integrating research and creative writing into a math or science curriculum. One of the project ideas included in the book is for the kids to create their own tangram animals to add to The Zoo… and write their own rhyming riddles. It’s hands-on learning that’s creative and lots of fun!” ~ Bette A. Stevens

Author Bio:

BAS Author logo stamp 2015Inspired by nature and human nature, author Bette A. Stevens is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies—an endangered species (and milkweed, the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat).

Stevens is the author of AMAZING MATILDA, an award-winning picture book; The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!, a home/school resource incorporating hands-on math and writing; and PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to her début novel, DOG BONE SOUP, a Boomer’s coming of age novel published in January 2015.

You’ll find all of my books on  YOUR AMAZON. Once again, thanks for stopping by—don’t forget to share your thoughts and comment below to enter the giveaway.  Good luck on winning one of the five prizes!  I’ll see you at the next stop of this awesome Rave Reviews Book Club “BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY” ~ Bette A. Stevens

To read excerpts from Bette’s books, find her poetry and some excellent writing tips or perhaps learn more about monarch butterflies and download some cool freebies about them (top of blog tabs), simply click the link below and explore her blog…

[EXPLORE BETTE’S BLOG]

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on 09/09/2015

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861. The pen is the tongue of the mind.~Miguel de Cervantes


Write on! ~ Bette A. Stevens http://www.4writersandreaders.com

nataliescarberry's avatarSacred Touches

Keep a diary and
one day it’ll keep you.
~Mae West

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It is necessary to write, if the days are not
to slip emptily by. How else, indeed,
to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment?
For the moment passes, it is forgotten;
the mood is gone; life itself is gone.
That is where the writer scores over his fellows:
he catches the changes of his mind on the hop.
~Vita Sackville-West

However we go about the process, I believe those of us who write do find it necessary to do so. Perhaps, it’s because “clapping the net over the butterfly of the moment” helps define who we are for ourselves before “life itself is gone” and perhaps to help us know how who and what we are matters in the world. Whatever the reason, as tired as I am, I felt the need to put my fingers…

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on 09/05/2015

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857. If you want to know God, watch a monarch butterfly from a thousand miles away return to a place where it has never been before. ~Author Unknown


Celebrate the season with our amazing monarch butterflies! ~ Bette A. Stevens http://www.4writersandreaders.com

nataliescarberry's avatarSacred Touches

Butterflies…not quite birds,
as they are not quite flowers,
mysterious and fascinating
as are all indeterminate creatures.
~Elizabeth Goudge

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From inside my house today, I’m pretty sure I saw a monarch butterfly fluttering about my yard. This is an occurrence that I look forward to twice a year. For you see from April through June monarchs leave their habitats in groves of fir trees deep in Mexico or in the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque to begin a journey as far north as southern Canada and in so doing fly over our area. Sadly the monarch’s numbers have decreased tremendously because of the ongoing shrinking of their habitats and the poisoning by farmers of milkweeds (Asclepias) along their flyway. However, I’m still seeing a measure of them every year, and finding these colorful nomadic wanderers in my garden has always been a delightful rite of passage in their dramatic migrations. Monarchs with their burnt-orange and…

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on 09/02/2015

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15 Words You Never Knew Came From Literature


Words, words, words… AWESOME! ~ Bette A. Stevens

Jasveena R Prabhagaran's avatarInternational Book Promotion

15 Words You Never Knew Came From Literature                                                             15 Words You Never Knew Came From Literature

Did you know that these words came from the literature earlier? Share your scores here!

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on 09/02/2015

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1 Event That Will Help You Expand Your Readership: Meet and Greet


HAPPY READING, WRITING, BLOGGING & REBLOGGING…
~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author http://www.4writersandreaders.com

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on 08/30/2015

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853. Nature is infinitely creative. It is always producing the possibility of new beginnings. ~Marianne Williamson


The wonder of it all! ~ Bette A. Stevens

nataliescarberry's avatarSacred Touches

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The Law of Divine Compensation posits that this is a self-organizing and self-correcting universe: the embryo becomes a baby, the bud becomes a blossom, the acorn becomes an oak tree. Clearly, there is some invisible force that is moving every aspect of reality to its next best expression. ~Marianne Williamson

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Nature inspires my everything. She inspires my solitude, and my writing and my art. She lifts me upon her welcoming wings and soars me through the sky of possibilities. She colors my day, brightens my soul, and calms my nights. She is fierce and beautiful, strong and delicate — an unrelenting Queen so generous of advice and never weary of new beginnings. In spring a colorful maiden, in winter a wise old lady, in autumn a looking-glass to my falling-leaf self, and summer a warm blossomed benefactor, comrade to the sun. A constant companion — sometimes indifferent, sometimes nuzzling me…

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on 08/29/2015

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A Monarch Butterfly Haiku by Bette A. Stevens


Royal Visitor MONARCH 2015 Haiku basI’ve only spotted a dozen monarchs here at the farmstead in Central Maine this summer. Recently, two delightful specimens danced around the garden where I encourage milkweed to grow alongside the flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables that we harvest. I grabbed my camera just in time to capture one of our regal visitors pirouette upon the peppermint. ~ Bette A. Stevens

  • To find out how you can help protect monarch butterflies—one of our amazing pollinators— download your free poster here:

PROTECT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES free-poster

  • Find out how to tell a male monarch from a female monarch and discover other amazing monarch butterfly facts
  • Enjoy monarch crafts, games, gardening and discover so much more

WHERE?
Download Bette’s free pdf here:

FUN & LEARNING with MONARCHS (free pdf)

Fun&LearningWith Amazing Monarchs! 2014

Maine author/illustrator Bette A. Stevens
“Inspired by nature and human nature.”

Bette Book Collage WHITE BORDER

Find all of Bette’s books at YOUR AMAZON.

[Bette’s Blog]

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on 08/26/2015

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Editing/Proofreading Tips for Indie Authors


Writers Write Postage StampGreat editing/proofreading tips from author Cassidy Salem. Happy writing, editing, rewriting and publishing! ~ Bette A. Stevens

CassidySalem's avatarCassidy's Bookshelves

As an indie author, you are responsible for the entire publishing process – writing, editing, proofreading, publishing, and marketing. But that doesn’t mean that you should do it all yourself. Even if you are working with a low or almost non-existent budget, make sure that you get someone else to participate in the editing process – someone that has editing experience and who won’t be shy about pointing out problems in your manuscript. Your editor can be a paid professional editor or a qualified and capable friend.  You should never unleash your masterpiece on the world without having it properly edited.

Before you submit your work to your editor, make every effort to  weed out as many of the errors in your manuscript as possible. Eliminating simple typos, extra spaces, and so on, will make it easier for your editor to focus on the story flow, the wording, and the important stuff that you simply don’t see because you are…

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on 08/12/2015

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MARKETING YOUR BOOKS WHILE ON VACATION


 Guest post by Lois W. Stern

on vacation LOIS STERNGoing on vacation? Bet you can’t wait! But with a little advance planning, you can combine your “fun in the sun” with a few book marketing ideas.

Here are five ideas to set your marketing wheels turning.

1.Think of a topic for your presentation that relates to your books, but one that isn’t just about selling books.

Example:

My current books are filled with inspiring, true stories that come to me through an “Authors helping Authors” project I initiated four years ago. I decided that along with sharing some of these inspiring stories, my workshop would center on How to Write a Winning Short Story.

  1. Create a flyer or post card with your name and head-shot, title of your presentation, and its proposed length. Be sure to include your contact information: phone and e-mail address.

Post card png copy LOIS STERN

  1. Find a venue for your workshop.

If you want to present at a local library, you should begin well in advance of your trip, as libraries often schedule their events as much as six months ahead. Do a Google search for the closest libraries. Get their phone numbers. Call and ask for the name and e-mail address of the person in charge of booking presentations. Talk directly to that person if you can. it always helps to learn what topic they would be interested in and perhaps tweak your presentation to meet their needs. If e-mail communication is all that’s available, send a brief message putting something like “Follow up to my phone call” in the subject line.

But think of other venues that relate to the topic of your book. If you have a book about photography, think about art centers or museums. If your book relates to a special interest as sailing or food preparation, try to connect with a like-minded group or club. Your local reference librarian might have just the right connection for you. Even a Google search can be helpful in connecting you with just the right venue.

Meet Up SIgn LOIS STERN On Vacation

MeetUp groups are popping up all over the country. Check out your area for a group that relates to the genre of your book. If you find one, offer to do a presentation for them.

Example:

I gave a presentation at a local library last winter while vacationing in Florida. I decided that along with sharing some of my inspiring stories, I would create a workshop focused on the elements of a compelling short story. I began my workshop by introducing the elevator pitch, giving aspiring writers some hands-on practice with a most useful skill.After telling each story, I encouraged audience members to record an elevator pitch and share it with the group. With my help, we fine tuned them before moving on to the basic elements of a winning short story.

Outcome: Aside from selling some of my books,I received an honorarium and met a motivational speaker who entered and received a Finalist Award for her inspiring story, At Least Nothing Bad Happened. Her story is now published in Tales2Inspire ~ The Sapphire Collection, (Stories that Echo In the Mind), so it was a winning day for both of us!

Cruise ships often hold talent nights. Why not plan a storytelling event where you share a compelling scene from one of your books. Add a bit of drama to hold your audience in rapt attention: wear a special hat, bring a significant object, use different voices, add some background music – anything to grab their attention.

Example:

One night the social director on our Russian River cruise held a talent night. I told the director I didn’t exactly have a talent, but I could tell an inspiring story. I recounted The Voice, a mesmerizing story now published in Tales2Inspire ~ The Emerald Collection, (Beyond Coincidence stories). After I finished, you could hear a pin drop. I went on to explain that because there were so many intelligent, interesting people on board, I suspected that someone out there might have an inspiring story for me. Sure enough, the next day one of the passengers approached me with a story he thought might fill the bill. He did, and a super story at that! “And the Music Plays On” is another dynamite story, now published in Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection, (Stories of Awakenings). Did I sell books on that cruise ship? You bet! And if I had packed more, I would have sold dozens.

  1. Call the local book store in the area where you plan to vacation. Introduce yourself and your book, inquiring if they would be interested in scheduling a book talk/book signing event while you are in the area. There always seems to be an element of mystique surrounding the person from fifty miles or more away!.Be sure you understand and agree on all terms in advance: (i.e. who purchase and returns the unsold books, net to you the author, what publicity they provide and expected audience size.)
  1. Think Out of the Box for other venues.

Example:

I have a favorite little gift shop I frequent in Fl. with an interesting assortment of costume jewelry, knick knacks, women’s purses and more. I am a frequent customer there but never even noticed their small book corner. I talked to the owner about my books, she asked me to bring in a set for her to preview and she ordered six of them, paying me cash up front at a 60/40% split.

Our bottom line is to sell our books. But how we go about it makes all the difference. Always think in terms of “how you can give back” and you will stay ahead.

Do you have another idea oI how to market your book while no vacation? If so, in the spirit of “Authors Helping Authors” please add it in the comment box below.

If you think you might want to enter the Tales2Inspire contest, you should first do two things:

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Lois W. Stern

T2I 4bks.new copy

 

 

[Back to Bette’s Blog]

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on 08/04/2015

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MEET THE AUTHOR: Mary McLeary


Mary McLeary is the author of two Christian inspirational/devotional books.  Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is her latest—it’s great to have Mary with us today to tell us all about it.

Mary McLeary PICHi, Mary. Welcome to 4writersandreaders. I’ve just downloaded your latest book to my kindle and look forward to having some fresh inspirational readings on hand when I’m on the go. Can’t wait to find out more about you and your writing. First, tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in a family that loved music and good stories. We listened to my folks play music from the 1940’s and share stories of friends and family. From them we learned there is a lesson in everyone’s life. Some lessons teach you what to do and some teach you what not to do.

When I was in third or fourth grade, my most exciting adventures happened on summer afternoons in our local library. The children’s section contained all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books plus the classics that drew me into the author’s vision.

I grew up, married the love of my life, had three children, and taught school until a few years ago when I retired and began writing.

I live in Tennessee with my husband. Our daughters and their families are near so we can have frequent visits with our five grandchildren.

How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?  

I have been writing for over twenty-five years. About six years ago I began blogging. My genre is nonfiction/inspirational.

Can you give us a synopsis of “Heart Whispers from the Old Testament”?

Heart Whispers from the Old TestamentThe world has always been a hot mess, but God helps us if we will listen. Heart Whispers from the Old Testament, is a devotional book that gives readers a glimpses of people in desperate need of a Savior and then reflects biblical wisdom along with thoughtful entries from the prayer journals of the author’s mother.

What prompted you to write Heart Whispers from the Old Testament?

The Christmas before my mother passed away, she gifted me her prayer journals which were rich with her thoughts and observations written during her daily prayer and Bible study. They needed to be shared so I started a blog that lead to my first book, In My Mother’s Words. While doing a Twitter interview I was asked if I had any other projects in mind.

Until she asked, I had none. But I automatically said, “Yes, I’m going to write a devotional book and end each daily entry with a quote from Mother’s journal.” Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is that book.

Do you have a favorite line from the book?

Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is a devotional and all the scriptures, obviously, come from the Old Testament. After the book was completed, I realized I spent way too much time worrying about things I could do nothing about.

So my favorite quote is from Isaiah 41:10 along with this observation, “An antonym for fear is courage, and an antonym for dismayed is comforted. God doesn’t want us to be fearful or dismayed. He wants us to be courageous and comforted because He will be our help in every situation.”

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

The writing was going well. I was getting two or three entries done a day and saving them. One day I went back in and a big section wasn’t in my hard drive. My computer doctor found a virus that took what I thought I saved. I lost a lot of work, but actually wound up going a whole other direction with the book and what was a pain turned into a blessing.

Do you do anything besides write?

Heart Whispers from the Old Testament and my first book In My Mother’s Words took quite a bit of time, but there are many other things going on too. My husband and I love to travel and take frequent trips. Our latest was with long-time friends to Marathon, Florida in the Keys. While there, we visited Hemingway’s home in Key West.

Our children and grandchildren live close enough to attend their activities which we enjoy.

We are avid football fans. Our son-in-law is the head football coach at a local high school and my husband played for the University of Tennessee in “the day.” So fall weekends are pretty full.

We love being part of a church that constantly provides opportunities to go into the world and help others. For several years I tutored young adults preparing to take the GED.

I belong to two book clubs that challenge me to continue reading good books, and I love my card group.

I am grateful that I have plenty to do.

What’s next for author Mary McLeary?

Well, Mother’s prayer journals are full of more wisdom, and I enjoy studying the Bible so another devotional is probable. I also have a story that needs to be told, and when I figure out how to tell it, I’ll start writing my first fiction book based on that story.

Mary, it’s been great having you on my blog today. I look forward to delving into your  latest devotional book and can’t wait to find out more about your upcoming novel.

Find out more about Mary McLeary and her books

In My Mothers Words MARY MCLEARYHeart Whispers from the Old Testament

 

 

 

Readers, thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. Mary and I would love to hear from you.
Have a great day and Happy Reading, all!
~ Bette A. Stevens

 [Bette’s Blog]

Written

on 07/30/2015

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