Bedtime Chats: A summer ritual

The end of the school year means the seven-year-old moves into Grandma's bedroom for a few months.  With this summer cottage atmosphere, there are long talks into the night.  Here is tonight's conversation between Sarah and Grandma.

G. Lets go to sleep. We have to get up early.

S. Wait! What's your favorite fruit?

G. Bananas.

S. I knew you were going to say that. Mine are grapes.  What's your second favorite?

G. Grapes are my second favorite. What is your second favorite?

S. Bananas! What's your next favorite fruit?  I hope it isn't that fruit that stinks!

G. What fruit stinks? I think my next favorite fruit is Watermelon.

S. Same.

G. What fruit stinks?

S. I can't think of its name.  What is your least favorite fruit?

G. Limes, they are too sour for me.

S. Same.  Well, actually my least favorite is grapes with ranch.

G. Laughing out loud, eww grapes with ranch?  You've tried that?

S. Laughing louder, Yes! It was the worst. What's your next favorite Fruit?

G. Mango. I love mango.

S. Oh no, Grandma, that's the fruit that stinks.

G. No way! Mangos smell good! But I also love Kiwi.

S. Same.  Wait, what do they look like?

G. Green with little black seeds.

S. Oh yes, I like them but I do not like avocados.

G. You don't like avocados?

S. Or guacomole, it is made from avocados.

G. I love apples, applesauce, and apple butter!

S. Applebutter? What is that?

G. It is a sweet thing your Aunt Casey knows how to make.

S. hmm

G.Goodnight Sarah! I love you!

S. Goodnight Grandma. You know I love you, right?

G. I know you do! You know I love you too, right? Sweet dreams!!

Nodding, Sarah grabs my hand and sleeps holding it until I got back up to write this.

Summers are good.  Much better than grapes with ranch.

Sunday Stroll in the Gallery Featuring John Macdonald, Photographer Extroidinaire

John Macdonald is a photographer which specializes in the natural beauty of the Upper Michigan area. From scenic buildings to majestic sunsets, he captures the vivid colors of Michigan in his photographs. 
John has provided the link to read his 178 photo book for free at https://storycartel.com/books/a-michigan-photo-presentation-second-edition. The book presents waterfalls, sunsets, Great Lakes ships, Architecture and more all from the state of Michigan.


As you stroll through his photographs, remember that he has over 150 more for your viewing pleasure available.



Welcome to the Gallery: 

Presque Isle sunset, Marquette, Michigan  

Westland, Michigan tulips

Marquette county, Michigan

Beaumont Building Michigan State University

Mackinaw Bridge in December

Marquette Lighthouse

Friday's Fun and Family-Friendly Guest Post Presents Destiny Revealed by Cris Pasqueralle

  A fantasy series that's soon to be a feature film!!!!!

    Twins Jack and Maddie Austin have just turned 13 and have been given a mysterious gift of two necklaces by someone they have never met. The gift comes with a message in the form of a poem, but before any explanation can be given, the twins and their family are attacked by an evil wizard named Tardon. 

    Tardon kidnaps the twins' parents and, led by their Uncle Benny, the twins must travel to an unknown magical realm of wizards, gnomes, and hidden secrets to embark on a rescue mission to save their parents. Along the way, the twins are led on a path of self discovery that takes them on a quest to destiny.

    On the surface, The Destiny trilogy may appear to be another fantasy adventure with teen heroes, and it is, but it is a bit different, our heroes are not alone. The family in this story is very much intact. Mom and Dad offer guidance and a loving hand, there is also a sibling love and rivalry that is explored, and the magical creatures are not your standard fantasy fare. Yes, there are dragons and fairies, but there are also Sasquatch, and Keeluts, and Gici Awas, and Thunderbirds, all taken from Native American folklore.  So if you like your fantasy with a

twist, take a look at The Destiny Trilogy and ride the new wave in fantasy fiction. Available on amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXRLRBJ

   I have been asked many times what has inspired me and why I choose to write fantasy. First, the inspiration comes from my daughters. it was their love of the Harry Potter books that made me a fantasy fan, and, when that series came to an end, my children clamored for a wizarding story. After much discussion with them, The Destiny Trilogy was born.  I write fantasy fiction because I like the no boundaries approach to writing, and fantasy allows an author to build his own worlds and make up his own rules.  Plus, its a lot of fun.

   

  Author Cris Pasqueralle is a retired NYC Police Officer who lives on Long Island with his wife and two daughters. Cris enjoys writing for a younger audience because he believes that through reading and imagination, kids build a brighter future for themselves and all of us.  Follow Cris on facebook  at www.facebook.com./authorcrispasqueralle

  Keep checking his author page on facebook for news about the up coming film versions of The Destiny Trilogy.

Book 1: Destiny Revealed 

Book 2: Paths of Destiny

Book 3: Quest for Destiny 

Parents looking for new books and Authors? New group on Facebook and on Goodreads has you covered!

Today there is an active and ready for participation group on both Goodreads and Facebook.  These groups share a common name, Parents, Find Children’s Books and Authors. This is an excellent time to join up and look for new authors, old classics, fun series, and child appealing characters.

Let’s start with a few links to show where you can join in the fun.  On Goodreads, you may join the group here.  Now before you think this is just another crazy idea bunny from Vicki, I can assure you we already have over 20 members. They might be quiet now, but you know I will get them talking sooner or later, I am hoping for sooner.

Facebook is newer and less formed, but it is there ready for occupancy. The paint is a little sticky and the grout is still drying, but we are open for business. So meander on into the Facebook group here.

So let’s talk about group plans on both sites.  We see this as a group that can share great books and new soon to be great books with children and their parents.  A chance to meet a few authors, order a signed copy of a book, ask questions of writers, readers, authors, publishers, and all genre specific.

This is not a spamming site where links will be posted on a daily basis running off readers with their sheer magnitude. There will be a book room where books can be listed, there will be an area for discounts, freebies, and giveaways. There will be an area for new releases.  So come on over to one of the two sites (read join both!) Share your skills in the children’s literature, early reader, chapter books, and child-friendly series.

What we need most at this point is word of mouth and sharing of the links. We are talking full out sharing, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google +, Reddit, Tumbler, and any other site you have seen parents, readers, and or authors lurking.  Help us make this a fun and totally interactive place for parents, readers, authors, and children at heart. And by all means, if you are a reader, writer, child at heart, then join us! We can’t wait to meet you too!

Sunday Stroll In the Gallery with Nancy Quinn

Welcome to Sunday Stroll in the Gallery. Our first artist is World known Wildlife Artist, Nancy Quinn. Take a stroll through the gallery and meet Nancy and enjoy a sampling of her amazing art pieces. 

Bio

Nancy has always been interested in art and nature.  She was born in Southfield, Michigan, and later moved to Florida, working her way through college in Jacksonville.  After graduation, she worked in conservation law enforcement as a Duty Officer for the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.  Her interests in painting and nature eventually led to a career in wildlife art.  Lacking extensive formal training, she believes her artistic ability was an inborn gift from her father, the noted artist Boyd A. Zimmer II.

Early in her career, Nancy was presented with 2nd and 3rd place awards in the World Wildlife Art Championships.  Her work is internationally known and found in galleries, state museums, and private collections.

Education efforts are important to Nancy.  She created T-shirt and jewelry designs for the Florida Wildlife Federation.  

She was commissioned by the State of New Jersey to create the limited edition art print Nature's Legacy.  The print commemorates the centennial celebration of the State's Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife.  The funds raised from the sale of the prints act as tuition grants for college students interested in biology or conservation law enforcement.

Nancy strives for accuracy and realism in her work and continues to strengthen her commitment to furthering conservation awareness.  After spending over six years in the capital region while her husband served at the Pentagon, Nancy and her family now joyfully reside in rural Montana where she continues to create new works.

Thoughts from my easel,

 I believe art has a purpose other than decorating our walls.  I think it can touch our minds and our hearts.  When I sit down to create art, I think about how best to give an animal or bird a soul and how to foster an emotion on canvas, paper, or precious metal.  If I can have a positive effect in someone's life, then my work has served an important purpose.  I remember a particular story of a woman who lived alone.  She told me of the forlornness she felt each day sitting by herself for every meal.  After she framed and hung up my barn owl limited edition print in her dining room, she noticed how lifelike the image was and so gave it a name.  As time passed she began to talk to it and soon she no longer dreaded mealtime because she felt as though she had some company.   It is a true blessing for me when clients write and tell me how my art has made them or a loved one happy.  Each of their personal stories is remarkable and unique, and their enjoyment keeps me motivated, making my work a pleasure.

Before I create an artwork, I first have to make some kind of a connection with the subject bird or animal.   I prefer to physically handle and study the wildlife prior to painting, drawing, or sculpting it.  I look for its individual personality, as well as what physical and behavioral characteristics are common to its species.  Above all, I want to evoke a feeling and understanding of what is amazing about them in nature. It is challenging work.   I have laughed and enjoyed animal antics and I have also escaped some potentially serious injuries. Working with wild animals is a risk and I handle them carefully with an educated and well thought out plan. Happily, I rarely suffer a boring day and I am always learning something new. 

To experience the call of the natural world one must be silent, so I prefer solitude when I am at my easel.   Through quiet introspection I contemplate the best way to portray the special qualities of each subject, be it the fierce strength, vulnerability, graceful beauty, determination, cunning, or loyalty common to its species.  I hope each time you look into the eyes and study the body language of the animals in my artwork, you will see and feel these emotions.  If so, then I have succeeded in helping you find your own connection to nature through art.  

Enter the Gallery: 

Add caption

Blue Bird

Tanger

Watchful Stallion

Wilson

Dance

Serenity

Nancy Quinn

Wildlife Artist and Author

www.quinnwildlifeart.com Art

https://nancy442.wixsite.com/quinn Book

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmxcrrunEYg Book video Trailer

https://www.amazon.com/Go-West-Young-Woman-Military/dp/1555718299?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc Amazon

https://hellgatepress.com/nancy-quinn/go-west-young-woman Publisher

http://awesternlife.blogspot.com/   Blog

Today is the day! 

Dolcey is excited, I am excited, Emily is excited and I hope the readers are excited. Today marks the launch of Who's That in the Cat Pajamas?  This is book 1 in the Dolcey series and we get to see what makes Dolcey so extra special. As you might gather from the title, Dolcey isn't always a cat, find out more about her and who she really is in Who's That in the Cat Pajamas? available today!

Excerpt from Who's That in the Cat Pajamas?

Dolcey moved from one end of the porch to the other, tail held high, pointed black ears perked forward, and silvery whiskers pointing straight at the front door. Twitching her cat whiskers was always tricky, but Dolcey was getting better and better as she strutted around. Purring and meowing enough to stir some compassion from the parents seems to be the hardest part, thought Dolcey.

“Emily, go get the milk and let’s get this boy somewhere warm.” Emily sped into the kitchen but Dolcey was no longer listening. Her fur was bristling as she glowered at Emily’s dad.

“Obviously, I am a girl,” she meowed with such ferocity that she almost scared herself.

Where can you find this children's chapter book to read more?

Amazon in paperback and in Kindle: Find it here!
Barnes and Noble in paperback only: Find it here!

I hope you will pick up a copy and share with your family the adventure with Dolcey and Emily.

If you enjoy this children's book and want to read more from Sojourner McConnell the ebook of The Path of the Child is on sale in celebration of the new release for $.99 on Amazon.

Mystery Thriller Week 2017 – A fan / reviewer’s thoughts by Kim Hunter

The 11th to 22nd February 2017 I disappeared!  I only left my computer chair to take care of necessities, one of which was NOT sleep!

I heard about the event in November 2016 after joining a book review blog.  Not realising what I was getting myself into, I agreed to read and review as many books as I could so that these reviews could be posted during the event in February 2017. I ended up reading / listening to 12 books by the end of January and had the reviews scheduled for posting during the week of the event.   This part was hardly a sacrifice as the authors very generously gave audio or electronic copies to the readers wanted to review them.   What I did not realise was how interactive the event was to be!

There were many live events during the extended week – this gave those interested an opportunity to learn more about the art of writing, to question authors and other players in the industry.  However, most started from about 10pm my time, so I spent many sleepless nights chatting, not sleeping.  Oh, the sacrifices we make…….!  I’m sure that some of the authors felt as I did as they were participating from all over the world too.   However, it was an opportunity not to be missed and I was there as often as possible.  There were many give-away’s and I have a TBR pile of note!

From my point of view, the event was about exposing readers to new authors and authors to new readers.  It certainly achieved this for me.  I discovered the existence of ‘cozy mysteries’ and have now decided that I am not a great fan of gruesome thrillers or horror stories!  I met the author Barbara Venkataramen during this event – a writer of cozy mysteries.  I love the conciseness of her writing – the whole plot is developed and solved in about four hours of reading.  This means that you can take a Sunday afternoon and feel like you have read a 400 page novel (I am not a speed reader BTW!) with all the characters coming to life in an environment you can envision and a mystery solved in a short space of time.  Spectacular!  This is a new genre for me and I will be looking for more cozy mysteries to read.

Another of my favourite authors, Susan May, also participated.  I always find her amusing and informative.  CJ Petterson and Sarah Key were two other authors who willingly gave of their time – each trying to make the event interesting in different ways for the participants.  I can honestly say that they succeeded.  For the many other authors and book people who participated (simply too many for me to list), I, as a reader, need to give you my thanks.  Your participation made the event fun, interesting and worthwhile.  The orgainsers added a few competitions along the way so that bloggers could be discovered and followed, and authors read via the prizes they donated.

Will I participate next year? ABSOLUTELY.  I’ll stock up on caffeine drinks and exercise my fingers in advance, for getting to chat with people who have the courage and perseverance to write and publish the stories we are privileged to be able to read, is priceless.

Kim Hunter

Tangowithtext.com

Thank you to Kim Hunter for participating in Friday's Fun and Family-Friendly Guest Posts. Kim, you are welcome to participate any time. 

Guest Post by Dolcey from Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas?

Thanks to Sneaky for posting my guest post over on Wordpress.  https://sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com/2017/05/29/guest-post-by-dolcey-from-whos-that-in-the-cat-pajamas-by-sojourner-mcconnell/

Good morning, Sneaky! I appreciate you allowing me to visit with you today. I am Dolcey and Sojourner asked me to come introduce myself to you. As you might have noticed, today I am in my cat pajamas. You might say I am cloaked in a bit of a mystery.

You see, I have a job to do in this life, and it is to help children. I am not always a cat. I have many sets of pajamas that I use in my adventures. I have another life away from the children’s houses you will read about in my latest book.

Sojourner McConnell is bringing you the story of how my career began. It is a lovely story featuring Emily. We call it Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas?

You will meet Emily, and she has the most beautiful green eyes. They shine like emeralds. Anyway, Emily has a problem. I am not going to tell you about it now. Sojourner is the story teller. I will leave that up to her.

In Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? you will find out exactly who I am and what I do when not dressed for work. You will also find out about my special job and why I do, what I do.

I know there are so many secrets, but you will find out a lot of them in the first book. I hope you will join me for the release which happens very soon. It is already on Amazon as a Preorder.

In fact, I hope you will follow along with the Dolcey Series. Book 1 comes to Amazon and books stores on June 2, 2017. I hope you will pick up a copy and share it with the children in your life.

Then stay tuned because, in about four months, I will be traveling to another land and helping another special child that you will not want to miss meeting.

Miss Ellie Barrett is already working on the illustrations for that special story with Sojourner now. It is going to be a blast.  You can find Ellie on Instagram.

Thanks so much for the guest post, Dolcey, and best whiskers on your new book.

Interview which was hosted by Robbie Cheadle

https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/whos-that-in-the-cat-pajamas-by-sojourner-mcconnell/

This is the post with Sojourner's interview. My thanks to Robbie Cheadle for her interesting questions. She sure made me think!

Who’s That In The Cat Pajamas? by Sojourner McConnell

Sojourner McConnell is releasing a new book on 2 June 2017 and its for children. How exciting! I am delighted to host Sojourner on robbiesinspiration and to learn and share more about Who’s That In the Cat Pajamas?

The blurb

When the wind brings the cries of children to her ears, Dolcey is spurred into action. Comforting and aiding children in need is her main focus. Welcome to Dolcey’s world. Welcome to a world of magic and endless possibilities. When Emily has a big problem, her family tries to help, but some problems need something special to make things right. In Emily’s case, the special treatment is a visitor named Dolcey.

Author interview

Robbie: Welcome to Robbiesinspiration, Sojourner, it is lovely to have you over for a visit and learn more about you and your new book.

Sojourner: Thank you, Robbie, for this opportunity to share more about myself and my exciting news of the release of Who’s That In The Cat Pajamas?. I am so very excited, I hope you and other readers will join me for the release on June 2, 2017. I love your children’s books. I found an illustrator, she uses standard methods, our illustrations are not quite as tasty as yours.

Robbie: Thank you, Sojourner. I think your cover illustration is delightful. Why did you decide to write a book for children?

Sojourner: I was visiting my family that lives in Michigan for the month of December and my granddaughter, who is in the second grade, asked to read my book. I told her it was a hard book for little girls to read. She replied, “Then will you write me a book that I can read?” I promised her I would and before I made it home in January, I had the concept filling my brain and ready to be written. I was working on Mystery Thriller Week at the time, so I did not actually begin writing until March.

Robbie: What inspired you to write this particular story?

Sojourner: Who’s That In The Cat Pajamas? is the story of my daughter’s relocation far away from her home. I based the story on how a little cat could help. As the cat is not an actual cat, there is some magic and adventures to spice up the story.

Robbie: How have you adapted your marketing strategy for a children’s book rather than a book for adults?

Sojourner: That has been hard, I am looking for a parent’s group. I find author groups for children’s books, but I am not having much success finding the parents of the little readers. I am still searching for that group of parents and children in order to get the book seen by future readers. I hope that word of mouth by readers will promote the book. I also have a blog that shares back stories and features about upcoming characters. Promoting a book is not easy and simple. It is almost a full-time job.

[I think that all authors will agree with you in that regard, Sojourner.]

Robbie: Are you planning on writing a series about Dolcey?

Sojourner: I am writing a series featuring Dolcey. There will be quite a few differences in each story. I hope that the children and parents will respond positively to Dolcey and Emily. The name of the next book is shared at the end of Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? and I hope they are as excited about the prospect of book 2 as I am.

Robbie: What age group are you targeting with this book?

Sojourner: I believe this book would be well received by children as young as four and I had a beta reader that was twelve and she said she enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the next one. She had already read, The Path of the Child, and enjoyed that so her reading genres are as varied as mine. I have placed those as the prime ages for the book. The language is a little above grade one but the message is one even a younger child can appreciate.

Robbie: Thank you, Sojourner, for taking the time to answer my questions and tell me a bit about yourself and your book, Who’s That In The Cat Pajamas?

About Sojourner McConnell

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Sojourner McConnell lives in Winchester, Kentucky with one of her daughters and three of her thirteen grandchildren. She has six grandchildren in Alabama and four that live in Michigan.  Sojourner’s new book is a children’s chapter book, Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas which will release June 2, 2017.  Her next book, Blip, is a sci-fi book with humor and intrigue and is due out by December 2017. The Path of the Child, The Power of Forgiveness, and 31 Days of October are all available in paperback and in eBook format on Amazon and other retailers. Sojourner brings a taste of strong personalities with a healthy dose of southern charm to her characters.  As co-founder and part of the organizing team of Mystery Thriller Week, she has become fascinated with writing a mystery of her own. In fact, there might be a little mystery woven into one of the two books she is writing at present.  When not writing, she is busy entertaining her Australian Shepherd, Beau. Unfortunately, Beau tends to get jealous when she spends too much time working on the computer.

Purchase Sojourner McConnell’s books

You can pre-order Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? on Amazon

For older readers, The Path of the Child is available on Amazon at a special price in celebration of the release of Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas?

Follow Sojourner McConnell

To learn more about Sojourner you can like her on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Follow and friend her on Goodreads

Visit her blog for up close and personal posts about new books and more information about the characters in all her books. The Path of the Writer has a newsletter sign up too. Another way to keep up with everything about books is to follow her book reviews on The Page Turner.

Robbie and Michael Cheadle are the co-authors of the Sir Chocolate Book series

Purchase Sir Chocolate at:

https://www.amazon.com/author/robbiecheadle

OR

http://tinyurl.com/zdokqjr (currently available at a discounted price)

Follow Robbie Cheadle at:

Blog: robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle

Facebook: @SirChocolateBooks

Plus.google: https://plus.google.com/105609586198905397891