Callers will have a chance to win a copy of a chance to win a copy of Fur and Feathers or Good Night, Little Sea Otter.
Call in to Book Bites for Kids at (646)716-9239 to join in the fun!
GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING BELIEVES WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD BY INVESTING IN CHILDREN ONE CHILD AT A TIME.
Hi all,
My children's picture book, The Magic Violin is being featured at a top mom blogger this week.
The blog's name is Moms Wear Your Tees and it is hosted by Scarlett Paolicchi. Not only did she give the book a wonderful review, but she's also hosting a giveaway! Thanks, Scarlett!
The blog has close to 1,500 followers, which I think it's pretty awesome.
http://momswearyourtees.blogspot.com/2010/09/magic-violin-childrens-picture-book.html
Cheers!
Mayra
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author whose stories have been featured in multiple print and online publications. Her first book, The Golden Pathway, is about a boy who befriends a slave during the civil war. It is an illustrated story book for older readers (ages 9-12). Donna is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. You can learn more about Donna on her website. If you sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a free ebook, Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews. Donna also keeps two blogs, www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com and www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com.
Thanks for the interview, Donna! When did you start writing for children?
In 2006 I came across an ad for The Institute of Children’s Literature and completed their aptitude test and application and mailed it back for consideration. This came at the perfect time for me since I was longing to find something more fulfilling outside the scope of administrative and website work. About a month afterwards I received an acceptance to ICL and haven’t looked back since.
Tell us about your historical children’s book, The Golden Pathway. What inspired you to write it?
History has always fascinated me and when I had the chance to outline a book idea for my last ICL assignment the Underground Railroad immediately came to mind. While I did get positive feedback on my outline my ICL instructor did not feel there was enough appeal with a market flooded with the Underground Railroad books. I reluctantly put my outline away and tried to forget about it, but it kept calling to me to write it. And again perfect timing aligned and I discovered Suzanne Lieurance at the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club and I dusted off my outline and eagerly began writing. This manuscript was critiqued in the early stages by Suzanne Lieurance (CWCC) and my online critique groups and placed as Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest 78th Writing Competition, then edited after the competition by Lea Schizas to assist in expanding the story since it was no longer under a word constraint from the contest.
I understand The Golden Pathway is an illustrated story book and not a picture book. Could you please explain the difference between the two?
A standard picture book is 32-pages with illustrations on every page and geared towards 2-8 years old. While a story book has roughly half the amount of illustrations the text is written with the 9-12 age range in mind and (in the case of The Golden Pathway) almost 2,000 words. Each publisher has their specific guidelines they follow. Over the course of the years many teachers have realized a vast majority of students respond better to their curriculum with visuals. Hence the story book format.
Did you have to do a lot of research for this book?
Initially online, then visiting the Tappan Library and thoroughly researching the Underground Railroad.
What is the main message children will learn from this book?
Overcoming adversity against immeasurable odds and that with determination success in achieving your dreams is possible.
The illustrations in the book were done by fine Oregonian artist K.C. Snider. How was your experience working with an illustrator? Did you have input in the artwork? Do you think she captured the mood and tone of the story?
My excitement over the quality of illustrations K.C. Snider designed blew me away from the onset of the book cover design. K.C. captured the true essence of The Golden Pathway from the get go. Since The Golden Pathway is my first book I honestly did not know what to expect from the collaboration process and I was pleasantly surprised. I have read time and time again that the author and illustrator never meet, but not in the case of Guardian Angel Publishing. As long as an author tries not to micro-manage the illustrator and puts full trust in the publisher and illustrator a win-win outcome is sure to be had.
You also offer press release services to authors. Tell us all about it!
My press release service is called Dynamic Media Release Services and with the overwhelming responsibilities an author has to promote their books I thought what better way to take the pressure off a bit is to offer this service at reasonable prices. For rates and testimonials readers should check this page.
What next for Donna McDine?
I'm thrilled to announce my manuscripts entitled, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey or Boy have been accepted by Guardian Angel Publishing. These will be my second and third story books with this publisher.
Any last words to our readers?
My road to publication has had the typical rejections (which I can wallpaper my office with) and doubts of my abilities to make a go as a published writer. I have found every writer experiences these feelings, but learn to push through the “doubting Thomas” thoughts to reach publication success. Don’t give up! Learn your craft, continued to network, and success will come your way.
Thanks you, Donna, and best of luck with your book!
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cutural Organization (UNESCO), one in five adults is illiterate. Two-thirds of them are women and 72 million are children out of school.
Since its foundation in 1946, UNESCO has dedicated itself to keeping literacy high on national, regional and international agendas.
UNESCO celebrates the power of women’s literacy on September 8, 2010 with International Literacy Day. This year they will, "celebrate women’s empowerment through literacy and pay tribute to the women and men who work behind the scenes who help others acquire literacy skills and enter a world of opportunities."
For more information about International Literacy Day 2010, please visit UNESCO's website.
“Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a fresh rendition of the familiar story of the angels appearing to the shepherds in the field and announcing the birth of the Savior. The unique slant to this particular retelling of the scriptural story is that the reader sees the event through the eyes of a little shepherd boy, tending his first-ever flock of sheep. As a grandmother, I would be delighted to read this story to my grandchildren. As such, I recommend it to parents/grandparents/teachers everywhere who wish to bring this passage of scripture to life for impressionable young hearts to understand”.
–Kathi Macias, radio host and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including the Extreme Devotion series and Valeria’s Cross http://www.kathimacias.com/; http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/
“Heartstrings will be tugged as readers journey to the manger with a little shepherd boy. Obed’s father entrusted him with his first flock of sheep. Everything seems to be going perfect until angels fill the sky with an unusual request. Obed’s gripping tale promises to inspire and become a family favorite.”
–Dixie Phillips, award-winning author of Stubby’s Destiny, Angel Eyes, and other Christian children’s books http://www.floydslighthouse.com/
Join Donna McDine, author of the historical story book, The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in September and October on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book.
About Donna McDine
Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, will be published through Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. Learn more about Donna at www.donnamcdine.com if you sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a FREE e-Book Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews, and http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com and http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com.
About The Golden Pathway
High-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers courage to defy his Pa.
Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
Read the Excerpt!
He clamped his hands over his ears, but it didn’t block the high-pitched screams from the barn. He knew they would stop. They always did. Yet, the silence scared David even more, knowing Pa would seek a new victim.
Thud. Thud. Pa’s heavy footsteps echoed on the porch.
Clank. The buckle from Pa’s belt hit the floor.
Buzz saw. Pa’s loud snores shook the windowpane.
David grabbed his boots and with shaky hands slid them on. His small size made it easy to hoist himself out the bedroom window and shimmy down the trellis. David did his best not to leave any footprints in Ma’s tomato garden. He made sure each night to leave the straw broom on the front porch leaning against the railing by the garden. David reached over the railing for the broom. He carefully brushed the dirt to hide his footprints, all the while backing out of the garden. Satisfied that he’d covered his tracks, David shook the dirt off the broom and placed it back on the porch.
If Pa found out what he was doing, he’d skin his hide for sure. David loved Pa, but he had to make this stop.
Donna McDine’s THE GOLDEN PATHWAY VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR ‘10 will officially begin on September 7 and end on October 29, 2010. Please visit www.pumpupyourbook.com each day during Donna's tour to see where she visits next.