GAP FAMILY BLOG

Author: Katelyn Burch

Artist:

Print ISBN: 9781616333898; 1616333898

eBook ISBN: 9781616333904; 1616333901

Author:Donna McDine http://www.donnamcdine.com

Artist:KC Snider www.KCSniderart.com

Hardcover ISBN: 9781616333843; 1616333847

Paperback ISBN: 9781616333850; 1616333853

eBook ISBN: 9781616333867; 1616333863

Category: Academic Wings

Author:Kristen Zajac www.kristenzajac.com

Artist: Julie Tucker

Hardcover ISBN: 9781616333935; 1616333936

Paperback ISBN: 9781616331092; 1616331097

eBook ISBN: 9781616331108; 1616331100

Author:Penelope Cole http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com/

Artist:Kevin Collier http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com

Hardcover ISBN: 9781616333942; 1616333944

Paperback ISBN: 9781616333959; 1616333952

eBook ISBN: 9781616333966; 1616333960

Author: Mary J Kelsowww.authorsden.com/maryjeankelso

Artist: KC Snider www.KCSniderart.com

Hardcover ISBN: 9781616333997; 1616333995

Paperback ISBN: 9781616330255; 1616330252

eBook ISBN: 97816163330262; 1616330260

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She has 11 books published so far. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, though not interested in children's books . Their three children are now grown and doing very well. Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "

Artist K.C. Snider, who has illustrated such Guardian Angel Publishing books as the award-winning historical storybook, The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine, the tween chapter book, The Weaver by Kai Strand, the Andy and the Albino Horse series by Mary Jean Kelso, and newly released, The Milk Horse by Cat Luce, has become a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

K.C. Snider, an honors graduate from The Eugene School for Art, is a prominent Oregon artist. Her love of the western life and of wildlife has been developed since her youth. She had a natural talent for drawing and color exhibited since she was ten years old. She has shared her talents as an Art Instructor at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. Her painting, the “Brothers of the Wolves I”, has been published by Colorado’s Leanin’ Tree, Inc. Her painting, “Spirit of the Hunter,” was chosen by Leanin' Tree for the 2006 Christmas card line.

Originally specializing in Western Art, K.C. has branched out into a variety of styles and subjects. Her collection of oil paintings, lithographs, and pencil drawings include portraits of the All-American Cowboy and Cowgirl and their lifestyles of days gone by. Recently, K.C. has been sculpting using a variety of subjects including cowboys, domestic animals and other funny caricatures and is working on her first bronze, “The All-American Cowgirl.”

K.C.’s paintings incorporate horses of all breeds, majestic wolves and buffalo herds, as well as eagles and other native birds of prey, in their rustic natural habitats. The western terrain in her art is not only very detailed, but it also transcends time. Now a resident of Redmond, Oregon, K.C. is inspired by the natural beauty of the high desert of Central Oregon. In some of her works, if one looks closely, the visions of spirits create an inspiring visual impact. K.C. has a gift for capturing the shimmering iridescence of the spirit world. In her reverent detail, one can almost hear the howl of wolves and the trampling of running horses on dusty trails as their stories depicted on the canvases come to life in the mind’s eye.

K.C.’s artwork has won many awards during her long career. Her rainbow collection of prize ribbons from all over the Northwest is as colorful as her work. Recently, K.C. has won plaques from the 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Western Art Roundup at Winnemucca, Nevada. She has won prizes in several categories, as well as the prestigious Snaffle Bit Award for her authentic Western Art, the Pioneer Award for the depiction of life on the High Desert, and the Indian Heritage Award for her piece titled, “Hope of the White Buffalo.”

K.C. has now completed illustrating a number of children’s’ books. The Christmas Angel, with author Mary Jean Kelso and The Magic Violin, with Mayra Calvani were the first of the books published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

You can visit her website at http://www.kcsniderart.com/  She also has two blogs: http://blog.kcsniderart.com/  and http://andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com/.

Donna McDine, author of The Golden Pathway, has the following events planned:

October 16, 2011 - 1:00-4:00 pm


Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Library
25 Flywheel Park West
Piermont, NY
845-359-4595

Local Authors' Meet and Greet, Book Reading & Signing, Activity, and Q&A



October 17, 2011 - 7:00-8:00 pm

Orangeburg Library
20 South Greenbush Road
Orangeburg, NY
845-359-2244

Author Meet and Greet, Book Reading, Signing, and Activity

October 23, 2011 ~ 1:30-4:30 pm


Hilton Westchester Rye Brook
699 Westchester Avenue
Rye Brook, NY
in the Grand Ballroom (North & South)

The New York State Reading Association's "Hudson Valley Author's Fair"



The Golden Pathway:  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.

AWARDS:

Literary Classics 2011 Finalist Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway

Literary Classics 2011 Seal of Approval Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway

Finalist in Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards – Children’s Picture Book Fiction category – The Golden Pathway

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author: Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in sports resulted in writing and publishing The Hockey Agony. Her first book, The Golden Pathway, was published in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing and she recently signed her third book contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, for Powder Monkey. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids Ezine and Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Musing Our Children.

Learn more about Donna at http://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/.

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com/

For Immediate Release

The 2010 holiday season is rapidly approaching and now is the time to brainstorm and write your fictional short stories, non-fiction articles, and/or poetry ideas around the 2011 Guardian Angel Kids Theme List.

January: Animals – Submission deadline December 15, 2010


February: Grandparents – Submission deadline December 30, 2010


March: Concepts (Shapes, Colors, ABCs,) – Submission deadline January 15, 2011


April: Health – Submission deadline February 15, 2011


May: Horses – Submission deadline March 15, 2011


June: Wheels – Submission deadline April 15, 2011


July: Outer Space – Submission deadline May 15, 2011


August: Cuisine – Submission deadline June 15, 2011


September: Good Behavior – Submission deadline July 15, 2011


October: Sports & Activities – Submission deadline August 15, 2011


November: Dogs – Submission deadline September 15, 2011


December: Faith – Submission deadline October 15, 2011


Our themes also tie into the Guardian Angel Publishing books, so be sure to check out the many books published each year at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ .

We need 1 article per issue for parents/teachers on the subjects of reading, writing, teaching, parenting or something that ties in well with a theme.

Please visit Guardian Angel Kids to read and adhere to our submission guidelines at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.htm.

Thank you for your time and interest.

###

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com

Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com/

For Immediate Release

Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Announces New Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine

Jennifer Reed, original Editor-in-Chief is stepping down from Guardian Angel Kids and will be replaced by award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine effective immediately.

Ms. McDine comes to Guardian Angel Kids with 20 plus years of administrative and web design expertise in both Fortune 500 companies and as a virtual assistant. Along with her experience in the children’s publishing industry as a published author, National Writing for Children Center Publicist Intern, and former Stories for Children Magazine marketing manager McDine brings to the forefront her business, writing, and marketing know how to propel Guardian Angel Kids to further success in 2011 and beyond.

Please join, Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing, Kevin McNamee, Guardian Angel Kids Technical Director, and MarySue Roberts Guardian Angel Kids Cover Art Director in welcoming Donna McDine to the family.

Please visit Guardian Angel Kids and become familiar with all we have to offer the young muses in your life at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

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Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

Since signing my first book contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, February 2008, I have read time and time again that the marketing of your book begins well before publication. Profound statement and right on the mark. Don’t miss another important aspect. You need to pair your book marketing with marketing YOU the author. Do not become a wall flower and only peel yourself from the wall when you want to position and sell your book.

Active membership in a writing community is essential, both online and in-person. Start out slow and don’t give in to joining too many groups. Being an active participant in one or two communities is much better than joining five plus and the members hardly or never hear from you. Start out by introducing yourself and then respond to fellow members posts constructively. Never attack or bash. Remember what mom always said, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” With respect, correct?

When a fellow member seeks advice on a particular topic and you have experience to offer, share what worked for you and what didn’t. The conversation ease is set from the get-go when fellow members sense you are not here just for your book, but to partake in an exchange of information. A trust naturally develops over time as you converse, cheer members successes, and encouraging even louder when a rejection is received. Relationships forged in this manner are usually a win-win outcome for all involved. Over time you will begin to wonder how you made through it the publishing roller coaster ride without them.

Go ahead put yourself out there and connect with fellow writers. You were brave enough to submit your manuscript to the publishing Gods so this should be a snap. Most of all have fun and make new friends.

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 http://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/.

Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K. C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8
Published: August 2010

Headline: A beautifully written tale that grabs your heart.

Twelve-year-old David lives with his parents on their farm in the south, during the time of slavery in the US. David can never please his Pa, who ridicules him when he displays weakness, and calls him sissy. Worse, Pa routinely and savagely whips the slaves, including sixteen-year-old Jenkins. Appalled at these beatings, David determines to help Jenkins escape. David is frightened of his father, and knows that if he is caught, Pa will beat him. David will need his wits and every ounce of courage to help Jenkins escape.

The story resonates on all levels. K. C. Sniders' illustrations are dramatic and emotionally charged, and enhance the story beautifully. The way Jenkins is depicted especially pulled on my heartstrings. David's empathic character is perfectly rendered.

Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn't let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale. She doesn't hold back on showing the cruel and inhumane treatment of slaves, which highlights David's compassion and courage as the centerpiece of the story. His emotions are felt through out, putting the reader into his shoes. As a result, David personifies and models something very important: A boy differentiating himself from his parent, and standing up for what he believes is right. This is a powerful message, that you can love a parent, as David surely does, even if you do not agree with what they do.

I highly recommend The Golden Pathway to teachers, parents, and children. The story will be a valuable part of any classroom studying slavery in the US. In addition to being a good introduction to the history and life of the time, it will generate good discussion about the era, making it a valuable addition for libraries.

The Golden Pathway is a beautifully written tale of courage, conscience, and compassion. Five big stars. It's a gem.

* Reviewed By A. R. Silverberry
Award-Winning Author of Wyndano's Cloak

Purchase your copy of The Golden Pathway here!

About Donna McDine:

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competitions. Donna's stories and features have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Her second book, The Hockey Agony is under contract and will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes, moms, and is the Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and Children's Writers' Coaching Club.
Visit Donna at:

THE GOLDEN PATHWAY BLOG
WRITE WHAT INSPIRES YOU BLOG
http://www.donnamcdine.com/


* Review is reprinted with the author's permission.

October is going to be a busy month for at least two of our Angels. Donna McDine and Cheryl C. Malandrinos are on virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book to promote their new GAP titles.

Donna McDine's historical storybook, The Golden Pathway, tells the story David, who is raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily. He 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.

The Golden Pathway 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.

Find out more about The Golden Pathway virtual book tour here!

The Golden Pathway is the first hardcover book ever released by Guardian Angel Publishing!



Cheryl Malandrinos is touring with Pump Up Your Book to promote her first children's picture book, Little Shepherd.

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior’s birth. Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King?

Little Shepherd Excerpt!

Off in the distance, a wolf howled. Obed moved closer to his flock, scanning the hills for any sign of a pack that might race in and steal his sheep. His family depended upon the sheep for food and their wool for clothing. No sheep would be lost under his watch.

He shivered inside his cloak. While the days were getting warmer, the nights still chilled him. He walked over to the large fire blazing inside the pit. He rubbed his hands together and held them up to the fire to warm them.

Above him, the sky twinkled with millions of stars. Obed couldn’t remember a night so clear.

Suddenly, a bright light filled the sky.

Obed trembled. “Father, what is happening?”

His father dropped to the ground, his right hand blocking his eyes from the intense light.

Obed pulled the edges of his cloak closer to his face as he squinted up at the mysterious form hovering overhead. He shivered, but this time it was not because of the cold.

Find out more about the Little Shepherd virtual book tour here! Cheryl is offering giveaways totaling over $160 during her tour, so be sure to see how you can be eligible to win.

Donna McDine, author of The Golden Pathway, will be participating in a panel titled, Publishing with a Small Press, starting at 11 AM Eastern at The Ferguson Library, Harry Bennett Branch in Stamford, CT on Saturday, September 25th.

The Golden Pathway was released by Guardian Angel Publishing in August of this year. It is a storybook that shares the Underground Railroad with young readers. A good book to add to school curriculum, it tells the story of David, who 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.

Also on the panel are children's authors, Lori Calabrese and YA author, Jo Ramsey. You may contact the library for more information at (203) 351-8292.

The Ferguson Library
Harry Bennett Branch
115 Vine Road, Stamford
fergusonlibrary.org

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 http://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/.