A Purple Craft for Purple Day

Today is Purple Day to support epilepsy around the world. My dear friend Bethany invited me to participate in Craftopia. Bethany's little boy Renn has epilepsy. To get involved or to learn more about it click here. 

Since I couldn't make it Fresno California, my kids and I decided to collect all the purple stickers in the house and some sunglasses to participate.

Vincent, Julia and Susie are sticking stickers on their sunglasses

 

Vincent wrote Renn or tried to anyway.
As you can see he has trouble listening to me and thinks he can spell better than I can.

Julia, looking fabulous in her sunglasses.
This is before the purple stickers :)

Susie looking serious

Two lovely purple dots, stuck on by Susie.

Here we go Julia! That's pretty purply 

Remember to wear your purple today!

For more information, please visit www.purpleday.org

FOR RENN

         Today's post is for Renn Telles. He is five years old and loves Star Wars. 

Since last year, Renn has been visiting the hospital and his doctors to figure out some issues with his epilepsy. For more info on his progress click-->  HERE.  Two lovely ladies, Susanna & Beth, have invited us to make something special for little Renn and post it on our blogs.  To read all the other posts for Renn created by other bloggers click --> HERE.  

To learn more about epilepsy you can visit HERE

To help cheer up Renn, I made him a VERY SHORT Star Wars comic strip,

with the help of my husband's Star Wars action figures from the 80's.

STARRING...

"Renn"

Playing Luke Skywalker's good friend ----->

    

Star Wars Eposode VI and 1/2

Now Introducing the cast of supporting characters




Darth Vader "Head Case Holder", The Storm Troopers,
Luke Skywalker, R2D2, 3-CPO, Princess Leia Organa,
Wicket W. Warrick and an Ewok (not sure his name - that's why he's cut off)



 

Before you go, my two daughters wanted to share a picture they each made for Renn.

Susie (2 years old) Chalk on canvas  

Julia (6 years old) Markers on paper 

Her card says:

Dear Renn,

I hope you feel good soon.

From Julia

Renn, we are thinking of you here in New Jersey

and we are always wishing you and your family well.

Let's Ask - Question # 5

Today is week five of my new series Let's Ask which will be featured every Thursday on my blog. Lately, I've had so many unanswered questions about getting published and marketing children's books I thought why not just ask the experts one question per week and then share their knowledge of the business with us. *Experts = most likely a friend/acquaintance with experience writing children's books or publishing them.

This week's Let's Ask question is for Bethany Telles

(see below for her bio info):

Bethany Telles

My question for Bethany:

     Why do you think it is important for a writer to have social media connections? Could you share your experience with being interviewed by multiple broadcasting stations about your book and how you went about getting the interviews?


Bethany writes:

     Alright, first things first: I believe social media connections- if done correctly- are important because that's the way this world operates these days. It's sad to say, but times are changing and fast pace is as fast pace does. If you have any social media outlet, it allows for others to notice you at their leisure. I have seen many writers showcasing their talent/writing abilities through their blogs (like this one!). Your audience gets the chance to know you, the writer, and that connection might encourage future sales, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

     Now let me share my experiences with the wonderful world of media!

     During the MeeGenius Author Challenge, I tried my best to reach as many people as possible in order to get votes. I come from a relatively small town, so I knew that my best chance of spreading the word about my involvement would be getting on TV and radio, as well as sharing with one of the local newspapers. First, I contacted people that I knew personally, that ran radio broadcasts. As lame as it is, it truly IS all about the people you know. I sucked it up, and drove through my usual boundaries and asked for help. I loathe asking for help! And I'm quite shy when it comes to my writing. But all it took was me asking, and it blew my mind how eager those contacts were to help me! Then, I sent out an email (carefully written for each specific station and paper), and was fortunate enough to get some great feedback from 85% of the people I queried. What I really had to understand (and I believe this is something we ALL need to learn) is that you are not only trying to sell YOUR project, but you're also helping them sell theirs. I put it this way- and still do when I contact other bloggers- I have an already established audience, so if you allow me to come and share my own (insert whatever-it-is, HERE), then I can promise that you will get a good sized influx of new people checking out what YOU have.
    When it came to TV and radio, their major battle is ratings and competition. So, I used my querying skills, and delicately mentioned in each email to each station that I was contacting EVERY station that our little town has. Truth be told, yes, I had an interesting story: Here's a teeny school, suffering from budget cuts and here's the former student/aspiring children's book author who's trying to help AND give back. But, the selling point for them was also the who's-going-to-get-the-story-FIRST. It worked. I landed two of the three major news stations (one that aired more than once, and the other was our highly rated FOX Great Day morning show). When it came to radio, both stations I landed put my story on repeat, and aired it several times a day for over a week. Then the newspaper that belonged to the town that housed the school, called me for an interview.

    It was a great experience. I really learned that you MUST play to your audience, but you also MUST know the selling points of the specific medias you are wishing to grant you air time. So, much like researching agents or different houses for your manuscripts, do your homework! Remember that you have an important brand to sell... YOU! And your books, articles, blog, etc. are all a very large part of you. Pull out your inner publicist, and don't be shy!

Bethany's Bio:
I think you know everything about me... Wife to a man who has a job that I can't talk about, Mom of 2 crazy boys, living in the armpit of CA, Freelance writer for local school district paper, author of the book with the longest title ever (HA!), tea drinker, the only person who has a serious case of balloon phobia, and anti-fan of chocolate.
Bethany's blog: http://perchedinblogspot.com/atree.
Her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/BethanyJTelles

Thank you for your visit today!

April Interviews

               Good Morning Updates

    Besides writing poetry over at Rena Traxel's blog On the Way to Somewhere during the month of April wanted to share a few more fun updates with you.

    I was recently interviewed over at  The Restless Writer hosted by talented author Sarah Perry. Sarah's children's picture book Pajama Girl was last year's grand prize winner of the  MeeGenius Great Author Challenge 2010.  Congratulations Sarah and thank you so much for my interview. I had a lot of fun answering all your questions.

 You can check out my interview here: http://writertherestless.blogspot.com/2012/04/jennifer-young-interview.html

Author Sarah Perry

       Also, I wanted to share that I was asked by my author buddy Bethany Telles over at her blog Perched in a Tree to be a guest today. Every Wednesday she has a feature called,  I ponder...Wednesdays where she asks her followers to take a second and think about really interesting questions about the craft of writing and more.  I'm very honored that she asked me to be her first guest blogger and I hope you'll check it out. (it may not be up just yet since she lives in CA) Click here to be directed. 
 Thank you Bethany, I enjoyed really enjoyed Pondering up a question for your blog!!!

      Tomorrow, I'll be launching my very first weekly feature titled Let's Ask every Thursday. I'll post the results of a children's book question that I've asked someone (ex different writers/illustrators/agents/editors) along with their answer. This week I've asked my critique partner who is also a fellow 12 x 12 in 2012 to participate. Stop back tomorrow to find out the question and answer if you like.

     One more exciting announcement to make is an upcoming interview with illustrator Lara Apponyi along with a giveaway. Lara is the illustrator for my book Poison Apple Pie and she willingly accepted to do an interview here at my blog. Thank you Lara. Post date not set yet.

Sketch illustration by Lara Apponyi

Thanks for stopping by today!

My Poison Apple Pie is now Published!

     Good Morning everyone!

   
     I just wanted to share some writing challenges I’ve been up to lately, PLUS some very exciting news that I already gave away in my blog title. So excited to finally share! Below is my very first children's eBook published by MeeGenius.
I'll share more details about Poison Apple Pie at the end of this post.


Now here is a little summary of the writing challenges I've been involved in.

1)  Back at the start of this year I joined the 12 x 12 in 2012: Picture Book Writing Challenge over at Julie Hedlund's blog, Write Up My Life.
It’s been so much fun and very productive I must add! I’m excited to share that TODAY, yes today is my very first blog appearance and it's at Julie Hedlund’s blog, so make sure to go check it out. Here’s the direct link- http://writeupmylife.com/2012/03/27/tuesday-12-x-12-jennifer-young/

2)  Another writing challenge I just signed up for is at Rena Traxel’s blog.

I’m going to have to write 26 poems in the month of April. I do not usually write poetry so this is definitely going to be a challenge that I may have a hard time sticking with. I know I’ll definitely be doing a lot of research next month. The deadline to sign up for this ends April 1st. For further details go to Rena’s link here- www.renajtraxelblog.com/

3) Last but not least, I found out on March 23rd 2012 that MeeGenius published my very first eBook. I am now a published author ((YIPPEE)) and I’m still very much on cloud nine. I just wanted to thank everyone once again who supported me and my book. Check it out below. It’s called Poison Apple Pie. It’s illustrated by the talented Lara Apponyi. You can actually get a free preview of the book just by clicking on the book cover below.

 Poison Apple Pie is about a witch named Winka who quits her day job
 and tries out other jobs in fairy tale land that she might be more suitable for.

      Also I wanted to say how proud I am of my very good friend Bethany Telles’s for becoming a brand new author with her debut book, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink, published by MeeGenius as well. Click on the cover for a sneak preview of the book.

Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink is about a boy named Gavin who is waiting
 for his best friend James at his little sister's girly and overly pink birthday party.

Thanks for your visit today

and remember to go check out my blog appearance at Julie's blog-

 Write Up My Life



The Sunshine Award

     The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogosphere. The rules of acceptance are that you must answer the following 9 questions, and then pass the award love along to others.

     The one who gave me this award happens to be one of the nicest people you can meet in the writer-blogosphere-Facebook-o world (We met through the amazing 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge) Thank you Bethany Telles for passing this award my way. Bethany is a wife, mother, freelance writer, writer for children and blogger. She has an intriguing blog called Perched on a Tree. One of her weekly posts is called  I Ponder... Wednesdays, where she posts subject matter about writing and also encourages the reader to uncover those important questions on why we write. Please go visit her fantastic blog and get to know the amazing Bethany!

Time to answers some questions!

1. Favorite Color: Purple

2. Favorite Animal: The Giraffe – Oh, and my cat Simba, I can’t forget her.

3. Favorite Number: 5 , sounds like a good enough number

4. Favorite Drink: Coffee or lemonade

5. Facebook or Twitter: Facebook because Twitter is way too busy for me.

6. Your Passion: Arts and crafts projects would be it. 

Whenever I come home from AC Moores with new supplies it’s a good day.

7. Giving or receiving presents: Giving is always more fun for me.

8. Favorite Day: Saturdays because our family usually does stuff together

9. Favorite Flower: Tulips

Now, I get to pass out The Sunshine Award to…

Susanna Hill!!!

     For some reason when I think of Susanna’s blog I think of sunshine. It's probably because she always leaves upbeat and  friendly comments for her visitors. Go check out her blog and see for yourself. There is always something smart and fun going on over at Susanna Leonard Hill A children’s author’s eye view of writing and life.  Susanna is very busy posting interviews, an advice column called "Oh Susanna," and on Wednesdays she posts Would you Read it? It is a chance for writers to try out pitches for their stories. Also, Susanna hosts Perfect Picture Book Fridays where if you like you can join the fun of reviewing perfect picture books on your own blog.  
    Also, don’t forget to check out the tab that says Phyllis's World Tour! Susanna just recently sent off one of her books (April Fool’s Phyllis) to visit her writer friends during the month of March. When they receive the book they will sign it and also blog about it before sending Phyllis on her way.

Please feel free to post the Phyllis Word Tour badge if you like.

illustrations copyright Jeff Ebbeler

badge design by Donna Farrell

Please make sure to visit Bethany and Susanna’s blogs, if you don’t want to miss out on all the fun.

Here's a bit of sunshine for all of us to enjoy...

Thanks for your visit today!

Author Interview - Bethany Telles

     Today's interview is with one of my brand new writer friend- the talented and very funny,
Bethany Telles.

      Bethany is a member of the magnificent 12 x 12 in 2012 group over on Julle Hedlund's blog. She's also a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature, and a SCBWI member.
     Bethany has a wonderful writer's blog called Perched on a Tree, where she blogs about her writing. In one of her posts titled, Are You an Encouraging Critic, she discusses her own critique group and the different styles of critiquing that goes on in it.

     Bethany also is in the MeeGenius Author Challenge 2011 finals!  Wahooo, a BIG congrats to Bethany!!! Her children's book, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink  was one of just 14 entries out of 400 that advanced to the finalist round. There is still time to caste your vote. Voting ends Feb 21st 2012. The links to vote for her book are listed at the bottom.

 The winning author recieves a publishing contract, $1500 cash and a library full of eBooks to the school of their choice!

Now, on to the interview:

1) When did you first consider yourself a writer? It was last year, when I was introduced as one. We were doing something in front of the congregation, and the pastor at our church introduced me like this: "This is Bethany! She's a writer of children's books and stories." There was no going back at that point. He had said I was a writer in front of God and everybody. Literally.

2) What do you like to do when you’re not writing? This might be cheesey, but I love to spend time with my husband and two boys! We enjoy camping, fishing, and going on adventure walks; We pretty much love being out of the house.

3) If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Not sure I have one. I actually have FOUR. Their names are Marcy Pusey, Amy Dixon, Dorina Lazo Gilmore, and Karen Neufield. They are my critique group. All four of them write so differently, that their advice covers a vast range of possibilities. I never walk away from them feeling like I wasn't given an honest answer about whatever it is I've shown them. They inspire me, and have helped me learn more than they realize.

Everybody with me now, AWWW!

4) What are your current projects? I am involved in Julie Foster Hedlund's 12x12 in 2012, which is where we write a picture book manuscript for each month, this entire year! So, I'm in the middle of gathering my thoughts about this month's manuscipt, as well as allowing time for my January MS rest so I can give it a fresh perspective before sending it out. Oh, and there's the MeeGenius contest, but I think we'll get to that later.

5) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I tend to over write, but that's not something I'd say is challenging. Mostly, I have a hard time with the ages of my characters. I might describe them as 6 or 7 years old, but they end up talking and acting like they're 12 or 14. That's my biggest issue, I think.

6) What’s the best piece of writing advice you received so far? Someone told me "You need to simply... Keep... Going. There's a child out there whose ears need to hear what your heart has to say. Even if it's about boogers." I will never forget that.

7) How do you deal with rejection letters? Ha! I usually pout, sigh, and throw them on the floor. Then I call my husband and act like it doesn't bother me. (If that isn't honesty, I don't know what is!)



8) What are some of the best tools YOU found available today for writers, especially those just starting out? I went to the Institute of Children's Literature, actually. Their program was fantastic. I knew how to write, but I had no clue on what to do next. I wasn't aware of the rules for submitting manuscripts, or just exactly how a book was made. They ended up teaching me a lot, and then the books they gave me were phenomenal. I like, Word magic for Writers by Cindy Rogers, and Writing it Right bySandy Asher. They're fun, and helpful.

9) So, now that we all know you currently have a children’s book in the finalist round of the MeeGenius Author Challenge, tell us a little bit about how you came up with the idea for writing Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink.? Well, I have two boys. And they have seven boy cousins. There is only ONE girl in our family. A couple years ago (my kids were pretty little), that one girl cousin had a HUGE fairy, princess, and all around PINK birthday party (even I was uncomfortable!). I watched her older brother sit in the corner of the room, roll his eyes out of sheer annoyance and disgust, and play his little video game while all the little girls bounced and squealed all over the place. I remember seing his eyes light up when one of HIS friends showed up. And, there you have it.

Now for some fun-for-all questions:

- Day or night writer? Night!

- Laptop or Desktop? Laptop for sure.


- Favorite drink while writing? It's this green tea, pomegranate & cherry herbal tea. Yes, I'm a hippie like that.
 
- Describe yourself in only 3 words: Short. Selfless. Strong. 


- What’s your favorite color? JUST KIDDING <--- Hardy har har. But, it's deep red! haha

   Bethany, thank you for letting me interview you for my blog and for sharing a sneak peek into your writing world.  Best of luck with the contest!

NOW Everybody go vote!!

    Just click on the book below to read & vote!

 

 Gavin is the only boy at his sister's birthday party. He is miserable, and is losing patience waiting for his best friend to show up!

Don't forget to visit Bethany's blog Perched in a Tree: http://perchedinatree.blogspot.com/


You can also find Bethany at her Facebook page called Bethany Telles. Her direct link is: http://www.facebook.com/#!/BethanyJTelles