April Newsletter 2023

April Newsletter 2023

Spring is in the Air!

BookFest Spring 2023

  • Flowers are blooming and awards are happening!
  • I am excited to announce two of my books received awards at the Spring BookFest 2023
  • A Time To Fly won second place in the Fiction – Children’s Picture Book Category.
  • Charlie and the Tire Swing! How It Began! won Honorable Mention in the Fiction – Children’s Picture Book Category

Birthday

I love April because it is my Birthday Month. I would love to know your birthday month so I can wish you a happy birthday. Send me an email with the info.

Read My Lips!

akaRadio Red is the host of Read My Lips, a wonderful creative podcast. I was with three other authors, Tamika Thompson, and JP McClean, and with Radio Red’s exceptional interview skills, we all shared insights about ourselves. Be sure to check the replay and subscribe to Read My Lips.

Readers Choice Award 2023

Charlie and the Tire Swing! How It Began! received a 5-star review, placing it in the finals for the May Awards. The Readers Choice Awards will be announced in May.

Join the Celebration!

Brand Education selected me as as author of the week. I had a a wonderful Q & A with Lucia Matuonto, founder and owner of Relatable Voice.

Have a Read…

Taming of the Beast Social Media was published in Book &Buzz Magazine. Once you had a chance to read the article, let me know what you think!

Updates With OC Publishing

I am excited to announce the first draft of the sequel to Rise A Girl’s Struggle for More! is with the editors at OC Publishing! Thank you all who requested to know what happened to Ruby next!

Updates with Norns Triad Publications

My newest Children’s book will be published by Norns Triad Publications. The artist  Judy Gaudet is busy bringing the story to life with her illustrations. Stay tuned for the announcement of the Title and Cover!

USA Global TV & Radio – Cohost

Corner Bookstore * UK News & Culture * Once Upon A Time

Anne OConnell

Author and Publisher Anne OConnell shares beautiful books for young readers. She shares books that made an impression on her as a young child.

Author J. Lynn Else

An award-winning author J. LYNN ELSE loves reading and writing about incredible women from antiquity. Once you start one of her books, you do not want to put it down.

Author Anne Scottlin

On the Corner Bookstore, Dr. Jacalyn and I had the pleasure of interviewing Anne Scottlin, an author, speaker, and actress, with her live-streaming show, “I Am Spiritual- But,” on USA Global TV & Radio. Anne talks to us about her new children’s book Chair of Joy. I discovered it is also an excellent book for adults; plus, you can purchase your Chair of Joy in various sizes. Be sure to catch the replay and discover how you can have even more Joy in your home.

UK News and Culture

Every Wednesday join, Our UK Correspondants and discover fun things happening in the United Kingdom. Meet Helena Chard, Ian Pelham Turner, Simon Mac Donald.

Inspirational People

March Newsletter 2023

March Newsletter 2023

Ice * Snow * Wind * Seasons, Time Marches On!

My husband and I spent most of February in Northern Virginia, where we experienced light snowfall. However, it was just enough for me as we woke up to a soft blanket of snow all over the neighborhood. In addition, Remi, our dog, experienced snow for the first time.
She was fun to watch as she looked out and knew the grass was not supposed to look like that. But, then, watching her step on the snow for the first time and sniff around, I can only imagine what she was thinking, but in the end, she decided snow was fun to eat.

Now March is here, and the trees can not decide if they should bloom or if the cold wind will keep winter hanging around a wee bit longer. Only time will tell.

Inside the Minds of Authors with DC Gomez

I enjoyed the interview on DC Gomez’s podcast “Inside the Minds of Authors. It opens up with me reading from the first chapter of Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More! DC Gomez is an award-winning author, amazon influencer, and award-winning podcaster. So it was a privilege to be on her show. Check it out, along with her books and other podcast interviews.

The Corner Bookstore and Once Upon a Time – A Good Book Guide for Kids

Author Mark Leslie

On the show “The Corner Bookstore,” Mark Leslie discusses his book “The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Watch the show and learn about the classic movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.”

Author Mary Elizabeth Jackson

Advocating for Your Child

Mary Elizabeth Jackson was our first guest on our new show, “Once Upon a Time – A Good Book Guide for Kids”. She is an Author, Writer, Educator, and Advocate for Special Needs Children. The work she is doing to help others is inspirational. Please be sure to check out all her books.

Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More Book II The title remains to be determined. I have received the first edit, and I am now in the process of improving the story! I am enjoying writing the next phase of Ruby’s life! I will keep you posted on the progress.

Announcement

Illustrator Judy Gaudet has teamed up with me to illustrate my latest children’s book.

Judy’s illustrations in my books, Songs of Peace and Charlie and the Tire Swing, have received recognition for her art, and I am sure she will with the next one as well. I look forward to seeing how Judy brings the story to life with her illustrations. Stay tuned for the title announcement soon. Stay tuned!

Podcast Host

I am co-hosting a new show with Dr. Jacalyn called Once Upon a Time, the Good Book Guide for Kids, on USA Global TV & Radio. We will be interviewing authors, educators & others who bring education to children & their families.

Thursdays @8 am PT/10 am CT/11 am ET/4 pm GMT/5 pm CET

Road Trip

I enjoy road trips very much, especially if it means seeing family and friends. I also enjoy discovering fun places to eat. For example, Potato Valley Cafe in Annapolis, Maryland, was incredible. If you are ever there, check it out!

Inspiration Comes in All Forms!

Media Fun

I enjoy co-hosting shows with USA Global TV and Radio ™® with Founder and owner Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck. Be sure to check out all our shows, as I am sure there are many shows you will enjoy watching in real time or on replay.

Be sure to check out my website for up-and-coming media interviews!

February Updates 2023

February Updates 2023

February the Season of Love

We all, from time to time, have talked about love, kindness, and peace, especially in February. But If I had a magic wand, I would make every month, December and February, when the world seems more aware to be kind to one another, to give to others. Just think what a lovely world it would be. So, what would you do to spread kindness in the world if you had a magic wand? I would love to hear from you.

Great News!

I am over the moon as I have just signed a contract with Norns Triad Publications and am now part of their author family. The publishing company is made up of three women entrepreneurs, Sahara Foley, Karen J Mossman, and J .M. Northup, who are award-winning authors. They offer various genres, and I am sure there is a book just for you! Be sure to check out their website and talented authors. Stay tuned for what we are up to as we begin working on our first book together. Thank you, Mickey Mickelson, my publicist, for making dreams come true.

Music Makes the World  Go Round!

I hope these songs bring a sparkle in  your step!

Charlie and The Tire Swing – How it began! Award

I am thrilled to announce Charlie and the Tire Swing – How it Began! published by OC Publishing made the finals in the Readers Choice Awards! Stay tuned for the final awards in the Spring!

Discover all the other books in various genres that won awards.

What Am I Up To!

 What have I been doing? The holidays were beautiful, as spending time with family and friends makes your heart sing for joy. It was time to hit the road and travel to see family. I have always enjoyed car rides, and I still do. It brings back memories of my dad driving all six of us kids with momma to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving or the fun Sunday drives to other cities. My husband and I enjoy the car rides and seeing the scenery change from one countryside to another. Listening to songs and sometimes singing along. The animals enjoy the day regardless of rain or shine.
Traveling I find very inspirational.

Hallways Blog

      Thank you, Hallways Blog, for spotlighting “A Time to Fly” on your blog! Dear Readers, if you have yet to subscribe to Hallways, I encourage you to! Lots of great information for book lovers.

Media Fun

I am excited to announce I will be co-hosting a new show with founder and owner  Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck  on USA Global TV and Radio ™®  Once Upon a Time The Good Book Guide for Kids! Be sure to check out all our shows, as I am sure there are many shows you will enjoy watching in real-time or on replay.

Be sure to check out my website for up-and-coming media interviews!

December Updates 2022

December Updates 2022

The Season of Love

I grew up with five brothers and a wonderful mom and dad. My Grandma Ruby and Aunt Pat (whom I am named after as my first name is Patricia) worked hard to ensure the Christmas Season was filled with wonder and delight. We celebrated advent, Midnight Mass, and the secular part of the season with the arrival of Santa. The beautiful memories they gave all of us fill my heart with joy. Now, as a grown woman who has been blessed to travel and live in other countries, I understand the ‘Season of Love’ with a better understanding of how other traditions in different countries and other faiths celebrate holidays, each one with the theme of Love, giving, and sharing. So to all my readers, no matter how you celebrate this holiday season, may your heart be filled with Love, and you be blessed with beautiful family times.

Aunt Pat

Inspiring People!

sandy

Dark Joseph Lavine

On the show The Corner Bookstore, Shares his new book. Watch Out Nolan!

Spark Reflections

A Fun interview with Mark Leslie.Mark is an author, speaker, coach, podcaster be sure to check him out. 

Author Chris Denmead

On the Corner Bookstore, Dr. Jacalyn and I had the pleasure to interview, Author, Chris Demeaned creator of Vlada A Dracula Talks & Radio of Horror. Interview

Tui Snider

Tui has discovered a unique niche in the author world by writing books about people and forgotten history. Her travels take her around the world as she discovers historic cemeteries, symbols and much more. Her books and presentations are insightful. Be sure to catch the show.

The Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival took place a few weeks ago and was a great success. Many book lovers turned out for the two-day event. I belong to the Austin chapter of the Society for Children Writers and Illustrators, and we had a table at the festival. It was great to be with other authors selling and signing books at our table. 

It is always special to see how excited children become when they find a book they can’t wait to read.

Holidays are around the Corner!

Twelve Days of Page Turners

Author Talk Interview with Aimee Ravichandran CEO of Abundantly Social was the kick of over 40 authors sharing their story and their holiday special. My night of the celebration is Day 11. Mark your calendar and join us to hear all about the holiday specials. It starts on December 1 and ends on December 12. My speical night with 3 other authors is Dec. 11. More announcments will be made. Click on the video to her more details and my interview.

Holidays are around the Corner!

Be watching for Holiday Specials; the two books below go on sale beginning Nov. 11!  Note these are the last date before Christmas for shipping dates:

  • Black Friday Deals: 25NOV; Small Business Saturday Deals: 27NOV; Cyber Monday Deals:  28NOV; Giving Tuesday If You Do Donations – Promote It!
  •  17 DEC: Last Day Guaranteed Delivery From Amazon Standard Shipping
  •  14 DEC: Last Day For Ground Shipping From UPS, USPS and FedEx. Remind Those Procrastinators Ebooks Can Still Be Delivered-Also Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

Connections eMagazine

I was warmly surprised that I made it into the Connections e Magazine! The purpose of the magazine is to connect readers and bloggers with authors.

Media Fun

I enjoy cohosting shows with USA Global TV and Radio ™® with Founder and owner Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck. Be sure to check out all our shows, as I am sure there are many shows you will enjoy watching in real-time or on replay.

Be sure to check out my website for up-and-coming media interviews!

November Updates 2022

November Updates 2022

The Symbolism of Fall

We can learn much from Booker T. Washington’s life and the quotes of wisdom he left for us to understand about life. One of my favorite quotes is: “The happiest people are those who do the most for others.” Email me as I would love to hear from you about the acts of kindness you have or are doing for others.

BookFest

The Bookfest 2022 was a great success! If you missed it, you may watch the replay by clicking on the word BookFest. BookFest is for everyone who loves books. I was honored to be a guest during the Halloween Author segment. I was interviewed by celebrated author A. G. Billing and acclaimed producer, Herbie J. Pilato.

I did a snippet reading of Charlie and the Tire Swing! I hope you enjoy watching the interview. I am about 7 minutes and 20 seconds into the interview. Be sure to check out the work of A. G. Billing and Herbie J. Pilato.

Trunk or Treat!

When I was growing up, Halloween was mainly for kids. My parents bought us simple costumes, “Masks.” We loved those masks and could not wait for the night to begin. I generally went with my brother Danny, and we were proud of our paper sack filled with more candy than a child could ever imagine. Of course, we had to turn the bag into our parents for approval.

They enjoyed some chocolate before we saw the bag again. It was a fun night. This past Saturday, my husband and I participated in our first “Trunk or Treat” at our church.  We had fun figuring out how to decorate the trunk, and the children enjoyed it.

Of course, I dressed in my witches’ costume as it seems to be a favorite among the young children at church. What did you do for Halloween?

Chateau Bellevue

I recently became a member of the Austin Women’s Club. The women’s group us involved in many projects in Austin and one is to preserve the history and the Chateau.For you history buffs here is a tiny bit of information but be sure to check out the rest of the history by clicking on Chateau Bellevue or better yet join.

“Built-in 1874, Chateau Bellevue is romantic and elegant, with French Romanesque arches, beautiful courtyard grounds, a spacious ballroom, ornate hand-carved woodwork and stunning stained glass windows.

Chateau Bellevue has been the headquarters of the Austin Woman’s Club since 1929 and the Junior Austin Woman’s Club from 1940- 2019.”

World Jenny’s Day!

 World Jenny’s Day 2022 is hosted by Jenny’s mom she started World Jenny’s Day to:  “… embraces theatre and the arts to soften and normalise conversations around depression, suicide and its solutions as well as to celebrate Mental Health Wellness.”

What Am I Up To!

What have I been doing – I had the pleasure of traveling to Virginia and Maine. Each place holds special memories and, of course, inspires more stories. I mentioned in my last blog how excited I was to turn in my first draft to Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More! I will keep you posted on how that is progressing. Also, I turned in a story to my editor, which is always an exciting accomplishment. I have more ideas floating in my mind; it will be fun to see where they lead me. Stay tuned!

 

Hallways Blog

Thank you Hallways Blog for spotlighting “A Time to Fly” on your blog! Dear Readers if you have not subscribed to Hallways I encourage you too! Lots of great information for booklovers.

Inspiring People!

Dark Joseph Lavine

On the show “The Corner Bookstore”, Shares his new book “Watch Out Nolan! 

Travel Expert

Are you ready to travel! Meet our travel expert Sandy Adams. Sandy keeps us up-to-date on places to travel.

Author Mary Elizabeth Jackson

On the Corner Bookstore, Dr. Jacalyn and I had the pleasure to interview, Author, Writer, Educator, and Advocate for Special Needs Children. The work she is doing to help others is inspirational . Please be sure to check out all her books.

Author Robert P. French

Learn about the Cal Rogan Mysteries!  He is a man of many talents, from software engineer to  mystery author. Check out the interview and his Cal Rogan Mysteries.

Holidays are around the Corner!

Be watching for Holiday Specials; the two books below go on sale beginning Nov. 11!  Note” these are the “last date” before Christmas for shipping dates:

Black Friday Deals

  • 25 NOV: Small Business Saturday Deals
  • 27 NOV: Cyber Monday Deals
  • 28 NOV: Giving Tuesday If You Do Donations – Promote It!
  • 17 DEC: Last Day Guaranteed Delivery From Amazon Standard Shipping
  •  14 DEC: Last Day For Ground Shipping From UPS, USPS, & FedEx. Remind Those Procrastinators Ebooks Can Still Be Delivered-Also Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

Join our Book Launch Party! 

BE sure to join us !  Everyone who joins us and makes a comment during the show has an opportunity to win a prizes! Details below!

Media Fun

I enjoy cohosting shows with USA Global TV and Radio ™® with Founder and owner Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck. Be sure to check out all our shows, as I am sure there are many shows you will enjoy watching in real-time or on replay.

Be sure to check out my website for up-and-coming media interviews!

October Updates 2022

October Updates 2022

Booker T. Washington

We can learn much from Booker T. Washington’s life and the quotes of wisdom he left for us to understand about life. One of my favorite quotes is: “The happiest people are those who do the most for others.” Email me as I would love to hear from you about the acts of kindness you have or are doing for others.

Charlie and The Tire Swing! How It Began!

“Charlie and the Tire Swing! How It Began!” goes on a virtual book tour, September 25 – October 12! Thank you, OC Publishing, for making the book and the Tour possible! Be sure to go on the Tour with me. Also, be one of the first to Email me your favorite part about the review and win a prize.

A little background behind the story.

I am excited to see “Charlie and the Tire Swing! How It Began!” in the stores and online for purchase! Several people have asked me how I write stories so quickly, so I decided to share a little insight into my writing world with all of you. When I first came up with the idea of writing a story about a little boy and his tire swing — I wanted to share his adventures. My son is the inspiration for the stories as he enjoyed his tire swing so much that he could not wait to go outside and play. He would often ask me to come and watch him and tell me stories as he played and went on adventures.

So today, I look back on fond memories as a young mom watching my son enjoy his imagination. In speaking with my publisher, we realized it would be fun to have a story that shared how the tire swing came to be. So now you have the first book,  “Charlie and the Tire Swing! How It Began!“I love this story on so many levels. As many of you know, family history is important to me. This story is an intergenerational story. I hope it will bring questions from the young listener to ask about their great-grandparents and grandparent. I would enjoy hearing from you about your own generational stories!

Join the Celebration!

Be sure to join the celebration of “Charlie and the Tire Swing How it Began!” On Facebook live – OC Publishing;  October 11 at 2:00. You will hear behind the scenes with the illustrator, Judy Gaudet, the publisher, and myself.

Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

10 out of 10 Rating! Wow! Thank you, Author Anthony Avina for the great review! Your review profoundly touched me, and you saw the magic in the story. Everyone be sure to check out Author Anthony Avina’s blog and the review of “Charlie and the Tire Swing How It Began.”

Hallways Blog

Thank you Hallways Blog for spotlighting “A Time to Fly” on your blog! Dear Readers if you have not subscribed to Hallways I encourage you too! Lots of great information for booklovers.

Inspiring People!

Author Richard H. Stephens

On the show “The Corner Bookstore”, Richard H. Stephens, isan Epic Fantasy Author. His latest release, Wind Walker!

Author Serry Knowltown

Her latest book is about reinventing yourself after 50. Serry’s interview on the Corner Bookstore was uplifting and showed all of us that no matter what age, you have a purpose in life! Ms. Knowltown’s latest book: Reinventing yourself after 50 a book to add to your home library!

Author Mary Elizabeth Jackson

On the Corner Bookstore, Dr. Jacalyn and I had the pleasure to interview, Author, Writer, Educator, and Advocate for Special Needs Children. The work she is doing to help others is inspirational . Please be sure to check out all her books.

Author Robert P. French

Learn about the Cal Rogan Mysteries!  He is a man of many talents, from software engineer to  mystery author. Check out the interview and his Cal Rogan Mysteries.

A Time to Fly!

Thank you, Lone Star Literacy for  the fabulous virtual book tour for “A Time To Fly!” Check out the Reviewapalooza from September 27 – October 6. Check out the giveaways, so be sure to comment along the tour.  Be sure to comment and enter the contest. Thank you to all the bloggers. I deeply appreciate your honest reviews.

Thank you Trinity School and Edgemere!

Thank you, MICHAEL SMITH | MED 

Head of School and Operations and KARMYN REIMER | CALT, QI ADVISOR READING THERAPY at Trinity School and Edgemere, surprised me with a picture of their library display. I was very touched to see two of my books, “Harry the Camel” and the “Song of Peace,” on display and other beautiful books for their students to discover! Thank you for taking the time to send me the picture! It made my day! 

Media Fun

I enjoy cohosting shows with USA Global TV and Radio ™® with Founder and owner Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck. Be sure to check out all our shows, as I am sure there are many shows you will enjoy watching in real-time or on replay.

Be sure to check out my website for up-and-coming media interviews!

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