Have a super day! May it be filled with laughter, fun, friendship, and family!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Bonnvyille Library gets to hear my newest story!
On April 18, 2012 the Bonnyville Library filled with children and their parents/grandparents/caregivers got a chance to hear my newest book, The Loneliness Cure! It was so much fun, as it always is, and I want to thank them for having me again. I always enjoy my time at the library, and I believe in it. With all the resources on the internet, some people are forgetting about these wonderful places. They need people like us to bring more attention to them. I am glad I did, and I will continue to support libraries!
Me and my animated self!
Monday, April 23, 2012
A Poem by Arden Davidson
Looth Tooth
I've got a looth tooth
that wigglth and jigglth and wrigglth.
I move it around
but it never comth out of my mouth.
I pull it, I yank it,
I twirl it, I thpank it,
but it jutht never theems
to want to come out
of ith houth.
I'd call the Tooth Fairy,
but she'th kinda thcary,
Tho I thtill cannot theem to be free
of thith wiggly looth tooth,
that to tell you the truth,
ith makin' a thap outa me.
I'm going to give it
one thuper thtrong yank,
cuth I really could uthe thome money.
Great Scott! It's out! At last, it's out!
But now I'm talking funny.
(C) 1998, Arden Davidson
I've got a looth tooth
that wigglth and jigglth and wrigglth.
I move it around
but it never comth out of my mouth.
I pull it, I yank it,
I twirl it, I thpank it,
but it jutht never theems
to want to come out
of ith houth.
I'd call the Tooth Fairy,
but she'th kinda thcary,
Tho I thtill cannot theem to be free
of thith wiggly looth tooth,
that to tell you the truth,
ith makin' a thap outa me.
I'm going to give it
one thuper thtrong yank,
cuth I really could uthe thome money.
Great Scott! It's out! At last, it's out!
But now I'm talking funny.
(C) 1998, Arden Davidson
Friday, April 20, 2012
A question by a little Einstein!
I was asked by such a bright, young boy during my library reading on Wednesday, "What gives you the ideas to write your stories?" I mean, wow! Seriously...he may have been in kindergarten! I don't get questions like that very often from that age group! Needless to say, I was impressed!
Well, to answer his question, I simply said that in order to get ideas for my books, I needed to read a lot of books in my genre (though I didn't use that word). Not only that, but I also needed to write as much as possible. Reading and writing. For me, I also have an imagination. Maybe not as huge as a children's imagination, but I do my best to think like they do. You have to get down to their level and meet them where they are at.
Even when I am at school presentations of my books, depending on the age range, I make it appropriate to them (if I can). If I have a whole gym with all of the students in that school, I will make sure to make some of my comments simple and some a little more difficult. I find my voice even changes for the younger kids. haha! It's kind of amusing really. I find my voice to become a little juvenile and higher pitched then when I am reading to a grade 3 class.
I just, change! It's like an alter-ego of sorts!
Who doesn't want to try that every now and then?! I have soooo much fun! I just want to thank all the grown ups and kids that support what I do. If you have ever seen me live, reading my stories, you understand exactly how much this means to me. I love it! This is what I am meant to do, and I thank you that you are helping to make that possible! Cheers!
Well, to answer his question, I simply said that in order to get ideas for my books, I needed to read a lot of books in my genre (though I didn't use that word). Not only that, but I also needed to write as much as possible. Reading and writing. For me, I also have an imagination. Maybe not as huge as a children's imagination, but I do my best to think like they do. You have to get down to their level and meet them where they are at.
Even when I am at school presentations of my books, depending on the age range, I make it appropriate to them (if I can). If I have a whole gym with all of the students in that school, I will make sure to make some of my comments simple and some a little more difficult. I find my voice even changes for the younger kids. haha! It's kind of amusing really. I find my voice to become a little juvenile and higher pitched then when I am reading to a grade 3 class.
I just, change! It's like an alter-ego of sorts!
Who doesn't want to try that every now and then?! I have soooo much fun! I just want to thank all the grown ups and kids that support what I do. If you have ever seen me live, reading my stories, you understand exactly how much this means to me. I love it! This is what I am meant to do, and I thank you that you are helping to make that possible! Cheers!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Texy Mexy Macaroni and Cheese
What You Need
1 pkg. (225 g) Kraft Dinner Macaroni and Cheese (add a healthy zest by picking the veggie pasta)
1 lb. (450 g) extra lean ground beef
1 cupsalsa
1 cupKraft Tex Mex Shredded Cheese
Make It
PREPARE Dinner as directed on package, using the Sensible Solutions directions.
MEANWHILE, brown meat in skillet on medium heat. Stir in salsa; simmer 5 min., stirring occasionally.
ADD meat mixture to Dinner; mix lightly. Top with cheese.
KEEP IT SAFE! If you are making this as a family, be sure to watch your little ones closely. Ensure that any hot elements are kept away from the children. Thaw frozen meat safely. Over night in the fridge is best.
Enjoy! Serves 4 approximately. Guess it all depends on how hungry you are!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Ideas and Originality
Ohhh, writers block! It can certainly happen to a children's book writer. Though our words are few, we still need to create ideas that are interesting and somewhat unique. That is not easy, let me tell you! Look on the book shelves. Many writers have taken a story already written, and just twisted certain tangents of the story to make it their own.
I want to stand out in my techniques. I know of some authors who have been unfairly classed as the same writer as Stephanie Meyer or J.K. Rowling. If you have vampires or witches in your story, then you may be compared, even if it is a little bit, to some of these books. They both became major motion pictures. That is why so many people think of them first. Of course, there were so many authors before them that had created books with similar ideas or creatures, and unfortunately don't get credit, because it did not go to film. It's too bad really.
I don't want to be known for being the same as some famous writer. They got there on their own talents and expertise. They deserve their own credit, and I hope to deserve my own. Inspiration is fine, but just because you have a young couple, for example, fall in love in your manuscript...doesn't mean you have to be called the next Nicholas Sparks.
I think publishers look for someone that can offer them something new, other than what is already out there. You have to be able to stand alone. Publishing companies don't want another Robert Munsch, because he is still doing his thing and excellent at it! They want a story that pops out and is different from the rest.
That's why, if a person is thinking about a writing career, they should research on what is popular at this present time in their particular genre. What is interesting, now. Read, read, and read more! For me, I would want to read as many children's books as I can. I want to know what kids like. What do the kids want to look at and spend their time reading? After figuring that out, then that is when I can be confident that my ideas will be worth putting on paper and publishing. Always be proud of your work, and never give up! Keep on trying. No one can stop you, only the fear you have. Follow your goal and be diligent to see it to completion. With the opportunity to self-publish these days, you have wonderful opportunities to see your work in a professional way. That's what I did!
I want to stand out in my techniques. I know of some authors who have been unfairly classed as the same writer as Stephanie Meyer or J.K. Rowling. If you have vampires or witches in your story, then you may be compared, even if it is a little bit, to some of these books. They both became major motion pictures. That is why so many people think of them first. Of course, there were so many authors before them that had created books with similar ideas or creatures, and unfortunately don't get credit, because it did not go to film. It's too bad really.
I don't want to be known for being the same as some famous writer. They got there on their own talents and expertise. They deserve their own credit, and I hope to deserve my own. Inspiration is fine, but just because you have a young couple, for example, fall in love in your manuscript...doesn't mean you have to be called the next Nicholas Sparks.
I think publishers look for someone that can offer them something new, other than what is already out there. You have to be able to stand alone. Publishing companies don't want another Robert Munsch, because he is still doing his thing and excellent at it! They want a story that pops out and is different from the rest.
That's why, if a person is thinking about a writing career, they should research on what is popular at this present time in their particular genre. What is interesting, now. Read, read, and read more! For me, I would want to read as many children's books as I can. I want to know what kids like. What do the kids want to look at and spend their time reading? After figuring that out, then that is when I can be confident that my ideas will be worth putting on paper and publishing. Always be proud of your work, and never give up! Keep on trying. No one can stop you, only the fear you have. Follow your goal and be diligent to see it to completion. With the opportunity to self-publish these days, you have wonderful opportunities to see your work in a professional way. That's what I did!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Marketing your Children's Book is a MUST
Being that I am a self-published author, I have a hand in a lot of the decisions about my projects. That also goes for the marketing of it. Now don't get me wrong, I could pay for major marketing, but if you cannot afford to do this (or like me, chose to do it my own way), there are so many ways you can market your work solo.
Like any business, it NEEDS marketing. Whether it is old school, like newspaper ads, posting posters around town...it doesn't matter, because either way, it is crucial to the success and the distribution of your work. Authorhouse did a great thing for me by offering my book on the most popular book seller websites (i.e. Chapters, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc). That is a major marketing step for writers. I am fortunate to have that.
Other than that though, I chose to do most of my own marketing. I created a website that offers new things monthly, so it's always fresh and up-to-date. Of course as you are reading this, you know I have also created a blog. Aside from those 2 things, there is also the major social media aspects that are awesome too! Such as, Twitter and Facebook, which I have done. Marketing yourself takes a lot of effort and ambition! If you would rather not have to bother with doing all of this consistently everyday, then you may look into someone marketing your work for you.
There is a lot involved, but one thing is certain, marketing is a must! There are many resources on the net that can aid you in tips about marketing, but always be aware of certain companies. Some are legit and some are so far from it. Just because you are excited about your project(s), doesn't mean you should go with the first company that calls, or the first company that jumps out at you on the internet. Ask all the right questions before you make an informed decision. This is YOUR work, so you want to make sure it represents you in the best way possible. If you aren't sure what questions to ask, then it is your responsibility to also do some research to see what those inquiries might be.
Tip: Schools are a great place to sell your books and it is soooo much fun too! You can make arrangements ahead of time to do a special presentation or read-aloud, and bring some copies of your book, so that parents have a chance to buy if they wish. This has been a wonderful tool for me. I also enjoy reading to the kids and seeing their reactions!
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavour to become a well-known author! Thank you for your support in my dreams as well!
Like any business, it NEEDS marketing. Whether it is old school, like newspaper ads, posting posters around town...it doesn't matter, because either way, it is crucial to the success and the distribution of your work. Authorhouse did a great thing for me by offering my book on the most popular book seller websites (i.e. Chapters, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc). That is a major marketing step for writers. I am fortunate to have that.
Other than that though, I chose to do most of my own marketing. I created a website that offers new things monthly, so it's always fresh and up-to-date. Of course as you are reading this, you know I have also created a blog. Aside from those 2 things, there is also the major social media aspects that are awesome too! Such as, Twitter and Facebook, which I have done. Marketing yourself takes a lot of effort and ambition! If you would rather not have to bother with doing all of this consistently everyday, then you may look into someone marketing your work for you.
There is a lot involved, but one thing is certain, marketing is a must! There are many resources on the net that can aid you in tips about marketing, but always be aware of certain companies. Some are legit and some are so far from it. Just because you are excited about your project(s), doesn't mean you should go with the first company that calls, or the first company that jumps out at you on the internet. Ask all the right questions before you make an informed decision. This is YOUR work, so you want to make sure it represents you in the best way possible. If you aren't sure what questions to ask, then it is your responsibility to also do some research to see what those inquiries might be.
Tip: Schools are a great place to sell your books and it is soooo much fun too! You can make arrangements ahead of time to do a special presentation or read-aloud, and bring some copies of your book, so that parents have a chance to buy if they wish. This has been a wonderful tool for me. I also enjoy reading to the kids and seeing their reactions!
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavour to become a well-known author! Thank you for your support in my dreams as well!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Trends in Children's Publishing
HOTTEST TRENDS IN CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING
- Multicultural Literature: stories with ethnic characters, stories from other cultures.
- Nonfiction For All Ages: write about things that kids are learning at school.
- Easy Readers: short books for kids (6 to 8) who are starting to read on their own.
- Chapter Books: short novels broken into chapters for children ages 7 to 10.
- Horror Stories: spooky stories are hot for ages 8 and up.
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