A reminder from Dr. Suess

Happy Birthday to Dr. Suess. March 2nd will be his 108 birthday. Although he is no longer with us, he left us with quite a legacy. Most of us grew up reading the renowned Dr. Suess book collection. We all had our favorites. I had 2 favorites that also coordinated with my favorite cartoons; Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They were ingenious masterpieces. These books and all the others will be here for many generations to come.

Each year the elementary schools host a Dr. Suess night in accordance with Read Across America. These events bolster the spirit of reading within our children. The events include many activities for the kids to participate in while learning all about the wonderment of books.

This year, I was invited as a local celebrity to host a story time with crafts for about 60 kids.

Because I work and go to school, it has been difficult to keep up on my writing. As well as the avenues to find a reputable Literary Agent is almost impossible. I started to feel jaded. I was ready to give it up. But then I remembered that I’m not really doing this to make money; I am writing to bring happiness to children. So it doesn’t matter if I never get discovered or become famous like Dr. Suess. I won’t give up writing these children’s books.

Kids love my books and that is all that matters.

New Book Released

Taking a little sidetrack from those crazy poodles. I'm working my writing talents in a new way with shorter stories.

This is my first book released apart from Brutus and Baby. This is a delightful adventure about a little spider and the adventures on his web.

All the little gray spider wants is some recognition for doing a job well done. With the advice of a pretty butterfly, little gray spider does remarkable things.

See how this spider and his new friend Butterfly save the house from those icky and pesky bugs.

Mothers and their role in my writing

I've known some amazing mothers in my life. Not just my own, but my mother-in-law and my grandmothers.

Each one has inspired some aspect of my writing.

• My mother inspired me to write about strength and bravery. I witnessed her strength and bravery many times as child.



• My mother-in-law inspired me to write about unchanging love, tolerance and peace. The 12 years I knew her while she graced this earth, I was blessed to witness her amazing character, her love and devotion to her family and her integrity.



• My paternal grandmother inspired me to write about my spiritual journey. God graced me with her for nearly 41 years. She laid the foundation to my spiritual journey when I was just a baby. I have never not known Jesus and I thank God for her in my life.



• My maternal grandmother inspired me to write my children's books. She not only gave me those two precious characters "Brutus and Baby", but she has also given me encouragement and support in all that I am.

I would be nothing without the influence, encouragement and love of these women.

Happy Mother's days to the some of the most amazing women I have ever known!

I Write - Therefore I Am

Ah...School is done for the semester. Now I have a two month break before I go at it again. What to do...what to do.

Well, I guess I will get back into my writing. Poetry - never left. But my children's books have been shelved for the past 4 months. I actually have 4 stories that need to be completed. Two months, plenty of time.

In another area of my writing. I have been struggling to put lyrics to my guitar songs. It's like I can write and I can play...I just can't put them together! Oh, how frustrating. But, I don't give up and I think I have one down. Just need some tweaking and we'll see if it is any good.

I guess 1 is a good start. And I guess I should not try so hard for perfection.

Book Signings

Well this weekend is book signing weekend. I have 3 schedule.

Whew....

I just hope I have enough books.

This kids are really cute, especially when they are engaged into conversation and into the story. They have such insight and curiosity, it amazes me.

Tomorrow will be early to rise and on my way to Exton, PA for a signing/story time and the Wellington Square Bookshoppe. It is a really cool place, even has a coffee shop inside.

Sunday will be at the Ridley Library, I know a lot of my friends will be there. Oh boy...it is easy to perform in front of kids, but when the parents are watching I tend to get a little shy.

Monday will be just a book signing if I have any books left at the Helen Kate Furness Library in Wallingford. The kids will be reading books to the PALS therapy animals. How cute is that?

Next weekend will be the last book signing for the season. Over in Salem County, hope to see all my PGHS classmates there. And again, hope I have enough books.

So off I go to sign a bunch of books and see some sweet smiles.

A Query Letter

I've just done some research on how to write a query letter. Whew!!! A lot of pressure to perfect a 1 page letter to an editor. If you don't get their attention in the first line, your letter will go directly to the reject pile.

I should know, I sent out 94 and received 94 rejections.

My query letter was not professional.

So back to the drawing board.

I have a great story that I believe could be a great seller, but how do I convey this in 1 small page?

Also, what about experience, awards, etc. I don't have much in the writing realm with awards, but I suppose that personal and professional experience and awards will work.

There is a ton of samples out there, if you are struggling to write a query letter.

I have some samples as well as dos and don'ts.

I will post my query letter as a sample if it becomes successful enough to get a literary agent to want to work with me.

Wish me luck!

The Halloween Mystery!