Jaclyn M. Bartz: Journey of an Author: 2014

Sunday, November 23, 2014

The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt by Lisé Chase

The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt

Lisé Chase
Eve Innovations
9780692229224, Print $9.99 US, 42 pgs.
B00L3UL7R6, Kindle $2.99 US

Synopsis: Wally and Warren, the dynamic polar duo, are on a new, Jurassic adventure. With Warren as their guide, Wally learns about a variety of dinosaurs. But when he discovers some of these creatures eat meat, he worries one might come after him and Warren and their new baby Brontosaurus friend. He’s determined to protect them, but what will he do when he encounters the greatest predator of all…the Tyrannosaurus rex?

Dinosaur Hunt is the fourth installment in The Adventures of Wally and Warren children’s book series. The story is written in clever and adorable rhymes. It depicts Wally, Warren, and their friends playing pretend while reading a book about dinosaurs. Lisé Chase explains the purpose of her illustrations. She wants children to feel like they could draw those characters and create their own stories. It is a great concept which will surely inspire the future generation of authors and illustrators.

As a parent, I really enjoyed the interaction my children had with it. My son, the two year old, loved giving the baby dinosaur kisses. He took off down the hall to run away from the T-rex when the characters screamed “Run!” My youngest daughter loved learning about the different dinosaurs, and my oldest enjoyed recognizing terms she is learning in school. I like how Lisé Chase shows children how fun it is to read. I believe this book will light that fire in the hearts of many young children. It is a true gem!

What did the kids think?

My oldest daughter said, “I like that it teaches about dinosaurs in a fun way. I like that the characters are drawn as cartoons and real pics of the dinosaurs are shown in the back.”

“They are really cute!” stated my four year old, who wanted to read the story over and over again.

Author Bio: Lisé Chase is the author/illustrator of The Adventures of Wally and Warren children's picture book series. She's an adventurer, an explorer, an artist, a poet, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother who believes every day should be lived to its fullest and that our life is what we make of it.

Synopsis & Author Bio found on Amazon.

Purchase The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt Here

***

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz

Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"

Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website

Amazon Author Page

Facebook Author Page

"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page

Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz

Pinterest

Connect w/ me on LinkedIn

Thursday, November 6, 2014

NaNoWriMo 2014

Wow, it is November already! It is hard to believe how fast this year is passing by. November to most people
means Thanksgiving, cooler temperatures, and additional layers of clothing. For me, it also is a month full of birthdays and, of course--writing.

I must admit. This is my first year participating in a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I tried the Camp in July, and thought it was a fun challenge-- so when November approached, I figured I would try my hand at this challenge to see how I would fare. And not only am I stepping into a new challenge, I am also stepping into a different genre than I normally write for. I am stepping away from my roots of writing children's stories and making my first attempt at writing an adult supernatural horror novel. We shall see how this goes.

Of course, I like to keep my stories friendly. Therefore, I am trying to steer away from any foul language or intimate moments. So here is a quick synopsis of my novel:

Mock Cover

When a group of archeology students take on the ultimate assignment--finding the Fountain of Youth, they end up on a trip they wished they had never started. As their members disappear, the group's mission changes from searching for the mystic fountain to finding their friends. Will they find their friends and complete their assignment or will they

meet the same fate?

I have over six thousand words written. Some of you may think that is an impressive number on my sixth day. Right now though, I am a little behind. In order to meet my deadline I have to write at least 2,000 words per day. I will have to pull an All Nighter. Even with this slow start, I know I have plenty of time to catch up. And I am sure I will do my best to complete this challenge. If I don't, this is still a great learning experience that will help me grow as a writer.

A message for my fellow participants: Keep up the good work! Even one word written is one word closer to completing the first draft of your story. :)

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? How are you doing with your challenge? What do you like/dislike? I would love to hear your story, please comment below and we can cheer for each other all the way to the finish line.

Find out more about NaNoWriMo: http://nanowrimo.org/

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Busy Dizzy by Dr. Orly Katz

Busy Dizzy
Dr. Orly Katz
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com, www.amazon.com
978-1494701413, Print $13.97 US
B00HALMR6C, Kindle $1.99 US

Have you ever met a Dizzy? I am sure you have. According to the author, "Dizzies are strange peculiar creatures, sometimes funny, sometimes mean... that whisper annoying things in our children's ears which prevent them from doing what they really want." In other words, they are that voice inside one's head that tells them negative things and convinces them to behave in undesirable ways. They can make one feel angry, sad, or embarrassed. We all have them, but how do we help our children cope with them?

Dr. Orly Katz presents a unique solution for self-confidence issues with the intended audience being children from three to eight years of age. Through activities and song, she shows children the way to cope with their inner fears and emotions. The story is written in rhymes and provides a wonderful melodic flow when the text is read out loud. The illustrations are colorful and fun. They are a perfect complement to the text and are visually appealing. The story is set at a moderate pace and the content is certainly enjoyable throughout.

My children loved reading this and wanted to hear it multiple times. They enjoyed drawing their "Dizzies" and singing the song. Some of their comments included: "This story was really cool!", "I want to read this every day!”, and "These activities are fun!" Overall, Busy Dizzy was a huge success with the kids and this book is a treasure to have in our collection.

About the Author (Taken from "Busy Dizzy"):

Best seller author, Dr. Orly Katz, is an expert for youth empowerment and life skills, who hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership; she is a sought after guest on TV and radio, and a national speaker and workshop facilitator for parents, educationalists and youth.
Orly is the founder of the "Simply Me" Center for: Leadership, Empowerment and Self Esteem.
Her two book series: Surviving Junior High, and Surviving Primary School, and her yearly Digital course: "Empowering Teachers to Empower Students", are recommended by the Ministry of Education, and are being taught in many schools as part of the curriculum in life skills lessons. Orly lives in Haifa, with her Husband and three children.

Check out Busy Dizzy by Dr. Orly Katz:
Busy Dizzy (Motivational rhyming story for kids ages 4-8)

And do not forget to visit Dr. Orly Katz @ http://www.simplymemodel.com/

***

***
If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
Pinterest
Connect w/ me on LinkedIn

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Food Run by Cindy Santos

Food Run
Cindy Santos
Amazon Digital Publishing
B00L8OHIU2, Kindle $0.99 US, www.amazon.com

Synopsis (From Amazon.com): It’s getting late. An out-of-work, divorced mother of two, makes a last-minute dash to the supermarket before it closes. Referencing her shopping list, she races through the store, compares prices and strives to stick to her limited budget as she buys groceries for her school-aged children and ailing mother. Her late-night shopping trip almost goes according to plan, until it’s time for her to pay. An unexpected encounter at the checkout stand forces her to consider all her choices – and their consequences.

Cindy Santos delivers an emotional, descriptive short-story that tackles important issues related to the suffering of some modern day people. Food Run is a story about a divorced mother's dreaded trip to the grocery store. This Stanford graduate is forced to accept receiving government assistance in order to feed her family. The story throws the reader into the inner thoughts, fears, and frustrations while dealing with the less than ideal situation the main character faces. Ms. Santos does a wonderful job showing the struggles of her character and the prejudice people display toward people who are down on their luck. Additionally, she highlights the human disconnect between big grocery stores and local shops as her character remembers the days when store owners treated people as though they were important instead of the ones that only are concerned with their "bottom line".

This story is relatable for people experiencing similar situations, and is an eye-opener for those who look down on people receiving welfare. In my opinion, the best aspect of this story is the message about not judging people because no one knows what the other person is going through. In this recession, college educated people have lost their jobs and have not been able to recover. Some had to go on welfare for temporary assistance, others are going back to change careers, and many were forced to take low-paying jobs to try to make ends meet. It is a sad truth, and Cindy Santos does an amazing job bringing humanity into this story.

Food Run is a story for people who are experiencing these issues and for those looking to understand the problems in our society. I would not recommend this for anyone who cannot empathize with people down on their luck or those who demonize others for accepting government assistance.

About the Author (Taken from Amazon):
Cindy Santos is a Cuban-American author and writer with a social conscious. Born and raised in Southern California, Cindy developed a passion for writing at an early age and dreamed of one day becoming a journalist. After attending three community colleges, she transferred to the University of Southern California in 2005 where she double majored in print journalism and contemporary American history. As an undergraduate student, she interned at a magazine and three newspapers to make her dream a reality. Upon her graduation from USC in 2008, she initially pursued a career in journalism, but later decided to devote herself to writing fiction based on current events. Known as a champion for Latino literature and multicultural realism, Cindy's stories capture the essence of everyday life in our troubled times. Her recently released short story, "Food Run," is her first published work of fiction. Cindy currently resides in the greater Los Angeles area where she is working on her debut novel.

Purchase Food Run by Cindy Santos here:
Food Run by Cindy Santos

***

Monday, October 27, 2014

Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert

Elliot's New Friends
Justin Lambert/John Langton
Privately Published
B00LBDMZAS, Kindle $1.99 US

Have you ever seen an elephant jump into a tree? If not, then you will in this adorable non-rhyming picture book. Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert will have you laughing out loud while reading this fun story about friendship and acceptance. Elliot is a not-so-little elephant who has dreams of exploring life outside of his waterhole. Since he has spent his entire life with other elephants, Elliot assumes the creatures he meets must also be some very strange looking elephants. He starts out by judging the other creatures based on their looks. Eventually, he realizes that he was wrong to judge them and searches throughout the land for new unique friends who all have something about them that makes them uniquely special.

The ideal audience for this book is for children in 1st grade to 4th--even though it is marketed to younger groups. The language is a little too hard for new readers to sit and try to read this without assistance. However, I do feel those younger audiences would love the adorable illustrations and the silly actions of Elliot and his friends.

While my oldest daughter enjoyed the message the author conveyed, my younger two enjoyed the dialogue and the pictures. They laughed when Elliot jumped into the tree and giggled at the conversations the characters had with one another. Elliot's New Friends is a great story with a powerful message behind it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute story about friendship.

Purchase Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert:
Elliot's New Friends

***

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Blog Button Fun

<div align="center"><a href="http://jaclynmbartz.blogspot.com/" title="Journey of an Aspiring Author"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs-9ZmUSriPjVA2_LZ3H-HB9m3ZxdQEOXkxy0fC5QmLC_PHyVYZMocuZf1AX8mzTf8R_szd5BCjVYOFl5IC-xPU0VG8qD_guqrqENdtxV7RZ42CKf2M9Z0N8vgSESBAYzcKQPiQ9pF3g/s2048/Blog%252520Button%252520125x125.png" alt="Journey of an Aspiring Author" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

I would consider this another one of those things I am desperately trying to learn on my own. Ha ha! So let me say this, I am trying that code generator, and it is not working. I made it only as far as creating the button. Oh boy! But I swear, I am going to do everything I can to create a functional blog button--even if it means still being awake when the little ones start coming out of dream world. Wish me luck!

Update:

YAY! I did it! I will be able to get some sleep tonight! Woo Hoo!

The hardest part was getting the image URL to work. Here's what I did to fix the problem. I uploaded my png image to my picassa photo bucket and I clicked it so it opened up its own page. I copied its URL before heading over to the Grab My Button Code Generator.

I filled out the required info before clicking on the preview button. It finally showed up right. I copied the code located on the page and moved back to Blogger.

From there, I went into my layout, added a gadget, and selected HTML code. I pasted my code into the box and saved it. And now, as you can see, my button and grab code are nicely displayed on my page. Yes! Thank You Internet!

I'll have to write out a clearer explanation later. But I need my sleep. Goodnight my friends! :)

Please feel free to use my Blog Button!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Double Decker Books Blog Host

I am always looking for additional ways to help other authors with exposure. Along with doing my independent books reviews, volunteering with the Midwest Book Review, and offering tips & advice on this blog and through my independent publishing company--Green Owl Publications, I am pleased to announce that I have joined the ladies at Double Decker Books as a Blog Host.

I am proud to be affiliated with the Double Decker Books because they really care about authors, their talent, and their books, and help support them to the best to their abilities. They go "outside of the box" with services that are reasonably priced. Double Decker Books are always on the lookout for not just authors, but bloggers to that love to read great books and love supporting authors as well.

Here is just some examples of their services.

Extra Tweets

Glamorous Posts on Social Sites

Attractive Author posts and book blurbs

Interviews with Authors or Characters

Book Reviews

Double Decker Book Tours

Book Blast

Twitter Parties

And more!

Double Decker Books also offers!

Free Cover Reveals

Free Trailer Reveals

Weekly Giveaways

Author Giveaways (Author pays for the book/books/prizes)

Kindle Free Party

And More!

Plus more services are being added to their service page as July 1st…so come check to see their great packages of promotional tools for authors!

Please stay tuned for my postings as a Blog Host for Double Decker Books.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) by James Gordon

Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader)
James Gordon
CreateSpace
1497362210/B00J7QJPJ0

Print $10.99 US/Kindle $1.50 US

Hi, My Name is Bobo by James Gordon is a cute memoir. Each scene is written from the child's point of view and immediately draws the reader in by peppering the pages with references to famous pop culture figures and images of familiar family dynamics. He brings an innocence to his words by asking the questions we all wondered as children, such as why it is okay for adults to engage in behaviors they tell their children to refrain from doing. Additionally, the author shares his childhood pictures which helps the readers connect personally with the dialogue.

My children loved this story because they could picture themselves in the same scenarios, like hanging out with their siblings, going to church, and watching some of their favorite superhero characters. And they loved the interesting way James Gordon wrote each scene.

This story was endearing, and it was great getting a glimpse into the author's life. It will leave the reader reminiscing about their own childhoods, sharing those memories with their children, and smiling for hours afterwards.

***

Monday, September 22, 2014

Book Review: A Filly for Laura--Ashley Hotter

A Filly for Laura
Ashley Hotter
Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC
127 E. Trade Center Terrace
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
www.tatepublishing.com
1628542683/B00I51XD5K
Print Edition $8.99 US/Kindle $7.99

A Filly for Laura follows a young eight year old girl who lost her parents and now lives in a foster home with her brother. Having a hard time dealing with the loss of her parents, Laura is withdrawn and unhappy. When her foster Dad gives her the responsibility to take care of a pregnant mustang named Mae, Laura begins to change.

As a debut title for Ashley Hotter, A Filly for Laura showcases this young author's talents. The story is well-crafted, skillfully illustrated, and delightful. It is written from Laura's point of view, and Hotter did a wonderful job evoking emotion through her carefully planned words. The story is short, only 24 pages total; therefore, the pace is fast, making this a quick read for a child.

This book is great for all elementary-aged children. Additionally, it would make a great gift for a child dealing with loss and depression because the theme is about finding happiness after a tragedy. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story with my children and I would highly recommend it to other parents looking for a children's book with deeper meanings.

You can purchase A Filly for Laura by Ashley Hotter Below:

***

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Importance of Point of View

This is an excerpt from Green Owl Publications:

George pushed his way through the crowd. "I need to get past all of these people," he whispered to himself. As he shifted and stammered, he tripped over the lengthy dress of his colleague.
"What a clumsy man!" Stephanie thought. She yanked her dress out from under his feet. George kept moving ignoring the woman's glare. His mission was too important.
What is wrong with this passage? If your answer was a switch in the point of view, then you are correct! Point of view, or POV, is extremely important when writing a coherent, well-constructed literary piece. POV is the glue that holds the story together. It helps the reader enter the world the author created by placing them directly into the character's soul. They get to escape into the character's foreign world and experience it as though they are that character. (Of course this leads into another related topic of showing instead of telling; but, that is a topic for another date.) So think about it, would you want to be ripped from one character and tossed into the soul of another? No thank you! It is not pleasant and extremely unfair to the reader.

To Read the full article click here!

Green Owl Publications is a new resource to help inspire, advise, and educate other artists. Founded by Jaclyn M. Bartz in 2014, Green Owl Publications is an independent publishing company solely dedicated to sharing information and helping others become the best artists they can be. Jaclyn is a published author/illustrator who has been writing and illustrating for over 20 years. Join this new company on Facebook for updates.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Inside Jaclyn's Head--An Interview of an Artist By a Musician

I had the pleasure to help my super creative brother out with his school assignment. Little did I know we both ended up inspiring each other in our respective artistic journeys. How awesome is that?!

Steve Carr is an Indie Musician, Drummer for Nobodyz Business, and Audio Producer finishing his studies at Berklee College of Music.

Check out his skills-------------->

"Learn to Fly" Cover---Fitting because we both had to learn to fly. ;)

INTERVIEW OF JACLYN M. BARTZ

BY STEVE CARR

Someone in my life that has helped inspire me with my drive for pursuing my dreams in music is my sister, Jaclyn M. Bartz. She has always been someone who showed me support in my dreams and doing this interview, something that is really cool that I found out is that I also helped inspire her to pursue her passions of using her artistic and writing skills to become an author. It’s a two way street between us that is something really inspirational. So without further a-do here is the Q&A interview session between us.

1. Discuss your background—name, title, degrees, awards.

My name is Jaclyn M. Bartz. I am a Children’s Book Author & Illustrator. I also do freelance designs. Although I have had college courses in writing, art, healthcare, and accounting, I do not have a formal degree. But my experiences and acquired knowledge has helped me achieve the publication of my first book, “The Retired Tooth Fairy”. And I still continue my studies so I can grow as a professional. Maybe one day, I’ll finish; but, not today.

2. How do you define the art that you create—can you describe it?

Multi-dimensional: My art varies between all spectrums. I am an illustrator, a designer, a maker of words, a portrait artist, a story teller, etc. I use it to convey emotions, to tell a story, to inspire others, or as an educational tool. My art is also amorphous--- meaning it has no direct style. I can switch between graphic art and abstract to surrealism and manga. It all depends on the subject.

3. Describe your artistic journey—what was the path you took as an artist/writer?

Wow, I took the most difficult path ever! My artistic journey started in the crib when I was a baby. I am sure my mom loved my artwork back then. I used to create pics on her windows with the only medium I knew--- the contents of my diaper, ha ha! Eventually, I found a less stinky and gross medium. My mom was happy she didn’t have any more poo-poo paintings from me.

I am a self-taught artist. I practiced every day and always tried to do the complicated stuff. Sometimes it worked—other times it didn’t. I pursued a career in Graphic Design, at first, but I was discouraged by bitter teachers and horrible clients. I always had people tell me how good I was at writing and how good I was at drawing. But no one ever suggested to do both! And I never put it together.

So I went to school for Dentistry. Sounds weird right?! Well, I was just as passionate about healthcare. And I pursued Dentistry in honor of my Grandma. She lost most of her teeth while in a nursing home, mainly because the staff neglected her dental care. I wanted to change it. Since I worked in a factory, I had to take some steps. Dental Hygiene was one of those steps. I worked my butt off, until I suffered a work injury that forced me out of the dental field forever.

I was crushed. Amiss my sadness, destiny called to me in the form of a child’s voice. When my daughter lost another tooth, she asked one simple question: What happens when a grown-up loses a tooth? At that moment, everything came together for me: art, writing, and dentistry. I created my character, wrote her story, illustrated, and came up with enough ideas to make books for years!

4. Were there early successes and/or failures that were important in shaping you?

I have too many to name, but I will share one that sticks out: Lilly Rose Jewelry was a small business I created. I designed and made jewelry pieces. I made it into the Bead Style Magazines’ Gallery, but sales were dismal. It was a terrible bust. The take away is that I gained a lot of knowledge about how to run a business, how to market, and how to manage inventory.

5. What educational experiences best prepared you for the work you do?

All of them! Learning is key to becoming the best artist you can be. There is always a piece of valuable knowledge in the most mundane things. I took courses in almost every area in school. My arts courses helped show how to do new techniques and the foundations required to make believable art. My writing courses taught me about grammar rules, story development, etc. Dental courses taught me more about people and how to interact with them. I learned public speaking, planning speaking events, and valuable interpersonal skills. In my business courses, I learned about sales, inventory, marketing, customer service, etc. They all prepared me for the work I do today, and I am still learning.

6. What other experiences prepared you for the work you do?

Everyday life experiences have also prepared me. At home and at work, there are many things to learn to help make us the best we can be. These fall into the categories of cleanliness, organizational skills, time management, etiquette, relationships, team work, etc. As I have said, there is always something valuable in the most mundane things. You just have to be open to it.

7. What has been your greatest accomplishments as an artist/writer?

My greatest accomplishment is publishing my first book! I am an independent author, meaning I do all the work myself. Well, except for editing, I had a professional editor help polish my words. But it feels so amazing and is very surreal having a book that I had written physically in my hands. I think I did a happy dance for weeks. Actually, I still am doing a happy dance. Please excuse me for a second while I take a moment to do another!

8. What are your goals as an artist/writer?

My goals as an Author/Illustrator is simply to educate and entertain people. And, of course, to continue writing and drawing.

9. How does your art relate to other kinds of art? Can you speak about a connection between your art and other performing or fine arts? For instance, is there a relationship between writing and film or music or otherwise...that is important to consider?

All art is related. Whether it is music or writing/illustrating, we all go through the same creative processes. We have to brainstorm, create our first drafts, revise and edit, revise and edit again, strive to make it the best it can be, then we finalize it. Afterwards, we stress. Is it good enough? Will people like it? Will they like me? Why am I doing this again? Until we learn to accept that no matter how awesome we are, there will always be that one person who wants nothing to do with our work. Think Picasso: Some people like him; some don’t. The most important thing is to keep creating!

10. Are there other artists/writers working today or artists/writers from the past who are/were particularly important to shaping your work?

I can break my inspiration down to three main people/stories. My artwork is heavily inspired by Stan Lee. I learned how to draw by studying his comic book characters. He has helped me with perspective and how to create exciting characters. He and his Marvel Universe characters have been central to my drawing abilities and character development.

My next inspiration would be the Bunnicula series by Deborah and James Howe. Their story was very unique and fun. I remember being intrigued by their style. I loved that the story is told through the point of views of the family pets. And I mean, come on! It is about a vampire bunny who drains the juice out of veggies. It was cool.

The next inspiration comes from a book that I cannot, for the life of me, remember the title or the author. But it has been a huge inspiration. I read it around the same time I read Bunnicula. But this was a mid-grade horror story about a girl trying to kill this little boy because he was her reincarnated brother. She had killed him before and didn’t want her family finding out her secret. It shocked my system. And the ending was absolutely amazing! It did a wonderful job with plot twists, just like Dean Koontz does.

11. How does your art relate to society/politics?

Right now I am using my art as an oral health educational tool. I also introduce empathy, creative thinking, conquering limitations, and kindness. But the process I took to publish my story is all about politics. There is a war brewing between traditional publishers and independent publishers right now. The big publishers do not want to loosen their choke-hold on the market and are trying to slam independents any chance they get. But what they refuse to see is that the markets are finally changing in the author’s favor. With higher royalties and services provided by Amazon, more and more talented authors are jumping ship. Standard royalties for traditionally published authors range from $0.20 to $0.30 per book sold. Whereas independents are making $3+ royalties.

Along with royalties, traditional publishers keep publishing rights for years and do not provide marketing services like they used to. So even if you are traditionally published, you have to do your own book marketing; signings, appearances, etc. And if your book does not meet sales goals, they pull the book from the shelves. Author’s then have to wait years before they get their publishing rights back. It is crazy right now. I look forward to the day when Indies are as respected as their traditional counterparts.

12. How does your art relate to, reflect, define your identity, if it does?

I always tried to be normal. I never embraced my quirkiness—the things that make me unique. I was always afraid to show my true colors thinking I would be rejected. Being a creative personality, I had trouble fitting in. I remember in school, we had to draw our version of the Holy Spirit. I created a flame that flickered. Everyone else copied an image out of their workbooks. When the teacher hung them up on the wall, my classmates laughed at me. Every day since, it reminded me how different I was, and I hated it.

It took me awhile to shake that poison from myself. Who wants to be normal anyways? I ended up opening up more when I noticed my brother following his passions. He was so confident and self-assured in his talents. Me, not so much. But he inspired me to celebrate my artistic side. I haven’t looked back since.

13. What advice do you have for young artists/writers?

Don’t do what I did! Ha ha! Seriously though, my advice is to celebrate your uniqueness and never ever give up following your dreams. Don’t listen to the negativity and ignore the naysayers. Keep learning and make your path your own. Trust me, one day it will all come together!

Her book “The Retired Tooth Fairy” can be bought here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Retired-Tooth-Fairy-Volume/dp/1468175971

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Authorship & Insecurities

Check out the latest blog post: http://jaclynmbartz.weebly.com/blog/authorship-insecurities

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Book Review: Giggle Goes to the Moon & Other Stories by Lynn Schiffhorst

Giggle Goes to the Moon and Other Stories
Lynn Schiffhorst
ASIN: B00KK6FBBC
$0.99 US Kindle, 19 Pages

Absolutely adorable! Giggle Goes to the Moon is a fun story laced with good morals and memorable characters. From a trip to the moon to a magical adventure, Giggle proves she is a small ghost with a big heart. My children and I had a blast reading these stories. And as a Mom, I really enjoyed the underlying themes. The first story follows the theme of acceptance. Giggle meets a ghost that is a different color. Although she is curious, she does not discriminate against her new friend. The second story presents a character with physical disabilities. It is a light hearted story full of possibilities and positive attitudes. The third story features the theme of helping another feel better when they are sick. Overall, these sweet stories are a great additional to any child's bookshelf, or, in this case, Kindle Library.

Lynn Schiffhorst tells each tale in a precise, fast paced manner. All the fluff has been eliminated, making this collection a well-executed, well-crafted work. Giggle Goes to the Moon is one of many books created by the author. And it surely does not disappoint.

To purchase Giggle Goes to the Moon by Lynn Schiffhorst Click Here!

***

Monday, August 18, 2014

Book Review: Monarchs in Rhyme by Linda Mockett

Monarchs In Rhyme
Linda Mockett
ASIN: B008RLGRYW
$7.99 US Kindle

A true case of you cannot judge a book by it's cover. At first glance, I must admit I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, especially since I share these with my children. But once I opened the first page, I was more than pleasantly surprised!

This book is one clever and entertaining take on the history of England's Royal Monarchs. Linda Mockett is delightful, and her rhymes are clever, witty, and educational. I remembered more about these historical figures after reading this than I had ever learned in History class. And the best part, is your children will love it too!

This is a great supplement to world history for older children, including high school & college-aged kids, as I am sure it will help keep their interest. Overall, I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs help in history class or would like to know more about England's monarchs.

Purchase Monarchs in Rhyme by Linda Mockett Here

***

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Book Review: Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen

Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero
C.L. Vaagen & Mike Henderson
Publisher: Crystal Vaagen
No Contact Info
B00BMUUZL6
$5.99 US Kindle, 20 pgs.

Robbie Hero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen is a must read for elementary and middle grade students. It addresses the main aspects of the anti-bullying campaign in an well-crafted short story. Robbie Zero is a young girl who is bullied by a mean boy named Tommy. Instead of standing up for herself, she tries to remain invisible, hoping the bullying will stop. But instead, she suffers silently. That is until one day when she encounters her bully in a terrifying predicament.

We liked this story because it explains the struggles bullying victims encounter both physically and mentally. It details the terror victims feel at the sight of their tormentor. And the great thing about this story is the main character's transformation. She grows from a timid child to a strong girl with a purpose. This story teaches empathy, standing up for what is right, and treating others how you would want to be treated. Additionally, the illustrations by Mike Henderson capture the emotion of the story. Overall, this is wonderful book that all kids should read.

Purchase "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" By C.L. Vaagen Here

***

Friday, August 8, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: The Young Mystery Series--The Missing Lunch by B. K. Maxwell

The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch
B.K. Maxwell
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
1499632851/978-1499632859/B00L2XVK0I
$6.99 US Paperback/ $2.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

The Young Mystery Series by B.K. Maxwell is a new detective series following a sibling duo, Kia-9 years old and Marcus 8 years old. In The Missing Lunch, the story starts in the children's elementary school in a small Michigan town. While having lunch, their friend Dennis asks for help. His mom's world famous pb&j sandwich has been stolen out of his lunch box for the past couple days, and he has been forced to eat the gross cafeteria school instead. He hopes they can find the culprit quick. Kia and Marcus agree to help their friend. But this is a difficult case for them to solve. Their culprit is super sneaky and has the duo on a wild goose chase.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this story. It is a classic fun detective story similar to Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. My daughter instantly connected with the main character, Kia. She loved how strong-willed and clever she is. The settings, dialogue, and characters are kid-friendly and relatable. My daughter chimed in several times about experiences the characters faced and how they reminded her of things in her own life. This page turner kept her interest from the second she opened it to the very unwanted end.

B.K. Maxwell is a new force in the "kidlit" world, and there are plenty of reasons for him to go far: his dialogue is convincing, fun, and well-crafted; his plot development is exquisite; and his character development is awe-inspiring. Overall, we would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great new detective series for their children. It is a fantastic read.

Purchase The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch by B.K. Maxwell Here

Stay Tuned for the review of "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" by
C.L. Vaagen/ Illustrated by Mike Henderson

***

Directory