Jaclyn M. Bartz: Journey of an Author: Jaclyn Bartz

Showing posts with label Jaclyn Bartz. Show all posts

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

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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

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:

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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

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

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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

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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

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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Book Review: Chasing Fate By Maria Miller

Chasing Fate
Maria Miller
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN:1475252404/ASIN: B008R8B8T4
$9.99 US Paperback/ $5.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

Chasing Fate by Maria Miller is an enjoyable read. This YA story is an action-packed, emotional journey that follows a teenager as she finds herself in the middle of an unexpected adventure. The daughter of a successful businessman, Kate seems like she lives the charmed life. But she faces some harsh daily truths behind the walls of her luxurious exterior. Kate learns to hid her misfortunes of having an alcoholic, abusive father and timid, excuse-giving mother from others. That is until her teacher catches on after Kate fails to turn in her final project.

Her teacher offers her a redemption assignment-- she has to interview someone in order to pass. Kate does not want to interview one of her father's friends, so she chooses a low-life bum to finish her assignment. Little does she know, this "bum" has led a secretive life as an ex-Navy Seal. When he asks her to return an idol, Kate finds herself in the middle of a crazy mission. With the disappearance of the bum to traveling across new lands, this story keeps the reader engaged.

Maria Miller does a great job with plot and character development. Her characters are strong, believable, and exciting. Her story is filled with plot twists that keep the pace fast and exhilarating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an awesome adventure story with a twist.

Click here for purchasing info: Chasing Fate by Maria Miller

Stay Tuned for the review of "The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch" by
B.K. Maxwell

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Book Review: On The Edge of Wishing by Danette Key

On the Edge of Wishing
Danette Key
iUniverse
978-1-4759-6441-7
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.iuniverse.com
$13.95 US

5 Stars:

We had the pleasure to review Danette Key's YA novel, On the Edge of Wishing. This story is about the challenges a family faces when dealing with a problematic child. Maddy is a 14 year old teenager who is very unappreciative of life. She is disobedient, disrespectful, and selfish. She gets in trouble at school on a regular basis and treats her siblings unkindly.

As a result of her bad behavior, her father, Peter--a soccer coach--can no longer stand being around her and wishes she was someone else. Her mother, Becca, is an overwhelmed mother of three who retreats to community service in order to escape the problems with her daughter. And Maddy's two younger siblings do not understand why she is so mean to them.

Unexpected help arrives from the other side to mend this broken family. Mary Ellen is a soul with an important task. She possesses Maddy's body and intervenes with this family's challenges. Soon, Maddy starts acting strange. She seems nicer and more loving. Peter takes notice of her weird behavior, but he is happy that she is becoming more of the ideal daughter he had wished for. There is only one problem: Mary Ellen wants to stay as Maddy, and she is willing to do what she can to make that happen.

Danette Key is professional writer and proof-reader. She also writes poetry and posts it to her website. On the Edge of Wishing is her debut novel. One interesting fact about Danette: In her free time, she loves to make quilts for her family. (Info borrowed from danettekey.com)

This story is well-crafted from the beginning to the end. From excellent character development to the interesting plot points, On the Edge of Wishing has it all. This story's moderate pace is engaging and keeps the reader's interest throughout. In addition, it features several great messages for more than just the young adult readers this book is directed toward. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a story with a deeper meaning that not only entertains, but teaches kindness, patience, and appreciation.

Find "On the Edge of Wishing" by Danette Key on Amazon

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@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

Friday, July 11, 2014

The Tooth Fairy Retires and Visits Homes Across the Globe

Of course, like any new Author, I cannot help but share my excitement. My first book has been released and is available on Amazon! I can officially say that I am a Published Author! This has been an exciting adventure, and I highly recommend for anyone thinking about writing a book to put yourself out there and do it. I have already completed my first goal as a newbie--I have sold my first copy to a perfect stranger! Amazing!

And without further ado....

Here she is, Bea--The Retired Tooth Fairy:

http://www.amazon.com/Retired-Tooth-Fairy-1/dp/1468175971/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1405103125&sr=8-1&keywords=jaclyn+m+bartz

The Retired Tooth Fairy by Jaclyn M Bartz

Sharing is caring--I would appreciate if you could share this with your friends. Thank you in advance.

Please stay tuned for the Official Online Release Party where I will have a Q&A session, give-a-ways, and lots of other fun.

If you are an author and willing to offer a complimentary copy to guests...please feel to message me at theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com.

And, last but not least, thank you for all of your support. I could not have done this without you! :)

Sincerely,

Jaclyn M Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Book Review: The Mosquito and the Teapot

The Mosquito and the Teapot: Authored by Aamani Gurajada/Illustrated by Sunaad Gurajada

Rating: 5 out of 5 Mosquitos

The very first thing that struck me about this book is the amazing talent these two artists possess. The stories are written by Aamani, who is a very talented 6 year old author...yes, I said 6 years old...and illustrated by Sunaad, who is a very talented 11 year old illustrator. This is what is great about the shift in publishing trends because talented kids, such as these two, have the chance to explore and share their talents. It is obvious Aamani and Sunaad have a very promising future ahead of them, and I look forward to seeing them progress in their very early careers.

The Mosquito and the Teapot is a short collection of stories teaching the importance of friendship and kindness. Each story focuses on separate challenges, such as the importance of telling someone to stop doing something that is not liked and another story that teaches the readers not fight with their friends over unimportant issues. In addition to the stories, Sunaad, the illustrator, does an amazing job creating delightful pictures that enhance the story.

My youngest daughter loved reading this story. We laughed at the fun passages and she loved looking at the pictures. When she found out this story was written by another kid, she enjoyed it even more. Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for quick stories and chuckles to share with your little ones. And let's take a moment to give these talented kids a round of applause!

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.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, July 1, 2014

{{HAPPY DANCE}} ...a-hem...okay, I'll compose myself...(happy dance)

Ha ha....sorry for the silliness. I know, I know....I am a professional writer, I shouldn't indulge in these emotions. (NOT)

So why am I doing a Happy Dance? Well, for all of my aspiring author friends, I received the first copy of my book over the weekend! Yes, a physical copy of the story I have been shackled to for the past couple of years. And let me tell you--IT IS AMAZING!!!!

I cannot believe this day has arrived. I am one step away from being a ... bum bad da dum...Published Author!

How cool is that?! The funny thing is that it feels so surreal.

I remember the first day when my character was nothing more than a private joke--forged from the depths of a lost soul with tons of newly useless information stored inside her brain. All of the hardships and pain squeezed until they popped into a final moment of absolute clarity. The day Bea was born.

Who is Bea? Well, Bea was actually Ruby...but, of course, I had to change her name. Why? Well, she is a part of me, and she deserved the initial of my last name--which eventually turned into Beatrice.

What are you talking about? Did you have too much to drink?

Nope, I am just giddy!

For those of you unfamiliar with Bea--she is a Retired Tooth Fairy who collects adult teeth; but there is only one problem--those easy-to-collect teeth aren't so easy to collect! And Bea isn't the best at collecting them. She finds herself in many precarious situations. And thus, my series follows her misadventures as a retired tooth fairy.

Alright, time to return from my little detour.

I can still remember the first day when my character was nothing more than a private joke. My daughter joyfully chuckled as we joked about the most unlikely tooth fairy. After we were done, I jotted everything down (in the worst chicken-scratch handwriting imaginable).

I brainstormed.....

I outlined.....

I sketched.....

And I returned with a very cranky-looking old fairy who was more scary than whimsical. Yikes!
Back to the drawing board.

So I brainstormed....

And sketched some more.....

Until my retired tooth fairy aged gracefully....and looks kind of like a funky librarian. But none the less, she was evolving into the beloved character she is today.

After putting Bea together with a pencil, I decided to add words to her mouth with my pen. Soon, she jumped off the paper and told me about the time she tied herself to a tooth, which then yanked her behind it after an unfortunate magical mistake. After that, we became best buddies! She shared her embarrassing moments, and I told her about the time I....(oh wait...this is public...I don't think I want to share that story).

But then, of course, the "First Timer's Curse" grabbed ahold of me.

...wait, what?....you've never heard of the "First-Timer's Curse"?

Well, my friend, the "First Timer's Curse" is when someone begins to do something creative, but then....it strikes......the worst case of self-doubt imaginable--Am I good enough? Is this good enough? What if no one likes my story? What if no one likes me? What if I get a wedgie while at a formal gathering?

Yes, it is the worst curse ever---even worse than that curse placed on those poor Chicago Cubs! It has devoured many poor souls at the start of their journeys. Such a sad thing. And it almost got me, too!

But, I was too determined. I grabbed a hold of my inner strength....the strength I never thought I had...and I continued on...until....well, until this weekend when I held my work in my hands for the first time.....oh, I love the smell of crisp, newly printed pages smooshed in between the shiny glossy cover featuring my hard work.

And, of course, I look at it and cannot believe I drew the pictures or wrote those words. Absolutely crazy good!

But why does this make me feel so happy?

Well, I remember the days of people telling me that "I don't belong" and the hardships I had faced. The utter depression of losing everything I had loved. Feeling like a loser or unimportant. I remember the struggles, and the unattainable dreams.

But, I don't regret my past because my past has shaped me into who I am, and has led me to this place in my life. And honestly....for the first time, I feel like I belong! I have accomplished something big!

So yes, I am going to do my Happy Dance....

And you can do one of your own too--Just believe in yourself. The journey is only as hard as your first step. And never ever for one second stop dreaming!

Okay, that's enough lip-service from me! I am going to snuggle next to my book, and dream of a brighter future for my family.

Best Wishes Everyone!!

~Jaclyn

Official Website
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Book Review: The Smile Ambassadors by Jeffrey Reid (Updated)

Our rating is 4 out of 5 two-headed turtles

"The Smile Ambassadors" by Jeffery Reid is a story based on the life of a real two-headed turtle named Zack and Mack. It is targeted for older children, preferably 5th graders to age 14, as it is a longer read with a big vocabulary. This story follows the fictitious adventures of these two fun turtles who share the same body.

The story starts out with Zack and Mack disappearing. The young girl, Constance, searches all over town for her beloved pet, but cannot find them. Meanwhile, Zack and Mack are off on an adventure--learning about the strange new world outside of their tank. They had to learn how to find food, and how to escape turtle poachers, cats, and crowds of skittish people (who confuse them with a monster). During the family's search, the local media gets involved with missing two-headed turtle story. This creates interest in them amongst the townspeople.

As the story progresses, we learn about a big turtle race, meet new and exciting friends, and learn how Zack and Mack became "The Smile Ambassadors. Overall this is a family-friendly, feel-good story. Mr. Reid does a wonderful job brining us into his characters' world with humor and vivid descriptions.

Please check out Zack and Mack at Amazon and let them put a smile on your family's face!

Excerpt taken from Amazon:

Constance has lost her turtle. It is not just any turtle but Zack and Mack, a two-headed turtle. Where can they be? Will placing mackerel around town lure Zack and Mack from hiding? What about that phone call from the mysterious Mr. Moto? Are Zack and Mack to be found in a turtle race at the Maytown Fair? Why is the President concerned about the safe return of a turtle? Meet the Queen of England's Royal Turtle, Henry. Learn of the insidious plot by The Potentate. Experience the climatic crash, tumble and heart thumping action of full-on turtle racing. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this story is designed to create a mental image of turtles that you will never forget; it will also give you cause to smile.

This story is based upon the best recollections of "fictitious" events involving a real, live, two-headed turtle.

The Smile Ambassadors is a novel suitable for all humans but it is specifically written for ages eight to fourteen.

In memory of James Zajicek, who passed away on July 3rd after a long battle with cancer. He is a featured character in "The Smile Ambassadors" as The Curator. For more about James, click here.
Please send your thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Thank you!

Photo from sideshowworld.com

***
If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
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Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Book Review: How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller

How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller/ Illustrated by Ben Hodson

"Influenced by Native American folktales, this story teaches the phases of the moon while emphasizing how to deal with bullies. After the sun insults her, the moon is hurt and disappears. With the help of her many friends, the moon regains her self-confidence each day until she is back to her full size.

2006 Children’s Choices Award (Children’s Book Council and Int’l. Reading Association) 2007 Ben Franklin Award (Publishers Marketing Association) 2007 Moonbeam Gold Award"

~Excerpt taken from Amazon.

Family Rating: 5 out of 5 "Moons"

From the emotionally engaging storyline to the beautiful illustrations, "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" was a delightful tale to share with my little ones. Janet Ruth Heller works magic with her storytelling skills, and Ben Hodson does an superb job bringing those words to life.

"How the Moon Regained Her Shape" merges Native American folktales with an anti-bullying message. The story begins with the moon happily dancing along the sky until she gets in the sun's way. The sun gets angry and says some very mean things to her causing her to feel unimportant. As a result, she retreats from the sky by shrinking. In order to bring her back, her friends try to help her realize how important she is. In addition to this wonderful story, the author includes a few pages dedicated to educating children about the moon, as well as a great tip sheet for dealing with bullies. Overall, this is a great book and we recommend adding this to your bookshelf.

You can buy it here on Amazon: "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" by Janet Ruth Heller

***
If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Monday, June 9, 2014

The Life of an Aspiring Author.......

Image from MS Word Clip Art

.......talking to your characters to find out how they will react in certain situations.

.......people thinking you are crazy because you are having conversations with your characters.

.......having fights with your stubborn characters because they refuse to do what you expect.

.......people avoiding you because you have weird conversations with yourself.

.....inspired at a restaurant, but the only available writing material is the napkin in front of you.

....grabbing your child's crayon to write out the scene as fast as you can.

....your child cries because you took their crayon, so you stop the waitress to ask for an extra pen.

....leaving the restaurant with a stack of napkins that contain your story.

.....sitting at the computer, trying to piece together your story which now lies in piles of napkins, stickers, notebook pages, and grocery store receipts.

....saving the piles of napkins, stickers, notebook pages, and grocery store receipts just in case.

.......constantly showing your significant other the newest sentence you wrote.

.......laughing out loud at your latest sentence while your significant other gives you a concerned look.

.......watching your significant other running out the door before you have the chance to show him/her your next sentence.

.......chasing your significant other down the street while shouting your latest sentence.

.......revising, editing, revising, editing, revising, editing.....

.......search the internet to make sure you are following the grammar rules.

.......getting confused when other bloggers say there are no rules.

.......realizing that there are rules, but now you have to figure out writing styles.

.......trying to convince yourself you are a writer.

.......trying to tell others you are a writer without feeling insecure.

.......finally realizing you are a writer simply because you regularly write and improve your craft.

......still feeling unsure about calling yourself a writer.

.......trying to decide whether to self-publish or go the traditional route.

.......you are a control freak so you decide to self-publish.

.......you realize the stigma surrounding indie authors.

......you decide to try the traditional route, but after going through all the hoops, you realize it is better to self-publish.

......when you tell people you are self-publishing, they think less of you as a writer.

......you ignore those people, find an editor, learn about the business side of writing, and attempt to prove them wrong.

If you would like to add to the list, please feel free to leave a comment below. :)

For more info about the author, check out the following links:
• http://jaclynmbartz.weebly.com/
•https://www.facebook.com/ArtistJaclynMBartz
•https://www.facebook.com/TheRetiredToothFairy
• https://twitter.com/JaclynMBartz
•https://www.youtube.com/user/AuthorJMBartz
• http://jmbartz.blogspot.com/

Book Trailer for "The Retired Tooth Fairy" by Jaclyn M. Bartz

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Book Review: A Zoo in the Castle by Andrea Carrera

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Castle-Andrea-Carrera-ebook/dp/B00K3DWGME/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401825599&sr=1-1&keywords=andrea+carrera

Rating: 5 out of 5 Giggles

Today, my youngest children and I had the pleasure reading "A Zoo in the Castle" by Andrea Carrera. This interactive book asks the readers to help the main character, Mia, find her lost animal. After going through Mia's zoo, we discover an empty cage. Then the kids have to guess what kind of animal is missing by the clues given.

I read this with my one year old and four year old, and it is an understatement saying they loved this story. Throughout the pages, my kids squealed with delight as we went from page to page. Ms. Carrera does a wonderful job with her cute animals and adorable illustrations. When we were finished, the kids wanted to read it again and again.

I would recommend this book to any parent looking for a quick read for their children.

Please check it out here: "A Zoo in the Castle" by Andrea Carrera

***
If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Heart Attack--Well, Maybe Not! But I Do Have A Sneak Peek

Yes....a sneak peek...a little raw, but none the less, the scene is still the same! Here is your chance to review me. Please be gentle. :)

The Retired Tooth Fairy:
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1148905

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Don't Be a Scrooge

Earlier this month, as I was walking around the mall with my family, we noticed a kiosk for a local cupcake shop. The baker sat on her chair, with her goodies lined up along the counter, and tended to her customers. My oldest daughter, an aspiring cupcake master, took notice. She pleaded with me to take her over to the baker because she wanted to ask some questions. After milling around, I leaned over to my husband and pointed out our little one's desire.

Image from MS Office Clipart

We trotted over to the kiosk. The baker, an older lady with a bright smile, greeted us. She pulled out a tray filled with mini cupcakes and offered us each a sample. Nerves took over and caused my daughter to remain silent. I had to take control before she walked away disappointed. I scooted closer to the baker and said, "My daughter is an aspiring cupcake maker. Would you be willing to answer a few questions for her?"

"Sure!" she exclaimed before turning to face my little girl. "What would you like to know?"

My daughter quickly opened up and asked her questions. The baker shared what she needed to do in order to get her own bake shop, which includes going to school to learn about business management as well as baking courses. She also shared how she tests her cupcakes in order to create delicious treats everyone likes. When she was finished, she said to my daughter, "When my new store opens up, you can come and help me decorate the cupcakes if you want."

A big smile stretched wide across my daughter's little face, and beams of lights radiated out from her before she replied, "I would like that." The baker handed over a business card to her. "Thank you!" she said to the baker.

"You're welcome! Hope to see you soon!" the baker stated. We walked away, after buying several cupcakes of course, and continued our stroll around the mall. Crystal remained on cloud nine.

"I cannot believe I got to talk to a real baker!" she kept exclaiming, as she floated from store to store. When we got home, the happy little girl proudly displayed the business card on her treasure board.

So, as you can see, it is very important to take time to help others. The baker could have easily shooed us away, but she welcomed the chance to help a little girl with a big dream. It was a moment that I am sure my daughter will never forget for the rest of her life. Again, thank you, cupcake baker, for taking the time out of your day and teaching all of us the importance of helping others.

Dear Reader, who will you help today? Tell us your story below!

Peace and love, my friends!

~Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook, "Follow" me on Twitter, or connect with me on G+. And don't forget to check out my website.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Book Review: Dr. Knowz-Psych Up Your Soul!

Today, I am providing a rare review. My children and I normally review kidlit; but, the artist in me jumped at the chance to read this book.

Dr. Knowz: Psych Up Your Soul by Wendy Goldstein Davis is a witty, creative take on everyday life. This comic strip book follows multiple shorts of a psychiatrist while he tries to help patients with their issues. Using famous quotes, Ms. Davis carefully crafts delightful and humorous takes on human behavior. Overall, this is a great book for anyone looking for a few laughs. I like to consider it the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" in comic form.

My rating: 5 out of 5 "Containers of Floss"

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Book Review: Prophency of Enchantria by Mary DeKok Blowers

Crystal's Rating: 4 out of 5 Cupcakes

Crystal is an avid reader and aspiring cupcake master. Her love of reading sparked early on when she was just a wide-eyed lil tot. Now a tween, she enjoys stories with more complicated themes (even though she still enjoys a cute illustration here and there).

Today, we have the pleasure of reviewing Prophecy of Enchantria--a Christian-Themed Fantasy Novelette. The story follows an awkward, meek girl named Pandora as she discovers a portal into a new world full of fascinating creatures and scenery. There she learns about a conflict between two mystical lands and a revealing fact about herself. This story has a good message and is full of twists and turns.

The story started out with a great attention getter, forcing the reader to become emotionally invested in the main character, and it helps set the fast pace. The author does an amazing job bringing the reader into her exciting new world through her descriptions and unique characters, such as two talking peacocks. Overall, this is a cute short story full of excitement and adventure.

Find the Prophency of Enchantria by Mary DeKok Blowers on Amazon.

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Book Review: Lily Lemon Blossom-Welcome to Lily's Room

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K81D60/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title

This book can be found on Amazon.
Lilly's Rating: Really Loves it!

Lilly's Rating Scale: It's Okay, Likes It, Loves it, Really Loves It

Lilly is a 3 year old reader, but if you ask her she will always say she is 4 (which will be true in another month). She loves "kitties, and birdies, and ponies". When she is not reading, she is drawing or jumping into a big pile of pillows.

Today, we read Lily Lemon Blossom: Welcome to Lily's Room. Of course, she picked this book because she shares the same name as the main character. When we opened the book, we were greeted with many wonderful illustrations. The story takes you through a day in Lily's room. The story is written in rhymes, and flows nicely. Each drawing is dynamic and enhances each passage.

Lilly enjoyed looking for the kitty in the pictures, and she thought the illustrations were "very pretty". Naturally, she asked me to read it again, and again, . . . and again. (Meaning she really loves it!)

It is appropriately targeted for audiences 3-5. As a Mom, I liked how the main character makes a point to clean her room and keep it tidy. Overall, the story is about a girl showing off her room and the things inside. It is nicely done and I thought the author did a clever job with her word play. I would recommend it for anyone with a little girl in this age group.

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a link or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

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