Prayer for the New Year

Happy New Year graphics comment

O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,

thank you for the gift of a new year.

May it be a time of grace for me,

a time to grow in faith and love,

a time to renew my commitment

to following Your Son, Jesus.

May it be a year of blessing for me,

a time to cherish my family and friends,

a time to renew my efforts at work,

a time to embrace my faith more fully.

Walk with me, please, in every day

and every hour of this new year,

that the light of Christ might shine through me,

in spite of my weaknesses and failings.

Above all, may I remember this year that

I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes, Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Merry Christmas ~ Eternal God, this joyful day

Eternal God, this joyful day

Eternal God, this joyful day is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of your son Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share our humanity. Bless us and the feast that You have provided for us, let us be thankful for the true gift of Christmas, your Son. Amen.

~~~~~~

Eternal God, this joyful day

Personalized Autographed Book - The Golden Pathway

Just in time for the 2010 Holiday Season.

Personalized Autographed Book:
The Golden Pathway
by Donna M. McDine
FREE shipping via US Postal Service for the remainder of 2010.

Visit: http://www.donnamcdine.com/ and order yours today for the young muse in your life.

Synopsis:
Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Best wishes for a blessed holiday season!

Award-winning Author, A.R. Silverberry reviews The Golden Pathway

Award-winning author, A.R. Silverberry reviews The Golden Pathway


A beautifully written tale that grabs your heart.
Twelve-year-old David lives with his parents on their farm in the south, during the time of slavery in the US. David can never please his Pa, who ridicules him when he displays weakness, and calls him sissy. Worse, Pa routinely and savagely whips the slaves, including sixteen-year-old Jenkins. Appalled at these beatings, David determines to help Jenkins escape. David is frightened of his father, and knows that if he is caught, Pa will beat him. David will need his wits and every ounce of courage to help Jenkins escape.
The story resonates on all levels. K. C. Sniders' illustrations are dramatic and emotionally charged, and enhance the story beautifully. The way Jenkins is depicted especially pulled on my heartstrings. David's empathic character is perfectly rendered.
Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn't let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale. She doesn't hold back on showing the cruel and inhumane treatment of slaves, which highlights David's compassion and courage as the centerpiece of the story. His emotions are felt through out, putting the reader into his shoes. As a result, David personifies and models something very important: A boy differentiating himself from his parent, and standing up for what he believes is right. This is a powerful message, that you can love a parent, as David surely does, even if you do not agree with what they do.

I highly recommend the Golden Pathway to teachers, parents, and children. The story will be a valuable part of any classroom studying slavery in the US. In addition to being a good introduction to the history and life of the time, it will generate good discussion about the era, making it a valuable addition for libraries.
The Golden Pathway is a beautifully written tale of courage, conscience, and compassion. Five big stars. It's a gem.
Visit A. R. Silverberry, Award-Winning Author of Wyndano's Cloak today and become immersed in his magical world http://www.arsilverberry.com/

Book Review by J. Aday Kennedy - The Golden Pathway

The Differently-abled writer, J. Aday Kennedy took the time out and read and book reviewed The Golden Pathway, which I'd like to share with you below.

David's Pa whips James savagely. He chances his Pa's wrath to administer first aid to a slave. David is afraid for Jenkins' safety. The possibility of what Pa might do is too much for him. He makes contact with people involved with the Underground Railroad. To learn how the story ends buy a copy today.



In Donna McDine's debut book witness a poignant depiction of the best and worst of humanity. The portrayal of the brutality dealt a slave and a white boy's sense of right and wrong are expertly exposed. K.C. Snider is a fine artist and each illustration is a masterpiece. The historical fiction picture book's succinct and imaginative story, coupled with the illustration are a buffet for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book.

Visit J. Aday Kennedy to learn about her illustrious writing career:
http://www.jadaykennedy.com/
http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/

Home School Book Review of The Golden Pathway

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW



Book: The Golden Pathway
Author: Donna M. McDine
Illustrator: K. C. Snider
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc., 2010


ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-081-1 (hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1616330813 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-088-0 (softcover)
ISBN-10: 1616330880 (softcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-082-8 (eBook)
ISBN-10: 1616330821 (eBook)
Related websites: http://www.donnamcdine.com/ (author), http://www.kcsniderart.com/ (illustrator), http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ (publisher)
Language level: 1 (nothing objectionable)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Rating: 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview
McDine, Donna M. The Golden Pathway (published in 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing Inc., 12430 Tesson Ferry Rd. #186, St. Louis, MO 63128). David is a young boy who lives with his family on a cotton farm somewhere in a slave-holding state sometime before the Civil War. As the book opens, David is in his bedroom, clamping his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out the high-pitched screams from the barn. Then, after his Pa comes into the house and falls asleep, David sneaks out the window, goes to the barn, and washes the wounds on the back of the sixteen-year-old slave Jenkins whom Pa, who unfortunately likes to drink whiskey a lot, has beaten.
Jenkins wonders why David helps him and wants him to escape since he’s the property of David’s Pa, and David replies that it isn’t right what his Pa does. Jenkins points out that if David is caught helping him he’d be in trouble, but David responds, “It’s better than watchin’ you die a slow death.” The next day David wants to go to town with his Pa, but Pa won’t let him. However, the following day, David’s Ma sends him to town with Pa to buy a sack of flour. While there, he gets a secret message from the storekeeper, Mr. Stump, who is a “Quaker.” What is the message? And will it enable David to help Jenkins?

This story by author Donna M. McDine, with full-page, full-color illustrations by K. C. Snider, is an attention-grabbing way to introduce students to the fact that slavery once existed in this country and also illustrate how the “Underground Railroad” helped slaves to escape north so that they might gain their freedom. David is a sympathetic character who suffers his own abuse, verbal and emotional rather than physical, from his Pa who thinks he’s a sissy, but nevertheless exhibits caring concern for the well-being of Jenkins and also great courage in seeking a way to help him escape. I thought that it was especially noteworthy that as Jenkins got ready to leave, he pulled his old Bible from beneath the hay and put it into his sack. It is a great book.

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview

Prayer at Harvest and Thanksgiving

"Prayer at Harvest and Thanksgiving"


O God, source and giver of all things,

You manifest your infinite majesty, power and goodness

In the earth about us:

We give you honor and glory.

For the sun and the rain,

For the manifold fruits of our fields:

For the increase of our herds and flocks,

We thank you.

For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace,

We are grateful.



Supreme Lord of the harvest,

Graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil,

In union with Jesus, your Son,

As atonement for our sins,

For the growth of your Church,

For peace and love in our homes,

And for salvation for all.

We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors

A Thank You Note is its Weight in Gold from a Child Fan

I recently participated in a heartfelt campaign to send  Lenny, an 11 year old boy who has leukemia (and who is being raised by his brothers) to send him birthday wishes from the blogging community. Lenny is quite the special young man and is an advid blogger and reader so I mailed him a birthday card and sent him a copy of The Golden Pathway. To my pure delight I recently received a beautiful thank you note from him, which I am sharing below.

A thank you from a child whom enjoyed my book has certainly made my day and writing career, so much more than any royalty payment.

Guest Author ~ Elysabeth Eldering "The Perfect Gift"

Today’s special guest is Elysabeth Eldering. Elysabeth and I originally met online through the MuseItUp Club and have forged a cyberspace friendship and it's with my pleasure to sheer her own with each success.
The Perfect Gift
by Elysabeth Eldering

What do you give someone who seems to have everything? Gift cards seem too impersonal; money is good but it seems to say you don't care. Why not give a book. The gift that keeps on giving.

With books, you can go on many adventures. You can leave your life for a few days and get caught up in the characters' lives. You can go to outer space and come back again, only to do it all over it again.

When I was younger, my godmother used to send us "care packages" for no reason and almost every box contained a few books for me to "read" to my brothers. Of course, my parents would have to read the books to me first so I could read them to my brothers, but I always enjoyed getting books. I still enjoy receiving books as a "just because" gift. It doesn't take too much to make me happy. A well written mystery that keeps me turning page after page to get to the whodunit or the reason for the mystery, and I'm a very happy camper.
In this day and age with technology overtaking our lives, it seems that reading has gone by the wayside, but there must be a resurgence of new readers coming about since it seems libraries are staying busy and book sales seem to be coming up some, even if they are for ebooks or ereaders, but folks are reading.

With the VBT Writers on the Move group, we have something for everyone. Children's books, nonfiction, mysteries, cowgirls, thrillers and everything in between.
We have:

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the Frugal writers and other books

Dallas Woodburn, author of short stories and contributor to many magazines and anthologies

Darcia Helle, author of several self-published thrillers

Debra Eckerling, creator of WriteOn!

Diane Sagan, ghostwriter

Donna McDine, author of many articles, and creator of the Write What Inspires You newsletter and website as well as children's books

Elysabeth Eldering, author of the Junior Geography 50-state mystery trivia series and writer of short stories

Heather Paye, young author of a self-published novel as well as illustrator and graphic designer

Heidi Thomas, author of cowgirls' memoirs based on her grandmother's life

Helena Harper, author of humorous writings

Janet Ann Collins, author of middle grade mysteries and children's books

Jennifer Gladen, author of children's books

Karen Cioffi, author of children's books and many health articles

Kathy Stemke, author of children's books

Kevin McNamee, author of children's books

Lea Schizas, author of children's books along with creator of the MuseItOnline free conference

Maggie Ball, poet

Margaret (Peggy) Fieland, poet

Marietta Taylor, author of a non-fiction series dealing with unemployment

Martha Swirzinski, author of children's books

Marvin (The Old Silly) Wilson, author of several novels

Mayra Calvani, author of children's books

Nancy Famolari, author of young adult novels

Robert Medak, freelance writer and editor/reviewer

Shelby Patrick, horror author

Stephen Tremp, author of a thriller trilogy

Virginia Grenier, author of children's stories and creator of the Stories for Children Magazine

Vivian Zabel, author of mysteries, children's stories and publisher

So find a good book and give the gift that keeps on giving. There are many new authors out there with a variety of books.

Elysabeth Eldering is a traveler from birth. She has traveled with her family due to her father being in the military. She has lived in several states and overseas during her childhood. Ms. Eldering calls South Carolina home these days with a mindset of "Southern by choice, not by birth." She entered her first writing contest at the age of 41 and took second place for a children's mystery story, which has inspired her to take that story and write a series for children, the premise being that each state would be the mystery. Her series has a Jeopardy!® like style to it but for guessing the state in the form of a question. Each book concentrates on one state and there are supplemental study guides available, which take the series cross curriculum. For more information on the series, please visit http://jgdsseries.weebly.com/ JGDS website. Elysabeth may be reached at eeldering@gmail.com with any questions or to place an order.

Visit, Martha Swirzinski the next featured author on the VBT Writers on the Move November Virtual Book Tour hostedby Shelby Patrick http://writershideaway.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Personalized Autographed Book - The Golden Pathway (The Underground Railroad storybook)

Just in time for the 2010 Holiday Season.

Personalized Autographed Book:

The Golden Pathway
by Donna M. McDine

FREE shipping via US Postal Service for the remainder of 2010.

Visit: http://www.donnamcdine.com/ and order yours today for the young muse in your life.

Synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Best wishes for a blessed holiday season!

Thank you to Cheryl Malandrinos of Pump Up Your Book Promotion

My sincerest thank you to Cheryl Malandrinos

of Pump Up Your Book Promotion for coordinating

my first ever Virtual Book Tour for The Golden Pathway.

It was a wonderful experience and I also want to thank all the

people that took the time out of their busy schedules to visit

with me throughout the two month tour.

I appreciate your interest and time more than you know.

If you are ever interested in being hosted on my blog, contact me

and I'd be happy to arrange an interview with you for a feature profile.

Best wishes to you all!

 

Final Day of The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour

Thank you to one and all for your never ending support before and during The Golden Pathway virtual book tour.


The two month tour has flown by and today is the last day and celebration.

I'm hosted with two UNIQUE interviews at:

The Story Ideas Virtuoso is thrilled to be part of The Golden Pathway's virtual book tour at http://tinyurl.com/2fpr3p4

Donna McDine has come full circle with The Golden Pathway’s virtual book tour by VS Grenier at http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/

If you are ever interested in being interviewed for my blog, please feel free to contact me privately at: donna@donnamcdine.com.  

Thank you!

Happy Halloween!

The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour Reaches the Homestretch

It's hard to believe that The Golden Pathway virtual book tour coordinated by Pump Up Your Book Promotion reaches the homestretch. The adventure of introducing David and Jenkins to the literary world has been a wonderful opportunity to meet so many advid readers I may have never met otherwise. Even though this portion of the journey will end on October 29, I'm anxious to keep their story swirling through cyberspace and into classrooms, libraries, and bookstores. So don't forget to check back for updates on appearances both vritually and in person.
Thank you to one and all for your never ending support and please follow along on the last stops, for when one's journey ends, another adventure awaits.

Monday, October 25

Book spotlighted at Book Tours and More

http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/


Thursday, October 28

Book reviewed at Thoughts in Progress
http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 29
Book reviewed at Book Reviews by Molly
http://reviewsbymolly.blogspot.com/
Guest blogging at SFC Blog: Families Matter

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your time and interest!

The Journey Continues for The Golden Pathway

It has been quite the exhilirating journey for The Golden Pathway and David and Jenkins. Overcoming prejudice and obstacles has developed into an endearing friendship for both David and Jenkins even though they know it will end bittersweet, for once success is met they will never see each other again. Journey along with David and Jenkins and learn from these two determined characters what it means to truly care for another human being.


Monday, October 18

Interview
J. Aday Kennedy’s A Writing Playground
http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 19

Interviewed and book reviewed
A.R. Silverberry’s blog
http://www.arsilverberry.com/blog

Wednesday, October 20
Book reviewed
J. Aday Kennedy’s: A Writing Playground
http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 21

Guest book review
Pump Up Your Book
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/

Friday, October 22

Book reviewed
Beth’s Book Basket
http://blogs.bethbencereinke.com/bethsbooksbasket

Thank you for your ongoing interest and time. Your support means the world to me!

When Characters Demand for Their Stories to be Told - The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour Continues

I have spoken often how characters many times take over a writers thoughts and demand for their story to be told. David and Jenkins of The Golden Pathway are those type of characters for me. I shelved their story for quite some time and tried to ignore their cries. They begged and pleaded in my mind, to the point I started dreaming of them. When it came to this, I could no longer ignore them and finally let their story be told and I couldn't be happier.

Come along for this historical fiction story of the Underground Railroad and the unlikely friendship that formed.
Monday, October 11
Book spotlighted at The Plot
http://theplotline.wordpress.com/

Book reviewed at Carpe Libris
http://seizethebookblog.blogspot.com/ 

Tuesday, October 12
Character interviewed at The Plot
http://theplotline.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, October 13
Interviewed at Blogcritics
http://blogcritics.org/books

Thursday, October 14
Book reviewed at A Moment with Mystee
http://amomentwithmystee.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 15
Book reviewed at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/

David and Jenkins (and myself) thank you for your interest and time.

Writing Tips from Alexa and Monique Peters

Meet this interesting mother-daughter, author-illustrator team, Alexa and Monique Peters.

Day 4 of L.D. Harkrader's Virtual Book Tour by the National Writing for Children Center

Join me in welcoming L.D. Harkrader on Day 4 of her Virtual Book Tour by the NWFCC.

L.D. Harkrader loved books from the minute she first held one in her hand. She loved bedtime stories and convinced her amazingly accommodating parents to read the same books to her over and over until she had memorized the stories and could recite them out loud even before she knew how to read. Once she did learn to read, you couldn’t pry books from her hot little hands. In school, her favorite days were library day and the day her teacher passed out the Scholastic Book Club flyers. In the third grade, she realized that somebody had to write all those books she loved to read, and decided that someday one of those some bodies would be her. Now, nearly forty years later, she’s making that third-grade dream come true.

Writing Tips from Children’s Writer L.D. Harkader


In college, I took a course in magazine writing. The focus was nonfiction, rather that fiction, but the first day of class, the instructor gave us the best piece of writing advice I’ve ever heard. It has served me well no matter what kind of writing I’m working on. He said, “Write with verbs.”

He meant write with strong, active, concrete verbs, Anglo-Saxon verbs such as rattle and lumber and yearn, verbs that get to the point and paint a picture, rather than abstract Latinate verbs such as maximize and precipitate. When I read “the woman lumbered,” I see exactly what she’s doing and what she looks like doing it. When I read “the woman maximized,” I see. . . nothing. The last thing I want to give readers is nothing.

When I write, I focus on those strong verbs, as well as strong nouns. I’m suspicious of adjectives and (especially) adverbs. Sometimes you can’t help using an adjective. Sometimes readers need to know that the vampire’s eyes are red. But too often writers use adjectives and adverbs to try to prop up weak nouns and verbs. When I find them in my own writing, I stop and try to find a more vivid way to write the sentence. If I see:

The truck steered carefully over the uneven road.

I rewrite like this:

The truck bumped over the ruts.

By eliminating the adverb and adjective and using a stronger verb and noun (not that there’s anything wrong with steer or road; in this sentence, bump and rut are just more descriptive), I not only paint a more vivid picture, I shorten and simplify the sentence. The best writing is clear, simple, and concise. With a strong verb, you get all three.

Lisa, thank you for your tips on writing strong.

Be sure to leave Lisa a comment and/or question for she will be checking in throughout the day to interact with our visitors. By leaving a comment you are automatically entered at a chance to win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center.

Follow Lisa on her next virtual book tour stop on Oct 13 hosted by Suzanne Lieurance at http://suzannelieurance.com/.

Mieke Blommestein Visits on 4th Day of Virtual Book Tour by the National Writing for Children Center

Mieke Blommestein is a contemporary spiritual teacher who is not aligned with any particular religion or tradition. She lives in a small mountain village in British Columbia with her husband. They have three grandchildren. The Tale of Miss Spider Who Spun Her Web is the first story channeled just for children by Mieke’s Spirit Guide, Emanuel. A wonderful teaching tool for parents, The tale of Miss Spider will inspire and help children listen to their own soft, loving and kind inner voices.

Mieke takes the time out to share with us her Top 7 Writing Tips. Who doesn't love tips? They are direct and easy to reference to as you journey along your writing path.

Welcome Mieke!

The first thing I would like to say is be patient with your self. Trust and believe in your self. Pick up your pen and piece of paper, silence the mind, and let the words flow in. Make sure you are in a room where it is quiet, stop the mind chatter, and listen to your soft, inner voice.
Do not block your self by your mind that might say: This is not going anywhere, I can not write anything!
 This will only block your creative flow. Again trust in your self, know that you can do anything you want to do in your life. You are the creator of your life; you are the creator of your stories. And the words for your story will appear in your mind, this is a place where everything starts to flow, only if you allow it to flow.



Tips:

1. Silence the mind.

2. Situate your self in a quiet space, without phone or any other things that might disturb you.

3. Pick up your pen and paper, and listen to your inner voice.

4. You might say to your self, today I am going to write a story about.......................................... then be still and listen to the words coming in your mind. Then start writing, open your mind to all possibilities, and trust in your self.

5. Trusting in your self is very important. This will give you the energy flow towards your creations. Trust alone will avoid writers block.

6. Take one-step at the time. Do not look to far ahead, do not look at the outcome. For when you do, things might be come to overwhelming for you, and then you might stop writing.

7. Ask for help from Family or Friends, teachers etc, support is very important.

Be sure to leave a comment and/or question for Mieke for she will be checking-in throughout the day to interact with our visitors.

Follow all 7 authors on their 6-day Virtual Book Tours and leave comments and you could win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center.

Visit with Mieke on Oct 12 with Suzanne Lieurance as her host at http://suzannelieurance.com/.

Thank you for your interest and time.

Day 4 of Suzanne Marion's Virtual Book Tour with the National Writing for Children Center

Welcome to Suzanne Marion as she continues to travel through cyberspace on her Virtual Book Tour by the National Writing for Children Center.

Suzanne Davis Marion grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Arizona and from the University of Houston Moores School of Music.  She is a mezzo-soprano, pianist, composer, and teacher.  Several years ago she developed a small business creating personalized lullabies and play songs for children (www.lullabiesbysuzanne.com).  She and her husband Stuart live in Houston, Texas with their two large dogs, Laura and Diana.

Suzanne is here today to share writing for children advice.

Welcome Suzanne.

My best advice for those interested in writing for children is to read to children, tell stories to children, ask them to share stories with you, and in general find out what it is they enjoy and would like to hear.  It has also been of help to me to remember what it was I liked to read about when I was a child, and what kind of stories I enjoyed having told to me or read to me.  It is always helpful to try things out on actual children to see their reactions.  They will provide an honest and spontaneous audience.

Thank you for your sound advice.

Follow all 7 authors on their 6-day Virtual Book Tours and leave comments and you could win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center.

Be sure to leave Suzanne a comment and/or question for she will be checking in throughout the day.

Follow Suzanne on her next stop hosted by Suzanne Lieurance on Oct 11 at http://suzannelieurance.com/.

Day 4 of Mayra Calvani's NWFCC Virtual Book Tour

Writing Tips from Children’s Writer Mayra Calvani


Writing original, engaging, fun children’s picture books kids will love takes A LOT more work than people think. Just being a mom or a grandma doesn’t qualify someone to write a children’s story. This is especially true for picture books. Writing great picture books takes special skill. Sure, a few lucky people possess a natural talent for it, but for most of us, it is a craft that must be learned.

Here are a few tips for aspiring authors:

It’s absolutely essential to learn the craft! If you’ve never written a picture book before, you need to learn its structure, elements, as well as the various types that exist. Study books on the technique of picture book writing. I especially recommend: Picture Writing, by Anastasia Suen and Writing Picture Books, by Ann Whitford Paul. Yet, don’t settle on just reading these books. Take online courses or workshops. As many as you can afford. Learning the craft of writing is a never ending process.

Join a good critique group. This is vital. It’s difficult for writers to be objective about their own work. They need those extra pairs of eyes to spot the weak parts in their manuscripts. Eventually, the greatest investment you’ll ever make in your writing career is to hire a professional children’s editor to go over your manuscript. Not just any editor, but one that has extensive experience with picture books. The editor I hired for one of my picture books, one that eventually landed me a contract with an agent, was a former editor at a major NY children’s publishing house.

Support, support, support! I’m a firm believer that most writers need moral support and encouragement to help keep them inspired and motivated. Join a local writers group or a club such as the Children’s Writing Coaching Club. You can also start your own group, either locally where you live or online.

Subscribe to a few newsletters and publications, such as Children’s Insider http://www.write4kids.com/aboutcbi.html and Children’s Writer http://www.childrenswriter.com/. Not only will you read great articles on the craft but you’ll also keep up to date with new agents and publishers and what they’re looking for.

If you’re serious about starting a children’s writing career, you should consider joining the Society of Children’s Book Author’s and illustrators (SCBWI). You could join their local chapter. Plus, it looks great on your query letter!

Prepare a writing schedule. I know some beginning writers who have been working on only one story for years. You won’t grow as a writer that way. You learn by doing it. So you have to write. Write. Write. That’s the only way to improve and hone your craft. The more you write, the better you get and the easier writing becomes. It’s just like learning an instrument. Can a violinist improve her skill by practicing a few times a year? Then why should it be any different for a writer? It doesn’t matter if you can only write for 20 minutes 3 times a week. The important thing is to make your plan and to stick with it.

Finally, even if you’ve written a masterpiece, it will never see publication if you leave it in the drawer. You have to SUBMIT. Non stop. Obsessively. Submitting only once or twice a month is a drop in the bucket.

I hope you’ve found my tips helpful. Good luck!

Be sure to leave Mayra a comment and/or question for she will be checking in throughout the day.

Follow Mayra on her next stop when she visits with Suzanne Lieurance on Oct 10 at http://suzannelieurance.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

NWFCC Virtual Book with Nicole Weaver: Day 4

This month I'm hosting Day 4 of Nicole Weaver's Virtual Book Tour for all the children's book authors/illustrators who are part of the October Showcase at the National Writing for Children Center.

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. She is the author of a children’s trilingual picture book, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. The story is about a Haitian little girl who resided by the beach in Haiti.

Writing Tips from Children's Writer Nicole Weaver

It takes a lot of patience and many revisions to write a marketable children’s book. Never give up on your dreams of becoming a published author. Keep writing and be sure to join a critique group specifically designed for children’s writers. It is very important to get feedback from other authors. No matter how many times you may have read your manuscript, there is always room for revisions.

I also recommend joining an organization like The National Writing For Children Center, where you can get top notch help with your writing. Do not wait until your book is published to start promoting your book.

Nicole will be checking in throughout the day, so please sure to leave Nicole a comment and/or question.

Follow all 7 authors on their 6-day Virtual Book Tours and leave comments and you could win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center.

Visit with Nicole at her next stop on Oct 9 when Suzanne Lieurance is her host at http://suzannelieurance.com/.

NWFCC Announces Karen Cioffi's Virtual Book Tour: Writing Tips

This month I'm hosting Day 4 of Karen Cioffi's Virtual Book Tour for all the children's book authors/illustrators who are part of the October Showcase at the National Writing for Children Center. Without further ado, I'm pleased to announce: Writing Tips from Children’s Writer Karen Cioffi

I recently read a post about writing for children. It focused on the story’s characters.

Basically, the post advised to create and know your characters inside and out before beginning the story. In fact, it suggested that the author build the story around the characters once they were fully developed. While this is good advice, and many experienced authors recommend this technique, there are some authors who occasionally watch their characters unveil themselves right before their eyes.

This is such an interesting method of writing. Your character introduces himself and gradually reveals bits and pieces, and blossoms as the story moves along. I’m currently working on a middle grade science fiction manuscript that is using this style. I didn’t intentionally start the story this way . . . it just happened.

You do need to be careful with this method though, you may lose track of all the bits and pieces that make up the character. So, a good way to keep track of those quirky telltale marks, expressions, behavior patterns, and physical features is to note them on a separate page or character card as they become unveiled. You wouldn’t want your character to have brown eyes in one chapter and blue eyes in another - unless of course, it’s a science fiction or paranormal and part of the storyline.

Actually, in this particular story of mine I used the ‘seat-of-the-pants’ method of writing for the entire story. I had no idea what the story would be about until I began writing it. I’m about half finished with it, and I have no clue where it will go from the point it’s at now, but it’ll be interesting to find out.

It’s true that many authors prefer the outlined method of writing, and I actually do also. Although, it seems once in a while a story and the characters can lead the author through an entire manuscript without the benefit of a structured outline. I find it so fascinating, watching characters evolve and a story unfold. It’s almost like magic . . . characters . . . a story . . . even worlds appear from thin air.

Karen is an author, ghostwriter (for authors, bloggers, and businesses), freelance writer, reviewer, acquisitions editor intern, and on the team of DKV Writing 4 U "http://www.dkvwriting4u.com" http://www.dkvwriting4u.com. She is also the founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move, and co-moderator of a children’s writing critique group.

Be sure to leave Karen a comment or question, she will be checking in throughout the day to interact with our visitors.

Follow all 7 authors on their 6-day Virtual Book Tours and leave comments and you could win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center.

Kep following Karen's tour on Oct 8 at http://suzannelieurance.com/ - "On the Go With Karen Cioffi"

Thank you for your time and interest.

The Golden Pathway Continues to Brighten Up Cyberspace

How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues – October 4-8, 2010

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.

Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821
Published: August 2010

Synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa. Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of October 4-8, 2010:

Monday, October 4
Interviewed at Beyond the Books – http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/ 

Tuesday, October 5
Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books – http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 6
Guest blogging at Writing Daze – http://rebeccasnotebook.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 7
Book reviewed at Just One More Paragraph – http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/ 
Friday, October 8
Book reviewed at Debbie’s Book Bag – http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support.
###
Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

Venture into the Paranormal if you Dare with Guest Author, Kim Rapier

I am delighted to host Kim Rapier author of Crossed Out today

Bio:

Kim Baccellia has always been a sucker for the paranormal. She blames it on her families' love for such things such as having picnics at cemeteries, visiting psychics, and reading her mother's copies of the daily horoscope. She even had her own horoscope column in middle school, which was a big hit!


Kim's other works include the poem, "My Father", which appears in the anthology Mind Mutations, published by The Sun Rising Press. Her essay about the adoption of her son, Finally, Our Turn, appeared in Adoptive Families magazine. Her YA multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea, is published by Virtual Tales and available now at Amazon.

A member of SCBWI, Kim is currently writing the sequel to CROSSED OUT. She's also putting the finishing touches on an upper MG fantasy No Goddesses Allowed. She lives in Southern California with her husband and son.

Following the light can't be that hard, right? So why don’t the dead just do it and leave Stephanie Stewart alone?

However nothing is ever as simple as it should be, as Stephanie learns when her hidden ‘gift’ becomes more than a nuisance, quickly turning unto a liability.

If she can't learn to trust someone with her secret, the world as she knows it will go to hell. Literally. But if she doesn't choose wisely, she might just end up learning firsthand how hard it is to follow that light.

Because she's next on the list to be crossed out.

Purchasing links:

http://www.lachesispublishing.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Crossed%5FOut

Visit Kim at: http://www.kim-baccellia.com/.

Kim, thank you for visiting today, it has been my pleasure to host you.

How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues September 27 – October 8, 2010

M E D I A R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Donna M. McDine
Children’s Author
Email: dmcdine@optonline.net
Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues September 27 – October 8, 2010

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.

Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821
Published: August 2010

Synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa. Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 27-October 8, 2010:

Monday, September 27

Book reviewed at The Story of a Writer – http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/

Book reviewed at Lori Calabrese’s Blog - http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 28

Interviewed at Lori Calabrese’s Blog - http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 30

Book reviewed at The Crypto-Capers Review – http://cryptocaperseries.blogspot.com/
Book reviewed at My Favorite Things – http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 4

Interviewed at Beyond the Books – http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, October 5

Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books – http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 6

Guest blogging at Writing Daze – http://rebeccasnotebook.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 7

Book reviewed at Just One More Paragraph – http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 8

Book reviewed at Debbie’s Book Bag – http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.
Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

Publishing with a Small Press Authors Panel - September 25, 11 am EST

Donna McDine, author of The Golden Pathway, will be participating in a panel titled, Publishing with a Small Press, starting at 11 AM Eastern at The Ferguson Library, Harry Bennett Branch in Stamford, CT on Saturday, September 25th.

Also on the panel are children's authors, Lori Calabrese, The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade and YA author, Jo Ramsey, Connection. You may contact the library for more information at (203) 351-8292.



The Ferguson Library

Harry Bennett Branch

115 Vine Road, Stamford

http://www.fergusonlibrary.org/

Book Bites for Kids: Join Donna McDine, Thursday, 9/23 at 2 pm CDT

Listen to Book Bites for Kids LIVE on September 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, when Donna will be the featured. Donna will talk about her new picture book The Golden Pathway from Guardian Angel Publishing.


Thank you for your interest and support.

Let's Talk About a Book - The Golden Pathway

Let’s talk about a Book at the National Writing for Children Center, Join in the discussion about The Golden Pathway http://tinyurl.com/27xcfag

The Golden Pathway Continues to Coast through Cyberspace – Sept 20-24, 2010

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 20-24, 2010:

Monday, September 20:

Lynn’s Corner http://lynnmcmo.com/

Guest Post: “The Brick and Hopefully Crumbling Wall of Parenting and Writing”

Tuesday, September 21:

Lynn’s Corner http://lynnmcmo.com/

Book Review

Wednesday, September 22:

Review from Here http://reviewfromhere.com/

Guest Post: “How to Avoid the Feeling of Isolation by Conducting Author Visits:

Thursday, September 23:

The Writer’s Life http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/

Author Interview

Friday, September 24:

Chrissy’s World of Books http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/

Book Review

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

Guardian Angel Publishing Announces ~ Gathering of Angels Events 2010

You are cordially invited

Gathering of Angels Events 2010

Saint Louis, Missouri

Meet authors and illustrators:
Lynda S. Burch, Publisher
Susann Batson
Eugene Ruble
Maureen Brodsky
Cindy Reeg
Nancy Stewart
KC Snider
Donna Shepherd
Kim McDougall
Marilee Crow
Sue Berger
Connie Arnold
Donna McDine
Jack Foster

Guardian Angel Publishing, a Saint Louis publishing house, is sponsoring a local Fall events:

FRIDAY September 17, 2010 1-4 PM

Children's Illustrated Art Museum
37 Crestwood Court
Crestwood, MO

(located inside the Crestwood Mall Art Space)
for local home school families in Missouri metro area.

Planned events that afternoon:

-book fair (Guardian Angel Books will be on sale)
-book signings -book readings -book trailers on display
-felt art project by our national award winning felt artist
-kids create their own book -coloring contest
-artist performing painting of book art -caricatures drawn by our artist
-photography of the kids attending -scavenger hunt
-Tour CIAM museum and its wonderful art -favors -snacks

GUARDIAN ANGEL AUTHORS & ARTISTS Booksigning Event

SATURDAY September 18, 2010, 11AM -1 PM

SOUTH COUNTY BORDERS
25 South County Center Way
Saint Louis Mo 63129

The Golden Pathway Continues to Coast through Cyberspace

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour. Think you know Donna, think again as she shares information never shared before.


Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 12 and 19, 2010:

Monday, September 13:

Pump Up Your Book Promotion

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/

Author Interview

Tuesday, September 14:

Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/publishing-in-virginia-beach/dorothy-thompson

Author Interview

Thursday, September 16:

Paperback Writer

http://rebecca2007.wordpress.com/

Guest Post – “13 Things Readers Should Know about The Golden Pathway”

Friday, September 17:

Ellis

http://jdellis.blogspot.com/

Book Review

Monday, September 20:

Lynn’s Corner

http://lynnmcmo.com/

Guest Post: “The Brick and Hopefully Crumbling Wall of Parenting and Writing”

Tuesday, September 21:

Lynn’s Corner

http://lynnmcmo.com/

Book Review

Wednesday, September 22:

Review from Here

http://reviewfromhere.com

Guest Post: “How to Avoid the Feeling of Isolation by Conducting Author Visits:

Thursday, September 23:

The Writer’s Life

http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/

Author Interview

Friday, September 24:

Chrissy’s World of Books

http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/

Book Review

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

Remembering September 11th

http://www.indianaweirdo.com/ 

The Golden Pathway Lights up Cyberspace through a Virtual Book Tour

Join Donna McDine, author of the historical fiction story book, The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in September and October on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion.


Title: The Golden Pathway

Written by: Donna McDine

Illustrated by: K.C. Snider

Ages: 8-12

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813

Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880

eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821

Published: August 2010

Synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa. Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 5, 2010:

Tuesday, September 7:

Thoughts in Progress

http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

Guest Post – “Where Does One Begin in Creating a Media Kit?”

Wednesday, September 8:

The Children and Teen’s Book Connection

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

Book Review

Thursday, September 9:

The Hot Author Report

http://www.thehotauthorreport.com/

Guest Post – “Five Things You Didn’t Know About Donna McDine”

Friday, September 10:

Lori’s Reading Corner

http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com/

Guest Post: “Writing for Children Tips”

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.


Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour Continues

The excitement continues. Cruising through cyberspace on my first virtual book has been thrilling.

My next stop:

Wednesday, September 8 - Book Review
The Children and Teen's Book Conection
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

Thank you for stopping by again today.

The Golden Pathway Lights Up Cyberspace through a Virtual Book Tour

Join me, Donna McDine, author of the historical fiction story book, The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing), as I virtually tour the blogosphere in September and October on my virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

My first stop:

Tuesday, September 7th - Thoughts in Progress - http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/.

I'll be checking in throughout the day to interact with the visitors of Thoughts in Progress.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily to see where I will pop up next.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support.

Thank you to Kim McDougall of Blazing Trailers

My sincerest  thank you to Kim McDougall of Blazing Trailers for her expert design in the creation of The Golden Pathway book trailer. Amazing!

Visit Blazing Trailers today: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/

VBT - Writers on the Move - September Tour Schedule

Well, we're back, and better than ever. We have a couple of new members also. As part of our author group, we try to provide our readers with writing and marketing information as well as updates, information, and reviews on great books.

Each day in September a different author and information will be presented. Just follow the schedule and click on the corresponding day.




Check out the schedule at:

http://vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com/2010/08/writers-on-moves-september-2010-tour.html

We look forward to your visit.

Thank you.

VBT - Writers on the Move - Donna McDine guest at Karen Cioffi's blog

Hello All:

Phew, is it really September 1st already. Where did the summer go. It feels like it just started and now it's coming to a rapid end.

I'm thrilled to announce I am the guest at Karen Cioffi's blog today - http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com/2010/09/all-about-author-donna-mcdine-and.html.

I'd be delighted if you stopped by.

Best wishes to a lovely Labor Day weekend.