Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #24

Welcome to the 24th Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. Please be sure to give each of our hostesses a visit to say a quick hello and we'll be sure to visit you right back!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Email * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Sue @ Kid Lit Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!
Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Meet MG/YA Author Sharon Ledwith

Today we welcome MG/YA author Sharon Ledwith and her time travel series The Last Timekeepers to Carpinello's Writing Pages.

First, a bit about Sharon:

Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat. Her middle-grade/YA time travel series is available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch.

Why did you pick to write books for MG/YA?

I have a confession. I didn’t start out writing middle grade or young adult. Nope. I lurked in the deep pool of the paranormal romance genre before I ever considered dipping my toes into the welcoming waters of middle-grade/young adult fiction. The idea to write in this genre actually came to me through a dream. In this dream, I saw seven arches, and there were seven people (five kids, two adults) with crystals in their hands, walking up to these arches. It definitely had an Indiana Jones feel to it. I really thought about that dream a lot to the point where an idea for a book started to grow and take root. So I thought I’d challenge myself and write a novel—a series—that would appeal to my son, who at the time was the target age of my audience. I’ve always loved the time travel genre, so I imagined the arches I saw vividly in my dream as time portals. Then, boom. The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis was born.

What types of books do you like to read?

Believe it or not, I read a lot of self-help-type books to help me with the business end of being an author. So, for example, books by Napoleon Hill, Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Caroline Myss, or any book that will help me develop a positive mental attitude and build a professional author platform. On the fiction side, I really enjoyed reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, as well as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, and love Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. There are also so many talented authors out there who have awesome stories and who I’m proud to call my friends!

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

 LOL, I just came back from a ride in our pontoon boat, so depending on the season, I enjoy boating—kayaking included—and in the colder weather, trying to catch up with my TBR pile of books on my eReader!

Tell us about Legend of the Timekeepers and how the story came to be.

Legend of the Timekeepers is actually the prequel to my middle-grade time travel series, The Last Timekeepers. I thought before I went any further into the series that readers may have some questions looming in the backs of their minds. I created a whole back story about the series to explain the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, why)  and threw in a ‘how’ for good measure. In this story, I address the origins of Lilith, who is an Atlantean Magus and the guardian of the seventh Arch of Atlantis in the first adventure. It was quite fun to do and helped me to develop the series even further.


Now a peek at The Legend of the Timekeepers:

There is no moving forward without first going back.

Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.

Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.


Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

The only other published book I have available to buy is the first book in The Last Timekeepers series called The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, which was published as an eBook through Musa Publishing in May 2012.  Legend of the Timekeepers was published August 2013. To give you an idea of what this series is about, here’s the blurb from my first book:

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I have a completed manuscript for the second book in the series tentatively entitled The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, but there’s the fun job of revising it into Jordan Jensen’s point of view. Originally, I had all five of the main characters having their own chapter throughout the book, but my head editor with Musa Publishing found this confusing. She suggested that I write the first book in only one character’s POV starting with Amanda Sault. I reworked the original manuscript, and both Musa and I were very pleased with the end result. I’ve also signed on with literary agency, Walden House (Books & Stuff) in December 2012 to represent another young adult series I’ve created about teens with psychic abilities called Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, so I’ll be one busy gal!

What advice do you have for other authors?

Never stop investing in yourself. Invest in the best. That’s in yourself and in your readers. Your readers deserve the best of what you have to offer them. Surround yourself with the best possible team. Never stop learning. As you grow, so will your readers, so be prepared for this. Oh yeah, and never give up. That’s a given and should be part of any author’s credo.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I was once asked by another interviewer to share what inspires me to write, and why am I doing what I do. I guess the truth is that I wanted to be the change I would like to see in this world. Yes, I stole that from Ghandi, but those words have been my mantra and have guided me to write stories I would have loved to read as an adolescent. My hope is to give my target audience (ages 9 and up) the kinds of stories the world needs now—force readers to ask why they are here on earth at this time, and what is their major purpose. I guess I’m looking for ways to make the world a better place. I also want to make people laugh out-loud while they’re reading my books, and leave them wanting more when they turn to the last page.
 
Where can readers find you and your books?

Sharon:
 
Website

Blog

Facebook Page

The Last Timekeepers Series Facebook Page

Twitter: @sharonledwith

Goodreads

The Last Timekeepers:

Musa Publishing

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords
 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #23

Welcome to the 23rd Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. Please join me in welcoming our co-hostesses for this Hop, Ang from Juggling Act Mama and Dee Kirby - author of The Portal Series. A big, big welcome to you both! Please be sure to give each of our hostesses a visit to say a quick hello and we'll be sure to visit you right back!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Email * Pinterest

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Sue @ Kid Lit Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Co-Hosts:

Ang @ Juggling Act Mama Twitter * Facebook

Dee Kirby, Author Twitter * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!
Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Meet YA Author Ralph L. Angelo, Jr.

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Ralph L. Angelo, Jr., author of the adventure Redemption of the Sorcerer, a YA novel suitable for Middle Grade and adult readers as well.

First, a bit about Ralph:

I’ve been writing for approximately 15 years. Redemption of the Sorcerer is my first novel. I’ve written for motorcycle touring magazine previously as well as a motorcycle safety ‘How To’ instructional book entitled Help! They’re All Out to Get Me! The Motorcyclists Guide to Surviving the Everyday World.

Why did you choose to write books for YA?

The reason I wrote  Redemption is because I thought to myself ‘ What are those who graduated from the Potter novels going to read now? Redemption of the Sorcerer is a safe book for kids to read, but by no means is it a children’s or YA book only. Anyone who enjoys action, adventure, and magic-laden story lines will like it. I like to think of it as a cross between Harry Potter/Indiana Jones/Lord of the Rings. It has that high adventure piece in there. It’s just a fun roller coaster ride.

What types of books do you like to read?

 I enjoy sword and sorcery, epic fantasy, action/adventure, new pulp, and sci-fi.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I am an avid motorcyclist, an avid Skier and guitar player. Also I can be a voracious reader when I allow myself. I’ve read close to 50 books in the past year.

Tell us about Redemption of the Sorcerer and how the story came to be.

As I mentioned earlier, Redemption of the Sorcerer is the culmination of my wondering ‘Where do we go from here?’ in regards to what kids would read now as well as older readers who have enjoyed this type of storyline. Look at the Potter movies. Lots of adults love those moves as they do The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. They are ‘safe’ movies for the whole family who loves spectacles. All those films sprung from books that were written the same way. It’s fantastic over-the top-adventure with deep, human characters that readers can empathize with, even if the characters do have all these wonderful powers and abilities.

Now for a peek at Redemption of the Sorcerer:

Crystalon is a corcerer of unprecedented power. He is the ruler of his world and his universe. But Crystalon is still a man, not a God. What happens when that man, after centuries of immortal life and power loses his way, giving in to human temptations until he is finally seduced by the siren call of the power that he wields?

What follows is an epic adventure that spans two universes, while the man caught in the midst of it all seeks redemption from his past sins. But will he see the error of his ways in time to save both universes from an evil, nigh unstoppable foe and utter annihilation? Or, will an incalculable amount of innocent sourls be damned to an eternity of enslavement and doom?

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

The aforementioned Help! They’re All Out to Get Me! has been out for about eight years now. I have a new novel out with Pro Se Publications entitled Torahg the Warrior: Sword of Vengeance which is a very Conanesque sword and sorcery novel. This one is not for kids. There are some bad words within it pages and some veiled situations. Nothing blatant or graphic or what would be termed as erotic, but it is definitely in that vein as the old pulp novels were.  I also have the sequel to that book Tales of Torahg, Vol. One finished. Also out is The Cagliostro Chronicles, a sci-fi adventure novel about man’s first faster-than-light space flight some 80 years from now. Uncovered is a coalition that has sought to keep man mired within his own solar system for years.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?


I just started writing the sequel to Redemption of the Sorcerer. I figure that will be out about a year after Redemption's release.


What advice do you have for other authors?

Write. If you want to complete a story, push yourself. When I get into a groove and have nothing else on my plate, I push myself to 2000 words a night. You can always re-edit what you don’t like later. You’ll know when it’s time to relax and not push, but if you are trying to get a book finished, sit down, set yourself a number of words you want to do a night, and stick to it, whether it be 500 or 5000 work at it. Here’s a little secret, Redemption took me eight years to complete. I did not push myself. Since then I have written three novels and now started a fourth all since last April. This doesn’t include various short stories I’ve done, two of which came out of the original Torahg book but deleted due to space constraints. Once you begin writing you usually get into a rhythm and before you know it a scene will be completed. When you do a word count on what you just wrote, you’ll end up surprising yourself.

Anything else you want readers to know?

Support your favorite authors. There’s not a lot of money in this game; that’s why a lot of us turn out multiple books. Until and if we ever do get recognized, we’re one fish in a sea of many. If you like us and our books, recommend them to friends and those who like the same reading genres you do. Spread the word!


Cheryl, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to your readers today. It is very much appreciated.


Where to find Ralph and his books:

Website

Facebook  

Twitter

AmazonUS

AmazonUK

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Cold Coffee E-Magazine Profiles Authors

Cold Coffee Press just released their special Writer's E-Magazine. This E-edition profiles a number of authors including yours truly on pages 31-34. Lots of talent between the covers.

Cold Coffee Press September 2013 Writer's E-Magazine by Cold Coffee Press