Billy and the Monster Who Ate All The Easter Eggs Book Blast

About the Book

Title: Billy and The Monster Who Ate All The Easter Eggs | Author: David Chuka | Publication Date: March 23, 2013 | Publisher: Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Summary: Join Billy and Monster in this third episode of the series titled Billy and the Monster who Ate All the Easter Eggs. Billy and Monster love all the holidays as they get to spend quality time together. However, their best holiday is Easter as they get to eat their favorite food...CHOCOLATE! This year, they're spending Easter with Grandma Chocalicious who loves Chocolate even more than Billy. She's an expert at making chocolate cake, chocolate waffles and even chocolate pasta. This year Grandma Chocalicious has made a pyramid of Easter eggs for her party on Easter Sunday. Billy and Monster want one of the Easter eggs but Grandma says they have to wait till Easter Sunday. What happens when Billy and Monster tip toe downstairs and the pyramid of Easter eggs comes falling down? Get your copy of this funny book for kids of all ages that is not only full of laughs but also has a lesson weaved in that you'll love sharing with your loved ones.  

 

Book Trailer

 

Purchase

* Print copy includes FREE coloring book inside *

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle)

 

The Buzz

"Experience is the best teacher as Billy and his "purple shadow" learn a sweet lesson in Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs. Beautifully illustrated, nicely formatted, this quick, easy story will be read over and over again." ~ 5 Star Review, Julia B., Amazon

"My daughter has really been enjoying David Chuka's Billy and Monster books. This is another fun addition to the "family." As always, the story has a lovely moral (this time teaching the value of moderation - definitely the biggest word in the book)! It's based on the very realistic theme of overindulging in chocolate/sweets, which virtually anyone can relate to and which kids find a lot of fun. And, awesome pictures as always. Definitely recommend it." ~ 5 Star Review, Renee B., Amazon

"I really like the little monster in this book and how they get into trouble together. What child hasn't snuck into the cache of candies that their parents have hidden? Cute story with a lesson for the little ones in your family!" ~ 5 Star Review, Patricia T., Amazon

"This is a cute story about a little boy Billy and his funny friend Monster. They love chocolate so much that they forget about obeying to older. At night, they sneaked to the chocolate egg pyramid, started eating the chocolate eggs and made a big mess. On the morning, they not only got in a big trouble, but they also got a bad stomach pain. They both had to learn a lessons about MODERATION. Nice illustrations, book well written." ~ 5 Star Review, OPV, Amazon

"Billy and his monster friend enjoy lots of fun in this book, filled with great pictures and a cute story. It shares a lot about celebrating holidays, and intertwines humor and family love throughout the story. Hidden in the story is a nice message about eating in moderation, a well needed lesson in our culture of over-eating. Billy ends up being proud of himself and makes good decisions by the end of the book, while all the while sharing some adventures with his cute monster friend. Great read to share with your children or grandchildren year round, not just for the Easter holiday." ~ 5 Star Review, Katie W., Amazon

 

About the Author: David Chuka

David Chuka lives in London with his lovely wife and two adorable children. His family are usually the first people to hear his funny and quirky tales. He was inspired to write his first book, 'If You See a Doctor' after he struggled to find a book for his daughter who was a beginner reader.

He's gone on to write more books including the popular 'Billy and Monster' series, a funny set of books about a little boy and his Monster who get into all sorts of funny situations and learn about moderation, friendship, self control, bravery etc.

Young children can relate to Billy and you'll love sharing his adventures with your children, grandchildren and loved ones. As a father himself, he has parents at heart when he writes. He recognizes that bedtime has to be one of the best parts of the day for parents and grandparents as it gives them the opportunity to bond with their little ones. He believes you'll enjoy sharing his stories with your loved ones at bedtime. In David Chuka's books, you can stay rest assured that quality and captivating images will always complement the story to ensure your loved ones are spell-bound as you read to them. Beginner readers will also enjoy discovering new words as they read his books. He has so many stories to tell and can't wait to share them with you and your loved ones.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Google+ | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

 

Want to win a copy of Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs?

Enter for your chance to win 1 of 2 print copies of Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs by David Chuka in a Goodreads giveaway (Open U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia; Ends April 17, 2014).

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs

by David Chuka

Giveaway ends April 17, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 13, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, David Chuka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet YA Christian Author Hannah Lapehn

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes YA author Hannah Lapehn and her Christian suspense story The Hands.

First, a bit about Hannah:

Hannah Lapehn grew up in the Midwest and married her college sweetheart. She attended Indiana University, where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Culture. Hannah is a military wife and mother of two young boys, Jackson and Jordan. Her husband was deployed for the second time when The Hands was written. In an effort to distract herself from the separation, she poured her heart into writing which became an overflow of self-expression.

Why did you choose to write books for YA?

I chose YA because I remembered that time vividly. It’s when we are figuring out who we are, and we have the ability to make a lot of mistakes and learn from them.

What types of books do you like to read?

I like to read mystery/suspense and dystopian novels. When someone comes up with a truly unique idea, like The Hunger Games, it really thrills me. It is such an escape to be taken into a completely created world, with only the author to navigate you through.

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

I like to spend time with my family. I have two young boys that keep me super busy! My favorite pastime is watching movies because I like learning about what motivates the characters and seeing different perspectives.

Tell us about The Hands and how the story came to be.

The Hands was a yearlong project for me. It was my first Christian suspense novel, and I had to take breaks to really gather my thoughts and create a complete story line. I got the idea from a school assembly I attended in high school. In chapter six, there is a scene where a Holocaust survivor comes to speak to Taylor’s high school, and I wrote that scene the way I wish it would have played out for me.

Here's a peek at The Hands:

After sneaking out to a forbidden party, Taylor Donavant is faced with an unusual punishment that sets her on an unexpected path. Shortly after, she receives a supernatural ability that alienates her from her peers, and she has to question why she would be chosen for something so significant. In a spellbinding battle of good versus evil, Taylor struggles to preserve her newfound identity as a dark force lurks close by, watching and waiting for the right moment to manipulate her gift. 

 



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

I am working on several new storylines at the moment. I began my next book in January. I plan to write a book a year, always starting in January.

What advice do you have for other authors?

My advice for new authors is to get help. Critical feedback is essential when starting out and although it’s hard to hear, we always need someone with a fresh set of eyes to tell us where our writing needs work.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I wrote this book because I see our culture fascinated with supernatural abilities.  I wanted people, especially young adults, to consider where this power comes from and that it truly only comes from the Lord.

Where can readers find you and your book?

The Hands is on Amazon.

For readers who'd like to join in the conversation, there is a Facebook.
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop 37

 

Welcome to the 37th Kid Lit Blog Hop where twice per month (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages brings you interviews with international journalist and children's book author Randa Handler and YA author Hannah Lapehn.

You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! We are pleased to welcome Divina from Beauty of the Picture Book as co-host this week. Please pop on over and give her a quick hello and welcome and be sure to follow her as specified below. Welcome Divina!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

 

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read* 1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. 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 Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max 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

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Destiny @ Reading and Sharing Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Lina @ Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual Twitter * Facebook

Co-Host:

Beauty of the Picture Book Email * 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. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* 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? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

Meet Children's Author Randa Handler

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes international journalist and children's book author Randa Handler and her story The Boy Who Spoke to God.

First, a bit about Randa:

Randa Handler is an international journalist, publicist and publisher. Her interview with actor Rock Hudson (his last) was published worldwide. In 2003, Handler moved into publishing, successfully launching an educational series of children’s books used as ‘lesson plans’ by elementary school teachers. She is currently dedicated to writing and illustrating children’s books.

Why did you pick to write books for children?

I really believe that early education is key! Having worked at the UN and having been exposed to so many cultures, made certain needs clear. Most importantly: teaching in a fun way tolerance of all differences. I wanted to see if I could help somehow. Even if it's in a small way.

What types of books do you like to read?

I like to read all kinds of books. I basically get intrigued by the premise and the background of the author.

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

I like to keep my mind busy doing something --it seems. If I'm not writing, you can find me starting some kind of project. I've rehabbed homes and furniture. Hobbies wise, I like to antique shop and catch a movie, an opera or concert.

Tell us about The Boy Who Spoke to God and how the story came to be.

I thought a long time about writing this book. Like many people in publishing, I shied away from
talking about anything that might be seen as spiritual in nature. At the same time, having worked with children's book authors and educators both in public relations and in publishing, I knew that children didn't have books that addressed their basic questions about God.  I decided to premise an early reader’s children’s book with exactly that.  I set out to try and find a way to do that without being religious, preachy, or slanted.  Believe me, that's a hard task. I thought if I set it as a fairytale, about a time long ago, it might be accepted. I decided on four tribes that find a way to live in peace and harmony despite vastly different religious beliefs. I will be happy if the book is accepted and is used as a tool to open a dialogue with a young mind.

Here's a peek at The Boy Who Spoke to God:

Unable to agree on their ideas about God and religious celebrations, four different ethnic tribes—Greeks, Chinese, Zulus, and Mayans—who live together harmoniously most of the year, combining aspects of each of their cultures to make their kingdom strong and prosperous, suddenly
become divisive when religious holidays approach. During such times, they cannot agree on the timing or manner of religious traditions, and they each have their own god who looks and dresses as they do.

When Niko, a young Greek boy, has several dreams of God, each tribe interprets the various details of his dreams according to its own view of God, further emphasizing the tribes’ differences in beliefs. Subsequently Niko is shunned for having created even more disharmony and for lying to the tribes, or so they think, as no one believes he dreamed of God.

To clear up all the confusion and arrive at the truth, Niko begs God to manifest in one final dream. This time God shows him that the tribes’ beliefs are actually different expressions of the same god. Niko concludes that God is like colorless and formless iridescent light, and the beliefs of all tribes about their gods are correct as these gods are like colors of the rainbow that derive from white light.


Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
I have 5 books released and currently working on others. The Thanksgiving Dinner Platter takes place in 1941 when Thanksgiving became a national holiday and features the friendship between a Native American boy and a Japanese-American little girl. It even includes a real recipe for cornbread just like the one served at the first Thanksgiving dinner eaten by the pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Plantation. The book concludes with the kids sharing the special cornbread with the Vets and thanking them for their service.

I also have two installments in the series Cubbie Blue and His Dog Dot. Book one sets the stage for this series of children’s books centering around the friendship and adventures of 3 multiracial kids and their special tiny friend Cubbie. Book two of the series What’s up with Mike? features a
blind child and helps kids learn how to deal with disabilities.

If I Were King centers around a feisty zebra who decides to befriend many jungle animals except other zebras. Winner of a 2013 Mom’s Choice Award, it focuses on finding true friendships and learning about boundaries.

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

Right now I'm working on the third installment in the Cubbie Blue series.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Don't let rejections detract you from your goal. Practice makes perfect and try to always work with a good editor who will really give you the honest truth. Not a friend but a business associate.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I'm sure news about new releases will be posted by my publisher, Premier Digital Publishing or on my own website.

Where can readers find you and your books?



They can follow me on Twitter or visit my Facebook page.

My books should be available online and hopefully at all book retailers in 2014.

Children's Book Week - Kid Lit Giveaway Hop 2014

Are you a children's book or teen literature blogger,

an author, a publisher, 

or a publicist looking to share copies of a fabulous book?

We want to invite you to participate in the Children's Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop 2014 (May 12 to 18). Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews are joining forces to provide you with the opportunity to take part in a Blog Hop featuring links to giveaways for fabulous children/teen's books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes. What better way to celebrate Children's Book Week?

SIGN UP NOW!

We Love Tween/YA Books Spring Event

MuseItUp Publishing's 

We Love Tween/YA Books 

event has begun. 

Please join us and discover some terrific authors and their books. The cyber yummies have already begun and they are delicious. We'll be giving away coupon codes for free books, plus some really amazing specials to accumulate for your tween/young adult's summer reading.

https://www.facebook.com/events/224006297795748/

 Lots of exciting eBooks from MuseItUp Young and MuseItUp Young Adult are on sale.   

Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom is joined by  

The Twelve Pillars Series by Chris Weigand,

                                       Elixir Bound by Katie Carroll,  

The Landfill by Kevin Hobson,

                                   Weaving Magic by Mindy Hardwick,

 and a host of other stories just waiting for you and your Tween/YA readers.

TIME SQUARE | THE SHIFT Release & Giveaway!

TIME SQUARE | THE SHIFT
by SW Lothian

It's Here!

Time Square-The Shift is an exciting new series from S.W. Lothian, the author of The Golden Scarab, The Cursed Nile and The Fallen Pharaoh. If you loved the Quest series, then you'll love this new series even more.

eBook now available on Amazon for $4.99 (similarly priced based on US price in other markets)
Reading Level: Upper Middle Grade/YA - Aimed at ages 12+ (but can be enjoyed right up to 100)

Paperback (215 pages) available June 2014

He is the author of the very popular Quest Series (The Golden Scarab, The Cursed Nile, The Fallen Pharaoh)

 


Here's a peek at Time Square-The Shift

Imagine this. Your dad is a part-time archaeologist who has a tendency to discover things. One day, he comes home from an expedition with a crusty old relic, and dumps it in the basement. You’d probably think everything would be fine and dandy, but that’s where you’re wrong. Because that’s precisely when all the trouble started.

It’s 1930, and Lewis and Eva Hudson are a couple twin teens with just such a dad. Then, on a chilly wintery day in Washington D.C., the three of them mysteriously disappear into thin air, without a trace. Throw in a weird and mysterious rival with a point to prove, add a looming disaster that threatens to break time itself, and pretty soon they’re smack bang in the front seat of a roller-coaster to doomsville.

Time Square | The Shift is an edge-of-your-seat time-travel adventure that’s full of action and plenty of humour. It’s sure to leave you begging for a breather. Join Dr Rex Hudson, his two teen kids Lewis and Eva, and a whole cast of wonderful and wacky characters as they try to fix the unfixable.

About the Author:

S.W. Lothian is a funny and cool guy from Australia. His kids call him ‘Phil Dunphy’ because he reminds them of the dad from Modern Family. He isn’t sure whether this is a compliment or not, but he takes it as a compliment.

As an imaginative kid he dreamed of creating exciting worlds and funky characters, and thought he’d be the most famous person to ever do this. He loved to draw and was dux of Art in High School. Top of his dream list was to be an animator. He loved watching all those classic cartoons on TV - Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Road Runner, Wacky Races, The Simpsons, the list goes on and on.

BOOM! Reality hit. The dreams were parked as the corporate world beckoned. Then, 25 years later, the long-held dream to create erupted like a jam donut in a microwave and S.W. started writing fiction for kids of all ages.

His books can be summed up as fun-action-packed-time-travel-adventures-for-the-kid-in-everyone. He writes stories to excite, inspire, teach and thrill. Stories with awesome edge-of-your-seat fun. Stories that let kids escape to new places, and adults remember the dreams of their own childhood.

Where to find S.W. Lothian:
Twitter
Facebook
Websites: www.swlothian.com and www.timesquaretheshift.wordpress.com a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Festival Schedule

My Spring Schedule filling up, and this is where to find me over the next two months:

April 12, Saturday-Ponderosa H.S. Music Boosters Fair 9-5 Parker CO

April 16, Wednesday-DPS Greenwood K-8

April 22 & 24, Tues/Thurs-Jeffco Kullerstrand Elementary

May 3, Saturday-Bailey M.O.P.S. Craft Fair 9-3 Bailey CO

May 17, Saturday-Thornton Kid Fest 10-5 Thornton CO

June 6-8, Fri-Sun-Colorado Medieval Festival 10-6
Loveland CO

Stop by and say Hi!

Meet YA Author/Screenwriter Joe Gazzam

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Joe Gazzam and his debut YA novel Uncaged. I warn you now, Uncaged is not like any other YA novel you've read or heard about.

First, a bit about Joe:

Screenwriter/Novelist Joe Gazzam was born in Baltimore, MD, grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and graduated from the University of Florida. Soon after college he moved to Los Angeles with one script under his arm, never having been to California in his life.

Since then, due to good luck and the support of friends and family, he’s been a working screenwriter for 8 years. Joe has worked on such films as 21 Jump Street,
 Barbarella, 
Step Up: Revolution, 
Disney’s Hawaiian Adventure, 
It Takes a Thief,
 Anubis Tapestry
, and others.

He is represented by Harley Copen of ICM and managed by Ava Jamshidi of Industry Entertainment. His debut novel Uncaged was released on Oct. 22, 2013. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife and son.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

Well, for one I just think YA fits me the best. I have a hard time reading books that take a long time to get going or that spend inordinate amounts of time describing non-essential stuff. If you take five pages to describe how the sunlight is hitting off a tin can, I’m probably not going to keep reading.

With screenwriting you ALWAYS have to be moving the plot. In fact, if you have a scene that doesn’t forward the plot in some way – you better delete it. YA, in a way, is somewhere between. It’s very much about character, mood, and such, but you better keep it moving.  I love that.

What types of books do you like to read?

I am all over the place. Pretty much every YA bestseller you can think off, but also Stephen King, Kurt Vonnegut, and a whole lot of biographies. I’m like a moth to light, once something interests me, I totally get sucked in.

But that also means I put down a lot of books. I need to get hooked and hooked quickly or I get impatient. Not my best quality, but what can you do? I just hate wasted movement.

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

I like to draw and paint and obviously, I love to go to the movies. But probably my main focus right now is my baby boy. He just turned two, and I am utterly obsessed with this kid. I never really had a dad growing up, so I literally can’t stand to be away from him.

Tell us about Uncaged and how the story came to be.

The story came out of my own, unmitigated fear of prison. Prison and sharks pretty much scare the crap out of me. The prison part, stemmed from an old documentary I watched when I was probably way too young to watch it. My dad had it on an old videotape; it was called “Scared Straight.”  Named, obviously, after the program (the same program in my fictional book). It was this program for repeat juvy offenders—kids they couldn’t get to stop committing crimes. They’d put them in a real jail for a day, and these real convicts would explain (in the most terrifying manner ever) what life would be like in prison if they ended up there.

It honestly gave me some of my worst nightmares growing up. And that seed just stuck in my head.  So when I decided I wanted to do a YA thriller—it was already there.

In the documentary, as scary as it was, those convicts were all volunteers. Guys who had a new attitude and wanted to help reform these kids. So there was always an imaginary line you knew they couldn’t cross. No matter how much they threatened these kids, you knew they weren’t really going to hurt them.

But, in my head it was always—what if that imaginary line was gone? What would it be like to be one of those kids in the most terrifying place on the planet with some of the most dangerous people on the planet? And the writing pretty much flowed from that.

Here's a peek at Uncaged:

Jason Holden has been skating on thin ice since his mother died. If there’s a rule to break, he’s broken it. After capping off a burglary and a bar fight with a car wreck, he quickly finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And since his father's the governor, that means his punishment is about as public as it gets. Jason's thrown into the first Scared Straight program Florida has ever run in their updated, state-of-the-art Blackenbush Penitentiary. Along with a documentary crew led by Sasha, a young woman in way over her head, and five other boys a year and a strike away from jail, Jason comes face to face with his inevitable future on the other side of a heavily guarded prison wall.

But that's just the beginning. The tour has barely begun when one of the inmates makes a move. Before long the entire penitentiary is under siege, surrounded by the feds and overrun with prisoners let loose from their cells. Jason slips away with Sasha in the chaos, but they won't be able to escape without help. And the only thing worse than being stuck in prison, is being stuck in a prison run by the inmates.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Uncaged is actually my debut.  I’ve probably written thirty screenplays, but this is my first novel.

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

I just finished a first draft of a new YA series. Uncaged is pretty much a one-off—a self-contained story. So, I’m really excited about getting a series going where I can take characters on a continually journey.

I don’t want to say too much about them yet, but it’s an attempt to take YA in a slightly different direction. I think there are plenty of vampire and dystopia books out there. Maybe too many. I think YA can do so much more. My idea is to write a YA that feels like a big, action blockbuster. My two protagonists are brother and sister, and let’s say they get into some pretty crazy stuff. The story is heightened somewhat, but still very grounded and real world. No unicorns, no fairies, no zombies.

Big, fun, action, some romance—my goal is to have the reader gripping the next page ready to turn because they are flying through it so fast.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Very simple:  write, write, and write. And don’t be too hard on yourself in the beginning. Writing is a craft that you get better at with practice!

Anything else you want readers to know?

Just how much I appreciate them. You work so hard and just hope people will enjoy what you do.  I’ve been stunned by the overwhelmingly and effusively positive reviews the book has received. Not to mention all the super nice people that have reached out and told me how much they enjoyed it.

That stuff just makes my day and is so appreciated.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My personal website.

As for where to buy Uncaged, I am trying to send most people to Amazon to try and rise up the charts. 

Amazon

But I'm also on most book sites,including Barnes and Noble.

Kid Lit Blog Hop #36

Welcome to the 36th Kid Lit Blog Hop where twice per month (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

This Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages brings you interviews with Mark A. Cooper and Joe Gazzam, two YA authors whose stories will bring today's world to your door. You don't want to miss these. Mark's interview posts Tuesday evening. Joe's interview will post on Wednesday morning.

You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! We are pleased to welcome our friends Stanley & Katrina back as co-hosts this week. Thanks for joining us again and please take a moment to see their BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><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 hosts. 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 Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max 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

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Destiny @ Reading and Sharing Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

Co-Host:

Stanley & Katrina 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. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* 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.*

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Happy Hopping!

Meet YA Author Mark A. Cooper

Carpinello's Writing Pages is pleased to welcome Mark A. Cooper, author of the tremendously popular YA series Jason Steed.

First, a bit about Mark:

Mark A. Cooper was born in Dulwich, London. The arts always played a major part of Mark’s early life. He performed as Oliver in a Stage production and sang on two records in the mid 1970’s. In 2003, Mark moved his family to Sarasota. He spends his spare time with his family and writing.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

The first novel was written for my son he was 13 at the time, and it fit the YA genre.

What types of books do you like to read?

Young Adult novels. As a child, I grew up reading Enid Blyton novels. I think she is the biggest influence on my work. (For those of you unfamiliar with Enid Blyton, some of her books include the Adventurous Four, Adventure Series, Alligator Books, and the Barney Mysteries.)

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

Florida is absolutely beautiful. My wife and I walk for hours along the beaches. Sunrise or sunset are my favorite times.

Tell us about Jason Steed Absolutely Nothing and the Jason Steed series.

This is the third book of the Jason Steed series. I am still stunned by how successful the series has been. This novel took me the longest to write. I re-wrote 70% of it as I was not happy with the story. In Jason Steed Absolutely Nothing, 12-year-old Jason Steed once again finds himself embroiled in danger and a thrilling international adventure when his father is taken captive along with a UN peacekeeping force.

The first book Fledgling Jason Steed introduced readers to 11-year-old Jason Steed as he faces a threat of nuclear attack and the horrible deaths of his friends. He struggles not only survive, but also with how to save his country.

The second book Revenge Jason Steed finds Jason trying to survive attacks from Boudica and his Triads and protect the daughter of the Chinese Commissioner.

Here's a peek at Jason Steed Absolutely Nothing:

After going under cover and uncovering a child trafficking organization in Britain, 12 year-old Jason Steed settles into an elite American Military School for boys and finally feels normal.

When a peacekeeping force working for the United Nations are taken hostage, it was just another boring news story that Jason ignored until he is informed his father is among the captives. Repeatedly he is told not too worry, someone will do something. Jason decides he is that someone and discovers more than he bargained for when he unearths a group of American-fathered children deep in the Vietnamese Jungle. Unwanted by the Americans and shunned by the Vietnamese, they are left to die and hunted by a ruthless Vietnamese General. Can anyone rescue the prisoners and help the children?

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

The Jason Steed series are the successful novels. I've also written Edelweiss Pirates Operation Einstein. The story follows a group of German teenagers during WW2. A group of fun loving rebellious German teens, calling themselves the Edelweiss Pirates, witness something so deplorably sickening they decide to take action when a six-year old Jewish girl is left orphaned. Torn between patriotism for the country they love and their own rights and freedoms, they have to try and do the unthinkable. With the Gestapo and Hitler Youth hot on their trail, will it be too late?

The novel received great reviews and is a hit among the Jewish community who actually welcomed a novel with the German family POV. I have not yet decided whether or not to write a second adventure novel with the Edelweiss Pirates.

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

I have two projects: Book 4 in the Jason Steed series and another novel that is partially science fiction. Both are YA stories

What advice do you have for other authors?

Never give up and stick to your ideas. When I first wrote Fledgling Jason Steed (Book 1), I self published it, and I had a huge success with it. An agent and publisher picked me up. They edited the novel, cut out 23,000 words and changed how an aircraft with damaged undercarriage landed. I had email after email of complaints regarding the aircraft landing and why it was changed. Many reviewers had actually mentioned the landing in the first edition. This is the largest regret I have. Never again will anyone tell me what to write. The editor ruined a good ending to a story, but when you are new and you get picked up by a big publisher, you think they know best. My advice would be stick to your guns.

Where to find Mark and his books:

Mark's website

Amazon

Barnes & Noble