The wait is over!

Book Three of this highly-rated fantasy series is finally here!

Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor is the third offering in L. R. W. Lee’s well-received Andy Smithson allegorical, fantasy, adventure series for middle graders – a planned seven-book series.
In Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor, Andy discovers more than he bargained for when his parents reveal his mom’s past ,and he realizes she will die when he breaks the curse unless he intervenes.
Now twelve, Andy returns to Oomaldee to find its citizens on edge after many have been turned into vulture-people. Against this background, Andy and his company embark upon the next quest, to retrieve the horn of a unicorn. But not long into it, a seductive voice calls to Andy, tempting him to surrender the next ingredient in exchange for a promise to preserve his mom. Will he be able to stop the transformation of Oomaldee’s citizens? Will he jeopardize his ability to end the curse to save Mom?

Available in Kindle and Paperback

Book 1:  Blast of the Dragon’s Fury eBook is FREE. Pick up a copy at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, Google, B&N. You can also listen to the FREE podcast of Book 1 on iTunes. It is also available in paperback.

Book 2: Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning is available in Kindle and Paperback.








L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives – overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. L. R. W. Lee lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband, daughter and son.

Connect with L. R. W. at: Twitter   Website   Facebook

Meet Children's Author Thereza Howling

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Thereza Howling, author of the children's book Rainforest Adventure and Yoga instructor.

First, a bit about Thereza:

Thereza Howling is a certified yoga instructor and currently teaches kids, teens, and adults in Washington State. She is excited to share the result of her love for yoga combined with her experience as a mother of two and years as an Enrichment teacher at a Montessori school. You can learn more about kids' yoga with Thereza on Facebook.

Why did you pick to write books for children?

As a kids' yoga teacher, I am always looking for books providing good themes and action for my classes. Children’s books have a lot of pictures, and sometimes many words follow. With children’s attention span being shorter, sometimes I have to summarize the story instead of reading all the words on the pages of the books. Some of the pages cannot be associated with poses and that stops the flow of a class. This could be good to calm the kids down in between poses, but it could also go the other way if we take too long, and they lose interest in the story. So I decided to self-publish a book which I could use in my classes and also offer this tool to other yoga teachers around the world.

What types of books do you like to read?

I like to read spiritual books, such as Autobiography of a Yogi by Parahamsa Yogananda. In my search for children’s books that I could use in my classes, I have stumbled upon many good ones, such as Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo by Karma Wilson or Todd Parr’s Earth Book or Peace Book. They are colorful, with few words, yet full of action and ideas that leave it open for the reader to expand it.

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

Aside from writing poems, I like to write on my personal blog, on my book’s blog and a few stories, which may become children’s books in the future. I teach yoga to little kids, elementary aged kids, tweens, teens and adults. And of course, I love to practice yoga myself! It is crucial for yoga teachers to keep their own practice, at a studio or at home. Raising my own kids and taking care of my family is also an important part of my life.

Tell us about the Rainforest Adventure book and how the story came to be.

I have been teaching kids' yoga since 2011 with classes having certain themes. I have noticed how the kids participate more if they know about the theme, and the rainforest is one of them. It is usually taught to students in second grade in the area where I live, so kids love to share what they know with their peers, and I celebrate it by inviting them to share during my yoga classes. I also like to follow a certain order in my classes that is not in any book, so I adapt stories to my class. I felt the need for books that would flow the way my classes do. One day I thought about leading the yoga class with a poem that would talk about the poses we would do, and that’s how the book came to be!

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

When I was a kid, I wrote two books under my grandmother’s supervision. The first one at the age of 5, and the second one I stopped halfway through when I was 13. They were both a collection of poems of mine. The Rainforest Adventure book is the first officially published book, in terms of readers being able to get their own copies. Before that, I could only let friends borrow my books to take a look.

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


When I wrote this poem about the rainforest, I wrote four other poems within a couple of days in a creative spree. That was back in 2012. Within a month after my first book got published, I had an idea for a children’s story and am currently working on details, as I know the idea but want to be careful with the words I choose to put in the book. Meanwhile, any of the other poems may get published anytime. I tend to follow my heart a lot on what to put my energy into and when.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Follow your dream and share your story with the world! I know writers with great ideas, but they never find their stories are good enough for publishing and keep correcting them, never finalizing. I think that, as an author, there is a point when you should stop and listen to your heart to see if the story really needs more tweaking, or if it is just your ego with its perfectionism trying to talk you out of it.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Come take a look at my blog about this book and others to be published in the future. I look forward to hearing from you!

My book can be found on Amazon or on my Createspace page.

Meet Children's Author Stephanie Dikey

 Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Stephanie Dikey, author and teacher, along with her book The Adventures of Phoenix and Tucson: The Great Rescue.

First, a bit about Stephanie:

Stephanie Dikey is a third grade teacher in Webster, New York. Writing was sometimes difficult for Stephanie, but when she began her career as a teacher, she developed a passion for writing and teaching the craft to her students. Her students have always been interested in her furry children, Phoenix & Tucson, and Stephanie often enjoys sharing real-life stories about their friendship. Now she finally has a book to share about their special bond! Says Stephanie (a.k.a. Mrs. Dikey), “I want my students to believe that they are writers even if it isn’t easy. Everyone has a story and it’s worth sharing.” Stephanie found her passion for teaching at a young age and began teaching in 2002. She received her Master’s in Literacy in 2005. “The more you read, the better life you will lead,” is something Stephanie lives by when teaching her students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking on the beach, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.

Why did you pick to write books for children?

I am a third grade teacher, and I am always inspired by my students. They love to ask questions about my pets, and they love to hear stories about them. This inspired me to write stories for all children to read and enjoy. Also, I was a reluctant and struggling writer as a young child. It was not until I began teaching students the craft of writing that I began to enjoy writing myself and celebrate writing with kids!

What types of books do you like to read?

I like to read realistic fiction books and biographies. I also enjoy reading many kinds of children’s books (even as an adult)!

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

I enjoy reading. I also like to cook and try out new recipes. Finally, I enjoy taking my dog for a walk.

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

My pets are both rescued animals. It is a story about their rescue and the special bond they created immediately. I think it is important for kids and adults to see the special friendship that animals can form. We can learn a thing or two from our pets. :)

Here's a peek at The Great Rescue:

In The Great Rescue, the Hopelynns are excited to have Tucker join them in their home. As Tucker’s name changes to Phoenix, many other things change as well. He has left his friends behind at the shelter, and although he is happy with his new parents, he begins to feel lonely at the Hopelynn’s house.

Soon he will not be lonely. Phoenix will welcome his new furry sister, Tucson, into his home and show her that there is always room for more love . . . and adventure.




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

I am working on the first adventure that Phoenix and Tucson will go on. They will be introduced to another fun animal…and maybe it will turn into another unlikely friendship! :)

What advice do you have for other authors?

My advice is to always have fun writing. The minute that it feels like it is “work” is when an author has to review his/her purpose. Writing is all about expressing oneself and sharing thoughts with the world.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I also conduct presentations to children about becoming an author and the process of writing.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Readers can follow my blog and check out new adventures with Phoenix & Tucson at
www.dreamreacherbooks.com.  My book can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Glastonbury Tor & Abbey and the Kid Lit Blog Hop #47

One of the highlights of our trip to the UK was the time we spent in Glastonbury at the Tor and the Abbey. While die-hard Arthurian scholars scoff at any association with Arthur, for lovers of the romantic—stories of adventure involving knights, kings, damsels in distress, chivalry, mystery, and fantasy—Arthurian Legend, Glastonbury is a must-see.

Here is Glastonbury Tor seen from below. Originally host to an ancient oratory, the structure seen here is what's left of a monastery built around the 15th century. I'm partial to this site as it is the cover for my short King Arthur's Story.

This is the same structure seen from the ground. Another example of the magnificent architecture from medieval times.

              


That's me standing by one of the arched entrances.

One of my favorite pieces is this wooden cross—a gift from Queen Elizabeth II to the Glastonbury Abbey—because it bears these words:

"It marks a Christian sanctuary so Ancient that only Legend can record its origin."

Here I kneel by what was reputed to be the re-buried remains of Arthur and Guinevere. Monks were said to have found the remains on Abbey grounds in 1191. Who's to say?!

Last, I leave you with one of the entrance arches of the Abbey Church still standing. Even from this picture it is possible to see the intricate and meticulous design.

Now, onto the Hop!

Welcome to the 47th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

This hop brings interviews with children's writers Stephanie Dikey and Thereza Howling.

So, 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 be formally welcoming Stanley & Katrina, pawthors of the newly released The Observations of the Obstreperous Animals (Stanley & Katrina Book 2) , as permanent hosts on the Hop. Also, a big welcome to our co-host this week, Kimbra, the blogger behind The Barefoot Librarian. Welcome to Stanley & Katrina and Kimbra!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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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

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

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

Stanley & Katrina, Pawthors Twitter * Facebook

Co-Host:

Kimbra @ The Barefoot Librarian Twitter * Google+

 

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!

Sons of the Sphinx

It's release day for Sons of the Sphinx, and I couldn't be more excited!

I started writing this in May 2010, although the idea started growing back in May of 2008 when we spent three weeks visiting Egypt and it's ancient culture. Way back then, it seduced me and still calls to my soul. I will return someday to that ancient land.

Here are a couple of my favorite photos from that visit.

 

Recognition:

Sons of the Sphinx is already gathering excellent reviews from Readers' Favorite and Literary Classics, a Seal of Approval from the Literary Classics, and is a finalist in the 2014 Literary Classics Book Awards.

Enjoy this excerpt:

"'How do I even know that you're real and not just someone my crazy brain has made up?'

'Touch me, Roosa. You will see I'm real enough.'

Touch him? Is he as crazy as I am? Okay, so I'm going to touch him, just for my own peace of mind.

I reach out my hand, fingers extended, trying to reach him but not move from the wall. A crooked smile appears on his face. He takes a couple of steps forward, reaches out and touches me.

Lightning heat shoots out from him, races up my arm, switches direction and dives into my stomach. I snatch my hand back and grab my belly with both hands. The burning sensation knocks my knees out from under me. I slump to the floor, still leaning on the wall. The room spins, and my head swims. Tears mixed with stars blur my vision so there is no focusing. Not enough air in here; my chest tightens as if the lungs inside are ready to explode.

The burning sensation turns into a glow. My whole body's glowing! Blinking, I concentrate on the hand in front of me. Glowing, definitely glowing! Crazy. I have finally gone over the edge. I'm going crazy fast, and no one is home to save me.

Tut's eyes are a tangible weight as he stares at me. He stands there, not saying a word, his crooked smile replaced by tenderness, hope, concern? I rub my temples to ease the pounding pain that is suddenly present. Fear leaps through me like wildfire through dry grass. What is happening?

'I won't hurt you, Rosa.'

What? A girl's voice! I look around the room. No one else is here. I look at Tut; his eyes lock with mine. What is going on? I joke a lot about my gift being a curse, but this time I'm really afraid. Like the afraid of dying kind of fear."

I hope you travel with Rosa—my 15-year-old protagonist—back into that magical land as Rosa seeks to understand who she is and finds herself in a battle where failure could be death!

Where to Find Sons of the Sphinx:

Sons of the Sphinx is available as an eBook and in paperback (Barnes&Noble will stock paperback in a few days) from the following booksellers:

eBooks:

Amazon

Smashwords

Nook

iBookstore

Paperback:

Amazon

Reviews and recommendations are always welcome where you purchase the book and/or on Goodreads.

Meet Middle Grade Author C. L. Collar

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Middle Grade author C. L. (Cathy) Collar and The McCory Chronicles.

First, a bit about Cathy:

C. L. Collar is a down-to-earth country girl who has lived most of her life in small town America. She has a passion for laughter and a strong love of God and family. Cathy was introduced to the world of magic and poetry by her mother at a very young age through the book Silver Pennies, and she fell in love with fanciful writing. She shares much of her work on her blogs. She presently lives in Darrouzett, Texas, with her husband and a very extensive furry family.

Why did you pick to write books for Middle Grade Children?

I have always had the gift of rhyme. When my children were young I would write short rhyming stories and songs to entertain them. I love the way children's eyes light up when they read something that sparks their interest and imagination. As a child I loved reading fairy tales and poems, so it only made since for my first book to be a children's fairy tale.

What types of books do you like to read?

Poetry is my first love, but anything magical comes in a very close second. It amazes me how a fantasy writer can build a whole world out of nothing but their imagination. I can't wait to see what new and exciting things they come up with.

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

When I am not writing, I am usually making jewelry. My daughters, sister, and I have founded an organization called Anna's legacy. This organization was formed in the memory of my youngest daughter who passed away from leukemia. We make jewelry to sell online and at local craft shows. A percentage of the profits go to help people who are fighting disabling diseases.

I also enjoy gardening, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Let's just say I am never bored.

Tell us about The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth and how the story came to be.

The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth is a middle grade, fairy tale, adventure and is the first book in The McCory Chronicles Series. In this book, Katie McCory, her twin Billy, and their two best friends are whisked away on a quest in the land of Fey to retrieve a stolen talisman, the Dagger of Truth. Along the way they meet many magical creatures and learn how to work together and listen to their inner spirits. This series is influenced by the fantastic writings of C. S. Lewis.

Here's a peek at The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth:

 A mysterious golden chest in Grams’ attic, a stained-glass window that never ages, and a strange dream. What do these three things have in common? MAGIC. This magic sends twins, Katie and Billy, and their two best friends on a quest into Fey in pursuit of a stolen talisman, The Dagger of Truth. In the hands of dark magic, this mighty talisman can be transformed into The Dagger of Malice and possesses the power to destroy both Fey and mortal Earth. The friends are guided on their mission by four good fairies: a Brownie, Sun Fairy, Sphinx, and The Green Lady. Armed with magical weapons, gifted from the Dwarfs, they go in pursuit of the thief, a Soul Shrinker, and his mother the Queen of the Dark Fairies. Come along for the ride as “The Chosen Ones” step into an exotic land full of danger, magic and mystery.


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

My latest publication is Finding Fey, a book of fairy tales and poems. I love reading the old fairy tales and wanted to bring back the fairies of lore and place them in stories to be shared by all. I want to bring the wonder of magic back into the family living room.

Here's a peek at Finding Fey:

Let’s take a trip into the Land of Enchantment where everything is magical and always unpredictable. The Land of Fey has both intrigued and inspired humans since the beginning of time. Finding Fey brings you a new breed of fairy tale. One that reintroduces you to old myths and legends in a family friendly way. These stories and poems are meant to be read, remembered, and shared for the pure enjoyment of Finding Fey. So let us begin. Look into the twilight at the end of day and find the lighted pathway into the Land of Fey.



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

Right now, I am working on the second book in The McCory Chronicles Series, Katie McCory and Destiny's Diamond. I plan to have this book published sometime later this year. I am also working on another anthology focusing on magical short stories and poems. I am looking at early 2015 for its publication. On my blog, www.creationsmystique.blogspot.com, I am posting poetry and short stories monthly.

What advice do you have for other authors?

The best advice I could give to other authors is to write what you love. Do not let anyone dictate what you should be writing. Only you and your muse know what is best for you. No matter how silly or simple or frightening the thoughts are inside your head, trust your muse and write them down. Who knows your break-through novel might come from nothing more than a silly thought.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Anyone who would like to follow my writing can find me at the links below. I love to get feedback from my readers.

BLOGS BY C. L COLLAR:

http://creationsmystique.blogspot.com/
http://annas-legacy.blogspot.com/
http://www.mccorychronicles.blogspot.com/

FRIEND C. L. COLLAR ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/cathy.collar
https://www.facebook.com/CLCollar


The McCory Chronicles:

Amazon Paperback 
Amazon eBook


Finding Fey:

Amazon Paperback
Amazon eBook

GoodReads
Smashwords