Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Meet MG/YA Author J. B. Pelts

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes J. B. Pelts and his first novel in what will be a popular series for MG/YA readers.

First, a bit about J. B.:

Originally from Oxford, England, J. B. Pelts lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, 18 month-old triplets, and two rescue dogs.  Growing up on stories of wonder and adventure that dragged him into wanting to become a part of the tales themselves, the lure of an exotic mysterious island just waiting to be explored filled his head with imagination, and it was from these seeds that the island of Corentin was born. With its old Breton heritage and location in the Atlantic Ocean off of the south-west tip of England, it became a place where adventure reigned, where castle ruins and derelict stone towers are interspersed with chocolate factories and 7-story toy stores, and where a boy from middle England could spend the most exciting summers of his life.

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

Two reasons really.  First, if you get a good book/series in this age group (Harry Potter being a shining example), then they are so much fun to read for all ages.  You get swept along with the story, and it’s not a chore to get through (those are the WORST types of books!).  I figured if I was going to write a novel, it should be something that I would really enjoy reading myself!

Second as a kid I loved stories of adventure, like Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe (Hint: look out for Crusoe Park in Armorica, the capital of the mythical island in my Robin Pembroke series!), and Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. It was the fact that these were adventures that you felt could possibly happen to you one day that drew me in, and I wanted to recreate something similar, but with the flow and bounce of the modern day classics.


What types of books do you like to read?

My tastes are a bit all over the board really. As with so many people, Harry Potter ranks right up at the top of my list, especially the earlier ones–I loved the way that they bounced along as you read them. Roald Dahl was probably my favorite author when I was a child, and I still go back and re-read him sometimes. Fantastic Mr. Fox, in particular, I loved.

I made the decision in my 20’s to go back and read some of the classics, having not really been exposed at school, and that was one of the best decisions I ever made. There are so many amazingly brilliant works out there, just waiting for you to get lost in. It was from this that I read The Grapes of Wrath and, that in turn, led me to read most of what Steinbeck has written—East of Eden is another favorite of mine. F. Scott Fitzgerald created some masterpieces too.

A really gripping non-fiction book, or something semi-fiction, always pulls me in too.  Erik Larson has some great books out there, and then the like of Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson is a great read—although maybe I’m biased being English—as well as his A Short History of Nearly Everything which gave me so many tidbits of information that I tend to bore people with!

Currently I’m reading through the Percy Jackson series, between other books, and next on my list is to start on the Divergent set of books.


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

Other than reading, I am a big soccer fan, and whenever I can get the chance to kick a ball around it is a good day!

Mostly my remaining time is spent with our 18 month-old triplets – they are developing so fast, and with three little people now running around and questioning everything, my wife and I are constantly kept on our toes!  It is a little madness sometimes, but a fantastically wonderful madness!


Tell us about Robin Pembroke: Pirates & Winged Horses and how the story came to be.


Robin Pembroke: Pirates & Winged Horses is my first published novel and is the first in a 6-part series that follows Robin through his summers from the age of 10 to 15. 

In short, the story centers around Robin, who is from a very poor family living in middle-England.  Then, soon before his 11th birthday, he receives an inheritance of a house on the island of Corentin from a great aunt he didn’t even know he had.  After finding a way to visit that summer with his parents, he makes new best friends in Millie and Olwenn, a brother and sister who live on the island, and Georgie who visits every summer with her grandparents.

The book came to be as a story that I’d always wanted to write – something that you can get completely lost in, with all the aspects of real-life. To do this, I created the island of Corentin (off of the coast of England), and gave it a Breton heritage – many of the names and locations on the island are Breton, and this ancestry plays a big part in the mystery the kids uncover.

I’ve also always found it hard to follow books as to exactly what is happening and when, especially if I don’t read the whole thing inside a couple of days. I want a story to be easy to follow, and so to accomplish this I wrote the book as 35 chapters of consecutive days—after two introductory chapters—making it easy to remember where you are and to follow along.  In addition, the kids’ cork board is used to pin up notes that help the reader to see easily what has been found out so far and are great spots to bookmark as you read through!


Here's a peek at Robin Pembroke: Pirates & Winged Horses:

Nearly eleven, Robin Pembroke discovers his inheritance of a house on the mythical island of Corentin off of the coast of England and embarks on the most amazing summer of his life.  He and his new best friends chase a fantastical pirate mystery that is interwoven with the hunt for wondrous secret treasures, all the while trying to avoid the evil Maurier siblings Seb and Angelina. 


They uncover the start of a pirate mystery that has lain hidden for over 200 years, and their clues and findings take them on a fantastical adventure across Corentin, culminating in a breathtaking finale that you don’t see coming.  In between, they rope in help from the likes of Alfie Andrews and his group of super-smart friends, become engrossed in the local board game Cells & Giants, and have to contend with the evil Mauriers, and particular the son Seb, who is Robin’s age.

Robin hadn’t foreseen pirates playing any part in his upcoming school holidays whatsoever. But then again neither had he expected to find a secret treasure map, uncover a dinosaur fossil, sight a legendary lake monster, or make three fantastic new friends. That though, and much, much more, is exactly what happened...


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

The second Robin Pembroke book is being written right now and is taking shape nicely. The outline for all six books has been created. The flow is all laid out, and I’m currently writing the early chapters. The story picks up the following summer, leading from the revelations uncovered at the end of Pirates & Winged Horses, as Robin, Millie, Olwenn, and Georgie race on another adventure across Corentin, taking in old favorite places and characters, while introducing a whole new set of locations. 

Oh, and watch out for Seb and the other bad guys in this one – they start to cross paths with Robin and his friends as they chase the same mystery…


What advice do you have for other authors?

It’s a long road, especially writing a first book, but you never finish unless you start. I know everyone says that, but it is so, so true. Pirates & Winged Horses took four years from initiation to publishing!

And then once you start, set yourself goals, but make them realistic. I started with the plan of writing a chapter a week, and that soon fell apart. Once you’ve missed a goal, it's tough to find the motivation continue. So what I did was to set up goals that I knew I could realistically hit, but were strong enough that those kept me moving along.

Also, write for the genre that you most enjoy—you are writing the book for yourself as much as anyone else—and what you like is what you’ll have had the most exposure to and what you’ll be best at.


Anything else you want readers to know?


Just that I am a big fan of feedback and would love to hear from anyone who reads the book as to what they’ve thought. I can be contacted directly at admin@robinpembroke.com. I hugely appreciated the investment in reading my book, and I respond personally to all communications. I listen to any ideas readers may have for future books—one of the new characters in the second book is actually named after a suggestion from an early reader!


Where can readers find you and your books?


Robin Pembroke: Pirates & Winged Horses is available as an eBook on Amazon and as a paperback.

More details on the book can be found at www.robinpembroke.com, including the full prologue and first chapter of the book, as well as snapshots of all of the key characters and locations on Corentin.

Additionally, I have a Twitter account which I predominantly use to post weekly updates from what is happening on Corentin, and is a cool way to stay connected to the island.

Finally is the Robin Pembroke Facebook page which is a great resource for more general updates about the books.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Re-Thinking Sons of the Sphinx and the Kid Lit Blog Hop #52

This week I participated in the second of two Author Discussions/Reading with fellow author Gail Strickland. The event revolved around the influence of Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey in both of our books, Sons of the Sphinx (mine) and Night of Pan (Gail's). We do a good job together talking about the progression of the journey throughout our stories and illustrate steps of the journey through individual readings. Here we are ready for our audience with Gail on the left and yours truly on the right:


We each presented our stories as coming of age, but Gail also emphasized the historical accuracy of Night of Pan. On the way home, I got to thinking that I could have done a better job of introducing Sons of the Sphinx. I also kicked myself all the way home for not realizing this sooner.

Sons of the Sphinx is based on the schism that the Pharaoh Akhenaten shot through ancient Egypt when, according to historians, he turned his back on Thebes and the gods of Egypt. He built his own city to honor his god the Aten, and he insisted that the people of Egypt do the same. Along with this, he supposedly refused to send troops to defend Egypt's borders thus incurring the wrath of the then General Horemheb. When Tutankhamen becomes pharaoh, he reverses Akhenaten's proclamations and returns the governing center to Thebes and the worship back to the god Amun.

However, the damage has been done, and by the time Horemheb attains pharaoh status, he has proclaimed the betrayal of the Egyptian people by Akhenaten so widely and so much, all members of the family including Tutankhamen and Ankhesenamun and Ay are dishonored. Horemheb further insults the family by defacing Ay's tomb after his death. It is Ay's decision before his death to ensure that Ankhsenamun is not subject to dishonor by keeping her final resting place a secret.

The historical significance of my story is the main reason I was able to write Sons of the Sphinx. Needing to help right a wrong done over 3000 years ago and reunite the boy king with his queen (whose tomb has yet to be identified or found), allowed my protagonist Rosa to come to terms with who she is and what her place in this world is.

I would love to hear if you think this is essential/important information that would benefit readers of Sons of the Sphinx.

And now,

Welcome to the 52nd Kid Lit Blog Hop where 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 interviews Tween/Teen author  
Krysten Lindsay Hager
and MG/YA author J. B. Pelts.
 
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! For the first time, we will also be including a Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Every two weeks, you will have the opportunity to join in a linky party focused on one social media network, helping you to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents. First up... the Facebook Linky Party. We are pleased to be welcome the following co-hostess with us this week: Katie from The Logonauts, a blog focused on sharing and discussing great books for elementary and middle grade readers. Please take a moment to drop by and say hello. Welcome Katie!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

 

Co-Hostess:

The Logonauts

 

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party linky list below. Be sure to visit, "like", and/or comment on your hostesses' Facebook pages as well as the two links directly before yours. Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us and we will be sure to follow you back.

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 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 from the Kid Lit Blog Hop 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/Linky Party? 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!
 

FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY


KID LIT BLOG HOP

Meet Tween/Teen Author Krysten Lindsay Hager

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Krysten Lindsay Hager author of several Tween/Teen stories.

First, a bit about Krysten:

Krysten Lindsay Hager is an Amazon international bestselling author and book addict. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio, where you can find her reading and writing when she's not catching up on her favorite shows (Hart of Dixie and The Goldbergs). She's worked as a journalist and humor writer and writes middle grade, YA, and adult fiction.

Why did you pick to write books for Tweens and Teens?

That is the age when I really got into reading and began collecting books. I used to go to the library a lot with my mom and sister, and every month my mom would take me to the bookstore to pick up the latest edition of all the different series books I read.

What types of books do you like to read?

I read a little of everything. I read YA and middle grade. I love biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies. I also like fiction based on real people’s lives, Christian non-fiction, and women’s fiction, too. I read classics, and I enjoy my book club where we read a wide range of books.



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

I like to read, watch TV, and I’m a big shopper—books are my biggest vice, but I’m into fashion, too. I always say I’ve never met a bookstore I didn’t like.

Tell us about True Colors and how the story came to be.

The book is about Landry Albright, an eighth grader who just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. The idea came to be when I was in college. I had just finished an independent creative writing class with a professor, and he said you should write the book you want to read, and I started thinking back to an idea I had in grade school. The idea was about these four girls as friends (Landry, Devon, Peyton, and India) and it came from when I was in the sixth grade and saw the cover of a Bangles’ album called, “Everything.” I started wondering what these four women were like as preteens/early teens. I put the modeling competition in the story because I feel so many of us have insecurities about our appearance and about how sometimes young girls feel that looks can gain them acceptance. I had done some modeling at that age (I started a little younger than Landry.), and I saw how it impacted my views on things. I wanted readers to see it wasn’t what they (or Landry) thought it would be like.

I wrote True Colors because I think we all go through times when the people we think are our true friends show us their true colors, and it hurts. Trying to figure out where you fit in is something you go through whether you’re in eighth grade, college, or as an adult. I remember being in first grade and dealing with cliques. I wanted to write about that time when you’re trying to figure out who you are as well as figure out who really has your back.

Here's a peek at True Colors:



Eighth grader Landry Albright just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you because of it.

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

I have been published in several anthologies. I have a YA short story on vampires (think humor, not Twilight) in Autumn Magic that came out in October.

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

The sequel to True Colors will be out this year (2015). It’s part of the Landry’s True Colors series and is titled, Best Friends…Forever? This second book picks up right where Landry’s story leaves off when she gets off the train with her mom in Chicago. I also have another book for the same age group, an adult novel, and an older YA novel I’m working.


What advice do you have for other authors?

Read as much as you can, go to conferences and workshops, and get into critique groups. I’d also suggest not just taking a creative writing class, but a literature class as well to see how great novels come together. I think my most helpful writing classes were the many lit classes I took in college.

Anything else you want readers to know?

If you’re interested in seeing how I imagine the characters, you can go to my website to check out my Pinterest board where I have pictures of not just the characters, but some of the girls’ bedrooms/furniture/pets/etc. I update my blog and will have a playlist for the book coming as well as my original scrapbook that I started before I ever wrote the story. You can see what that “grapefruit” colored paint looked like, too!

Where can readers find you and your books?

Me:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444090-true-colors
Pinterest

Purchasing links:

AmazonUS
AmazonUK
Barnes and Noble
Kobo:
iTunes
Smashwords

Friday, January 16, 2015

Mystery Bonus Treasure and Giveaway!

URQ Poster3 

What do pirates, explorers and children have in common? They all love treasure hunts!

THE ULTIMATE READING QUEST will end on Monday, January 19th, at midnight. This is your last chance to explore new books and authors, and to take home free prizes and books. Plus, one lucky winner, will get a

MYSTERY BONUS TREASURE! 

To enter your name for this SPECIAL TREASURE you must prove yourself worthy by collecting the 49 letters of a secret message! Just by reading this post you already have two of the letters (A and B).


wwawwb


Find the rest within the Quest, writing them down as you go. When you have all 49, unscramble them to decode the secret message. Enter the exact words of the message in the Mystery Prize Rafflecopter right here: a Rafflecopter giveaway.  

As you're searching for the letters, be sure to leave a comment for each and every author. Not only will you get to chat with the amazing Quest authors, but each comment will earn you extra entries in the general Quest prize giveaway that includes an astonishing XX free prizes and gifts! a Rafflecopter giveaway


What are you waiting for? Click this button to start collecting the rest of the letters. Then return here and enter to 

TAKE THE TREASURE!

CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO START THE QUEST
jointhereadingquestsmall

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Meet YA Author Gail Strickland

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes YA author Gail Strickland. It was an amazing twist of fate of brought Gail and I together. Actually it turns out that it was our love of Joseph Campbell and his Hero's Journey. It is a tale few would believe. Since we've met, we have held one book discussion on Campbell's influence in our books, Sons of the Sphinx and Night of Pan, and are gearing up for another. On January 20, we will be at the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover Book Store (the largest Indie book seller in Colorado). If you live in the Denver area, we invite you to join us. And now, I'm excited to introduce you to Gail Strickland!

First, a bit about Gail:

Gail Strickland loves music, art, writing and languages. She has spent her life performing as a pianist in cabarets in San Francisco, symphonic orchestras and a little known eclectic country rock band called The Prairie Dogs. During her years as a piano teacher helping children discover music, Gail also pursued her passion for languages and foreign lands. She lived for months in Greece and Ireland and studied in Stuttgart, Germany. Gail's also translated much of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. But beyond her love for all the arts, Gail has always sought the magic that lingers between the words, within the silent void we cannot paint or play or write.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

I wrote Night of Pan, a YA historical fantasy because, as a Greek scholar in college and a music teacher who has worked for many years with young people, I was eager to share the ancient myths and wisdom with young people. Also, I tired of many modern historians—even the History Channel—telling us that the young Oracle of Delphi did not know what she was doing. Night of Pan reclaims history for the young Oracle in 5th Century BCE Greece who spoke and the entire world listened. I believe she helped save the cradle of democracy and change the course of history. I hope young people will understand after they read Night of Pan that one person can change the world … even one young person.

What types of books do you like to read?

Everything! I love YA books (anything by John Green and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak are some of my favorites!) I also love books that talk about myths from all over the world, showing the similarities between cultures. Myths are not just ancient stories with no relevance to our lives. They are stories that connect nations and live beyond time. The Power of Myth and The Hero with A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell are both great. But like I said, I read everything: novels, historical fiction and even books about quantum physics and fractals and consciousness. (LOL) Well, that’s me in a nutshell … always curious. Always reading.


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


I’m a musician and a piano teacher besides being a writer, so music is a big part of my life. Living at 7600 feet on top of a mountain high above Lake Tahoe, I also love to hike, ski, snowshoe or just sit on my back porch and watch for the gray fox that likes to visit.

Tell us about Night of Pan and how the story came to be.

Night of Pan is my first book and the first of my Oracle of Delphi Trilogy. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk up a mountain and come face to face with a god … a satyr-god who is half goat and half man? I did. I also decided that the History Channel is wrong when they claim that the Oracle of Delphi was only a drug-crazed teenager being controlled by priests who had their fingers on the political pulse of 5th Century BC Greece, so I decided to reclaim history for all of us.

I translated four mysterious prophecies that the young Oracle declared about the million Persians who invaded Greece 480 BC. The same period of history that the movie 300 depicts. My book describes real events, but sometimes history can be confusing—lots of dates and battles and generals. I wanted to tell the story of a simple village girl who was very brave. She is a fictional character based on the real Oracle of Delphi. Her name is Thaleia.

Though the largest invasion the ancient world had seen is in my book, my story isn’t about the kind of courage where someone picks up a sword and chops off heads. My book is about the courage it takes to know who you truly are.

Here's a peek at Night of Pan:

The slaughter of the Spartan Three Hundred at Thermopylae, Greece 480 BCE—when King Leonidas tried to stop the Persian army with only his elite guard—is well known. But just what did King Xerxes do after he defeated the Greeks?

Fifteen-year-old Thaleia is haunted by visions: roofs dripping blood, Athens burning. She tries to convince her best friend and all the villagers that she’s not crazy. The gods do speak to her. And the gods have plans for this girl.

When Xerxes army of a million Persians marches straight to the mountain village Delphi to claim the Temple of Apollo’s treasures and sacred power, Thaleia’s gift may be her people’s last line of defense, but is one girl strong enough to stop an entire army?
-->

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

My previously published works are travel writing stories in Travelers’ Tales anthologies, Venturing in Southern Greece and Venturing in Ireland: Quests for the Modern Celtic Soul, and two poetry books: Clutter and Poems from my Father’s Living Room.

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

I am currently working on The Oracle’s Inferno, second book of the Oracle of Delphi Trilogy. The entire book is set in Erebos, the Greek Underworld. Great place to wander around! Giants, Medusa with snakes in her hair, rivers flowing with fire and The Lord-of-Many-Names: Hades. I’m having a great time writing it! My only problem is that readers who recently finished my first book of the trilogy have told me that I need to write faster and finish this second book so they can read it!

Anything else you want readers to know?

There’s a secret I want to share with you that I learned from the ancient Greeks. In fact, I first learned it from Homer, the blind poet. I found it in the first three words of his epic poem, The Iliad, the story of the Greeks at Troy fighting for the return of beautiful Helen, fighting even the gods: Menin aeida thea … sing to us goddess of the wrath.

Now, Homer didn’t say, “Just send me a text message. Or even … just email me about that anger of Achilles. He asked the goddess to sing about the wrath of Achilles. And that was not a mistake. Homer asked the goddess to sing the entire song of Achilles, all 15,000 lines because ancient Greece was a song culture, a world in which they knew in their hearts the universal language and power of song. The ancient Greek song culture that survived for over two thousand years knew that power caught in the subtle resonance between musical notes and words, between the artist and the audience. That song is heart and yearning … it is everything. It will lead us to the stars. It will guide us to ourselves. It is the song of the universe.

So, don’t text me or email me. Walk along a dark sand beach beside the sea, and let’s sing and dance together … and don’t ever let anyone kill your song.

Where can readers find you and your books?

I want to encourage readers to go to their independent bookstores and order it. However, Night of Pan is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as e-book, paperback and hardcover.

Readers can find information for book clubs, book readings and reviews on my website.

Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Google+

I also belong to the Worlds of Myth, an international Facebook group started in Greece to return a love of myth and ancient wisdom to the world. Check it out!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Year 2015 and the Kid Lit Blog Hop #51

Here's hoping your holidays and the New Year brought joy, cheer, and serenity to you and your family. Before getting to the Hop, I want to share some exciting events happening in 2015.

3 Authors.  3 Continents. Unlimited Adventures!

After months of work, Fiona Ingram, Wendy Leighton-Porter, and I have launched our new combined website: The Quest Books. The site is packed with our MG/YA stories from the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. When you sign up for our newsletter, you will receive an ebook of your choice from any of our books! We will be trading off on the newsletter with Fiona doing the first on. Sign up today so you don't miss her story behind the Chronicles of Stone series.

 Back to Arthurian Legend

 For the last 4 years, I've been immersed in the mystery and magic of Ancient Egypt. With the publication of Sons of the Sphinx in October 2014, I once again return to that land which has given the world the magnificent and everlasting legend of King Arthur.

I'm finishing up the first draft of the second Guinevere book. On the Eve of Legend was meant to be a stand alone story whose sole purpose was to introduce young readers to this legendary princess. However, over the years, I've not only heard from readers who adored Guinevere's friend Cedwyn and wanted to know what became of him, I've also had this young boy invading my mind. It seems that Cedwyn has his heart set on being a knight, not of Arthur, but of his friend Guinevere.

So, I've finally given into Cedwyn, and the second book is titled Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn's Story. Those who loved the innocence of the young Guinevere will need to remember that even the young grow up. This story takes place about three years after the first, and Arthur is busy bringing all of Britain under the same flag. The adventures and trials that await Guinevere and Cedwyn will test their strength, their friendship, and the country.

The Ultimate Reading Quest

For the first time I participating in the Ultimate Reading Quest. This is part of Quest Teaching where  teachers connect with authors to provide curriculum related literature and supporting teaching materials that focus on literacy differentiation, inclusion and the integration of technology. The Quest runs from Jan. 5-19th. MG authors are offering a ton of prizes to participants, so Hop over and take a look.
 

And now,

Welcome to the 51st Kid Lit Blog Hop where 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 interviews MG author Kai Strand and YA author Gail Strickland.

Remember, 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!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!



Kid Lit Blog 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:
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.

Meet MG Author Kai Strand

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcome fellow MuseItUp author Kai Strand and her MG Weaver Tale series.

First, a bit about Kai:

Kai Strand writes fiction for kids and teens. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was an EPIC eBook Awards finalist. Her young adult title, King of Bad, soared to the publisher's #1 spot in its second month and stayed on the Top 5 Bestsellers list for eight months. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.

Why did you pick to write books for MG readers?

The middle school years are filled with conflicting messages. Kids are expected to be independent thinkers, but not yet allowed to act independently. They are expected to act responsibly without being awarded many real responsibilities. How a child navigates through the years of double standards shapes who they will become as adults. That’s where reading comes in. Reading how book characters attack, fail, or succeed over challenges can really help a tween see how their choices might impact their lives and those around them. Though you won’t find a heck of a lot of middle schoolers casting a wish with an odd gnome-elf, like in my story The Lumpy Duckling, the critical thinking that Wheezy demonstrates after her wish goes horribly wrong can teach a child far beyond what their own limited life experiences might. Plus, that child is more likely to handle problems well when they do face them because they’ve seen their favorite characters work their way through situations.

What types of books do you like to read?

Fiction. Mostly middle grade and young adult, though I do branch out beyond that occasionally. Beyond that, I’m not picky. Fantasy, contemporary, historical, sci-fi, dystopian, romance, issue, comics…really I’ll read it all.

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

Read, walk, hike, go to movies, visit the library, hang out in coffee shops. Even better when those things are done in the company of my husband, kids, or friends.

Tell us about The Lumpy Duckling: Another Weaver Tale and how the story came to be.

There are two key elements from my life that loosely inspired the story. First and foremost is my very own best friend. We’ve been besties for 35 years (crazy!), and we’ve been through boatloads of good times, but also weathered some rather trying times. I really wanted to tell that story—of friends weathering through tough times—so kids know not to just give up on a bestie when things get shaky. Second, my bestie and I knew a boy who returned to school one year practically unrecognizable and rather eye catching! So I decided to use those two elements in an Ugly Duckling type of story.

Here's a peek at The Lumpy Duckling:







Lumpy may be hefty with a misshapen mouth, but he's funny and the most loyal friend Wheezy could ask for. When she meets Unwanted, she casts a wish for people to be able to see her best friend like she does. Her wish nearly kills him.







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

Lumpy is my ninth published book and the third standalone title in my Weaver Tales series. The Weaver and The Wishing Well being the first two. In each of the Weaver Tales, a wish goes awry and our main character has more of a problem to fix than she started out with. What I love about the Weaver Tales is that the characters speak in story, making for a more lyrical and literary experience. My other middle grade titles are Beware of the White—a Narnia-like adventure, and Save the Lemmings—a contemporary story about a girl inventor whose reputation is ruined by the media. My other titles are for young adult readers. People can browse my books on my website.

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

My 10th book is under contract! Finding Thor, a contemporary young adult romance, will be published in 2015. I hope to see publication of the third and final book in my Super Villain Academy series (also written for young adult readers) in mid 2015. I’m already working on the fourth Weaver Tale. As you can see, I keep myself busy.

What advice do you have for other authors?

People always say, “Read, read, read.” You know what? It’s true. You need to be familiar with the good and bad books written for your target audience. You need to discover what you like and don’t like so you can mold and shape your own writing. First, steep yourself in books written specifically for your intended audience and then branch out and learn from other genres or age groups.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I’m eternally grateful to readers who give their precious time to any of my books. Readers rock! Thanks for having me, Cheryl.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My website is the most comprehensive place to start.

I’m on Facebook and Twitter.

I’d love for readers to join my mailing list so they don’t miss any announcements or giveaways.

Monday, January 5, 2015

The Ultimate Reading Quest

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Happy New Year from all the Authors in 

The Ultimate Reading Quest!

This year myself, and all the Quest authors, want you to enjoy your reading experiences more than ever! So in 2015, the Ultimate Reading Quest has more, more, more! More authors and more books, means more mystery, more danger, more intrigue and more edge-of-your-seat adventure awaits you! 

We want you, our readers, to be able to fill that Kindle, tablet or E-reader you got for Christmas, with fabulous reads to take you through 2015. The Quest is so much fun! Who doesn't love searching for treasure?

The ULTIMATE READING QUEST is about finding books that are “perfectly” suited to your reading taste by clicking on choices. To thank you for participating, the authors are giving away oodles of prizes for free! Enter your name to win Amazon cards and free books from authors! Plus a whole store of treasured books are just waiting to be discovered by you!

I hope you'll take a look at my Tales & Legends from the Medieval & Ancient Worlds. I write for those reluctant readers you probably know, as well as others and the young-at-heart.


Enjoy your journey as you travel through the QUEST! Don't forget to enter the raffle on the first page of the Quest. And please leave comments or questions for the authors of the Quest. We would love to hear from you. What are you waiting for?

Click on the button below to get started on your QUEST for the next ULTIMATE READ! 


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CLICK ON THIS BUTTON TO START YOUR QUEST!

OR,

WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE READING QUEST.
 




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 CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO START YOUR QUEST!