Newest Reader & the 74th Kid Lit Blog Hop

Carpinello's Writing Pages would like to use this Hop to welcome aboard our newest reader. Please join me in welcoming to the world our family's newest addition and a future reader!

Nina Marie—born April 19, 2016

And Now, 

Welcome to the 74th Kid Lit Blog Hop. This exciting Hop, now monthly, is where we develop an engaged group of people who love everything that has to do with children's literature.
 

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages interviews

MG Author
Elizabeth Woodrum

and

YA author
Betty Bolte

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!

Simply make a post and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) 
Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please visit at least the two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.

Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.

Our next Hop will be May 18, 2016.

Happy Hopping!

Co-Hosts:

Reading Authors, Hostess

Julie Grasso, Author

Cheryl Carpinello, Author

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Hits and Misses

 Spark and Pook

 

 

Meet YA Author Betty Bolte

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes YA author Betty Bolte. I had the pleasure of meeting Betty last October when we were at the Vegas Valley Book Festival to accept medals from Literary Classics for our books.

First, a bit about Betty:

I live with my hubby on a 22-acre farm in Tennessee with our two outdoor dogs and one house cat. I started reading romances in the 1980s, much to my mother’s dismay—she actually threw away a copy of my friend’s mother’s Rosemary Rogers novel! But I was hooked, and there was no going back. Language and writing are my first loves. I have written in a variety of types and genres and have been published since 1995. I started writing as a child—short stories and reports—but turned professional as a technical editor and freelance writer, and then published historical fiction and romance. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, and the Authors Guild.

Why did you pick to write books for Young Adults?

I wrote Hometown Heroines: True Stories of Bravery, Daring, and Adventure for a YA audience because I wanted to bring history to life, to make it entertaining for younger readers and perhaps spark a love of history in the process. I stumbled upon the idea by reading a book that listed the historic landmarks in America and was surprised at the number dedicated to youth. Since it was a book most youth wouldn’t read, I decided to write one they might enjoy and thus discover other youth and what they’d accomplished. Perhaps it would even inspire them to strive for their own dreams.

What types of books do you like to read?

I read a little of everything, including a lot of nonfiction—biographies, histories, memoirs, etc.—for research purposes. But my favorites are historical fiction, classics, mysteries, and contemporary romances.

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

I love to go outside and walk or hike, dance with my husband, read, crochet, cross-stitch, and travel to historic sites.

Tell us about Hometown Heroines and how the story came to be.

Hometown Heroines: True Stories of Bravery, Daring, and Adventure is a collection of 18 short stories, each featuring the actions of a particular girl who lived in the 1800s who is remembered today with a landmark or exhibit dedicated in her honor in America. Each of the 19 girls—one story is about two sisters—did something worthy of her community and our country establishing a durable way of celebrating her achievement or actions. Most remarkably, they were all teenagers or younger at the time. The historical sites range from a park, to a statue, a railroad trestle, and even a mountain. Included with each short story are the biographical facts the story is based upon, a list of other books/resources related to her, and the locations of landmarks and other sites. I was honored to receive for this book a gold medal for Best Female Audience YA book in 2015 from the Children’s Literary Classics organization.

Here's a peek at Hometown Heroines:

During the 1800s, daring and courageous girls across America left their unique mark on history.

Milly Cooper galloped nine miles through hostile Indian Territory to summon help when Fort Cooper was under attack.

Belle Boyd risked her life spying for the Rebels during the Civil War.

Kate Shelly, when she was 15, crawled across a nearly washed-out railroad bridge during a ferocious thunderstorm to warn the next train.

Lucille Mulhall, age 14, outperformed cowboys to become the World’s First Famous Cowgirl.

These are just a few of the inspiring true stories inside Hometown Heroines—American Girls who faced danger and adversity and made a difference in their world.

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

Yes, I’ve written several other nonfiction YA books, two on starting school clubs for Mason Crest (Foreign Language Clubs and Hobby Clubs), and two on horse sports for Chelsea House (Dressage and Jumping). I’ve also written romances, two paranormal for Liquid Silver (Traces and Remnants), and four historical (A More Perfect Union series set in Charleston, SC during the American Revolution). Emily’s Vow, Amy’s Choice, Samantha’s Secret, and Evelyn’s Promise each features a woman fighting for her own form of independence at a time when the women’s rights movement was just beginning along with the new country of the United States of America.

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

I’m always writing! I’ve started writing a spin-off trilogy set in 1785-86 Charleston, featuring the three Sullivan brothers introduced in the AMPU series. I’m also working on a historical women’s fiction series.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Write what you’re passionate about. Dig down inside to find the emotion to put on the page. Don’t publish the story before it’s ready. Just because you can easily self-publish doesn’t mean the story should be quickly put out there before its polished. Get away from your writing regularly to refill the well with activities and experiences that inform and energize your stories. But most of all, don’t write/publish in a vacuum – join a supportive professional organization related to your genre/category of books to learn and grow as an author.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I know I’m not perfect, but I do my utmost to ensure that my historical stories are based on meticulously researched facts to the best of my ability. One male reader reviewed one of my romances. He admitted he didn’t normally read romance but he did find the historical details accurate. That was a huge compliment to me! Also, the Historical Novel Society has given very positive reviews to the AMPU series. You can find links to the reviews on my website.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My books are available at most retailers and e-tailers. The best starting place is my website, www.bettybolte.com. From there you can find me on social media, and the descriptions and buy links for my books. You’ll also find a list of my upcoming appearances where we can meet. I love to hear from my readers, and am available to talk to book clubs (in person if possible, or via Skype). You can also sign up to receive my newsletter to keep informed about new releases and other news. 

Meet MG Author Elizabeth Woodrum

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes one of our favorite types of authors today: Teacher-Author Elizabeth Woodrum.

First, a bit about Elizabeth:

I am originally from Indiana. I moved to Ohio after college for a teaching position and have lived in the Dayton area since 2002. I have been a teacher for about fourteen years, having taught grades four, six, seven, and eight during that time. I currently teach sixth-grade language arts.

I began working on my first independent author project in 2012 and published the first book in my middle grade mystery series in 2013.

Why did you pick to write books for Middle Grade?

I chose to write for a middle grade audience because I was inspired by my time spent with fourth-grade students. I taught that grade for ten years, and I know that age level well. I kept them in mind as a possible audience while writing.

What types of books do you like to read?

My favorite genre is fantasy, though I do enjoy realistic fiction as well. I read a lot of YA books, especially now that I teach sixth-graders. I like to keep current with what they are reading, but I also just really enjoy that genre.


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

I spend a lot of time reading or listening to audio books. I find inspiration from books I enjoy. I spend a lot of time walking or playing with my dog. I adopted her from a rescue organization four years ago, and she is my little shadow.

Tell us about Maisy and the Mystery Manor and how the story came to be.

My current book is the third in the Maisy Files series. This particular story came about because I wanted to have something that would be timely, since I wanted to publish it in October. I also wanted to mix things up a little bit. The previous two books took place mostly at Maisy’s school. The third book has a completely different setting.

Here's a peek at Maisy and the Mystery Manor:

Super sleuths will be thrilled to know that everyone’s favorite fourth-grade detective is back with a double dose of mystery adventure!

As Maisy participates in a mystery weekend event for junior detectives, she uncovers a real case. Could a ghost be haunting Mystery Manor?

Find out in the exciting third installment of The Maisy Files!





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

My other two books, Maisy and the Missing Mice and Maisy and the Money Marauder, are my two other published works. They introduce readers to the character of Maisy Sawyer, a fourth-grade detective with quite an imagination. In the first book, Maisy is tasked with finding the school’s missing mice mascots. In the second, she must solve the case of stolen lunch money.

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

I’m currently toying with a few new ideas for Maisy. But, I also have a YA novel that is bouncing around my brain. I’m planning on releasing another Maisy book in the spring or early summer. But, I would like to also write a YA novel sometime in the future.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Keep writing! I find that if I take a break, it’s much harder to get back in the swing of things. Also, do your research about the publishing process to determine if you want to go the independent or traditional route. Whichever route you choose, be informed.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I want readers to know that I greatly enjoy writing stories for Maisy. A lot of my inspiration comes from my classroom experience, and I think that makes my stories very relatable for young readers.

Where can readers find you and your books?



Website
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon Author Page


My books are available online. The e-books are available only through Amazon, but the paperbacks can be bought at just about any online retailer. The first two books are currently available in audio book format through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. The third audio book will soon be available as well.

Book Blast for Koolura and the Mayans

Koolura and the Mayans Book Blast

About the Book:

Title: Koolura and the Mayans, Book 3 

Author: Michael Thal
 
Publisher: Summer Solstice
 
Publication Date: March 16, 2016

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

 AMAZON      BARNES & NOBLE






Blurb:

Koolura, a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, is back again with pal Leila. The duo is off to Mexico for Koolura’s father’s wedding. When touring a Mayan archeological dig, the girls uncover a mysterious device that hurtles them 2000 years back in time. They soon discover aliens from the planet Aquari living amongst Mayan natives. Are these Aquarians planning to take over Earth? And can Koolura and Leila stop them in time?




Other Books in the Koolura Series:

The Legend of Koolura, Book 1: Koolura isn’t an ordinary girl. She has what every child dreams. She has the COOL.

Koolura has doubts about herself. She and her father have relocated so often she has few community ties. Here, at her new school, for the first time in her life she feels right at home.

Koolura is a sixth grade Armenian girl and this story tells how she obtained the cool powers and gradually learns to use them. She has the ability to dematerialize at will and reappear where she chooses. She can move objects with her mind and she can even defy gravity!

But will these powers be of any use in stopping a stalker intent on the destruction of Koolura and her friends? He’s determined to retrieve Koolura’s unrealized cool powers with the mysterious decoolerizer.

The hour approaches for her final confrontation with her nemesis, the stalker believed to be responsible for her mother’s death.


Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback, Book 2: Koolura has the ability to teleport, levitate, heal, and even fly. But at Camp Saddleback, Koolura wakes up drained and powerless. Who or what has stolen her psychic powers?

As Koolura searches for the truth about her power loss, she and the Chumash Girls have to deal with pranksters ruining their cabin and destroying their summer. Campers plan revenge but problems escalate as lives are threatened. Will Koolura and the Chumash Girls solve the mystery at Camp Saddleback?


About the Author:

Michael Thal is the author of five published novels—Goodbye Tchaikovsky, The Abduction of Joshua Bloom, and The Koolura Series—The Legend of Koolura, Koolura and The Mystery at Camp Saddleback, and Koolura and the Mayans. He is also a columnist for the Los Angeles Examiner writing articles about parenting and education.

Moving from the frigid Northeast to comfy Southern California in 1973, Michael taught elementary and middle school for 28 years until a freak virus left him deafened at the age of 50. He reinvented himself as a writer composing over 80 published articles in print magazines as well as novels for middle grade and high school aged students.

Learn more about Michael Thal:  Website /Blog.

AMAZON      BARNES & NOBLE

Tour & Review of Ben Woodard's Newest MG Book: Whispers of Trees

BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Review Tour for the children's adventure Whispers of Trees by Ben Woodard from April 4 - April 25, 2016.

___________________________________________

About the Book

Title: Whispers of Trees
Author: Ben Woodard
Genre: Children's Multicultural Adventure
Number of Pages: 57
Publisher: Miller-Martin Press
Publication Date: March 15, 2016
Synopsis: An ancient forest, a dark night, a strange woman—and whispers.

What is going on in this eerie Irish forest? Ten-year-old Declan has to find out. His brother is missing and only he can solve the mystery. But why him? He doesn’t even like his always-yelling brother who his sister says was eaten by wolves. But there are no wolves in Ireland.

Then a witch-like woman tells him the two of them have to go into the spooky woods to save his brother. But from what? The strange trees only whisper the answer and he must discover what they are trying to tell him. But he will learn much more than he ever dreamed.

Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure.
This is the second book in the Mythic Adventures Collection. The first book is The Boy Who Flew With Eagles. You can preview it here:
The Boy Who Flew With Eagles

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords

iTunes ~ Kobo

Here's my review of Whispers of Trees:

Ireland. Home of leprechauns, fairies, and magic. What better place for ancient trees who talk?
As a young reader, I would have fallen in love with this story of a young boy caught in the midst of a troubled family. Reveled in the adventure deep into the lush green forest even with a million eyes following me. Shivered at the strange presence I sensed lurking all around me. Drawn to the mysterious woman living within the forest’s shadow. Afraid of what might have happened to my younger brother.

As a mature reader, I wanted more. And that’s what makes a great story!

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

___________________________________________

About the Author: Ben Woodard

Ben is an adventurer and storyteller who has traveled the world including climbing on Mt. Everest. He now writes adventure stories for boys and girls. Tales of lost gold and river caves, and flying with eagles. Stories of friendship that endure through adversity and danger. Adventures that inspire and educate and, most of all, entertain.
For more information about Ben, please visit BooksByBen.com.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads  Google+ ~ Pinterest

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Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or $50 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: April 25, 2016, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: 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 Ben Woodard and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.beachboundbooks.com

 

Arthurian Legend on a Roll!

Check out this news on my Arthurian Legend Books.

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend is FREE on Amazon April 1-3.

Download this middle grade Arthurian Adventure and be ready for the sequel Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn's Story later this year.

Get it Here.

What they're saying about Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend:
 
One of those rare books where the author understood that less is more and fully delivers in making each page valuable and interesting. The sighting of a unicorn in the book is an example of this--the delicate handling of the scene leaves the reader as much in awe as Guinevere over the magical beast.—Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of The Children of Arthur series.

Synopsis:

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England’s history….

She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted—all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage.

For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits?

However, the wizard Merlyn—her teacher and friend—knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

Amazon

Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom is now available on Amazon—other retailers to follow—with the new cover. I recently re-acquired the electronic rights back from the original publisher.

Get it Here.

What they're saying about Young Knights:

"Pull out those swords and slide into your armor—can one slide into something that bulky?—Doesn't matter because this story will still feed the fantasy of children...who dream of the days of knighthood"—Bookworm for Kids
  
Synopsis:

Three Friends. Three Quests. Three Mysterious Predictions

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king’s treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder.

Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight’s quest to save their friend’s life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all.

Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

"Pull out those swords and slide into your armor—can one slide into something that bulky?—Doesn't matter because this story will still feed the fantasy of children...who dream of the days of knighthood"—Bookworm for Kids 

Amazon