Sorry I haven't blogged in 10 days--but it's been a whirlwind since April 2. Here are a few highlights of the last two weeks. Book Launch Plus! First, there was the National Reconciliation Day event "Reconciliation Through Story" sponsored by the Levine Museum of the New South. I was joined by my fellow Charlotte authors,… Continue reading Catch My Latest Book News!
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 My BFF writing partner emailed me this verse today. I AM rejoicing in all that the Lord did to help me get to my publication day. One of the ways I am celebrating is by sharing… Continue reading Launch Event for Half-Truths: Join the Celebration!
Little did I know when I started posting about my publication journey that it would be 18 years before I could announce my book is up for preorder! In two weeks I'm launching HALF-TRUTHS at Park Road Books and I am super busy! Here's a peek into what's been happening in my neck of the… Continue reading Discover ‘Half-Truths’: My 18-Year Journey to Publication
Bowers and Shady by Margaret Dardess is an entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. In the aftermath of the Civil War, times are hard for everyone. Thirteen-year-old Bowers Jamison embarks on a trip from Iowa to Colorado to track down his uncle, who stole his father’s magical pocket watch. The watch is believed to bring good luck… Continue reading Bowers and Shady: A Middle-Grade Book Review by Kathryn Dover
Fellow writers frequently ask me what I am doing to market Half-Truths. I have learned a lot from podcasts and blogs on this topic, but since becoming the volunteer publicist for my publisher, Monarch Educational Services, I now have hands-on experience publicizing books. Since Half-Truths doesn't come out until April, it's too early to say… Continue reading Nine Tips on How to be Your Own Publicist
Every author can't wait until they can reveal the cover of their forthcoming book. In the past, I have shared several of my friends covers: Linda Phillips' new cover for CRAZY, Stacey Bartlett's FREE SINGS THE SEA, and Vivian Elbee's I WANT MY BOOK BACK to name just three. NOW, IT'S MY TURN But first,… Continue reading YOU CAN SEE IT HERE FIRST!
REVIEW JUNIA, written by New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson, and illustrated by David C. Gardner, (Sleeping Bear Press) follows the story of Junia, a mule with the important task of carrying the Pack Horse librarian, Book Woman, through rugged terrains in Kentucky to deliver books to remote communities. Despite challenging conditions, Junia remains steadfast,… Continue reading JUNIA: A Heart-Warming Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
Audience: 6th – 9th graders In Three Words: poetic, empathetic, clear-eyed One Sentence Synopsis: Cayenne’s family begins to fracture after they abandon their nomadic lifestyle and settle in a small town. Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars REVIEW Unsinkable Cayenne is a new take on a classic coming-of-age story perfect for middle schoolers who are ready to take on a… Continue reading UNSINKABLE CAYENNE: An Outstanding MG Book Review by Elliott Kurta
By the time you read this, I hope to be well on the road to recovery from pneumonia. Getting sick got my attention. I had to rest! I put aside my pile of revisions for Half-Truths courtesy of my mentor, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, but I didn't put aside the "thinking about" process that all writers experience. I'm re-reading Blue Willow by Doris… Continue reading Blue Willow -PART III: Comments on a Surprisingly Influential Book
From the publisher: There are some friends you never forget. It's the summer of 1955. For Ethan Harper, a biracial kid raised mostly by his White father, race has always been a distant conversation. When he's sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in small-town Alabama, his blackness is suddenly front and… Continue reading The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones: A MG Review and Audiobook Giveaway