Last year, I received this birthday card from my special friend and writing buddy, Linda Phillips: Friends as Blessings Writers know that the road to publication is long. Along the way we connect with fellow writers who encourage us to persevere as we draft, revise, and seek publication. Linda's stedfast encouragement, prayers, and wisdom are… Continue reading Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings
It's been a busy two weeks for me. My first school visit was to the 6-8th grade students at Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Texas. I tried out my new school presentation, Welcome to My World, that combines how I researched and wrote Half-Truths with fun writing activities -- and it was a blast!… Continue reading Celebrating School Visits and Literary Awards
Now that I have published my first YA novel, my friends (and my brother!) ask me this question. Of course, it's very subjective. Every writer's definition will vary. Some might think it's numbers of books sold, or the amount of money earned. Others might say it's getting an agent or publishing with one of the… Continue reading How Does a Writer Define Success?
INTRODUCTION I'm thrilled that Stephanie Cotta chose my blog to host her cover reveal of her next book in the Iron Kingdom series. The much-loved young adult series began with The Conjurer's Curse and was followed by The Wraiths of Arjun. The third book, The Ghosts of Gambit, is a gripping, pulse-pounding tale of rebellion,… Continue reading CHECK OUT A CAPTIVATING YA COVER REVEAL–PLUS a GIVEAWAY!
Version 1.0.0 INTRODUCTION Monarch Press proudly presents a new out-of-this world science fiction adventure called So, My Mom’s from Outer Space. As a mom of all boys, author Tennille Marie’s novel has middle school boy written all over it! The star of the story is a relatable young man on the cusp of the teen years… Continue reading So, My Mom’s from Outer Space–A Sparkling Review from Guest Blogger, Katie Lundeen
Today is the much awaited publication of Get Real, Lucille written and illustrated by Laura Petrisin, a fellow Monarch Educational Press author. How can a young reader not be hooked into turning the page with a cover like that? FROM THE PUBLISHER Lucille is just a rubber chicken in a circus act... or is she?… Continue reading Laugh and Learn with ‘Get Real, Lucille’ and an Author Interview
To Market, to Market, To Market I Go Ever since Half-Truths launched in April, it has been non-stop publicity and marketing. I'd heard that the hard work happens after you write a book. Now I'm living it! Image by Tish Bouvier Fortunately, I have friends who are inviting me to their bookclubs; I'm joining the… Continue reading ‘Tis the Season… for Podcasts and Book Signings!
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!
REVIEW Monarch Publishing welcomes a new middle grade novel to the reading repertoire called Angels in the Sand by Lori Keating. This novel is a touching story about a contemporary family choosing joy amid hard circumstances. Jess and her mother Darlene make the annual East Coast trek to Grandma’s house during the Christmas holidays. Jess and Grandma… Continue reading Angels in The Sand: A Great MG Review by Kate Lundeen
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!