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Oh yeah!!!!!! I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome today's guest to the blog as they celebrate the worldwide release of their STUNNING debut middle grade novel! TOO EXCITING! The Author...  Growing up, Hannah’s biggest dream was to own a cat and be a writer and she’s happy to say she’s achieved both. Following a series of adventures in various different parts of the world, she settled in the south of Spain and lived very happily there for about ten years until her future husband came along and dragged her back to the UK. She now lives in Lincolnshire with her tortoise, her cat and said husband. Hannah is passionate about writing stories which share her love of the planet and when not writing, she’s busy looking for her next big animal story. Say hello to Hannah here: Twitter: @HGold_author Instagram: @hannahgold_author Website: www.hannahgold.world The Book...  Imagine making friends with a polar bear… The Last Bear is perfect for readers of 8+, beautifully illustrated throughout by Levi Pinfold – winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and illustrator of Harry Potter 20th anniversary edition covers. “This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.” Michael Morpurgo. There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. But one endless summer night, April meets one. He is starving, lonely and a long way from home. Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life… This moving story will win the hearts of children the world over and show them that no one is too young or insignificant to make a difference. The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear’s. The Last Bear, Hannah Gold with illustrations by Levi Pinfold, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books on 3rd of February in Australia & 18th February in the UK. Order The Last Bear here: UK – published 18th Feb. Amazon Waterstones (signed copies available) Bookshop.org US – published 2nd Feb. Amazon Barnes & Noble The Interview... Did you always dream of being a writer?
I actually can’t remember wanting to be anything different – except for a brief spell wanting to be a vet. But since I couldn’t bear the thought of having to put animals down, I decided to write about them instead – which is far less traumatic. When did you start pursuing publication/querying agents? I started my 1st book, a YA paranormal romance, back in 2006 and it took 6 years to write & many many rewrites! I sent it to about 10 agents – all of which said no. So, I ended up accepting an offer from a very small publisher (no advance, no publicity, no print-run even!) and although I was really proud of my book, that experience was ultimately quite disappointing for me. I don’t regret it, as it did give me many lessons and helped me decide that when I next got a book published, this one would change my life. I just didn’t realise it would take me another 8 years to get there! My 2nd book, also YA, I sent out to about 20 agents. This was around 2017/2018. I got a handful of full manuscript requests and can distinctly remember thinking ‘this is it!’ Sadly, it wasn’t it as 3 out of 4 said no and the other one never got back to me. I was actually quite heartbroken and it took me well over a year, before I could face the page again. When I did sit down to write I decided to switch to MG - the genre I had always dreamed of writing in. I opened up my heart and wrote about everything I loved most in the world – our beautiful planet, animals and in particular, the bond children have with them. How long did it take from that first thought to release day? When I was writing the book, I had a gut feeling it was special. For a start, It had come out almost complete and just seemed to have an energy to it that we, as creators, can instinctively recognise. So, when I submitted this time, I felt a lot more confident in myself and decided I would just go for it and submit to all the most established agents in the UK. It took ten weeks between first submitting and getting the offer from Claire Wilson. And in terms of the publishing journey as a whole - it’s been remarkably swift! I started it in February 2019, signed with Claire 9 months later, and then, because the book didn’t need many edits, we went on sub within the month. I was lucky in that I got my deal very quickly and because of the timely ecological message of the book, it was scheduled in for publication 13 months after first meeting my publisher. So from 1st page to publication – exactly 2 years. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? For me, the hardest part has been learning to juggle all of the demands of The Last Bear (the edits, the marketing, the social media commitments, as well as the high emotional points like my announcement or getting BOTM in The Bookseller Children’s Previews) whilst trying to come up with a first draft of a second book. I haven’t quite got the balance right yet but hope to do better in 2021. And the easiest, or most enjoyable? Getting that deal is like entering through a magical door into Narnia and there are so many new and wonderful things to discover and learn. There are so many individual highlights as everything that has happened has exceeded my expectations. But getting that Michael Morpurgo quote and seeing my beautiful cover are definitely the ones that caught in my throat. What's next for you? Enjoying the launch, seeing my Bear make his roar in the world, and taking everything that happens this year one step at a time. And remembering to celebrate! What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? Don’t make the rejections mean anything more than what they are. They are not a reflection of who you are as a person and I know it’s hard, but try not to let them affect your self-esteem too much. Take each rejection as it comes and use them as means of information for what you need to do next to get closer to your yes. Last book you just read? The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery – AMAZING. What book are you reading now? Boy, Everywhere by A.M Dassau – incredibly touching. Best book you've ever read? Anything with an animal at its heart. Fave author? Michael Morpurgo – of course! Best moment of your writing life? Probably when my agent offered representation. It was something I’d longed for since my twenties and when it finally happened, I just knew it was the start of my next chapter. Name of your newest WIP? Untitled at the moment but affectionately referred to as Whale. If not an author, what would be your dream job? Probably living on some kind of tropical island looking after the hatching turtles.
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I'm thrilled to welcome another author buddy to the blog today who is celebrating the recent release of their first book! Check it out... The Author...  As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them. Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her previously published works include contributing to a nonfiction yoga book, wellness magazines, and her published science fiction novella, Silence of the Song Trees. The Book...  Humanity’s wake-up call. Answer it or face extinction. When Bleu’s little sister shows symptoms of the deadly Sickness, a strange vision directs him to leave humanity’s subterranean haven and seek the cure on Earth’s glacial surface. Joining the expedition team, Bleu expects extreme temperatures, not a surface ruled by ingenious predators. Rana and her fellow star beings have co-existed with Earth’s top carnivores since the humans disappeared. But when her peers transform into Crowned Ones, the final stage of star being development, she fears remaining Uncrowned like her parents. To prove her worth, she undertakes a dangerous mission—contacting the hostile and nearly extinct humans. But Rana’s plan backfires, and Bleu’s team retaliates. As war with the more advanced star being civilization looms, both Rana and Bleu separately seek a way to save their people. The Interview... Who are you and what do you write?
I’m a licensed mental health counselor, a homeschooling mom, a yoga and meditation teacher, an animal rescuer, and an author. My novels are all MG or YA speculative: sci-fi, fantasy, or paranormal. Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you? When I was five years old, I used to dictate fanfiction stories to my mother who wrote them down. By nine, I’d started writing novels, but they were atrocious. I had pretty solid ideas, but no skills. I gave up and didn’t write for about twenty years. I started writing seriously about eleven years ago in the heyday of young adult dystopian novels. The teens I worked with kept telling me that they couldn’t even imagine a positive future for humans or the planet. I wanted to write something that would give them hope, but knew I’d have to deal with climate change and all the problems that have plagued humans. It seemed impossible. After several days of mulling this over, I had a super powerful dream where my character Rana began telling me stories. Those stories became my first novel, The Calling. The concept and characters really gripped me and still do. I’ve written other unrelated books, but my upcoming series is what currently drives me to write. How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown? My first book was The Calling, which I then set aside because I still lacked the skills to polish it. I then wrote several other books, but always returned to The Calling to rewrite it with whatever new skills I had gained. I eventually received a publishing contract for it, but I made a tough call to decline the contract and self-publish it. Saying no to my dream of publishing traditionally was super hard, though I believe it was the correct decision for this particular book. I’ve enjoyed the self-publishing process so much that I may stay an Indie. Time will tell. What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable? The hardest part of writing for me so far has been line edits. After several rounds of developmental edits, I thought I was mostly done. Silly me. Getting my manuscript back completely red was overwhelming. My favorite part is drafting. It’s like watching a movie in my mind and recording it. Would you go back and change anything? When I first started working with beta readers, I listened to everything they said and created a lot of needless stress for myself. If I could call past me about writing, I’d tell myself to trust my gut more. Where would you like to be in 5 years time? My current series has five books, and I hope to have it completed in five years. I also am concurrently writing a series of novellas, so that may be done as well. A planned sci-fi trilogy will probably be my next big project. What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out? Most writers that I know feel like they are just getting started, even after publishing a few books. I think the most important thing is to write what you love and find good writer friends to share the journey. And most importantly... Ketchup or Mayo? I’m all about Tabasco Sauce. Night or Day? Definitely night. Inside or Outside? Outside as much as possible. Dogs or Cats? Both, but don’t tell my cats, okay? Twitter or Facebook? Twitter, with all politics blocked. Ebook or Paperback? I’m sorry trees, but I want paperbacks. Can we make books from bamboo yet? Sun or Rain? Snow, though I do love a good thunderstorm. Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? Notebook for brainstorming and the keyboard for drafting/editing. Comedy or Drama? Comedy. Chips or Chocolate? I’m allergic to regular chocolate but adore white chocolate. I'm pleased to welcome a bestselling author to the blog today as they gear up for the release of their next book! EXCITING! The Author...  Cassandra Farren, who lives in Northamptonshire, England, has been described as 'a gentle soul powered by rocket fuel!' She is the director of Welford Publishing, the author of seven books, and a ghostwriter. Her mission is to create a lasting ripple of empowerment in the world, whilst always being a positive role model to her children. The Book...  The Girls Who Refused to Quit shares the powerful, real-life journeys of fifteen inspirational women. They have all overcome adversity and now want to make a difference with their stories. They want you to know that no matter what challenges you face, you can hold your head high, believe in yourself and follow your dreams. They have not only found the courage to rise from the depths of despair, they have also found the strength never to give up.They are The Girls Who Refused to Quit. The Interview... Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?
Becoming an author was never part of my life plan. When I was a child I initially wanted to be in the navy, and as I got older I wanted to become a Human Resources Adviser. My life didn't go to plan and has taken many twists and turns, my last employed job was as a cleaner and prior to this I was a mortgage adviser. If anyone had told me I would become an author and a ghostwriter I may have laughed, a lot! When did you start pursuing publication of your work? I was at a crossroads in my life in 2012 when an intuitive coach advised me to write down my life story as apparently it was a lot more inspiring than I realised. I had no idea that this writing would turn into a book. I continued to write and was encouraged to share my story on a larger scale. I took a leap of faith, applied for some business funding and published my first book in 2014. How long did it take from that first thought to release day? It was 18 months from start to finish, but if I had known from the beginning that I was writing a book I would have made the process quicker. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? It's definitely the vulnerability of being seen whilst baring my soul to the world. The way I overcome this is by focusing on my readers and holding onto the hope that my book will make a difference to them. And the easiest, or most enjoyable? The easiest part is writing, but I can't say that it has always been enjoyable. With my fourth book I had to stop writing after 237 words as I couldn't see my screen through the tears that were streaming down my face. What's next for you? I am preparing to release Volume 3 of The Girls Who Refused to Quit which is a collection of true stories from women who have all overcome adversity. What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? Close you eyes and imagine the first ever copy of your book being delivered, hold onto that feeling whenever any fears come up and always follow your heart. Last book you read? First Date, by Sue Watson. What book are you reading now? Greenlights, by Matthew McConaughey Best book you've ever read? The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides Fave author? Is it strange that I don't have one? Best moment of your writing life? Publishing 3 volumes of The Girls Who Refused to Quit. In the year that many people would like to forget, we have made it one to remember. Name of your newest WIP? The Girls Who Refused to Quit, Volume 3. If not an author, what would be your dream job? I absolutely love dancing, although I don't feel this would make a viable business! I'm loving today's guest! An author AND a podcast host who celebrates and encourages kindness every day of their life. PERFECTION! The Author...  Inspired by her personal experiences, Anitha Rao-Robinson loves to create stories featuring underrepresented voices, such as animals, children of immigrants, and LGBTQ. Anitha’s picture book, A FAMILY FOR FARU, was released in the fall of 2020 by Pajama Press. She graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Commerce. She then went on to become a Chartered Accountant. Recently, Anitha retired from accounting to devote more time to writing and helping animals. She recently created The Kindness Is Everything Podcast, where she speaks with children and young adults about all their wonderful acts of kindness towards animals, the environment and people. Anitha lives on a hobby farm in Ontario with her husband, two children, and many animals. She hopes one day to turn the property into an animal sanctuary. Anitha is represented by Tanusri Prasanna. The Book...  In this touching story of belonging and environmental awareness, a young boy’s courage and ingenuity help an orphaned rhinoceros find safety in a new herd. Tetenya and his mother have found Faru, a baby rhinoceros, alone on the savannah. They know that rhino herds will adopt orphaned infants, but finding the rangers who protect local herds may be a long and risky prospect—there are poachers lurking about the landscape. Undaunted, Tetenya sets out, leading Faru past giraffes CHOMP-CHOMPING on acacia leaves, amongst the PATTER-PATTERING footsteps of young warthogs, and around guinea fowl SCRITCH-SCRITCHING the earth for seeds. Suddenly, danger is upon them: two poachers are coming near. There are only seconds to spare, and Tetenya has nothing but his wits and a basket of berries to help him. In A Family for Faru, author Anitha Rao-Robinson draws inspiration from her life-changing time spent on the savannah and from conservationists’ innovation to discourage poachers: injecting a pink dye into rhinoceros horns. Award-winning illustrator Karen Patkau’s dreamy landscapes reflect her own travels in the region and celebrate the courage and ingenuity of a young boy as he helps his four-legged friend find a place to belong. The Interview... Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator? Writing and story-telling have been a part of my life since I was really young. I loved reading books and creating my own stories, but it was also an escape, a safe place to be. Growing up, I was one of the few visible minorities at my school- sometimes I might have been the only non-white kid in my class. I got teased and bullied a lot. But when I was reading books or playing with my dolls and thinking up dramatic story lines, I could forget, even just for a little while about what went on at school. It was later on, when I was in middle school, that I actually started writing my own stories and poetry. One particularly special moment was when my son, who is very musical, took one of my poems, made it into a song, and performed it. When did you start pursuing publication of your work? I started thinking about getting published when my kids were little. I spent a lot of time reading stories to them and this inspired me to resurrect my own love of writing. I took advantage of my ready audience and began writing stories for them. I even illustrated a few; which is quite funny considering my limited ability to draw. When we play Pictionary, my teammates really struggle to figure out what I’ve put on the board. Though my children enjoyed my stories, my first attempts at publication did not go well. Back then, I didn’t know much, if anything about the publication world. My only critique group were my kids. I didn’t know how to properly write a query letter. I just mailed off the story and months later, I would get a rejection. How long did it take from that first thought to release day? It took a while. Many years. My first YA, Broken Worlds, was published in 2014. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? I think the waiting. I’m not the most patient person and there is a lot of waiting in publishing. Now when I send something off to my agent and she submits to publishers, I try and focus on my next story. It’s tricky. My thoughts still go to that place—wondering what’s happening, has anyone looked at it, do they like it, are they considering, or has it been rejected? But I try not to dwell on these thoughts and instead redirect my attention to my current WIP. And the easiest, or most enjoyable? The most enjoyable part of writing for me is thinking about the story I’m working on. I’m not able to write as often as I’d like. Some days, I may not even get the chance, but I can always think about my story. I spend a lot of time building the story in my mind, getting into the mind of the characters, hearing their voices, thinking about what should happen next. It’s very similar to making stories for my dolls! And when I do get a chance to sit down and write, it flows pretty quickly, because I have spent so much time working through the narrative and dialogue in my head. 
What's next for you? I recently decided to take a year off, or maybe more, from my accounting practice. I wanted to devote more time to my writing and helping animals. My debut picture book, A Family For Faru, came out in October of 2020. It’s the story of a young boy, an orphaned rhino, and their journey to find the rhino a new family. Animal conservation and protection is something that really matters to me. I’ve partnered with four rhino organizations, including Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, the rhino orphanage my daughter volunteered with while she was in South Africa. I’ll be donating 40% of royalties (please let there be royalties) to these groups. I would love for my book to help these amazing animals in any way possible. I’m also trying to promote the book. Because of the pandemic, there are no in-person author visits, so I’ve created a presentation for virtual school visits. I read my picture book and talk about all things rhino! I donate my authors fee to Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, and the students receive a beautiful certificate from the orphanage thanking them for supporting the rhinos. I’m also working on other fun projects. I began writing a middle grade novel that I’ve been thinking about for a few years. Two years ago, I started a Kindness Is Everything blog, where I share stories of people being kind to animals and each other. I’ve decided to take the blog further and I’ve created a podcast. While the blog shares stories of adults and young people doing kind things, and will continue to do so, the podcast focuses on acts of kindness by people under the age of 25. I love it! It’s so inspiring and uplifting hearing about all the kind and wonderful things young people are doing to help animals, the environment and each other. The podcasts are available on all podcasting platforms, but I’m also hoping teachers will share the podcasts with their students to create discussions of empathy and kindness. I would love for anyone to contact me through my website and let me know if they have a story of kindness to share for either the blog and/or the podcast! www.anitharobinson.com What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? Write what you love. I know that’s what a lot of people say, but it’s true. I love animals and I find I can immerse myself into the story when I really care about the characters I’m writing about. I can feel what that the characters are feeling and I think that helps create a genuine and unique story. Last book you read? The One And Only Bob What book are you reading now? The Girl Who Drank The Moon Best book you've ever read? This is so hard. There are so many books I love. In the picture book category it would be Guess How Much I Love You. Middle Grade: I love all the Harry Potter books and I really liked The One And Only Ivan Fave author? I can’t pick one. Sorry! Best moment of your writing life? I think when I found out my picture book, A Family For Faru had two offers from publishers. I was pretty happy about that! Name of your newest WIP? Finding Pangolins If not an author, what would be your dream job? Having an animal sanctuary where I spend my day around animals and helping them as best I can. IT'S BRAND NEW, JUST RELEASED TODAY, BOOK SPOTLIGHT TIME!!!!!!!!! CHECK IT OUT... The Book...  Orphaned and forced to serve her country’s ruling group of scribes, Karis wants nothing more than to find her brother, long ago shipped away. But family bonds don’t matter to the Scriptorium, whose sole focus is unlocking the magic of an ancient automaton army. In her search for her brother, Karis does the seemingly impossible—she awakens a hidden automaton. Intelligent, with a conscience of his own, Alix has no idea why he was made. Or why his father—their nation’s greatest traitor—once tried to destroy the automatons. Suddenly, the Scriptorium isn’t just trying to control Karis; it’s hunting her. Together with Alix, Karis must find her brother…and the secret that’s held her country in its power for centuries. The Reviews... “Victoria creates an engaging narrative with enough fantasy and science fiction elements to satisfy fans of both genres… A colorful fantasy with ancient Greek influences that is a delight to read.” –Kirkus Reviews “Victoria creates a world in which questioning history and fighting for the good of all takes center stage.” -School Library Journal “The resolution is fittingly complex, with a bit of happy ending sprinkled in, and readers will contemplate the question of what may be a line that, once crossed, changes everything.” - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “THIS GOLDEN FLAME examines the perils of power and the magic of friendship for a fun-filled adventure. With a delightful cast of characters and an explosive plot, fantasy fans won't want to miss this one!” Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are the Stars “With intricate worldbuilding and a delightful cast of characters, Emily Victoria's THIS GOLDEN FLAME was a page-turning adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved getting lost in Karis and Alix's world as they uncovered the dark secrets of their country's past and found strength and purpose in being true to themselves.” Audrey Coulthurst, author of Of Fire and Stars “A slow-burn fantasy about found family, friendship, and the struggles of finding oneself, This Golden Flame is perfect for fans of classic YA fantasies and automatons with hearts of gold.”—Linsey Miller, author of the Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte The Excerpt... The hallways of the Tallis Scriptorium are always so black at night. Statues and busts loom out of the dark and ribbed columns stretch down from the roof like pale fingers. I’ve taken my sandals off, twined their laces together, and hung them off my shoulder where they can’t make any noise, and the cold of the floor leeches through the soles of my feet. I pull my himation tighter around me, the rustling of the cloak a bare whisper. If this were day, I would hear the quiet scratch of reed pens against parchment in the study rooms to the east, the droning buzz of a master’s lecture from the hall. But in the night, it’s so stiflingly quiet. Like a tomb. Even after seven years I’m still not used to it. To the quiet. The dark. Back on Heretis, the island I grew up on, there was always noise, always light, even in the rundown streets my brother and I haunted, where not many could afford oil for their lamps. Here on Tallis, the black is deep and somber, every door locked and every shutter latched firmly shut, as if the masters fear thieves who might lurk out there in the wilderness and the night. If only they knew the thieves were already inside. I slink down the shadowy hall, my eyes straining to navigate the black, even though it isn’t really the dark that’s a risk. Being out of bed this late would earn me a lashing, but at least that’s all I’d get. The true risk is in anyone discovering what I stole: the ledger currently clasped to my chest, its leather cover warm beneath my fingers. I can’t even say what the punishment for this would be, because as far as I know no one’s ever been impudent enough to try it. At least not before me, and I prefer the term reckless. I reach the west hall. Giving a quick glance up and down the silent corridor, I lift the latch on the closest window, wincing as it squeaks. I push the shutters open and night air brushes my skin. The chilled marble of the windowsill stings against my legs as I swing over and drop into a crouch in the deep shadows by the edge of the building. From far off I can make out the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the sharp tang of seawater hanging in the air. I take a deep breath, trying to trap the taste of it in my lungs. I look across the dark courtyard to one of the smallest buildings. Despite its size, it’s all marble with a full colonnade around its edges and elaborate moldings of masters and ledgers and automatons in the frieze running along the edge of its roof, darkened now with shadows. The Hall of Records. The second watch rings across the complex. I allow myself a smile. Perfect. There shouldn’t be a patrol anywhere near here right now. I take off across the courtyard, bare feet pounding the packed dirt, not slowing until I slip past the colonnade. Bars of moonlight glow against the floor, stretching from the pillars that surround the open atrium I stand in. The back of the space is lost in the gloom, but it’s impossible to miss the glimmer of gold, too vivid and bright to be anything but Scriptwork. I pad silently over, avoiding the strips of moonlight and sticking to the shadows. As if the night sky will tell on me. Details swim from the dark: olivewood doors stretching high above my head, framed with brass and cut with flourishes and curls; the seal of bronze plastered to their center; and the rune carved deep into the metal, a tangle of thick golden strokes, bent around each other as if in a knot. A lock rune. The most complicated rune on this island. The Author... Emily Victoria is a Canadian prairie girl who writes young adult science fiction and fantasy. When not word-smithing, she likes walking her over-excitable dog, drinking far too much tea, and crocheting things she no longer has the space to store. This Golden Flame (Inkyard Press/HarperCollins) is her debut novel.  Headshot Photo Credit: Rebecca Orr Links! Website: https://www.avictoriantale.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/avictoriantale Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avictoriantale/ I'm a MASSIVE fan of dogs, as you probably know, and today I'm THRILLED that there's a brand new doggie book hitting shelves! Oh, and my guest author is absolutely awesome too so you'll want to check out our interview... The Author...  Liz Ledden is a Sydney-based children’s book author and podcaster. Her latest picture book is Walking Your Human, a fun story written from a dog's point of view about the best ways to go for a walk. She is also the author of picture book Tulip and Brutus, about friendship, differences, teamwork and bugs. A lifetime lover of kids' books, Liz has an MA in Children's Literature via Deakin University. Liz also co-hosts kids’ book podcast One More Page with friends, authors and book lovers Kate Simpson and Nat Amoore, where she interviews kids’ book industry professionals, reviews the latest books and lapses into the occasional laughing fit. She has lived in Vietnam, Cambodia and Canada, and has a rescue dog named Frankie who acts like a cat. She can typically be found seeking out new cafes or maxing out her library card. Liz is represented by Sarah McKenzie Literary Management. LINKS! Website: www.lizledden.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/liz_ledden Twitter: www.twitter.com/liz_ledden Facebook: www.facebook.com/LizLeddenAuthor Podcast: www.onemorepagepodcast.com The Book...  Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? It turns out they know just what humans want - to be walked! And once they're on their way, these dogs will share exactly how to do it. WALKING YOUR HUMAN is a light-hearted look at the very different ideas dogs and humans have about what makes for a good walk. A picture book for dog lovers everywhere! The Interview... Did you always dream of being a writer? Yes! I was obsessed with books and reading as a kid and remember stating I wanted to be an author when I grew up. But when I did, study, work and life happened, and the dream was forgotten for a good while. Fortunately, it returned in my 30s. When did you start pursuing publication of your work? I first dabbled on the fringes of writing for kids in 2014, and completed some courses, but it was more like 2016/2017 when I began properly submitting. Attending lots of kidlit conferences like CYA, Writers Unleashed and KidLitVic and meeting with publishers there really kickstarted the world of submitting for me. I’ve learnt so much via these events, and to anyone starting out I highly recommend them! How long did it take from sending out your manuscript till getting a book deal? For my latest picture book, Walking Your Human, I submitted it for just over a year from first sub until finding the right home for it with Larrikin House. In between, it placed second in CYA’s writing competition (in the picture book - preschool category), as an earlier version of the story. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? Hmmm … I’m not sure any of it has been that hard to be honest. Except maybe just the nerves around how the book will be received! And the easiest, or most enjoyable? Seeing and holding copies for the first time, parents telling me how much their child loves my book, and spotting copies ‘in the wild’ is a bit of a thrill, too. What's next for you? While I’ll continue writing new picture book manuscripts, I have a huge soft spot for junior fiction, and want to concentrate more on this in 2021. I recently won the junior fiction category in Jen Storer’s Scribbles Creative Writing Awards, which gave me the boost I needed to keep going with JF! What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting their pursuit of publication? Don’t submit too early! Last book you just read? The End of the World is Bigger than Love by Davina Bell – strangely compelling, breathtakingly unique. What book are you reading now? The Detective’s Guide to Ocean Travel by Nicki Greenberg (an ARC as it’s not out yet, lucky me!). Best book you've ever read? This is extremely hard to answer – don’t make me choose! But Herman and Rosie, a picture book by Gus Gordon has to be up there. Fave author? I’ll always love Judy Blume. But in terms of contemporary Australian authors, faves include Nova Weetman and Jane Godwin. Best moment of your writing life? Starting time at my first ever book launch, as Berkelouw Books Leichhardt filled with friends and family there to celebrate my debut PB, Tulip and Brutus. Then doing it all again in Melbourne (in pre-Covid travel times, sigh!). If not an author, what would be your dream job? Making (and tasting!) chocolate. And designing pretty packaging for it. Basically being some kind of modern-day Willy Wonka. It's a gorgeous day here on the GC, and that means it's a perfect day for me to introduce you to a gorgeous author and their gorgeous new book! Check it out... The Author...  G.F. Miller absolutely insists on a happy ending. Everything else is negotiable. Her wish is to go everywhere—and when a plane ticket isn't available, books fill the gaps. She cries at all the wrong times. She makes faces at herself in the mirror. She believes in the Oxford comma. And she’s always here for a dance party. The Book...  You want to know why a few lucky people get a fairy godmother while everyone else is stuck slogging it out on their own? It’s the glimpse. Sometimes, out of nowhere, I get a glimpse of someone’s deepest wish. And, not to brag, but I can make it come true one-hundred percent of the time. And then I fade into the background. Because the fairy godmother doesn’t do friendship. I grant the wish, and then I’m gone. Perfect for fans of Geekerella and Jenn Bennett, this charming, sparkly rom-com follows a wish-granting teen forced to question if she’s really doing good—and if she has the power to make her own dreams come true. The Interview... Did you always dream of being a writer?
Not really. Even though I was a voracious reader growing up, and even though I’ve been writing for fun and as a job for…ever… for some reason it never occurred to me that “author” could be a career path. Until I started hanging out with authors and suddenly realized that regular people write books and sell them. As soon as that clicked, getting traditionally published became my goal. When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? I started querying agents with my first novel in August 2015. Alas, that novel never found its home and, eventually, I shelved it. How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? Three books, 150-ish rejections, and three years (almost to the day) later, Kim Lionetti at BookEnds offered to represent me. Did you go on submission soon after? First, we did a round of revisions. Then, about two months after signing with Kim, she sent me an email with the subject line “It’s out in the universe.” To which my response was (and I quote): EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeh! How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher? Less than a month after we started submitting to acquiring editors, we had two R&R (revise and resubmit) requests. We had to choose which one to pursue, because their revision ideas took the book in completely opposite directions. I chose to work with Jessica Smith at (what was then) Simon Pulse because I really connected with her vision and editorial style. At the end of that R&R process—which took several months—Jessica wanted to acquire the book. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? Hands down, querying is the hardest part. There isn’t really anything good about it. It’s just a quagmire of rejection, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. But if you make it through that, you can make it through anything! And the easiest, or most enjoyable? Writing!! I get to do something creative and fun that I love…and I get PAID! (In the spirit of #publishingpaidme disclosure, the actual advance I received was a stack of partially used Starbucks gift cards with a combined balance of $6.87.) Besides the cha-ching, other people read what I wrote, and it makes them smile, laugh, swoon, and have feelings. What could be better??!! What's next for you? I’m still writing. I want people who love Glimpsed to have another magical YA romcom to look forward to, so I’m scribbling away at it. Stay tuned! What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting out on their pursuit of publication? Don’t forget to have fun. Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously or get so caught up in the hard parts of the process that we lose the fun and joy of sitting down and creating a thing. If writing’s not joyful, why not become an electrician? There are literally a thousand other things you could do that would pay better. So if you’re going to be a writer, enjoy it. Last book you just read? Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufman (A young Jewish woman survives the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE to forge a new life and find love.) What book are you reading now? I’m re-reading Persuasion by Jane Austen (a good reminder that I’m a total hack); also reading Distress Signal by Mary E. Lambert aloud with my 8-year-old (perfect for fans of I Survived books!); also reading Dragonfly Girl by Marti Leimbach (I’m in the first chapter and already HOOKED). Best book you've ever read? Objection. This question is unanswerable. There are TOO MANY amazing books. But Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is near the top of the list. Fave author? Once again, I must protest. I can’t. Even. But let me give a shout out to ONE of my favorites: Joanna Ruth Meyer. Her newest gorgeous, lyrical YA fantasy Into the Heartless Wood released this month, and I highly recommend it (and all her books). Best moment of your writing life? It was a quiet moment—not a jump and squeal. Mary E. Lambert had read a short story I’d written and invited me to join her writing critique group. At the time, I didn’t think of it as pivotal. I just agreed because I like joining things and I like writing. But in hindsight, I honestly don’t think I would have finished a novel—leave alone gotten published—without that group. They encourage me, teach me, inspire me, and give me constant deadlines (“Gotta get this chapter done for critique group!”). The moral of the story is: if you don’t have a great critique group, FIND ONE. Nothing is more important for your writing journey. Name of your newest WIP? The working title is “Crunched.” Because there are cursed apples. Get it? If not an author, what would be your dream job? I would work for an international non-profit that helps people overcome poverty and injustice. Wait—that IS my day job! Living the dream. I'm back with another author interview! And today, I welcome the fab Ben Gartner whose second book is out in just over one week on February 2! CHECK IT OUT!  Siblings John and Sarah barely made it home last time, but in their next time traveling adventure the challenge really heats up. Surrounded by clashing cultures on the ancient Roman frontier, they must fulfill their quest to unite the emperor with his enemy, an Alemanni barbarian, or risk being stuck in time forever. An action-packed fantasy full of sword fights, chariot chases, fearsome wild animals, and high mountain survival. For graduates of the Magic Tree House looking for a thrilling middle grade page-turner, read Sol Invictus, book two of The Eye of Ra series!  THE INTERVIEW... Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator? Yes, from a young age. However, as I grew older I pursued other goals (namely, financial ones) and writing took a back seat. Then, in my mid-life and with kids in the middle grade age bracket, I revisited my passion in collaboration with them for the pure fun of it. The result has been a wonderful ride I never knew would be so perfect for me. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? Multi-tasking. I really enjoy the writing part of being an author, but the “marketing” less so. I really like hearing from readers, but the self-promotion thing sometimes feels awkward. I mean, I love to celebrate the wins because why not?! At the same time, I want to celebrate everyone else’s wins too and be sensitive to the community of which I’m a part. Finding the time to balance all of those things, plus family and work and life, can be challenging! And the easiest, or most enjoyable? Writing. Sitting down and letting the real world slip away and letting my imagination tug me along the story of my own invention. That is a transporting power of which I’ll never tire. I love to read and watch movies too for a similar effect, but there’s something extra thrilling about creating the world yourself. I love it. What's next for you? Book 2, Sol Invictus, comes out February 2, 2021, so I’m certainly excited about that! I’m also working on book 3 of The Eye of Ra series, which reveals even more about John and Sarah and why they’re traveling through time. We also just put out a Teacher Guide for The Eye of Ra (available on my website or Teachers Pay Teachers for free) and are starting work on one for Sol Invictus. [link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Guide-for-The-Eye-of-Ra-by-Ben-Gartner-6465704] What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers who just started their pursuit of publication? Never forget why you’re writing. For me, it’s for FUN. If I sell a few copies, bonus. But, if the journey is not enjoyable then what’s the point? That also includes going easy on yourself. You don’t have to be a Newbery winner or Stephen King. If what you’re doing excites you, then do it. Simple. Doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult or take hard work, but those are the wins you earn.  Last book you just read? The Miraculous by Jess Redman. Beautiful, wonderful, fun story. What book are you reading now? A few! I am reading an ARC of The Gatekeeper of Pericael by Hayley Reese Chow (fun adventure portal fantasy). With my 13-year-old, we’re laughing out loud with an ARC of The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children’s Books by Adam Perry (out March 2, 2021). And with my 10-year-old, we’re almost done with an ARC of The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad, which is a great adventure fantasy thriller. Winners all! Best moment of your writing life? I can think of many, and here’s a good one: A school visit to my son’s third grade class. It was immensely exciting to read to them and hear their reactions — the oohs and giggles and their questions and guesses. And my son there to share it with, all proud of his dad. He helped me be brave. :) Name of your newest WIP? The working title is People of the Sun, book 3 in The Eye of Ra series. If not an author, what would be your dream job? I worked at a bookstore in college and that was pretty great. I’d do that again in a heartbeat, if it paid the mortgage... Ben Gartner is the award-winning author of The Eye of Ra adventure series for middle graders (ages 8-12). His books take readers for a thrilling ride, maybe even teaching them something in the meantime. Ben can be found living and writing near the mountains with his wife and two boys. Visit Ben's website here! It's a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY and I'm delighted to welcome the lovely Megan E. Freeman to the blog to help celebrate the release of her brand new book, ALONE. ALONE is a middle grade delight! It's powerful and gripping read and I highly recommend it to everyone!  Photo credit: Laura Carson Website: https://www.meganefreeman.com/ Twitter: @meganefreeman Insta: @megan_e_freeman_writer FB: @meganefreemanwrites MY INTERVIEW WITH MEGAN E. FREEMAN Did you always dream of being a writer? I first wanted to be a writer in elementary school. My school participated in young authors festivals and we made handmade books out of construction paper and cardboard and I loved it. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged me and believed being a writer was entirely within the realm of possibility. That made a huge difference. I ended up studying a lot of other things and I had a long career as a teacher, but I never stopped writing. I started publishing poems in literary journals and anthologies in the early 2000’s, and I published a collection of poetry in 2015. ALONE is my first novel. When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? I started querying ALONE in 2014 and I joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where I learned a lot about traditional publishing. I also took a lot of classes on different aspects of writing and publishing through Writer’s Digest and other online resources. How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? I sent my first query in 2014 and I signed with my agent in 2018. In between, I took some long breaks and completely rewrote the novel. It was originally written in prose and third person voice, and I revised the whole thing into verse and first person voice. Did you go on submission soon after? I did a small revision for my agent after I signed with her, and then she sent out the manuscript about three months later. She does a lot to lay groundwork with editors and publishing houses before she sends out submissions. How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher? We got our first nibble about two months later and that nibble turned into an offer. It was a thrilling moment when I got that email. What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far? As you know, there is a LOT of wait time. Long weeks or months with no word from the publishers. The conventional wisdom about using that time to work on the next book is really true. I completely revised one manuscript and wrote an entirely new one in the time it’s taken to publish ALONE. And the easiest, or most enjoyable? I love the collaboration with all the people working on the book. I love working with my editor and the copyeditors and marketing folks. I also love the community of writers I’ve become a part of. Writing is a very solitary endeavor and I really relish the parts of publishing that involve other people. What's next for you? I have a few things in the pipeline. I’m hoping to have more good publishing news to share soon, and I’m actively revising my work-in-progress. I’m also excited to do school and library visits and connect with young readers who find their way to ALONE. What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? Keep showing up. Everything I’ve learned or that I’ve been able to make happen took place because I kept showing up. Whether it was showing up at my desk every day to write or showing up at conferences for workshops and critiques, I made myself go even when I was tempted not to. I often registered or applied for opportunities that had a built in deadline to submit work, even when I didn’t have anything ready at the time of registration. Having those external deadlines motivated me to keep working, and then when the deadlines arrived, I’d have ten polished pages or fifty or a manuscript ready to submit. Opportunities present themselves all the time, but if you don’t show up, they’ll only benefit other people. Get out there and learn about the industry and do the work necessary to hone your craft. Pay attention, stay open to growing as a creator, and keep showing up. Some quickfire answers... Last book you just read? Afterlife by Julia Alvarez What book are you reading now? PAWS by Kate Foster Best book you've ever read? Impossible question. Fave author? I love Fannie Flagg. And Charlotte Bronte. And Kate DiCamillo. And I’ve had a forty-year-long crush on John Irving. Best moment of your writing life? Reading and talking about poetry as a guest poet in a class with men incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison here in Colorado. Name of your newest WIP? Snake-Bit If not an author, what would be your dream job? Working in a flower shop.  Perfect for fans of Hatchet and the I Survived series, this harrowing middle grade debut novel-in-verse from a Pushcart Prize–nominated poet tells the story of a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town. When twelve-year-old Maddie hatches a scheme for a secret sleepover with her two best friends, she ends up waking up to a nightmare. She’s alone—left behind in a town that has been mysteriously evacuated and abandoned. With no one to rely on, no power, and no working phone lines or internet access, Maddie slowly learns to survive on her own. Her only companions are a Rottweiler named George and all the books she can read. After a rough start, Maddie learns to trust her own ingenuity and invents clever ways to survive in a place that has been deserted and forgotten. As months pass, she escapes natural disasters, looters, and wild animals. But Maddie’s most formidable enemy is the crushing loneliness she faces every day. Can Maddie’s stubborn will to survive carry her through the most frightening experience of her life? I'm pleased to welcome another fab author to the blog today to chat about the how's, when's, and where's of the writing life! Check it out...  Matthew O'Neil is an activist, theologian, and author. He has a certificate in Creative Writing, an MA in Theology from Saint Michael's College and is a certified Humanist chaplain and celebrant. He is the author of the Transtemporal Series’ books “Attrition” and “Catharsis." He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Jude Scarowsky comes from a volatile home; his parents’ violent outbursts force him to self-isolate, medicating his anxiety with any distraction he can find. Until one afternoon, a child appears in his room. Transported to a time and place long before his own life, Jude finds himself adopted by a peasant family with a rambunctious child drunk on supernatural powers. A child named Jesus of Nazareth. Discovering that Jude is in fact the historical Judas Iscariot, he knows what his role in this tale includes. But what will he do, and can he handle the stress, knowing he will forever be equated with betrayal?” Published through Hypatia Press, October 30, 2020. The Interview... Who are you and what do you write?
I’m Matthew O’Neil and I write sci-fi/horror with some pop-philosophy in between. Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you? Writing was something I always did. I started the way most bands or musicians start; you copy the work of those you admire and build your own from there. So it was copying Lord of the Rings when I was in junior high, taking creative writing courses in college and receiving a certificate in the art, and then writing my own serious work starting in 2012. How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown? I think I would summarize it as “there’s always room to learn.” A lot of it was patience with myself as I really made my work more intriguing to others and formatted in a way that was easier to grasp. Unfortunately I seem to have a tendency to ramble, so making my points more concise and understanding that there’s weight to every word was important for me. Part of it was also understanding, like music, you have to pay attention to why you like certain things. I had to go and read more authors, picking apart their work, to understand why it was appealing and how to apply it to my own work. What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable? Sometimes I fall down a rabbit hole while researching different subjects. I get curious about dozens of seemingly insignificant things throughout any process, but when I start looking up things for my writing, I can get lost. So the struggle, for the most part, is remaining focused The most enjoyable part has been the authentic feedback from my publishing and editing team about my work. Even when I’m feeling fairly unsuccessful (which can happen a lot), reading the email exchanges between us helps me feel a lot better about the work I do. They’re great confidence builders! Would you go back and change anything? Based on the private feedback I’ve received from the first book, I think there might be some things I’d want to change. Ultimately, this book was filled with a lot of emotions tied to some dire personal circumstances I experienced between “Attrition” and “Cathatsis”. I would only have wished for a more consistent time frame, or even to have waited until the events had passed in their entirety before I had started writing. Ultimately, writing is what helped me through a lot of it, so I don’t think I would like anything to have been different during the creation of this story. Where would you like to be in 5 years time? And 10? In five years, hopefully I’ll have finished the Transtemporal series and started on some other story lines I’ve been fleshing out in my notebooks. In ten, maybe I’ll have gone back and added a prequel trilogy to Transtemporal swearing its the end, while planning the true final three. I just hope I’m still writing. Truly, I will finish the series and start work on the ideas I feel are ready for work. What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out? Write. Every day. Sign up for short story exercises, enter contests, give yourself any excuse to write. And when you’re not writing, you should be reading or taking classes on how to improve your writing. Most importantly, write for yourself. Don’t try to impress anyone except the you who fell in love with story telling. Impress yourself. Make yourself proud. Even if no one else ever reads your work, having that finished book on your shelf is often times reward enough and a powerful reminder of what you’re able to accomplish. And most importantly... Ketchup or Mayo? Ketchup Night or Day? Night Inside or Outside? Inside Dogs or Cats? Dogs (pitbulls specifically) Twitter or Facebook? Can I choose neither? No? Then Twitter. ebook or Paperback? Nothing beats the feel of a physical book (but ebooks do my back a favor during moves) Sun or Rain? Rain Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? Keyboard Comedy or Drama? Comedy Chips or Chocolate? Chocolate covered chips |
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