Posts tagged children’s book

Walking Through Walls Nominated in Predators and Editors Readers Poll

Jan01
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Walking Through WallsI’m thrilled about this nomination for Walking Through Walls, but it means I need votes. So, I’d appreciate your help.

For those who aren’t familiar with Walking Through Walls, it’s a children’s middle grade fantasy adventure and you can find out more about through the Reviews Page on the right sidebar.

So, if you’re so inclined, I’d appreciate your vote:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml

Just scroll down till you see Walking Through Walls. Vote for my book and they’ll send you a confirmation email – you’ll need to click on the link for it to take.

And, Please share this post!

Thanks so much,

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Other 4RV Nominations are:

Science Fiction – Time Pullers by Horton Deakins
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml

Print Book and e Publishing ( yes, both) – 4RV Publishing
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml

Posted in Children's books - Tagged , , , , , ,

Writing a Fiction Story: Walking Through Walls Backstory

Dec20
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

It’s always interesting how writers find ideas when writing a fiction story. Some may simply come up with an idea, others may see something that triggers a story, and sometimes a story is handed to a writer.

I had never thought of rewriting a folktale until being given a rough outline of an ancient Chinese tale, Taoist Master of the Lao Mountain. This was the inception of Walking Through Walls.

It was June of 2008, and I belonged to a writing critique group along with a Chinese nonfiction writer who had a basic outline of an ancient Chinese tale that he wanted to pass along to a fiction writer. Since writing a fiction story wasn’t his cup of tea, he gave me the outline.

After reading the outline, I loved the lessons it could bring to children. Folktales come from all over the world and usually provide morale messages geared toward doing right, rather than wrong. These tales are a wonderful way to teach children through an engaging and entertaining story.

Since the tale, as with many ancient tales, involved an adult as the protagonist the first step needed was to rewrite it for today’s children’s market, meaning it needed a child protagonist. Wanting to stay as close to the original tale, I used some of its flavor, descriptions, and names. That’s how the main character’s name, Wang, was chosen. Along with keeping the story’s flavor, I wanted it to be engaging for today’s child, so I came up with new characters, the dragon, enhanced storyline and plot, and so on.

Having an outline to guide me was a great help; it offered a general direction, like an arrow pointing North. So, as I began to rewrite the tale it was able to take on a life of its own, while still heading North. And, to ensure the story kept its flavor, I made sure to include bits of the original story to keep it as close to the tale’s outline as possible.

Working on the story, I knew it needed to take place in ancient China, so decided to use the 16th century as the backdrop for the story. To add an element of realism to the story, I researched ancient China, including foods, flowers, dwellings, and clothing. I also contacted the Chinese writer who gave me the outline for some additional cultural information.

I worked on the story for well over a year, revising it, having it critiqued numerous times, revising it some more, and even had it professionally edited by Lea Schizas before beginning to send it out for submissions. Fortunately for me, the timing coincided with the 2009 Muse Online Writers Conference and I signed up to have a pitch with 4RV Publishing. As nervous as I was, the pitch went well and the manuscript was accepted. For the next year, it was more revisions, tweaking, additional elements to the story, and editing to make the middle-grade, fantasy adventure, Walking Through Walls, better than before.

Then, the story was ready for a cover illustration. Aidana WillowRaven was assigned to my book and although the dragon in the story was described as “a shimmering golden dragon,” Aidana ‘felt’ the flavor of the story pointed to a more oriental type dragon. We went back and forth a bit about the dragon’s size and shape, but Aidana’s vision of what the dragon should look like was perfect.

Now, the description of the ‘golden dragon’ in the story needed to be corrected. So, I changed the text to read, “Suddenly a magnificent dragon with shimmering red and silver scales appeared.” Done. The description of the dragon and the cover matched; we were ready to move forward.

Next came the interior design formatting, which includes the text. After blocking the text it was determined another six pages was needed to make the spine wide enough. So, I had to come up with more content. As the story was complete, to fill the page count I came up with an Author’s Note page, four pages of Reading Comprehension, an Activities Page, and after more research eight pages of information on the Ming Dynasty time period and the Chinese dragon.

Finally, Walking Through Walls became available for sale in August 2011.

Writing a fiction story from its inception to publication can take many paths; this is the path Walking Through Walls took.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance Writer, Editor

Check out Karen’s Books Page:
http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html

Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
http://KarenCioffi.com
http://WritersOnTheMove.com
DKV Writing 4 U

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kcioffiventrice
GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/107054879622971281466/posts

Posted in children's author, Children's books, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Walking Through Walls Book Tour

Nov01
2011 3 Comments Written by admin

 Well, Walking Through Walls is now on its second virtual book tour, but this time I’m not doing it on my own, I’m going with World of Ink Tours.

AND, THE TOUR BEGINS TODAY!

You might be wondering why I’m having another virtual tour for Walking Through Walls, and the answer is two-fold:

1. I have tremendous belief in my middle-grade fantasy adventure story, Walking Through Walls, and want to bring it to new readers, and I’m also promoting my first book, DAY’S END LULLABY.

***

Day’s End Lullaby is a soothing, lyrical, and rhyming children’s bedtime picture book with the sheet music to the lullaby included in the back of the book. To learn more about Day’s End Lullaby and read some great reviews, and even a singing video review, go to:
http://daysendlullaby.blogspot.com

To learn more about Walking Through Walls and read some great reviews, and check out a couple of interior illustrations, go to: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com

2. These books are great holiday gifts and wanted to share them with readers.

NOW ON TO THTE SCHEDULE FOR THE ‘WORLD OF INK’ KAREN CIOFFI BOOK TOUR:

November 1st
Families Matter Blog – Interview
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

November 2nd
World of Ink Network – Spotlight/Guest Post
http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com

November 3rd
American Chronicle – Interview/Spotlight
http://www.americanchronicle.com/

November 4th
The Writing Mama – Interview
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

November 6th
Utah Children’s Writer Blog – Guest Post: Tips for Writing eBooks http://utahchildrenswriters.blogspot.com/

November 7th
The Maggie Project – Guest Post: Writing in Rhyme
http://www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com

November 8th
Writing to the Hearts of Children- Spotlight
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

November 9th
MomnBaby Network – Spotlight
http://momnbaby.com/blogs

November 10th
Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Interview
http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

November 11th
Families Matter Blog – Book Review: Walking Through Walls http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

November 13th
MomnBaby Network – Book Review: Day’s End Lullaby
http://momnbaby.com/blogs

November 15th
The Crypto-Capers Review – Day’s End Lullaby
http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com

November 16th
BlogCritics: Mom Prefers – Author Spotlight
http://blogcritics.org/culture/feature/mom-prefers/

November 17th
Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Book Review: Walking Through Walls
http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

November 18th
Families Matter Blog – Book Review: Day’s End Lullaby
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

November 21st
BiblioReads.com – Book Review & Giveaway
http://BiblioReads.blogspot.com

BlogCritics-Book Review: Walking Through Walls
http://blogcritics.org/books/

BTR’s World of Ink Network: Stories for Children show.
Live Radio Interview at 2pm EST
at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork
or call in to listen or ask questions (714) 242-5259.
You can also listen on demand after the show airs!

November 22nd
Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview
http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/pastfeaturedguests.aspx

November 23rd
The Writing Mama – Guest Post: Back story of Walking Through Walls http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

November 27th
Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Book Review: Day’s End Lullaby http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

November 28th
Strands of Thought – Interview
http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/

YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY SITES AND LINKS AT:

Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing

http://KarenCioffi.com

http://WritersOnTheMove.com

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kcioffiventrice
GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/107054879622971281466/posts

 

Posted in Book Marketing, children's author, Children's books, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Children’s Writing: the Traditional Publishing Path

Sep24
2011 1 Comment Written by admin

Children’s books fall into one of three categories: picture books, middle grade, and young adult. To become published within the children’s writing arena, in any of these genres, you need to take the necessary steps to achieve success whether aiming at traditional publishing or self-publishing.

In regard to traditional publishing, there are four steps needed to become a traditionally published author; the first step is writing.

Actually writing, and all that it entails, is the basis of becoming a published author or writer, whether writing books, articles, becoming a ghostwriter, or copywriter. Within that first writing step, there are four subcategories.

Children’s Writing: Four Traditional Publishing Steps

1. Writing and Reading

The first step for a successful writing career is to write. But, in addition to writing, the new writer will need to learn the craft of writing, along with the particular tricks of writing for children. Children’s writing is more complicated than other forms of writing. The reason is because you’re dealing with children.

Rules, such as age-appropriate words, age-appropriate topics, age-appropriate comprehension, storylines and formatting are all features that need to be tackled when writing for children.

Within the first step rung, aside from reading books and magazines on the craft of writing, you will need to read, read, and read in the genre you want to write.

Pay special attention to recently published books and their publishers. What works in these books? What type of style is the author using? What topics/storylines are publisher’s publishing?

Dissect these books, and you might even write or type them word-for-word to get a feel for writing that works. This is a trick that writers new to copywriting use – you can trick your brain into knowing the right way to write for a particular genre or field. Well, not so much trick your brain as teach it by copying effective writing. Just remember, this is for the learning process only – you cannot use someone else’s work, that’s plagiarism.

2. Critiques

The next step, number two, is to become part of a critique group and have your work critiqued. Critiquing is a two-way street; you will critique the work of other member of the critique group and they will critique yours. But, there are advantages to critiquing other writers’ works – you begin to see errors quickly and notice what’s being done right. This all helps you hone your craft.

3. Revise and Edit

Step three on the writing rung is to revise your manuscript according to your own self-editing and critiques from others. It’s also recommended to put the story away for a couple of weeks and then revisit it. You’ll see a number of areas that may need revising that you hadn’t noticed before.

There are also some self-editing steps you can take to help the process; you can check out:

Ten Tips Checklist for Self-Editing (Part 1)
Ten Tips checklist for Self-Editing (Part 2)

Final stages of Self-Editing Part 1
Final Stages of Self-Editing Part 2

4. Take it to a Professional

It would also be advisable if you budget for a professional editing of your manuscript before you begin submissions. No matter how careful you and your critique partners are, a working editor will pick up things you missed.

Once you have a polished manuscript, the next three steps in a writing career are: submissions, a contract and sales, and a writing career.

It’s important to mention that these four steps should be taken whether you are going the traditional publishing route or you’re going to self-publish. Just because you may be by-passing the publisher’s gatekeepers, who protect the integrity and quality of the work they accept, your manuscript should be the best possible, a quality product.

Self-publishing is not an excuse to cut corners, rush a book, or create a substandard product. Remember that your book is a reflection of you and your writing ability.

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Related Articles:

Is Your Manuscript Ready for Submission?
Freelance Editors – Should You Hire One?

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If you’d like to check out my books, go to Karen’s Books Page:
http://www.karencioffi.com/karen-cioffis-books-and-e-books/

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Ghostwriting and Editing for Businesses and Marketers
Do you need an e-book or white paper to offer for instruction, platform visibility, or a gift? Do you need blog, article, white paper, or other form of content visibility for your business? We’re professional and experienced with keywords and SEO. So, please stop by and check us out. Go to: http://DKVWriting4U.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance Writer

http://KarenCioffi.com
http://DKVWriting4U.com
Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice

Posted in Children's books, Writing, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , , , ,

The Wait is Over, Your Book is Finally Available for Sale

Jul29
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

It’s a long road, as most authors can probably tell you, from first starting your story to the day it’s actually available for sale. A road filled with writing, outlines, revisions, critiquing, self-editing, some doubts and frustration (maybe a lot of doubts and frustration), more revisions, critiquing, and editing, and so on.

That road can take you one to two years to travel, but then . . . you reach your destination . . . your goal. All your doubts, impatience, and frustration disappears. Your book is now available for sale at retailers and bookstores! Now you can relax and take a breather before you start on your next book.

Uh, but, wait a minute. You thought writing the book and having to be patient through the submissions and publishing journey was tough? Well, roll up your sleeves and dig in, because now comes the hard part – selling your book.

Okay, all this is a lead-up to my big announcement: Walking Through Walls is now available for sale. :)

Amazon doesn’t have the book’s cover on the sales page yet, but click on the blank image – I uploaded the cover to it. Hopefully, they’ll get the cover up in 4-8 weeks.

Get your copy today at:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

You can also order Walking Through Walls today at:
4RV Publishing Catalog

And don’t forget to get out the Walking Through Walls YouTube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/90aJO5qHHWc

For those who haven’t heard of Walking Through Walls, it is a middle grade fantasy adventure based on an ancient Chinese tale. You can read a number of reviews, check out a couple of interior illustrations, and find out more about my book at: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com

And, for anyone who has read Walking Through Walls it’d be greatly appreciated if you’d write a review, however small or large, and post it to Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing . . .whichever and where ever you have the time to go to.
For those who have already written a review, please post it to any or all of the sites mentioned above!

Reviews are a powerful selling tool.

I take the time to post my reviews to the usual places, and I always make them long enough to post to the article directories, particularly EzineArticles.

This strategy produces a couple of benefits:

1. The author gets free effective promotion to a broader audience.
2. The reviewer gets the satisfaction of helping out a fellow author, plus increased visibility from the review posting sites and article directories. And, remember, you never know who will end up reading your work online, whether a review, an article, an e-book, or other content.

And, please go to the Walking Through Walls page on AMAZON and CLICK on the LIKE button. Then down just a bit down and on the right hand side, you’ll find a Tweet Button and Facebook Button – if you click on both that’ll add more sparks to the promotion fire!

For those of you who haven’t read the book yet, but intend to, after you’ve read it, if you liked it, PLEASE write a brief review and post it to any or all of the places I mentioned above.

Any and all help in bringing visibility to Walking Through Walls will be greatly appreciated.

Please Tweet, Facebook, and Google+ this post!

Thanks!

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If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter, A Writers World, and get TWO FREE eBooks on writing and/or marketing:

The Self-Publisher’s Guide, 4th Edition
The Blogger’s Checklist
(The books offered may change periodically)

In fact, check out the sidebar for two free gifts just for stopping by!

~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, and
Editor for 4RV Publishing

Member of the Professional Writers Alliance, the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters, and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.

Day’s End Lullaby (Children’s bedtime story)
http://daysendlullaby.blogspot.com

http://KarenCioffi.com
http://DKVWriting4U.com
Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice

Posted in Children's books, Marketing, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D”

Jul11
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Since this site is about writing and marketing, I occasionally post book reviews since they’re a very important part of promoting a book. Today I have one on a wonderful picture book by Margot Finke.

Title: Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D”
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” is a children’s rhyming picture book that tackles dyslexia. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic, “is an impairment in your brain’s ability to translate written images received from your eyes into meaningful language.” And, it is the most common learning disability in children.

Margot Finke, in her usual insightful and playful way, shows the academic and emotional affects that dyslexia carries with it. Horatio, like all children with dyslexia, wants to read like his peers, but just can’t. “He wanted to read and dive into books, to snuggle in bed, reading stuff about crooks. But something was wonky within his poor head, so words in his books stayed a mystery instead.”

The author captures the emotional impact a child feels when he can’t read like others, which leads to: the need for special resources, tutoring, low self-esteem, and even anxiety. “Special class is for nitwits,” he whined to his Mom. “Every one of my friends will think that I’m dumb!”

With vivid full page illustrations Finke brings Horatio through the process of “special class” and shows the outcome that can be attained with proper instruction. “Words came unscrambled and flowed smooth and clear. “Hey, I’m reading books!” He yelled with a cheer.”

I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll do so again, I’m a fan of Margot Finke’s work. She has a unique talent for approaching topics that children can use help with, such as moving away from familiar surroundings and friends, as in her book Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind, and now with dyslexia. What’s wonderful about Finke’s books is she addresses these issues with lighthearted rhyming fun.

Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” is a book every parent of a child who is struggling to read should get. It’s important for children to know they’re not alone in their struggles, and that dyslexia is a problem that CAN be overcome.

Included at the end of the story is a resource page that provides information on dyslexia and also offers links to pertinent articles, along with book suggestions. Listed in the information is the advice that encourages parents of children who have or are suspect of having dyslexia to let their children know it is not a sign of a lack of intelligence. These children should be told that actors/celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey and Magic Johnson overcame dyslexia, as did Bill Gates and Albert Einstein.

According to statistics, one in five students (around 20% of the population) has a language based learning disability. And, less than one-third of the children with reading disabilities receive school services to help with their disability.

Reading Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” with your dyslexic child is a valuable strategy to help with your child’s self-esteem and motivation.

~~~~~~~~
Other Reviews You May Find of Interest:

The Lucky Baseball
Ruthie and Hippo’s Fat Behind
Walking Through Walls

~~~~~~~~~~

If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter, A Writers World, and get TWO FREE eBooks on writing and/or marketing:

The Self-Publisher’s Guide, 4nd Edition
The Blogger’s Checklist
<em>(The books offered may change periodically)</em>

In fact, check out the sidebar for two free gifts just for stopping by!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ghostwriting and Editing for Businesses and Individuals
Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book or white paper to offer for instruction, platform visibility, or a gift? Do you need blog, article, white paper, or other form of content visibility for your business? We’re professional, experienced with keywords and SEO, and we cover a number of writing services. So, please stop by and check us out. Go to: http://dkvwriting4u.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, and
Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing

Member of the Professional Writers Alliance, the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters, and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.

Walking Through Walls (MG fantasy book)

http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com

Day’s End Lullaby (Children’s bedtime story)

http://daysendlullaby.blogspot.com

http://KarenCioffi.com
http://DKVWriting4U.com
Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice

Posted in Book Review, Children's books, Writing - Tagged , , , ,

Walking Through Walls July 2011 Book Tour

Jun27
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Children's fantasy story On Friday, July 1st, I will begin my Walking Through Walls Virtual Book Tour. I’d like everyone to know though, that there will be some informational articles on writing and marketing along with an interview and book reviews, please follow along and leave comments to be entered in the contest/drawing.

So, here’s the information that will be included in the Press Release to be prepared and published by Donna McDine.

Author: Karen Cioffi
Illustrator: Aidana WillowRaven
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9826594-7-2
Genre: MG/Tween/YA

Book Synopsis:

Longing to be rich and powerful, twelve-year-old Wang studies the legend of the mystical Eternals. Certain they are real, he journeys to their temple and begins an apprenticeship with the Eternal Master. There he enters a world of magic where not everything is as it seems, and where he learns the magic formula to ‘walking through walls.’

CONTEST/DRAWING

There will be drawings at the end of the tour from those who comment on any of the tour stops. Please include your email address in a safe format within the comment to be eligible, such as karencioffi(at)ymail(dot)com.

Prizes that will be awarded at the end of the tour are:

• TWO: $10 Amazon Gift Certificates
• THREE: Writing for Children One Step at a Time (a 100+ page ebook)
• FOUR: Writing, Publishing, and Marketing – You Can Do It (a 35 page ebook)

Winners will be notified by email and prizes will be sent within a week after the tour.

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JULY TOUR SCHEDULE

July 1st Kelly McClymer
http://kellymcclymer.com/wordpress
Book Review

July 2nd Renee Hand
http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com
Book Review

July 5th Deb Hockenberry
http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com
Book Review and Interview

July 7th Kathy Stemke
http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Book Review

July 8th Donna McDine
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
An Effective Book Marketing Strategy: Joint Ventures

July 9th Dianne Sagan
http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Writing for Children: Finding Age Appropriate Words

July 11th Stephen Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com
Rewriting a Folktale

July 13th Heidi Thomas
http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com
Book Promotion: The Foundation

July 15th Nancy Famolari
http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com
Book Review

July 18th Kristin Johnson
http://www.seo-writer.com/writers/
Is Your Character One, Two, or Three Dimensional?

July 19th Eylsabeth Eldering
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
Book Review

July 21st Susanne Drazic
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/
Book Review

July 23rd Margaret Fieland
http://margaretfieldand.com
Writing Focus, Determination, Perseverance, and Positive Thinking

July 25th Maggie Ball
http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com
Successful Writing Strategy: Know Your Intent

July 27th Susanne Drazic
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/
Storytelling – Keep Your Reader Engaged

July 28th Farrah Kennedy
http://tbfreviews.net/
Book Review

July 30th Beverly McClure
http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
Writing for Free – A Means to an End: Visibility

~~~~~
Karen Cioffi is an author and ghostwriter. Her new MG/YA fantasy book, Walking Through Walls, is based on an ancient Chinese tale.

The book will be available through online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and book stores by July 15th.

You can preorder it through Walking Through Walls today at:
http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/mg-ya-page-2.php

To learn more about Walking Through Walls check out some reviews:
http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com/p/walking-through-walls-reviews.html

You can also check out the YouTube Video for Walking Through Walls:
http://youtu.be/90aJO5qHHWc

To find out more about Karen and her books visit:
http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html

Posted in Children's books, Marketing, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Walking Through Walls Video

May28
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Children's fantasy story Well, the publication of my children’s fantasy chapter book is taking its final lap. Thanks to Aidana WillowRaven, Walking Through Walls now has its first YouTube video.

Check it out at: http://youtu.be/90aJO5qHHWc

Here’s a brief synopsis of the story:

Walking Through Walls is based on an ancient Chinese tale and set in 16th century China. Twelve year old Wang dreams of becoming rich, powerful and feared. He studies the legend of the Eternals, a group of mystics who are known and feared for their amazing magical feats. When he is sure they are real, he journeys to their home in the Loa Mountain and begins an apprenticeship with the Master Eternal.

Unfortunately, Wang does not have the patience or moral fiber for the long and arduous undertaking. Before he leaves his apprenticeship, he gets the Master to teach him one magic formula – walking through walls.

The book is scheduled to be available for sale on July 1st and I’ll be soon working on a couple of virtual book tours. This is part of every author’s ‘must do’ marketing strategy in order to create visibility for the book.

Stay tuned and I’ll keep you informed as to what marketing steps I take to promote my book.

You can check out the blogsite I created for Walking Through Walls at: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com

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Writing, Publishing, and Marketing – You Can Do It

This 34 page e-book is full of writing, publishing (traditional and self-publishing) and marketing information. Kind of a GPS for getting where you’re headed: published and selling books.

Click on the link for more details and a great review:
http://www.karencioffi.com/writing-publishing-and-marketing/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter, A Writers World, and get TWO FREE eBooks:

The Self-Publisher’s Guide, 2nd Edition
The Blogger’s Checklist
(The books offered may change periodically)

In fact, check out the sidebar for two free gifts just for stopping by!

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Ghostwriting and Editing for Businesses and Individuals
Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book or white paper to offer for instruction, platform visibility, or a gift? Do you need blog, article, white paper, or other form of content visibility for your business? We’re professional, experienced with keywords and SEO, and we cover a number of writing services. So, please stop by and check us out. Go to: http://DKVWriting4U.com

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, and
Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing

Member of the Professional Writers Alliance, the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters, and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.

http://KarenCioffi.com
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Posted in Marketing, Writing, Writing for Children - Tagged , , , ,

A Review: Who On Earth is Rachel Carson?

Mar12
2010 Leave a Comment Written by admin

You know, part of learning to write is to read, especially in the genre you want to write. Here’s a great book for children and adults . . . read away!

Title: Who On Earth is Rachel Carson?
Author: Glenn Scherer and Marty Fletcher
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-59845-116-0
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Reviewed by Karen Cioffi

I’m a conservationist and environmentalist, so when I read Who On Earth is Rachel Carson? I was extremely interested to learn that this scientist and author was one of the founders of the environmental movement. And, she helped start this important movement when it was uncommon for women to be scientists, let alone initiators of a new awareness of a dangerous issue affecting Earth.

Having struggled to achieve success as a naturalist, marine biologist, and scientific author, in 1962 Carson deviated from her usual writing to undertake a fiction story that she later revealed was based on real events that were affecting our planet. The book was Silent Spring, and it was a ground breaker. For the first time, the masses were privy to what pesticides were doing to not only the land and animals, but to people also.

This was a time when pesticide manufacturers were though of as heroes, controlling nature. Scherer and Fletcher explain, “They [pesticide manufacturers] assaulted Carson’s book and also criticized her scientific facts and her character, calling her a “hysterical woman.” But, people took Carson’s words to heart, “the millions of people who read Silent Spring awoke to discover that the natural world was under assault by DDT and other chemical pesticides. Within a year, public outcry forced many states to begin regulating pesticides, with federal government following suit shortly.”

Who On Earth is Rachel Carson? is a valuable read for both children and adults. The authors present the information in an easy to read format and provide additional information about the introduction and promotion of pesticides. Along with this, the authors include a number of photographs of Carson and other relevant shots including marine life.

In a time when the young perceive heroes as singers, actors, and celebrities, Who On Earth is Rachel Carson? is a valuable book that teachers and parents can introduce to children to provide insight into what a real hero does. What I especially think is an important aspect of this book is it shows the power of one.

While this review is based on a review copy provided by Enslow Publishers, it was accepted without guarantee or assumption of the preparation a favorable or unfavorable review.

Other articles of possible interest:

Review of The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book

Learn to Write for Children

Karen Cioffi

http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com

http://dkvwriting4u.com

AND, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER PAGES HERE! THERE ARE SOME GREAT OFFERS AND BOOKS!

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