A Word from My Friends

Jamie – This fellow writer has his blog detailing his works in progress with tidbits about his life and family. You’ve probably dropped by his blog before if you followed the blog tour for The Art of Science. When he gets a book out, I hope to return the favor.

Michelle – She’s a singer/songwriter in Ohio. She plays her guitar and sings at a local restaurant, Pot Belly. One of the great parts of her blog is she posts a new song once a week.

Shawna – Here’s a new one on my writer scene, for those who yawned at the first two. (What are you thinking? These are great people!) She’s chronicling her fitness journey, though I’m not sure I want to call it a fitness journey, it’s a humorous look at how she got where she is. I hope she’s also going to use it to get where she wants to be. She’s an excellent writer (I’ve listened to her read a picture book or two) and I hope to see more from her in the future.

Crys – My fellow writer at 4RV Publishing, LLC. I haven’t met her yet, but I do have two copies of her book, Angeline Jellybean. (My mom didn’t think I’d share with my daughter. This way I don’t have to worry if she wants to chew on it.) She’s nearly finished a new young adult novel, and I know she’s working on more picture books.

Dawn – Another writer trying to get somewhere from her home in Utah. Her blog is fairly new. We’ve talked a bit about getting together for an interview, but our schedules haven’t meshed yet.

If you have a moment, check out their musings. They’ve all helped me on my way, and I just thought I’d take a moment to introduce them to my readers. Thank you!

The Art of Science: Day 6

See great behind-the-book information with Crystalee at Crystalee Calderwood – Writer and Poet.

Reading and revising this book so much before it came out brings up memories from when I was in junior high. No, this isn’t based on my life, but I did try to incorporate things I remember being good and bad.

I also remember where I was when I was physically writing it. Forgot to add that to the ‘do you know’s’ when Crystalee asked. I had a lot of business trips with one co-worker during the time I was finishing the rough draft. So, I wrote in the car (longhand, since I didn’t have a laptop) while he drove, though I forget our actual destinations (perhaps Ohio?). I wrote on a chartered jet when we went to Canada, too.

He got used to me writing randomly, even seemed proud that I used his (first) name as one of the last names of my characters. I lost touch with him after we both left my former employer. He was pretty cool.

After I picked up my friend at the airport Saturday night, we talked about this book and now I’m thinking about writing more in this genre (mainstream young adult) or possibly middle-grade.

But first I need to figure out how to write and also take care of my child! Stay tuned here for a wrap-up tomorrow. Will also announce the winner of the free book by the end of the week.

Angeline Jellybean!

Everyone loves jellybeans, but probably none of them as much as Angeline. All she eats is jellybeans!

You’ll find out more during this tour about the author, Crystalee Calderwood, the illustrator, Stephen Macquignon; and the book, Angeline Jellybean! I have the feeling this book has given all of us jellybean fever – so watch out. It might not be contagious…

A little information about jellybeans:

  • Jellybeans emerged around 1900 with other shaped candies.
  • Former President Ronald Reagan’s favorite candy was the jellybean, which marked a resurgence in popularity and also brought a lot of gourmet or designer flavors.
  • Some manufacturers make formed shapes for holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
  • Mostly, they’re part of Easter traditions and about 15 billion jellybeans are sold during the season.

Angeline Jellybean, the book: Publisher Site

As a picture book geared toward children 2 and up for listening and 1st to 3rd grade for reading, Angeline is going to get them thinking. It’s filled with beautiful pictures and a fun story to keep them entertained, as well. I received my copy earlier this month and am extremely happy with it.

Crystalee Calderwood: Website Blog

Favorite jellybean flavor? Cherry
Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
Favorite age of children to read to? Babies and Toddlers – the lap-cuddling age.
Favorite age of children to write for? 3-5 years, but I like to write for all ages.
What’s your next challenge? Revising and expanding my first YA novel and hopefully getting it published. I’m also working on a new website where kids can ask me questions about my writing, books, and send in their own work.

Stephen Macquignon:

Favorite jellybean flavor? If I had to choose one, it would be the black liquorish.
Favorite holiday? Halloween is my favorite. I used to love putting on costumes and going Trick or Treating with my friends.
Favorite age of children to illustrate for? I don’t have one. I enjoy working in all age groups. “Angeline Jellybean” is for children ages 2 and up, “Colors” that has just been published and is written by Danna Warren is for children no older than 7 years.
What’s your next challenge? “Would a Kangaraffee Make you Laffe” and I have two more  books in production “If Fish Could Drive” and “The Marshmallow Man” coming out in October 2009.

Make sure you check out the entire tour! Click for schedule.

Looking Forward!

My good friend and fellow author at 4RV Publishing, LLC, Crystalee Calderwood, will be my guest to kick off her blog tour on December 28th! I’m really excited to host her and her new picture book, Angeline Jellybean.

The other stops on the tour:

Vivian Zabel at http://vivianzabel.blogspot.com -December 29th
Laura Peters at http://www.renaissance-seamstress.com/blog/ -December 30th

Elysabeth Eldering http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com/ -December 31st

Susan Thompson at http://www.susansmiththompson.com/ – January 1st

Sarah Adkins at http://seapeanut.wordpress.com/ -January 2nd

Lea Schizas at http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/ -January 3rd

Crystalee Calderwood at http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com -January 4th.

All hosts plan something a little different and there might be incentives, so make sure you check out all the posts. Also, comment so we know you’re here. I heard the illustrator, Stephen MacQuignon, may be hanging around at that time. I hope he’s also available for questioning. (Wait, I don’t mean that in a bad way: “So, Stephen, where were you on the day Angeline Jellybean debuted on Amazon?”)