Author Spotlight: Molly Nero

Molly Nero loves to sing, dance and read. She spent over 18 years teaching elementary school. Reading to her own children, she was inspired to write. She encouraged and nurtured her 4th grade students in their writing, which helped to strengthen her own abilities. Nero shared, "Being critiqued by 10-year-olds was very humbling, but allowed me to open up myself and make sure that I was relating to them as my audience." 

Inspired by David McPhail, Nero sent her book to him not sure what to expect. "You can imagine my excitement opening his handwritten note that included his illustration of my main character Smarty Pig. He wrote, 'I hope that you will work hard to get ‘Smarty Pig’ published.' That encouragement was what I needed to keep trying until I found a publisher that believed in my book and valued my message," shared Nero.

The second book in the Smarty Pig book series Smarty Pig and the Test Taking Terror releases in Spring 2012.

Smarty Pig is the story of a family of pigs that have given up on school. They don’t do their homework and feel it’s not important. The only one who does is teased and nic-named Smarty Pig. When Smarty Pig gets good grades and the others fail, they reach out to her to help them. She agrees but asks them to try their best. She takes skills taught at school and puts them into real-life situations, ie: the kitchen becomes a grocery store with things to be purchased using play money. As the games are played, their grades improve too. They begin to understand that learning CAN be fun, and it’s not just for school, learning is for life.

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number: 978-1-61244-048-4
Genre of Book:  Picture book
Publication Date: December 2011
 

Testimonials:   

“Kid-tested, librarian-approved! Nero does an outstanding job of conveying such an important message to youngsters.” --Elaine Volpe, Head of Youth Services, Bethel Park Library, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

“As my first graders listened to a reading of Smarty Pig, smiles and giggles abounded! Molly Nero has successfully combined an important life lesson with a fun read. It is a story that appeals to readers of all ages. Parents and teachers love the positive message about learning. Kids love it, because it's fun.” --Barbara Walsh, 1st Grade Teacher, Washington Elementary, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

"As is ofter said: I only know what I like and and I do like your clever, and funny, and (best of all) thought-provoking story...Smarty Pig. I wish I had come up with the idea myself!" --David McPhail

Places where Smarty Pig is available for sale:

www.halopublishing.com and all other bookstores POD after Dec.

Halo Publishing, Int. and the World of Ink Network will be touring author Molly Nero’s book Smarty Pig, which released December 2011

You can find out more about Molly Nero’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MollyNero.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Nero and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. 

In addition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Molly Nero about her book, writing, the publishing industry and experiences. Nero will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and the tribulations of the writer’s life.

The show will air live January 9, 2012 at 2pm EST. You can tune in live at the World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradion.com/worldofinknetwork. 

Author Spotlight: Teen Author Rachel Yurchisin

Rachel Yurchisin’s love of science and nature has inspired her to write her first children’s book in the hopes of passing on her passion to other young ‘budding’ naturalists. Yurchisin is a junior in high school and participates in educational programs at her city zoo and natural history museum.

The illustrator, Fred Fulcher, is the author's grandfather, and is a retired Clevland firefighter and business entrepreneur residing in Parma Hts., Ohio. He is a self-taught artist and has enjoyed creating the illustrations for his first children's book.

Diary of My Days in Kenya is a fictional story loosely based upon the real life occurrences of a nomadic lioness who nurtures baby oryx as if they were her own young. A naturalist’s observations of the lioness and her adopted baby oryx offers the reader an interesting insight as to why this unique phenomenon has transpired. The story explores how the traditional relationship of a predator and prey is transcended, presenting a spellbinding account of how a parental bond, even a non-traditional one, can never be broken.

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.

ISBN Number: 978-1-935268-89-5

Genre of Book: Children’s/Educational

Publication Date: May 2011

Halo Publishing, Int. and the World of Ink Network will be touring teen author Rachel Yurchisin’s book Diary of My Days in Kenya, which released in May 2011.

You can find out more about Rachel Yurchisin’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/RachelYurchisin.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Yurchisin and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions.

In addition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Rachel Yurchisin about her book and writing.  

The show will air live January 23, 2012 at 6pm EST. You can tune in live at the World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradion.com/worldofinknetwork. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)

 

Rachel's Next Blog Stop is January 5^th

MomnBaby Network

http://momnbaby.com/blogs

Author Spotlight: Maryann B. Sawka

Maryann B. Sawka is an educator and parent, who has always embraced the notion that good manners are stylish and timely in every situation. She founded Charming Manners, a training company that educates all ages in the quest for civility and self-confidence. Sawka introduces good manners with a fun, engaging approach that makes the pursuit for knowledge an enjoyable experience.

Good Table Manners Made Easy is a quick, easy-to-read resource that teaches basic table manners in a delightfully fun way. It also serves as a quick refresher for the table manners that we may have forgotten.

ISBN Number: 978-1-61244-046-0

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.

Genre of Book: Children’s, Self-Help, Etiquette 

Publication Date: 2012

Places where Good Table Manners Made Easy is available for sale: www.halopublishing.com

www.charmingmanners.net

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

and other online retailers 

Halo Publishing, Int. and the World of Ink Network will be touring author Maryann B. Sawka’s book Good Table Manners Made Easy, which released in January 2012.

You can find out more about Maryann B. Sawka’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MaryannBSawka.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Sawka and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions.

In addition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Maryann B. Sawka about her book, writing, the publishing industry and experiences. Sawka will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and the tribulations of the writer’s life.

The show will air live January 16, 2012 at 2pm EST. You can tune in live at the World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradion.com/worldofinknetwork. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)

Next Tour Stop: January 3rd
Families Matter Blog - Interview
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY - HOST MARSHA COOK /FRAN LEWIS by WorldOfInkNetwork, Dec 20, 2011

SPECIAL EDITION - Please join Marsha Cook and Fran Lewis on December 20th AT 6:30 EST 5:30 CST 4:30 MT 3:30 PST  as they welcome Best Selling Author Sarah Paretsky.

Sandra Elrod will be opening the chat room and after Fran Lewis who reviewed Sarah's new book BREAKDOWN is finished with her discussion the chat room will continue to be open. Sarah is a very talented writer and we are thrilled to have her. This is a show you won't want to miss.

Listen to the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2011/12/20/a-good-story-is-a-good-story--host-marsha-cook-fran-lewis

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with Host Marsha Casper Cook by WorldOfInkNetwork, Dec 15, 2011

Please join Host Marsha Cook and Fran Lewis on Thursday at 1PM EST NOON CST -11AM PST 10AM for a very special edition of A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with the launch of Gerard de Marigny’s new book Signs of War.

The first book The Watchman of Ephraim tells the story of how one man found inspiration from tragedy. Gerard is very serious about his craft which is why every word he uses means something to him. Gerard is not like other writers. He is unique and every word that he writes it's as if he knows exactly how his characters feel at all times. He has such great depth and when he speaks his words mean something. So join us and see for yourself, Gerard de Marigny will never let his readers down. His new book will be as compelling as his first. Fran Lewis will review his book and then we will have a discussion that will be very informative as well as entertaining.

Listen to the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2011/12/15/a-good-story-is-a-good-story-with-host-marsha-casper-cook

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY -HOLIDAY ROMANCE SHOW by WorldOfInkNetwork, Dec 13, 2011

Join Marsha Casper Cook on DECEMBER 13 for a special Holiday Romance show at 9PM  - 8PM CST - 7PM MT - 6 PM PST.

Romance is in the air - surprise guests and interesting stories . Last romance specal for this year - this is going to be more fun than you can image Sandra Elrod , new romance writer will be opening the phone lines and chat room. There will be quite a few Romance writers coming on to share their stories and titles . It's going to be a lot of fun so try not to miss this show.  

www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Listen to the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2011/12/14/a-good-story-is-a-good-story-holiday-romance-show

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY - HOST MARSHA COOK by WorldOfInkNetwork Dec 9, 2011

Join Host Marsha Cook on December 9 - 2 PM EST 1 PM CST NOON  MT 11AM PST  as she welcomes writers from DANCING WITH BEAR PUBLISHING when they will be discussing  their very special new work - Just Klutzing Around Christmas Anthology and The Latke Hound Holiday Anthology.  This is going to be a great show with wonderful authors. You can listen live or on demand.

FOR MORE INFO - www.michiganavenuemedia.com

Listen to the show on demand at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2011/12/09/a-good-story-is-a-good-story--host-marsha-cook

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with Host Marsha Casper Cook 12/08 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

Please join Host Marsha Cook on DECEMBER 8 3PM CST -4PM EST 2PM MT 1PM PST for an open discussion with Wendy Hunyon and Joann Buchanan from For You P.R. ~ Marketing & Public Relations about marketing and what you need to do to to get your writing or your business on top of the charts. There is so much social media offered it becomes overwhelming and difficult to find time to promote. This is the show for you - if you need help and don't know where to begin or where to continue if you have already started your PR. This discussion will tell you how to strategically market your business or your book or both and we will have two authors on Karen P. Toz and Stacey Rourk.

For You P.R. ~ Marketing & Public Relations

www.michiganavenuemedia.com

Listen to the show here:
A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with Host Marsha Casper Cook 12/08 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

5 Tips to Overcome a Lack of Motivation

Often times just getting started is the hardest part of any project due to a lack of motivation. This frustrating mental barrier is a very real obstacle that confronts each and every one of us from time to time. Developing certain habits to restore and maintain your motivation in order to start and complete any given task is the basis of today's article.

Here are 5 tips to that will help you get motivated and maintain your drive regardless of what your goals may be.

Plan Your Work

It is important that you organize your efforts in a way that makes sense and proves most effective towards reaching your goals. Set up a schedule of when you intend to work on a particular project and how much time you intend to devote to it. Be realistic with your goals, the amount of time you'll need and when that time will be available to you.

If the project is important, enough you'll want to consider scheduling the best time of day when you are at your best and most productive. For some people it is easier to get motivated in the early stages of the day when their energy level is at its highest.

Work Your Plan

Now with your plan in hand it is time to take immediate action. Your planning stages were the time to thoroughly think through the most efficient and effective process that will get you the results. Here is where you put that plan into motion and without hesitation. Simply following the plan you've developed will bring you closer to your desired results while increasing your sense of accomplishment.

Pay close attention to not second-guessing yourself or reworking your plan. This will only burn more time and decrease both your self-confidence and your motivation. This is a dangerous scenario that could end up completely sabotaging your drive.

The busier you stay the more progress you'll make and the more your self confidence will grow. Along with this will be a renewal of your own motivation to continue to move forward! This is the type of cycle you want to be in!

Set Short Term Goals

One of the best ways to motivate yourself and maintain your drive to complete your project is to set short-term goals. These are a great way of measuring your progress and helping you to recognize that you are moving closer to the completion of your project.

Achieving your short-term goals and taking the time to identify that you have done so increases your own self-satisfaction. This helps make your efforts seem less like work and the last time I checked there wasn't anything wrong with that!

Avoid Routine

If the efforts you are putting forth involve any sort of repetition change things around to keep yourself more stimulated. Perhaps perform certain tasks at different intervals. Maybe even alternate these tasks to keep things more interesting. What you want to do is to minimize your boredom and increase your interest. This will lead to you becoming more fully engaged therefore making your efforts all the more productive!

Schedule 'Down Time'

As with most things it is easier to give it your best when you're fully rested. Be sure you include 'down time' in your scheduling to recharge and re energize. It will be easier to motivate yourself and keep your focus once you get back to your scheduled tasks.

Overcoming a lack of motivation, in most cases, is essentially overcoming procrastination. By simply getting involved in any given project, you will begin to see progress, which in turn will further motivate you. It is the underlying dread that perhaps our efforts won't bring the results we seek that weaken our motivation and make the first step usually the most difficult! As Nike used to say 'Just Do It'!

About The Author TJ Philpott is an author and Internet entrepreneur based out of North Carolina. For additional online success tips and a free guide that demonstrates how to find both profitable markets and products visit: http://affiliatequickstart.com

Inspiration Imagination and Invention with Simon Rose 12/07 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

This show examines the use of inspiration, imagination and invention while making use of real personalities and events, and the need for accurate historical research. This month's show features Joan Galat, author of the best selling and award winning Dot to Dot in the Sky series. These books encompass sky science and storytelling, revealing astronomy facts as well as the myths and legends ancient cultures used to explain celestial mysteries. 

Guest: Joan Marie Galat who was offered her first writing job after receiving an honorable mention in an Edmonton Journal writing contest at age 13.

Now Joan is the author of the best selling and award winning Dot to Dot in the Sky series. These books encompass sky science and storytelling, revealing astronomy facts as well as the myths and legends ancient cultures used to explain celestial mysteries. Published by Scholastic Canada, Whitecap Books, Nelson Education, Capstone Press, and others, her latest books explore black holes, supernovas, and the discovery of longitude.

Joan also operates MoonDot Media, an Edmonton-area communications business offering writing and editing solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. She edits the quarterly Advocate magazine and enjoys promoting her passions—books, literacy, and Canadian creators. Her website at www.joangalat.com contains additional author information.

Listen to the show here:
Inspiration Imagination and Invention with Simon Rose 12/07 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with Host Marsha Casper Cook 12/06 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

Please join Host Marsha Cook and her co host Sandra Elrod on December 6 at 9pm EST - 8PM CST - for an entertaining and informative discussion on writing.


Special guests this week are the SISTERS IN CRIME. They are celebrating 25 years. Authors Stacy Verdick Case - A GRAND MURDER - Christopher Valen -BAD WEEDS NEVER DIE -S.L.Smith -BLINDED BY THE SIGHT - Monica Ferris - THREADBARE will be discussing their books in an informative but entertaining discussion. JD Holiday will be opening up the chat room and this is going to be a very exciting show.

You can find out more about them and this wonderful group of writers at
http://www.sistersincrime.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=2

marshas facebook page https://www.facebook.com/michiganavenuemedia

Listen to the show here:
A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY with Host Marsha Casper Cook 12/06 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

STORIES FOR CHILDRENS SHOW / A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STOR 12/05 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

Join V.S. Grenier and Marsha Casper Cook on December 5 at 1PM EST 12 NOON CST - 11 AM MT -10 AM PST for a special edition of World Of Ink Network as they welcome Emma Dryden. Also on the show and part of the discussion will Jan Britland. This is one show every children's writer should listen to. Emma has an incredible resume. Before she graduated college she landed an internship as a “jack of all trades” assistant at Viking Children’s Books and once she earned her B.A in English Language and Literature from Smith, she became an Editorial Assistant at Random House Children’s Books. She was then hired as Associate Editor for the legendary Margaret K. McElderry, whose imprint was part of Macmillan Children’s Books, and was later named Senior Editor of the imprint and was then made Vice President, Editorial Director, and in 2005 I became Vice President, Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books, imprints of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, a position she held until 2009
You can check out Emma's blog - http://emmaddryden.blogspot.com/

Listen to the show here on demand:
STORIES FOR CHILDRENS SHOW / A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STOR 12/05 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY - SPECIAL EDITION 12/02 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio

Join Host Marsha Casper Cook on December 2 at 1PM EST 12 Noon CST 11 AM MT 10 am PST as she welcomes a great mother daughter team Marie Crist and her mother Pamela Wright.

They teamed up to prevent child abuse and human trafficking. Their goal is to educate parents on how to protect their children.They write separately but work together in their fight to change the fate of children. Marie's book is The Citizen Chronicles, and Pamela's book is Justifiable:Oregon. They are both working on their next books. They will be discussing how to keep your children safe. JD Holiday will open the phone lines and chat room.

listen live or on demand

for more info you can go to their websites

http://www.mariecrist.com/

www.pamelawrightbooks.com.

Listen here to the show
A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORY - SPECIAL EDITION 12/02 by WorldOfInkNetwork | Blog Talk Radio