Excerpt Extravaganza! Today's Excerpt from PCL Anthology

Welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where an eclectic team of creative geniuses share their fantastical imaginations. 

On Mondays we are featuring an excerpt from one of our creative authors. And what makes this feature so fun is that we publish a wide range of genres. You'll never know what to expect for the excerpt.

To read all of our excerpts thus far, we invite you to visit our blog archives and look for our first Excerpt Extravaganza! that began on August 1, 2016.

Enjoy!

Today's excerpt is taken from the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop 2012-2013 Anthology. The author of the excerpt is Taylor Green.

Change. We all go through it, the good and the bad. It seems things never stop...well...changing. My first memory of a big change happened at age five when I got a new baby sister. At age ten I had to take care of her and my younger brother every day while Mom sucked down a few packs of smokes and a fifth of whiskey. And while Dad was at work, I had to look for food in our small mountain-ofdirty-clothes-and-trash house. 

I tried my best to act like a mom for those two kids, but I was too young to know how. My efforts always ended in fights with them, and eventually I'd give up, especially after being told, “You're not my mom!” I tried to reason with them. “I know, but I'm the oldest, and Mom's passed out.”

 This is my story. I'm Darcy, now 15 years old. Some people say my life has already had more ups and downs than my share, and I've been hiding a lot of them. I'm ready to come out with the truth now and share a story I've always been a bit ashamed of, but it's time for change. I can remember nearly every event during the time things started to turn for the worst, as if it were yesterday. I was in the fifth grade.
--------------------------
To download this free anthology visit the JLB Creatives JTP Ebook Shoppe. 

Author Brand

Being an author means you need to create a brand for yourself. No, not DOUBLE R-BAR, or LAZY W, but the idea is exactly the same. Your author brand is your name or pen name. It is used primarily to promote sales of your books once your brand has become familiar among readers.

Take a well-known product; how about Dodge Ram? We all know certain things about it when we hear the name. For instance, we know it's a truck. We know it has a ram's head as its logo. We know that logo appears on the front of every Dodge Ram truck. We figure it must be a pretty good truck because they do a lot advertising, enough in fact, that its name has become common. That's the same thing you want to achieve as an author. People, in general, feel that exposure equals quality. So if you can accomplish exposing your name--your brand--in enough places, you'ill most likely be considered an author whose books are worth purchasing.

As an example, let's consider author Mark Twain--that's his brand. His real name was Samuel Clemens; Mark Twain was his pen name, and that was the name that gave him his brand. People became familiar with his brand and began to trust that it indicated something good (or something bad if it had happened to obtain a bad reputation. Don't let that happen). In the case of Mark Twain, familiarity with the name meant purchasers could depend on having a good read when they chose to buy his books. That's exactly what you want to happen.

 If your name is John Smith (a perfectly good name, by the way, but rather common) you might want to consider a pen name so it will grab people's attention. PLEASE don't skate on the name of another famous writer, however. In other words, if your name is John Steinbeck, don't promote yourself by that name; choose a pen name. It will actually do you more harm than good to try and make readers think you are the famous author instead of yourself just to sell books. After all, you have your own style, and that needs to shine through. And who knows...you might actually become a more prosperous author than he was!

Using a Dialect in Dialogue

"Dialogue...dialect. What's the difference?" (I have actually had students who confuse these two words.) Believe me, there is a BIG difference! Let's take a look at the definitions:

      dialogue: conversations between/among characters

      dialect: a variety of a language

According to dictionary.com: dialect is a variety of a language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar, and vocabulary and by its use by a group of speakers who are set off from others geographically or socially.

When used properly a dialect can help build character, plus it reveals “who” might be talking.

Dialect can be drawn from an existing one, or the author can create a new one. In Janet Beasley’s Hidden Earth Series, Volume 1, Maycly the Trilogy, Book 1, Two Altered Worlds you'll find a brand new dialect. There are characters called "chukkons" on the world of Maycly who have their own way of talking. Though it is an unknown dialect, the author has left enough of the “real word” so readers can follow along easily and still get a feel for how a chukkon talks. You’ll notice that the narrative is in plain English while the dialogue carries the dialect.

Charleo laughed. “Here be yer taggerts, me friend. Ye shouldna be a-takin’ me so serious.” A few of the others in the Pipe Shoppe who knew Charleo could be heard giggling at that remark. “Now let’s see:  one, two, three, four, and five.”

“What be this? Ye dunna trust yer old pal Charleo? Countin’ in front of me. Shame, shame.”

“Sorry. Just force of habit there. No hard feelin’s?”

“None be taken. I was only a-pullin’ yer leg. Now I s’pose I’ll be a-needin’ some pipe stuffin’s ta smoke in this wonderful pipe.” Charleo ran his fingers over the pipe stuffing jars. “How about...umm ...this one. I’ll be a-havin’ me a laund of the ‘E’er So Sweet’.”

“Ooooo, tis one of me favorites.” Jobi inhaled deeply with every scoop until he had dished out a laund on the scale, and he added a pinch more.

“How much be I owin’ ye fer it?”

“Ah, nothin’.”

“I’ll be a-givin’ ye somethin’ fer it, ye crazy wee fella.”

“No arguin’ now. Yer first pipe stuffin's be on me.”

Charleo realized there was no budging Jobi. “I’ll be sure and make a point of showin’ yer fine piece of work ta everyone. And I be a-thankin’ ye from the bottom of me heart.” Charleo gave a nod and a wink to Jobi.

“And ye be welcome from the top of mine.”

It's New - It's Now - It's Wow! It's Our New Monday Feature We Like to Call "Excerpt Extravaganza!"

Welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where an eclectic team of creative geniuses share their fantastical imaginations. 

On Mondays we are having an Excerpt Extravaganza, featuring an excerpt from one of our creative authors. And what makes this feature so fun is that we publish a wide range of genres. You'll never know what to expect for the excerpt.

Enjoy!

Today's excerpt is from author Jean E. Lane's Lill and Mewe Series Book 1 The Secrets of Mars.

Lill thought she’d better sleep now. It is going to be a busy sol tomorrow, and I have much to learn. She took one last look through her new telescope at her two moons, Phobos and Deimos. She could see their cratered and irregular shapes clearly as they shined brightly in the dark night sky. Lill lives in a subterranean city called The Friendly City, located just west of the Noctis Labyrinthus, or Valley of the Night, and east of the Tharsis volcano region in one of the many enormous caverns. All the people have been living underground for a thousand years or so, ever since the planet’s surface grew harshly uninhabitable. No one really knows the exact date this happened because all information and technical data of the surface were destroyed by meteor showers so long ago. However, they do know their city is located beneath the equatorial area of the planet at 5 degrees latitude and 112 degrees longitude.

------------------

If your kids ages 8-12 can't seem to learn enough about Mars, then we invite you to get them hooked on the Lill and Mewe Series first book, Lill and Mewe and the Secrets of Mars! Click here for Ebook  Click here for print book

We Did It!

If you've been following the blog throughout the month of May, then you are fully aware that we had quite the schedule to tackle, and you have probably been long awaiting the report. Well good news all of the way around, WE DID IT!

Here's the recap of the fun and success we achieved during the busy month of May...

Starting the first weekend in May we sent our Michigan team members, Dar Bagby and Connie Thompson, to Mackinac Island, Michigan for the Loleta Fyan Small and Rural Library Conference. Dar had the opportunity to speak alongside Pickford Community Library's manager, Ann Marie Smith. Together this dynamic duo presented how effective the library's Young Writer's Workshop has been not only in the local community of Pickford, Michigan, but also across the Upper Peninsula. Thanks to Pickford Community Library using the JLB Creatives writing curriculum, Journey to Publication, this group has received kudos from state representative, Frank Foster, and has been deemed the largest writing group of its kind in the state of Michigan. 

Dar Bagby (L), Connie Thompson (R)
Exhibit at Loleta Fyan Small & Rural Library Conference 2016

While Dar was speaking at the conference, Connie was busy at the JLB Creatives exhibit table. Flooded with questions and interest that was peaking the scale, Connie handled it with ease and there are multiple libraries now interested in making Journey to Publication an endeavor for their local (and not so local) writing enthusiasts to help increase community bonding as well as offer a worthy program that actually leads to publication through JLB Creatives Publishing for the "star" writing enthusiast of the group.

Book Release Soiree1 2016
Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop
(standing L) Dar Bagby, (on screen  L) Janet, (on screen R) Jean E.,
(standing R in red) Connie, (standing R in black and white) Ann Marie

Only a few days after Mackinac Island, Dar and Connie, along with the Florida JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and the Senior Financial Director, Jean E. Lane, celebrated with the enthusiasts and their families of the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop at their Book Release Soiree`! Dar and Connie attended in person while the Florida team was there, live, via Skype. Visit the blog on June 13th, 2016 and you'll find the links to download these outstanding works for FREE.

Dar Bagby
Journey to Publication exhibit
INCH Conference 2016

Once the Soiree` was over, it was off to Lansing, Michigan for Dar and Connie, this time to exhibit and speak at the INCH Convention. This convention is dedicated to homeschooling families. Here is where our Journey to Publication writing program curriculum gained even more exposure. Dar presented an Exhibitor's Workshop that gave attendees an in depth look at the curriculum. Success was seen all the way around. The workshop brought in many interested homeschooling parents and students, and the exhibit booth lent itself to a wonderful "hands-on" look for attendees.

Jean E. Lane
FPEA Convention 2016
Journey to Publication exhibit

The Michigan team wrapped up their busy schedule, then it was time for the Florida team to get in gear! JLB Creatives team members CEO Janet Beasley, Senior Financial Director Jean E., and JLB Creatives co-founder Don Beasley headed for the action - double the action - as they were exhibiting at two major conventions in the same weekend. 

Janet Beasley
FPEA Convention 2016

JLB Creatives Journey to Publication writing program was stunningly represented at the FPEA Convention - not just another homeschooling convention, but the largest homeschooling convention in the nation. With 25,000 in attendance JLB Creatives had to be on their "A" game. Jean E. manned the exhibit booth Thursday - Saturday, and Janet joined her on Friday and Saturday. Janet gave a total of 8, well-received presentations regarding Journey to Publication in those two days. Again, the curriculum was well represented and gained even more interest in the homeschooling community.

Sir Bwana Beasle and Lady Vixen Beasle
MegaCon 2016
BeaslePunk Artistry

And of course our CEO wouldn't think of being at a convention without "straying" and having some fun. While walking the show floor and networking with future business clients, Janet discovered the Gator Land exhibit. She couldn't help herself from stopping for a picture with the baby alligator.

Last but not least, BeaslePunk Artists, Don and Janet, exhibited at MegaCon. Their booth was nothing shy of amazing, and the compliments, comments, reactions, and sales tell the tale of success for this JLB Creatives division.

More new things are on the horizon...but it will be a bit before they are released. We encourage you to join the JLB Creatives Blog to stay up on all of the creativity this company has to offer. 

To say we conquered May 2016 with a vengeance is an understatement! We couldn't be happier with the responses, results, and just plain fun we had promoting and selling JLB Creatives popular, imaginative creations. 

INCH Conference Here We Come!

Pajamas - check! Clothes - check! Makeup - check! Toothbrush - check! Snacks - check! Journey to Publication curriculum copies - check! 

We have it all packed and ready to go. The JLB Creatives Publishing Michigan team is heading to the INCH conference in Lansing this week, and the entire team couldn't be more excited.

Homeschooling just got better. Kids who have a passion for the literary world, and have longed to dive headfirst into the world of writing (creative and/or nonfiction) are in for a real treat!

Finally, a curriculum that expands the horizons of the craft of writing to include not only the basic writing skills but also genre specific techniques, nuts and bolts of the printing world, self-editing, book trailers, and so much more. 

Dar Bagby

At INCH you'll be graced with the presence of our Michigan team members, Dar Bagby and Connie M. Thompson. Both are co-authors of Journey to Publication, and co-facilitators for the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop. Dar is also the Senior Editor for JLB Creatives Publishing, and Connie is the Chief Graphic Designer. 

Dar will be giving a presentation on Journey to Publication. You won't want to miss out on this workshop as it will give you an in-depth understanding of how Journey to Publication will benefit your home schooled students who are chomping at the bit to release their creativity through words.

Connie M. Thompson

Connie will serve as the exhibit hostess, and is looking forward to meeting you and your creative kids who have a passion for writing. Whether you have questions, are ready to make your purchase, or would like to get a "hands on" look at Journey to Publication, Connie will be there to assist you.

Journey to Publication Novice and Advanced regular editions will be on sale at the conference. You can get 20% off plus FREE shipping when you order your copy during the event. 

Visit JourneyToPublication.com for more information on this ground breaking curriculum where writing enthusiasts don't just learn to write...they learn to be authors!

CONGRATS to the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop!

Come one come all to the Young Writers Workshop Book Release Soiree`! 

 

May 12, 2016 you'll want to stop by the Pickford Community Library in person, or online, to celebrate with the talented Young Writers of the Pickford Community Library in Pickford Michigan. If you are going to join in online, we encourage you to leave an encouraging comment for the aspiring writers the day of on the Pickford Community Library FB page. 

These fabulous kids have been taking the Journey to Publication since October 2015, and have completed their journey. That means their short stories and novellas are ready to be released. 

Their big day is May 12, 2016 in more ways than one.

That's also when their published works will be available to download for FREE from 

JLB Creatives Publishing on Smashwords.com 

or simply search by title and author. 

2015-2016 

PICKFORD COMMUNITY LIBRARY'S 

YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP
NOVELLAS = Advanced Enthusiasts of Journey to Publication 

Noah Kamper: 
TRIFORCE WARRIORS 
(fan fiction based on
"Legend of Zelda")

Amy Lehigh:  BOELIK (fantasy)

Honnah Patnode:
 PARALLEL INFINITIES (paranormal romance)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2015-2016 PICKFORD COMMUNITY LIBRARY'S 

YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP
ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES & POETRY = Novice Enthusiasts of Journey to Publication

Sydney Johnson: 
THE SHINE OF A STAR 
(YA romance)

Ashton McConnell: 
STUCK ON REPLAY 
(paranormal)

Selah Preston:  

THING IS... 

(poem)

Emily Roe:  
THE HUNTRESS
(YA sports)

Grace S. Snyder: 
WIND, BLOOD, AND STARS 
(fantasy)

Leesburg Comicon!

Get ready - Leesburg Comicon is happening this Saturday April 9, 2016 from 10:00a-4:00p.

If you're going to be in the Leesburg, Florida area on the 9th be sure to stop by the Leesburg Public Library and check out this amazing gathering of people who love sci-fi, fantasy, and cosplay. There will be exhibitors set up all throughout the library.

JLB Creatives will have all 3 of its creative divisions on display: JLB Creatives Publishing, Journey to Publication, and BeaslePunk Art. Look for us on the first floor.

JLB Creatives Publishing will have their outstanding authors' books available for sale. Titles/series include Miss Amy's Rhyme Time, Sydney Finds a Job (English and Spanish versions), Lill and Mewe Series, Hidden Earth Series, 28 Months of Heaven and Hell, The Untold Legend: The Warrior Queen, Wesley Out West, and A Life Renewed.  These books span a wide array of genres, there's something for everyone...children to adults, and all books have been awarded 4-5 star reviews or have won a national award. In addition to the books for sale you'll want to ask a JLB Creatives team member how JLB Creatives Publishing is evolving and enhancing to meet the needs of authors both self published and trade published.

     

Journey to Publication comprehensive writing curricula will also be available for sale. If you've not feasted your eyes on this one-of-a-kind writing program before you'll definitely want to take a look. Two editions (regular and college) bring to writing enthusiasts both Novice and Advance versions. The best way to sum up this highly interactive writing program? Watch the short video and you'll get the idea...

And of course BeaslePunk will have their awesome artwork and cosplay props, Codger Works jewelry, Fantasy Faces masks and hats, and other cool stuff for sale at the exhibit. BeaslePunk artwork received the People's Choice Award at the Dreams of Steam 1st Thursday event that took place at the Orlando Museum of Art. Their stunning cosplay weaponry is also featured in the Full Sail student production short film, "Sun Blade," due to release in 2016.

Visit JLBCreatives.com for more information regarding any of these creative divisions. 

Happy Ground Hog Day!...and Another Thing...

Hello fans and followers - so glad you stopped by the blog today. We are hoping that your tomorrow's "shadow" event will prove to be a great sign of an early Spring. Here's wishing you and yours a very Happy Ground Day! 

---------------------

Thom Battisto

In other JLBCP news...we are excited about how this year is shaping up. During late December 2015 the JLBCP top team members met and reviewed all of the goodness that has happened thus far in the publishing company. After much consideration, dedication, and passion to the craft, we are going to be focusing on the little readers of the planet, and couldn't be happier!

This year we will be putting a lot of focus on children's books. (Not to worry, though, if you're getting ready to submit the next Great American Novel to JLB Creatives Publishing that's fine too, however our submissions will be continually open for children's authors. 

Yes, we're sailing the literary seas in search of the best children's books on the planet in 2016. 

Amy Sellers

Rhonda Walker

After two years of publishing, we've found that with our fantastic design department and other top team members' skills we've offered up some of the best children's books to be had! To this date JLB Creatives Publishing and our wonderful children's authors have received nothing but coveted 5 star reviews from Readers Favorite (a well known and respected review entity in the business). 

Since JLBCP opened their doors in 2014 we have published seven outstanding children's books, complete with illustrations, from three outstanding children's authors. 

With the rave reviews and the amazing response received for these authors' talented works, we're certain we've found a meaningful niche` when it comes to publishing books to keep the little ones happy and entertained.

We invite you to discover our children's authors at www.JLBCreatives.com Look for Thom Battisto's, Amy Sellers's, and Rhonda Walker's specific Author Pages. Three authors from three different walks of life, all with common goals of writing creative, educational, and fun children's books.