JLB Creatives Publishing is 2 years old! It's hard to believe that it's only been two years since we opened our publishing doors. So much wonderfulness has happened since the birth of this publishing company. We couldn't be more excited about celebrating this year! Our book list is ever-growing with three new titles already slated for release in 2016. Let's back up a for a moment. Since our inception we have published and released 19 novels and children's books! Out of those 19, 17 received 5 star ratings from Reader's Favorite, one received a 4 star rating from Reader's Favorite, and another novel came on board as the NIEA winner! We are so proud of our authors. It has not been an easy road - but since when has easy and quality ever gone together? In the past two years we have exhibited, showcased our authors' books, and spoken at six reputable conventions. 2016 is bringing more of the same, but on a larger scale. We have grown the Pickford Community Library's Young Writer's Workshop through facilitating and hosting "end of the year" soirees. In addition this group has been recognized on local, state, and regional levels, and has become the largest young writers workshop in the state of Michigan. Over the time of facilitating the Young Writers Workshop we have created a comprehensive, highly interactive writing program curriculum, "Journey to Publication." This writing program has been designed to be effective in a multitude of settings from individuals to groups, and from homeschooling to colleges! We are elated to be facing year three with several opportunities to present our authors books, speak at upcoming conventions, and provide artistry through our newest division of JLB Creatives, BeaslePunk. We would love for you to celebrate with us! We invite you to stop by our Facebook page and leave us a comment on the 2 Year post. Because if it weren't for you, our awesome fans and followers, we would have nothing to celebrate. Thanks to all of you for your shared enthusiasm and continued support! Your JLB Creatives Publishing Team, Janet (CEO), Dar (Editing), Jean E. (Financials), Connie (Design), and Elise (Social Media)
BeaslePunk display at the #OMA Dreams of Steam 1st Thursday Event January 7, 2016
Hello fans! We have some exciting news for you. Our Beaslepunk division is making a name for themselves. As you know, BeaslePunk was invited to participate in the "Dreams of Steam" exhibition event at the Orlando Museum of Art. Follow this link OMA Dreams of Steam Exhibition Event to catch a glimpse of the event and to find out the winner of the People's Choice Award!
Micro-fiction might be one type of story that is unfamiliar to a lot of people. It is defined by its length, its expectation, and its boundaries. JLB Creatives Publishing defines the length at 1-100 words.Within a small amount of space, the writer must convey something valuable - an entire story. It can be difficult to condense an idea into a "micro" of its original, though it is possible. Take the following conversation, for example.
"Hey!"
"Yeah?"
"Coming?"
"Where?"
"Swimming."
"Nope."
"Why?"
"Grounded."
In this case, one-word sentences make up an entire conversation and manage to convey a complete idea (though the above is not a complete micro-fiction story). It can be difficult to make a point with so few words, and since you are using so few, you must choose them carefully. Micro-fiction requires a writer's willingness to edit and re-edit multiple times. But this is only a part of micro-fiction.
You must make sure your readers will want to read on. You have to be certain the story answers most of their questions but still leaves them with a few. Try to close your micro-fiction by sending the reader back into the story; unanswered questions are necessary in order to accomplish your mission. One of the best (and shortest) examples of micro-fiction is attributed to Ernest Hemingway:
"For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn."
Mission accomplished!
Visit Journey to Publication: www.JourneyToPublication.com
Board your air ships - don your corsets & top hats - and adjust your goggles because tonight's the night you will have a chance to see Oswald, Sir Bwana Beasle, and BeaslePunk's and other opulent Steampunk art at...
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Hello faithful fans! Happy New Year! JLB Creatives is wishing for all of our super fans, great things to come to you throughout 2016. To say that we're starting off 2016 in style is an understatement! With the new year less than a week old, we're proud to announce that our BeaslePunk artists, Don and Janet (JLBCP CEO) Beasley have been invited to display a selection of their cosplay props at the Orlando Art Museum's "Dreams of Steam" exhibition taking place Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Every first Thursday the Orlando Museum of Art kicks off a different themed exhibition featuring local artists and talent. For more information visit www.OMArt.org Don and Janet submitted and had accepted for display during the event, "Oswald" the "living" automaton, and their two art pieces "Copper Dragon" and "Black Bart." Don will be appearing as Sir Bwana Beasle (sporting his first place costume), carrying "Raging Rhino," and will be on hand to meet n' greet with fellow art enthusiasts. Janet will be playing a big part in making Oswald come to life so you may not always "see" her out front. During 2015 the BeaslePunk division of JLB Creatives made quite the splash. Their first appearance came in January at Renninger's Steampunk and Industrial show. They also displayed and sold their unique artwork at Leesburg Comicon, MegaCon Fandays - Orlando, FL, and the October Steampunk and Industrial show to name a few. The following video was shot and edited by ThinkBolt on Youtube. You'll discover the BeaslePunk display starting at minute 1:29. And we invite you to view the entire video as there is so much to see!
We hope to see you at the Orlando Museum of Art, January 7th, 2016 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Admission charge required for entry for non OMA members. VisitBeaslePunk.com to view the different galleries of Oswald, the Beasley's art pieces, and more! Visit OMArt.org for more information on 1st Thursday events as well as other fantastic news about this wonderful cultural facility.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
As the fire of 2015 begins to dwindle, we wish you all the best in the upcoming New Year!
All of us here in the JLB Creatives Publishing house want to wish you the merriest Christmas! We hope your stockings are overflowing with books.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Get faster service and better deals by buying your books direct through the publisher. You can find all your favorite JLB Creatives Publishing books in the JLBCP Book Shoppe, on our website JLBCreatives.com.
Both print and ebooks are available for purchase in the shop. The perfect idea for those last minute gifts you need and you can browse anytime, the book shop is open 24/7. There will be more titles coming to the shop very soon as well! What are you waiting for? Get over there and start shopping for the bookworm on your list.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Pastel Holidays
Happy Creating!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Book three of the Lill and Mewe series by Jean E. Lane
The Martians have officially entered into their age of space exploration. MARSA and the MMSC have formulated a plan for space travel well beyond the Milky Way Galaxy. After testing a theory using a probe, they realized they have to first travel backward to find a specific wormhole. This would prove to be the shortcut to bridge part of the 2.5 million light years to reach planet Zanda in the Andromeda Galaxy. But where in the galaxy did they find this ‘super’ wormhole? What big surprise does MARSA have for the mission crew?
Lill and Mewe trek to Turtle Run Creek to see the rare turtle hatchlings that happen every 40 years. It appears the turtles communicate with each other very well. Like any little community, the turtles each have their own task to perform. When Mewe gets too close to some young turtles she is smacked and hissed at by a turtle that protects them. Mewe hissed back but understood they protect their young turtles at all costs. Do the turtles have any enemies? Is it possible for turtles and cats to become friends?
Merak stays behind on this mission but manages to create his own imaginary creatures at the Amusphere. During one of his holographic battles with otherworldly aliens, the program malfunctions and he is left to fend for himself. What happens?
The MMSC mission crew set off on their mission to Zanda. It is the first time the Martians are invited to join the United Alliance of Planets conference on that faraway planet. This takes place when the five blue moons align. It takes almost two weeks to reach their destination. Danger lurks along the way. Who or what do they encounter? What is a Pree? Is there trouble brewing in the universe?
Find out the answers to these questions and learn how Earth is connected to all of this when you arrive on planet Zanda.
******************************
Planet Water
Hidden Earth Series Vol.3 by Janet Beasley
In Volume three of the Hidden Earth Series Arrowanna is summoned by SUL on her 16th birthday to become The Carrier of Planet Water’s element. She boards an enchanted tall ship and her journey begins. The quest takes her above and beneath the waves, sails her to places such as the Island of Opposites, lands her in the midst of an underwater battle, and even leads her into the icy caves of the abyss. She finds love, but the pressure of her new love’s request causes her to doubt her ability of ever becoming The Carrier she knows she must be.
A few of your favorites from Maycly, including Iona, join in the action with Arrowanna and her friends. Twists, turns and danger abound in this fast-paced adventure that is delicately woven with hints of Old Norse and Icelandic Mythology.
Will the quest be too much for Arrowanna? Will she cast her destiny to the wind for the sake of love? Set sail with her on this mystical adventure, but… Beware the Draugar!
Look for these titles coming to bookshelves near you very soon! To see the other books in these awesome series visit JLBCreatives.com
Often we can be inspired by a piece of music. Check out the music video below and watch it a couple of times close your eyes and really get a feel for the beat and lyrics. Then pull out a blank page and tell us a story inspired by the music. Minimum word count 500.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
There are some fantastic books coming to bookshelves worldwide in 2016 here is a little preview of what's coming from the presses at JLB Creatives Publishing.
Planet Water Hidden Earth Series Vol. 3 by Janet Beasley In Volume three of the Hidden Earth Series Arrowanna is summoned by SUL on her 16th birthday to become The Carrier of Planet Water’s element. She boards an enchanted tall ship and her journey begins. The quest takes her above and beneath the waves, sails her to places such as the Island of Opposites, lands her in the midst of an underwater battle, and even leads her into the icy caves of the abyss. She finds love, but the pressure of her new love’s request causes her to doubt her ability of ever becoming The Carrier she knows she must be. A few of your favorites from Maycly, including Iona, join in the action with Arrowanna and her friends. Twists, turns and danger abound in this fast-paced adventure that is delicately woven with hints of Old Norse and Icelandic Mythology. Will the quest be too much for Arrowanna? Will she cast her destiny to the wind for the sake of love? Set sail with her on this mystical adventure, but… Beware the Draugar! Mission to Zanda
Lill and Mewe Series Book 3 by Jean E. Lane
The Martians have officially entered into their age of space exploration. MARSA and the MMSC have backwards to find a specific wormhole. This would prove to be the shortcut to bridge part of the 2.5 million light years to reach planet Zanda in the Andromeda Galaxy. But where in the galaxy did they find this ‘super’ wormhole? What big surprise does MARSA have for the mission crew?
formulated a plan for space travel well beyond the Milky Way Galaxy. After testing a theory using a probe, they realized they have to first travel
Lill and Mewe trek to Turtle Run Creek to see the rare turtle hatchlings that happen every 40 years. It appears the turtles communicate with each other very well. Like any little community, the turtles each have their own task to perform. When Mewe gets too close to some young turtles she is smacked and hissed at by a turtle that protects them. Mewe hissed back but understood they protect their young turtles at all costs. Do the turtles have any enemies? Is it possible for turtles and cats to become friends?
Merak stays behind on this mission, but manages to create his own imaginary creatures at the Amusphere. During one of his holographic battles with otherworldly aliens, the program malfunctions and he is left to fend for himself. What happens?
The MMSC mission crew set off on their mission to Zanda. It is the first time the Martians are invited to join the United Alliance of Planets conference on that faraway planet. This takes place when the five blue moons align. It takes almost two weeks to reach their destination. Danger lurks along the way. Who or what do they encounter? What is a Pree? Is there trouble brewing in the universe?
Find out the answers to these questions and learn how Earth is connected to all of this when you arrive on planet Zanda.
Icing, Locusts & Life Rhonda Walker
Every day is icing on the cake of life. When we get up each day we have the choice of deciding to make the day a good, bright day (regardless of whether the sun shines or not), or cover our emotional cake with the dark icing that the locusts of days past have destroyed. During our lives locusts appear, as explained in the Bible: Joel 2:25. However, the prophet also tells us that God will repay us for the days that the locusts have eaten, and we can lean upon that promise to build the life we live today and hope for the life of tomorrow, whatever that life brings on earth and hereafter.
Icing, Locusts & Life shows us that life can be challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. But there are memories of the blessings of family and friends, successes, and failure. It teaches us to live daily in grateful awareness of a God who provides abundant blessings, especially during times of embarrassing failures.
Amy Sellers Art Gallery
Amy Sellers
Take a tour through the life and works of this artist of Mt. Dora, Florida. Inspiration from her family, friends, and faith have influenced her paintings and children's books. From portrait art and realism to abstract and whimsy, Amy never seems to stay in one genre for long.
2016 will be a busy year for our presses and we hope to bring you more books and wonder throughout this bright shiny new year! Happy New Years readers! Stop by our new website for a look around and browse for your favorite author in our brand new online bookstore! JLBCreatives.com
The story of Lill and Mewe, as told by Lill herself of how she feels about the lost history of Mars, her current life, and the great strides the Martians have made to recapture the advanced intelligence and technology of their past. It’s all about the role they play in our solar system and how they feel about us Earthlings. Are we even worth talking to? What could they possibly learn from us? Maybe we have more to learn from them, but are we willing to open our minds?
Jean E.Lane grew up in the once active steel town of Youngstown, Ohio. Since then, she has moved to the Orlando,Florida area and considers this her home. Shortly afterwards, she met and later married her husband Ken; now they have a home just northwest of Orlando. She studied Journalism at Writers Institute and Finance at Penn State. Most of her life included working in Accounting and Purchasing. Although she liked working with numbers, she knew she had an aptitude for writing at an early age. Jean had poems published in Seacoast Life Magazine, Wide Open Magazine, and was a poetic contributor to The Copy Desk Flash, a school newspaper. Later she signed a contract with Creative Directions as a free-lance writer of verse for greeting cards. It was her love of science and science fiction that prompted her to write her first children’s novel, “Lill and Mewe and the Secrets of Mars”, the first of her series. Her inspiration came with the birth of her niece Lily and shortly afterwards a nephew, Andrew. As with all children, she wanted them to enjoy reading…and there’s nothing like a good adventure.
It's Black Friday the most dreaded day of the year for retail workers and the most looked forward to by bargin hunters. Today let's have some fun and write a flash fiction of any length about the hunt for an elusive gift item. Ready, set, write it!
JLB Creatives Publishing staff and authors are most thankful for all of you readers. Those who buy our books, check them out of the library, and dive into the stories from cover to cover. We wish you and yours a most joyous holiday feast.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Be sure to stop by JLBCreatives.com for the perfect gift this holiday!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Get inspired this holiday season. A Life Renewed by Lisa Andrews
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
A Life Renewed by Lisa Andrews is an inspiring story of Lisa's recovery from AML leukemia. The book takes you on a physical and emotional journey of a person who rises up from the depths of despair and goes on a path of healing - mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She starts the book from the diagnosis to the treatment period and how it affected her mentally. Lisa ends up being bitter and resentful. By keeping a journal to talk to God, she overcomes the negative feelings and ends up embarking on a positive path. The book gives hope to those who are suffering and looking for redemption.
It is an emotionally moving story that will touch your heart. The author has chronicled her experiences in a manner for the reader to comprehend them easily. The story of Lisa and her recovery from cancer will be inspiring to many readers who are suffering from illnesses and who are emotionally and mentally angry and bitter. The transformation journey is motivating to read. She tells readers to have faith in God during their adverse moments and to keep their relationship with God going during their worst times.
Though the book speaks of anguish and pain on both the mental and physical plane, it ends on a positive note. Lisa links cancer to sinning, which would make us think twice now when we behave badly. The ten years of her life covered in the book is inspiring and motivating for any reader.
About A Life Renewed In 1995 twelve-year-old Lisa was diagnosed with AML leukemia. Two years later, after many chemotherapy treatments, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant, Lisa returned to “normal” life. She had maintained a positive attitude throughout the treatment process, but with each new chronic illness Lisa became more and more bitter and resentful. In 2003 Lisa finally realized this and began a healing process. She relived her past experiences by keeping a journal and talking to God about what was really going on at the time, sharing her honest thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. In doing so Lisa found freedom from the bitterness, anger, and doubt which had gradually set in and taken over her life, faith, and relationships. The ten years she recounts in her book are marked by sicknesses and struggles, but ultimately Lisa’s story is one of healing, which gives hope to those of us who are still suffering.
Abotu Lisa Andrews
Lisa holds a BM in Vocal Music Education and a MA in Ethnomusicology. She enjoys learning about other
cultures. She and her husband Charles enjoy cooking, listening to music, writing music, and spending time with friends and family. They hope to author additional books in the near future.
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
So you want to be an author but aren't sure where to start? Journey to Publication is the perfect way to begin.
Journey To Publication™ is a comprehensive curriculum that will take writing enthusiasts ages 12 -112 on an adventurous journey from concept to completion of micro-fiction, essay, flash-fiction, short story, novelette or novella, as well as the publishing industry. Participating writing enthusiasts will learn much more than the basics of writing; they will be exposed to in-depth aspects of the career of a writer. There is a NOVICE and an ADVANCED curriculum.
Journey To Publication™ was imagined, created, developed, and authored by your JLB Creatives Publishing Department Heads:
Together these outstanding literary experts bring a combined total of 100+ years in the industry to this curriculum.
Journey to Publication™ is more than just learning the craft of writing. Throughout the entire journey, instructors will have the opportunity to provide light on diverse literary subjects using this curriculum’s highly interactive sessions. In turn the writing enthusiasts will apply the literary skills as they learn them by continually creating their masterpieces.
In addition to being exposed to basic creative writing techniques and working on their stories, both Novice and Advanced participating writing enthusiasts will have the chance to experience (but are not limited to) the following:
The fun of naming their writing group and getting to know their fellow enthusiasts
Enjoy interactive sessions
Get the hang of creating a professional author bio
Experience the ins and outs of writing in a specific genre
Discover techniques required to start and maintain their author platforms
Grasp the simplicity of marketing their titles
Learn what it takes to develop a platform
Have their eyes opened to preparing for a book signing event
Become familiar with benefits of landing a speaking engagement and preparing for it
Get an in-depth look at the “guts” of the publishing worlds: self and trade
Take in the do's and don’ts of submitting a manuscript for publication
Learn in detail how to understand a publishing contract/agreement
Establish knowledge of writing query and cover letters
Master how to approach someone to write a foreword
Unleash the tips and tricks of creating a book trailer
Find out how illustrations can serve a purpose
Develop skills in becoming a sufficient self-editor
Dive headfirst into the realm of professional book cover design
Acquire information regarding formatting both print and eBooks
Gain insight into writing a professional review
Learn how to build your social media author platform for successful marketing
Discover ideas on how to have a successful “author graduation” party (Regular editions only)
And most importantly – enthusiasts who *qualify will become a published author through JLB Creatives Publishing
*YES! Selected writing enthusiasts who complete the path to authorship by writing a fictional or non-fictional short story – essay – micro-fiction – flash-fiction – novelette - or novella and follow the submission guidelines, all by the end of his/her adventure sessions, qualify for being chosen by their overseer(s) and/or peers to receive the reward of being published by JLB Creatives Publishing (JLBCP), or qualify as an individual (if purchased for individual use such as self-enrichment) for consideration of publication by JLB Creatives Publishing. eBooks of the new authors’ works are made free to the general public. No royalties are collected or paid. JLBCP publishes only eBooks for selected Journey to Publication™ authors, and the eBooks are distributed worldwide through JLBCP’s select channels at their discretion. JLBCP does not publish anything obscene or slanderous. All works will be approved by JLBCP prior to publication. JLBCP reserves the final right to refuse any work for publication without explanation. Detailed information regarding publication appears within the actual curriculum.
This program is NOT just for groups! Individuals can use this program as a self-paced study on their own. Everything you need to lead a group or take the course yourself is included in the Novice or Advanced program set. Journey to Publication is great for individuals, business professionals, libraries, home schools, community groups of all kinds. There is no end to where the knowledge between these pages can be used or will take you upon completion.
For more information about Journey to Publication and how to purchase the curriculum visit JourneytoPublicaiotn.com
WHO: JD Karns author of 28 Months of Heaven and Hell
WHEN: Tomorrow! Saturday, November 14th from 10a to 5p
WHERE: Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mt. Dora, FL
JLB Creatives Publishing is proud to announce the appearance of 83-year-old historical fiction author JD Karns at Long & Scott Farms Veterans Appreciation Event this Saturday, November 14th. From 10 am until 5 pm he will be signing and selling his World War II novel, "28 Months in Heaven and Hell". Veterans will get a special discount on book purchases. JLB Creatives Publishing are proud sponsors of this years Scott's Maze Adventure! For more information visit LongandScottFarms.com
J.D. Karns's true to life / WWII historical fiction novel is based on the journal kept by Carl Lee Young who served in the navy on the DE 416 USS Melvin R. Nawman. Karns has taken Mr. Young's journal entries and brilliantly woven them with fiction creating an entertaining, breathtaking, and highly factual account of WWII from this sailor's point of view. You will experience everything from the great typhoon of '44 to Iwo Jima to Okinawa to the atom bomb and on to the signing of the peace treaty. It is an emotional roller coaster of a ride between the action and the family back home, waiting and wondering. The realism of not only the war, but also the era, has been captured with expertise.
Carl's younger brother, Charles, has longed to hear his big brother's WWII story. Carl promised his little brother when he returned from the war, that some day he would tell him all about it. That day came in 2011 when Charles began receiving journal entries from his big brother. The emails totaled 168 entries. Both Carl and his younger brother Charles are excited to have the story being turned into a historic novel.
Both brothers are still living, Carl resides in Arizona, and Charles resides in Florida. Both are still happily married, and enjoy keeping each other informed of life's happenings through letters and phone calls.
Imagine a young sailor stationed aboard a destroyer escort
during WWII. Try to imagine the adventures he experiences and the sights he
sees, as well as the horrors he endures. In this historical novel you’ll meet
this young man and witness the wonders and tragedies with him.
28 Months of Heaven
and Hell is based on the true life experiences of Naval veteran Carl Lee Young
as shared with his youngest brother. This fact-based account has been fictionalized
by author J.D. Karns. It is a story to stir the American spirit. You will be
inspired by a young man’s journey to survive a war.
About 28 Months of Heaven and Hell
J.D. Karns' historical novel is based on the actual journal
kept by Carl Lee Young while he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard
the escort vessel USS Melvin R. Nawman
DE-416. Karns has brilliantly woven Carl’s journal entries together with
fiction to create an entertaining, breathtaking, and highly factual
account of the war from a sailor's point of view. Experience everything
from the great typhoon of 1944 to Iwo
Jima and Okinawa, and
from the atom bomb to the signing of the treaty that ended the Second
World War. It is an emotional roller coaster ride between the onboard action
and the family back home. The realism of not only the war but also the era
has been captured with expertise.
In real life Carl's younger brother, Charles, longed to
hear his big brother's WWII story. When Carl returned from the war he promised
his little brother that someday he would tell him all about it. That day came
recently when Charles began receiving journal entries from Carl via emails,
totaling 168. Both Carl and Charles are excited to have their story turned into
a historic novel. Both brothers are still living; they share the dream of holding a published copy of Carl's story in their hands before
being called to Heaven. Carl resides in Arizona, and Charles resides in Florida. Both are still happily married and, through emails and
phone calls, enjoy keeping each other informed of their day-to-day lives.
What Readers' Favorite had to say about 28 Months of Heaven and Hell
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
I love historical novels. Anything with history makes a story that much more real. I feel like it could actually have happened, even though the story is fiction, because it is set in an era or around an event that did happen. That is exactly how 28 Months of Heaven and Hell by J.D. Karns feels. Based on journal entries from a World War II naval man, this book is steeped in so much history it feels real. I loved reading the letters that "Chester" sent his family back home and watching the emotions of his family members as they read his letters: dad and his two brothers proud, mom also proud but nervous, praying for his safe return. Knowing those letters were based on real letters sent home from a man who enlisted to serve and protect our country in our time of need makes the story that much more special.
I love World War II stories as well, so this book is just the perfect combination for me. The reader experiences everything from the great typhoon of 1944 to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and from the atom bomb to the signing of the treaty that ended the Second World War. I think it is so educational and I love stories that really bring history to life because it can teach people so much. And I love how the story stays with the family and we only glimpse the war through the letters. I wasn't expecting that, so it was a really refreshing twist that kept the story interesting.
Hi! So glad you could join us today for a chat with Rhonda Walker, author of children’s and inspirational books. We hope you enjoy the chat…and be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom of this post for a chance to win an personalized autographed copy of Wesley Out West and a plushie Wesley!
Before we begin, here is a bit about Rhonda Walker:
EVERY DAY IS ICING ON THE CAKE OF MY LIFE. It is challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. There are memories of the blessings of family and friends, successes, and failure. I live daily in grateful awareness of a God who provides abundant blessings, especially during times of embarrassing failures.
I discovered my passion for reading early in life (right after the ark anchored on a mountain top). In 1979, when my daughters were young, I returned to college. There, English and education professors taught me some needed writing basics and opened the door to children’s thinking. In truth, though, I began writing for myself in 1975, and my style was already developed. God blessed me with a passion for reading, the love of writing, and whatever ability I possess.
With training, skills, and God’s help, I fulfilled a long-held dream of writing stories for young readers. Several years ago two of my grammar stories were published in a Scott Foresman textbook for first graders, and plans are underway to put those stories and others into a grammar-series book. I write stories to encourage enjoyment and learning through reading.
What inspired you to begin writing children’s books?
Reading more than 300 children’s books in a college class convinced me there were so many bad books, someone had to write better ones, and I knew I could do better than many of the ones I was forced to read. In the process I became enamored with reading the fun books.
How did you get the idea for Wesley Out West?
I was looking at animals and saw a walrus sitting in a zoo. I thought about them sitting on ice and wondered if they got bored, and what if they had houses (like Eskimos). The story took off from there. I grew up in New Mexico, so I sent him on an adventure far away
Do you have a writing process/routine or just write when the muse hits?
When I get an idea, it is usually from something I see. I usually envision how it ends, and I see a scene or two in between. Then I have to fill in what happens in the blank spaces. Sometimes I wake from a dream with an idea and think about it the next day. Usually I “see” the ending within the next day or two, or often I have another dream that reveals the ending. My first novel came in 3 dreams over a month. Dream 1: the girl, very young; #2: growing up; #3: her name. I saw much emotion in the dreams, and she quickly became a part of me. You will meet her sometime next year, I hope.
Are there any books or authors that have inspired you?
Actually, I grew up reading mysteries and westerns: Perry Mason, Hardy Boys, Louie L’Amour, biographies about Western & American heroes. It wasn’t the author as much as the word pictures they drew that pulled me in and inspired my soul. Today I admire Janet Evanovich, Nora Roberts (writing as J.D. Robb), Clive Cussler, Catherine Coulter, Iris Johansen. For so many years I loved Mary Higgins Clark, and only recently have I turned more to Fern Michaels in that genre. My two favorite southwest mystery writers are Tony Hillerman (his death was tragic for me) and J.A. Jance. Come to my library and you will find a wall of many authors, but these will be my largest collections.
My favorite children’s books are Rain Makes Applesauce. Both of my daughters had me read the book over and over. One of them can still quote parts of it today. I never get tired of Where the Wild Things Are. The Dr. Seuss series has so much to offer in the way of learning opportunities and rhyming charm that adults still quote entire sections of the books. These standards became such because they offer visual and verbal gifts to the child that add to the child’s memory bank in a way that encourages that child to want a rerun of that experience.
What did you do before becoming an author? Is there something from your job that has helped you as an author?
Many things…some successful, some not. Some not because I wasn’t doing what I love.
I spent many years as secretary, then executive assistant; I served as Service to Military Families Caseworker for American Red Cross during the Vietnam War; I owned a small retail business of sports embroidery and sports charms; I was a legal assistant for a number of years. I have a BA in English and elementary education and am certified to teach English and elementary school through 8th grade; I substituted for a time. I believe each of these experiences helped me better understand life and how each person sees the world from a unique perspective. Lawyers have perspective on life that is uniquely different from the school secretary or janitor. And the soccer mom priorities are not the same as those of a just-returned-from-war soldier who lost his best friend.
Did you learn something about yourself or writing while writing Wesley Out West?
I learned a lot about the mammals in my book. For instance: an octopus will turn red when it becomes frightened. Didn’t know that. It was a learning experience for me.
Tell us about three things in your writing space? What memory or importance do they hold to inspire your writing?
I write near windows to remind myself that there is a world out there to keep me from withdrawing into my own little world of the computer.
I have a small hot air balloon hanging from my lamp to remind me to stay light and
think of happy things. Hot air balloons always make me feel better.
I keep pictures of my family where I can see them to remind me I have love, and I have
notes from some who have read my books and took time to say they appreciate my efforts. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. On days when I feel I’ve wasted my time and energies on a path with no future, their words give me courage to keep on.
You have another upcoming book, Icing, Locusts, & Life. Can you tell us a little about it?
Every day is icing on the cake of my life. When I get up each day I have the choice of deciding to make the day a good, bright day (regardless of whether the sun shines or not), or cover my emotional cake with the dark icing that the locusts of days past have destroyed. During our lives, locusts appear, as explained in The Bible: Joel 2:25. However, the prophet also tells us that God will repay us for the days that the locusts have eaten, and I lean upon that promise to build the life that I live today and
hope for the life of tomorrow, whatever that life brings me on earth and hereafter.
Tell us why parents should buy WesleyOut West for their child’s library?
I am really excited that we are including something unique in Wesley. In addition to the wonderful colorful illustrations that stimulate a young child’s brain, we added a supplement for parents and teachers at the back of the book. There is a “Fun Facts” section for each mammal in the book, along with a photo of the mammal. This allows the parent/teacher a learning opportunity in addition to providing the child a fun story.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to write books for children?
Writing is not just sitting down and telling a story. Well, it is; but it is also a matter of telling a story that is age appropriate, easily understandable, and of length appropriate for the age. I found out the hard way that the illustrations may be great for first graders, but the language is more graded for 3rd graders. The 1st graders lose attention by page 3.
My best suggestion is: read 300 books. Seriously. Go to your children’s library and start reading every children’s book at every level. When you find a level you feel is at a level you think might be the most comfortable writing at, start reading again, at that level.
Then take a few writing courses online. While not “kiddie lit” oriented, my very favorite writing course is The Write Practice. Joe Bunting does a fabulous job of sending out information and giving out exercises following his hints each week. I’ve learned a lot from his weekly exercises. I highly recommend you get hooked up with anything he does. Fabulous.
If you join LinkedIn on the web, there are groups you can join that are specifically children lit oriented, and you can easily find courses about writing for children.
Although there are generally no such things as first-time writing wonders, there are exceptions to this rule. One exception to this is Janice Spina, who began her writing success as a child. If you go to my web site, www.thewordasylum.blogspot.com., you will find her guest post. She is the exception and does great stories. But even she still learns by taking seminars. I am sure she would be happy to give anyone pointers. Her contact information is on any of her books and, I believe, on her guest post.
Good luck to each of you wanting to write. It is not an easy one-step process, but it is worthwhile and very fulfilling once you get started. I wouldn’t trade it for anything…well, most of the time. J
Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!
Hello readers! It’s great you could join us today. Today’s feature is a guest post by children’s and inspirational author Rhonda Walker. She’ll be talking about her upcoming release Wesley Out West and her reading and writing journey.
So pour a cuppa and prop up your feet to enjoy the read. Make sure to enter the Rafflecopter contest at the bottom of the post for your chance to win a personalized autographed copy of Wesley Out West and a cute Wesley plushie!
Trials and joys of writing by Rhonda Walker
Willie Out West (2013, WestBow Press)was my first published children’s story. It was so well received that I am re-launching an updated version, Wesley Out West (2015, JLB Creatives Publishing) is in a smaller size and contains an educational supplement for parents and teachers. If you read Willie I know you will enjoy Wesley even more. The “Fun Facts” and photos of the real sea mammals are educational and enjoyable for children and adults alike. The book size is more comfortable for young children to hold and carry, and the response thus far is widely encouraging. Enjoy.
I always loved books. In seventh grade I walked every day to my little New Mexico town’s library, checking out the maximum number of books. I returned within a day, replacing those books with more. I also used my allowance to purchase every juvenile book of interest: the Hardy Boys and other popular series. I found Nancy Drew boring. During my eighth grade summer, Mother took me on a weekly trek (30-miles one way) from our mobile home in a New Mexico desert mining community into the town of Grants. There, I devoured all of the town library’s westerns (Kit Carson, etc.), mysteries (Ellery Queen, Perry Mason), and stories about Geronimo and other Native Americans.
I carried my love for reading to college and majored in English and elementary education. These classes opened a door to children’s literature that will never close. I read almost 300 children’s books in one semester. I thank God for blessing me with a passion for children’s literature, the desire to write children’s stories (there were so many bad books, I just knew I could write better), and the desire to develop whatever ability I possessed.
In 1976, I wrote two grammar stories which, amazingly, found their way into a textbook for first graders. However, I had little faith in my ability and gave up after one failed attempt to publish. I published two women’s inspirational articles and edited several women’s church newsletters during the succeeding years, but nothing else.
Years later I set out to discover why certain women of faith remained strong in spite of unbearable and continual trials in their lives. For two years, I interviewed women; thus was born my first book, “Beyond the Shadow is Tomorrow: Stories of Women of Faith,” published by WestBow Press in 2013. I encourage all Christian women looking for strength and encouragement to read this book. The book still brings great reviews from those seeking answers and encouragement while going through rough times, and it is still for sale through my web site or e-mail.
“Icing, Locusts & Life” is about to be released by JLB Creatives Publishing, and I am so excited. The reviews are already coming in on this inspirational book for men and women. I encourage readers to reach out and embrace the world and its wonders. Every day is icing on the cake of our lives, no matter how bad our circumstances or how hard it is raining. Every day I have a choice to make when I get out of bed (or even if I cannot get out of bed). It is how we choose the icing of our days, light or dark, which determines how we meet the locusts that visit the beautiful fields and gardens of life.
My life is challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. There are memories of the blessings of family and friends mixed with my own success and failure. In spite of everything a long life can deliver, I find reason every day to be grateful that God provides abundant blessings. Even with the traumas of illness, embarrassing personal failures, and sadness beyond words, there is one thing that is good: I am still alive to see it dawn a better day.
I have more children’s stories on my desk, and my first novel is begun. No one knows tomorrow’s outcome, but today has been good. Tomorrow will be white icing, no matter what the day brings.
Be blessed. What color is your icing?
About Rhonda Walker
EVERY DAY IS ICING ON THE CAKE OF MY LIFE. It is challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. There are memories of the blessings of family and friends, successes, and failure. I live daily in grateful awareness for a God who provides abundant blessings, especially during times of embarrassing failures.
I discovered my passion for reading early in life (right after the ark anchored on a mountain top.) In 1979, when my daughters were young, I returned to college. There, English and education professors taught me some needed writing basics and opened the door to children’s thinking. In truth, though, I began writing for myself in 1975, and my style was already developed. God blessed me with a passion for reading, the love of writing, and whatever ability I possess.
With training, skills, and God’s help, I fulfilled a long-held dream of writing stories for young readers. Several years ago, two of my grammar stories were published in a Scott Foresman textbook for first graders, and plans are under way to put those stories and others into a grammar series book. I write stories to encourage enjoyment and learning through reading.
JLB Creatives Publishing is 2 years old!
