Words of Whimsy Publishing

Sorry to be late in returning to my site, but, I have been overwhelmed with  other duties, some good and some not so good :-( 

I have surfaced from the turmoil with a nice, new Author friend.  Her book is appropriate for middle school aged students and I think they will be delighted with it.  Very cleverly written, it parallels life in a whimsical, meaningful way.  Lynne Westwood has chosen cats, or “Snobby Cats” to bring her message to readers.  You can read the first 4 chapters on her website, www.snobbycats.com.   I am sure readers will recognize many charactors, which is part of the fun.

I am preparing for my school visits and have purchased a lap-top and projector for my presentations.  I have to admit, getting everything set up was a challenge beyond me, I cried for help and was saved by my wonderful friend, Ken, who is also my accountant.  Brains abound :-)  Thanks to him, students at Citrus School will get to see Perry the Pack Rat on the big screen.  I am looking forward to visiting Citrus School because that is where I started Kindergarten and went to 4th grade before moving out to Shasta Union School.

Last week I visited Chico Center For Learning and was so impressed with their upscale, beautifully managed facility.  Students are well mannered and very bright.  Already reading, these students are a prime example of combined teaching and parenting skills.  It was a joy to read to these bright children.

Until next time, stay positive and keep reading. 

Mardy

Due to a family emergency I will be out of State for at about two weeks and it will not be convenient for me to blog.  I will continue as soon as I return.

I’ve been very busy attending numerous events to promote my books, and I’m always impressed and amazed at the beautiful things people create and bring.  As you know art is important to me and just today, as we were all setting up for two days of “Christmas at the Old Mansion” in Los Molinos, CA, I saw the most beautiful Santa I’ve seen in years.  His robe and hat were fashioned from an antique quilt trimmed out in fur, holly and small toys.  He stands about 30″ tall and would be a treasure for anyone collecting fine Santas.  There are artisans at this event who are internationally known, and I am honored to have a spot among them.  It is a private home but, truly an old mansion.  For this event all of the downstairs furnishings are removed and vendors collect like worker-bees to set up tables, drape and skirt them, and add old crates for height to display the many lovely things available for purchase.  My table is placed to the right of the fabulous walk-in fireplace where I sit comfortably signing books all day.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  It is a magical two days and the comradery is delightful.

Regardless of the weather the porch fills with people about thirty minutes before we open.  They swarm in to strip away collectables, and enjoy a warm drink and homemade cookies before they leave.  It is a long-standing tradition, hundreds of people attend each Holiday Season.

I attended an Author Reception at Lyon Bookstore, Sunday, and while waiting for the festivities to begin, a lovely girl came to join me on the sofa.  Conversation flowed easily and we soon discovered we both wrote for children.  People began arriving and we moved to the front of the store where our books rested on a table by the refreshments.  Reading her book, I suddenly realized this was the Author several friends had been pressing me to phone.  Contacting strangers is not my strong point so it is especially nice when fate does it for me.  I liked Bonnie Worthington immediately, and her book, Engine Ed is one every young train lover will delight in reading.  Written for her son, it offers factual  information in a sweet story.  Everyone should visit her animated website, www.EngineEd.com, I have never seen anything like it.  Children will love it!

I am planning to form a small group for Authors of Children’s Books, to exchange ideas and information.  After meeting various Authors, I find we have reached the same point from many different journeys and I think sharing those experiences will be fun.