Thank you for looking at my art pieces. All art can be found in my gallery here.

Thank you for looking at today’s selections. Link to gallery here.

on Writing Forward: As writers, we strive to connect with a reading audience. After all, writing is all about communication. Whether we’re sharing our personal experiences, imparting ideas and information, or creating rich, compelling stories, we want our words to ring true. We want our work to be authentic. And there’s only one way to […]

Writing Tips: Be Yourself – by Melissa Donovan… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

Shadow and Friends Costume Party was a Winner in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, Category: Picture Books 6 & Older

In case you didn’t know, Shadow and Friends Costume Party, is book eleven in a twelve book series. This is a fun picture book about a costume party that brings all the neighborhood wildlife into the Schmidt family backyard for a fun costume party. The squirrels, Shadow, a small dog, and her boyfriend, Max were invited and so was the Rabbit family. Uncle Stubbys’ son, Digger, was digging in his favorite area and he dug up a treasure chest full of costumes. They decided to have a costume party for all their friends and family. Digger’s mom and grandma created a beautiful castle garden in a fantasy forest in the Schmidt backyard! Stone walls and footbridges dotted the area and castle torches created a fantasy scene for the costume party. Since Digger found the treasure chest, he dressed as a pirate. They all wore different costumes, and Mr. Troll stopped by to visit. Costumes included a queen, a knight, two Ninja Turtles, Bo Peep, a Koala bear, a dragon, a skunk, and a real unicorn! Stubby and Cindy Mouse arrived in time for dancing, playing, and eating. All the animals were friendly and kind to each other. Children learn how Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt care for the wildlife roaming near their home. Lessons were learned in behavior, kindness, and taking care of wildlife.  

Helping Writers become Authors: Should you edit as you go? This is a question just about every writer asks at one point or another. Part of the reason for the prevalence of the question is that the question is in fact complex and contextual. In short, the answer to “should you edit as you go?” […]

Should You Edit As You Go? – by K.M. Weiland… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog