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

From Amazon: MORE THAN SHE EVER DREAMED When Halley Bowen learns she has an anonymous benefactor who wants her to live out her dreams and move to the idyllic seaside town of Port Royal, she can’t leave fast enough. The one hurdle – in one year’s time she must find everlasting love to satisfy the gift. Local contractor Ben Shaw is sarcastic, bossy and too sexy for his own good. Every time Halley thinks he might be the one, they hit an obstacle, until they admit what’s in their hearts. Then every dream of theirs comes true.

My Review: I found this novel to be the absolute perfect love story. Starting with a mysterious benefactor, Halley moves to Port Royal having given up her hectic city life. Port Royal is soothing and she moved to Port Royal for a year per her benefactors directives. Halley is to write a romance book, though she’s never been in a real romance, and she’s to get a part time job. She ends up working in a coffee shop and begins to write her book. Time is fast paced, Halley meets two potential suitors, but only one takes her heart. Many funny and sad mishaps happen and one conniving female does her best to break up Halley and her forever love. The twists and turns kept on coming. Five cozy read stars!!!!!!!

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on Hidden Gems Books: Working in self-publishing, it’s often crazy how much people know – and how much those same people don’t know. Recently, an author colleague of mine had to pull reams of real song lyrics from her book because she was unaware that there’s a process (and a cost) to using other people’s […]

Can authors use song lyrics in their books? – By Ginger… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

Indie B.R.A.G. has announced the winners and honorees for 2021! When Angels Fly was named an B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. In honor of this achievement, I will give away free copies of the eBook version if you contact me here. Book snippet: After surviving the cruel rage of tyranny from her mother and ex-husband, Sarah Jackson traveled a new path; a journey of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately strength. How do we survive the unthinkable, our child suffering from a terminal illness? They say there is no greater loss than that of a child; I say losing a child is the king of loss. Sometimes the thing that helps us survive it, is knowing we are not alone. Bestselling author, Sarah Jackson, will take you on her journey of hope and strength as she provides an intimate raw look at her life.

on Kindlepreneur: You wrote a book, and now you want to sell it on Amazon. I’ve got good news! Kindlepreneur is coming in clutch with 70+ book marketing ideas that will help you sell more books on Amazon’s eBook and print book marketplace. Also read Kindlepreneur’s Marketing Mastery Guide. Let’s dive right in. In this […]

How To Sell Your Book On Amazon [70 Book Marketing Tips] – By Dave Chesson… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog