Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year, New Giveaway, New Author

How else should I kick off the New Year? A giveaway of course! And hopefully a new blog look!(I'm perusing the market for a new blog design)

Almost one month ago my friend published her first children's book. I thought I would get her started with this new venture with an author Q&A. I like the idea... Hmmm maybe I have an idea brewing in my mind for a recurring blog title. The only problem I might come across is finding authors to support the thought.

Without further ado, I introduce Leigh Anne Hainline, the author of The Day I Used Orange





1. Where did you get the idea to write this book?
We were asked in an art class while earning my Masters, to create a children's book. I knew I wanted it to teach something but not the average lesson. I knew rhyming words would be good for elementary students and teaching non-rhyming words would be a nice twist. The plot emerged from there and led me on a fun journey as I created the story line.


2. What is your target audience?
Pre-K to 3rd, (early elementary)

3. Do you plan on writing another children's book?
Yes! I have some ideas running through my head for another children's book. I'm thinking of continuing the series of teaching unique lessons through color words. (Plus after a book reading at a local school, some students gave me a list of book ideas they want me to write about, so I definitely have inspiration.)
During my 8 years of teaching, I kept a journal of funny student quotes and am considering compiling them for a book that will bring laughter and joy to teachers... because "Students Say The Darndest Things".

4. What was the most difficult thing about writing the book?
The most difficult part of writing this book was learning to have patience as it went through revision after revision. The writing process is there for a very important reason, but having to edit and revise so many times was taxing. It was totally worth it when I received that first edition print in the mail though. :)


5. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I really enjoyed collaborating with the illustrator during the writing of this book. Hope Knight is such a talented artist and school art teacher. She was able to bring life to my words on each page that would capture the interest of the young reader. It was an amazing feeling seeing my dream become a reality in print!


6. Is there anything else you would like to share?


My favorite children's book is "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf. I read this book so many times, I can almost recite it from heart. That book captured me and got me interested in reading and telling stories, which has led to writing as well.



Interested in her book?
https://www.createspace.com/3949011?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026



And last but not least! THE GIVEAWAY!!! A copy of Leigh Anne Hainline's book: signed by author & illustrator.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Happy New Year!!
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17 comments:

  1. I think q&a with authors would be an awesome addition!

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  2. I enjoyed the author Q&A, Im sure you could find up and coming authors to help you out once in a while :)
    Amanda
    Rock Stars At Work

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  3. Deb I went to Lesly for my masters too and ABSOLUTELY loved it! I would recommend it in a heart beat!

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  4. I love to hear authors talk about the process of writing their books. I share the info with my kids and it helps them be more thoughtful about their own writing.

    Krazy Town

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  5. Every year we get authors to come to our school and share their ideas and processes with our students. I think it's a great idea to do on a blog.
    Patty
    Second In Line

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  6. I would love to see Q&As with authors! Great idea!

    Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten

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  7. I love the idea of the q and a!

    Cathy I.
    mrsirwinsclass@gmail.com

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  8. I think it's such a great idea. I am such a book hoarder, and always looking for a new find!

    melindacasas@gmail.com

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  9. Love finding new authors. Thanks for hosting this.

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  10. I love this idea! It's always fun to find out more about a new author.
    Marie
    The Hands-On Teacher in First!

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  11. I love this idea! I'd love to see new authors and books I could bring into the classroom.

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  12. Great ideal! Love to know more about them!

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  13. I love hearing about new books and the authors. It makes it more authentic when talking about the authors to my class.
    ❀Beth Ann❀
    Taming My Flock of Firsties
    bakteach16@gmail.com

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  14. I love the idea of connecting with authors. I let the students do it often to show that their writing and reading is relevant to their lives. I am always interested in new stories.
    hawhite@henrico.k12.va.us

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  15. Love the idea! Always interesting to see what authors have to say, how they come up with their ideas, etc.

    Heather (heathernnance@yahoo.com)

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  16. I am learning so much from your blog. Another post of yours was about your TpT store and I appreciate your encouragement about this. It is really something I am interested in starting. You can also visit my blog at http://teachersareterrific.blogspot.com/
    Thanks again!

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