July Author Update
The First Book I Loved
Around 1872, Hector Malot traveled by train through a stretch of wild country along the river Somme in France. His train window revealed a desolate, peat bog-filled world. Suddenly, he had an idea—
“I will place a lonely little girl on a deserted island in this ocean of peat marsh, and show how she supports herself and accomplishes fine things in life, because of her unswerving will to succeed.”
Malot then wrote En Famile (in family) in French. Later, it was translated into English and re-published as Adventures of Perrine in 1932. Unfortunately, this title is out of print, leaving few surviving copies. My mother gave me her copy which her mother gifted her in the 1930s. My daughter knew of my love for it and purchased a second copy for me. Perhaps toddler scribbles on the book’s opening pages caused this.
Young Perrine brimms with character qualities I admire. These qualities endeared her to everyone she met along her journey. As I read, I wanted to be like her. Such is the power of the story. Perrine shaped my life and served as a template for my YA novels, A Journey and Finding Strength: Through the Panic of 1893.
My early reader chapter book series, Bandana Acres and Oakwoods, demonstrate positive character qualities through animal adventures. It is my hope and prayer that many young people will read my work, relate with the stories, and live their lives with courage, determination, resilience, honesty, faithfulness, and more.
Oakwoods Blog Tour - A Success!
Not exactly sure how many entered during the last two days, but I see that nearly 4,000 people entered up until then. Wow! The bloggers were kind enough to give good reviews on their blogs and some also submitted reviews on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads. A fortunate winner will win the 5-book bundle and a $50 Amazon gift card. :)
One blogger mentioned that she liked all the books and would share them with her children except for Nuts. This is because one of the minor characters had a name she found offensive. (Spazz) She correctly figured I didn’t name this squirrel this with any offensive intention, but she didn’t want her children exposed to the word.
So, I’m going to change that little critter’s name to Meg, even though the other name was used only five times. I appreciate her comment and realize she might not be the only one with this opinion.
It will be a month or so before this change takes place in books ordered through Amazon. The print run I have for stock won’t be changed until these are gone, however. If you were to order from me, I could white-out and write Meg in these spots, if you like.
Marketing
I’ve been learning about click-testing and have learned A LOT. It’s too complicated and too soon to go into this here.
Also, I have decided to eliminate some of my social media outlets. I’m keeping YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram and have deleted my accounts with X (Twitter) and Pinterest.
Young Emeline (working title)
The prequel to the Emeline series will start in earnest this month. So excited!
(Claudia Gadotti, I’ll be contacting you sometime this fall with illustration ideas.)
July Chickadee Cheer Giveaway
Congratulations to Lisa. I’ve already sent you an email inviting you to shop for a free softcover title of your choice. Open it!
So glad you’re subscribing to my blog. ~ Kathy
