Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Official Release Day: Jake and the Buggy Melee

Write Integrity Press is excited to announce the release of our first children's book, Jake and the Buggy Melee by Darryl E. Green. To celebrate, we've invited Darryl to share a little about his writing. Welcome, Darryl!


A lot of friends and family have recently asked me why I wrote Jake and the Buggy Melee.  I guess they found it odd that a career Business IT guy, who has dabbled in some technology publications and short stories over the years found his way into writing children’s books. They’ve also wanted to know how long I’ve been writing, what else I’ve been working on, etc. Fair questions, so I thought I'd provide some answers.  But first, if you haven’t read Jake, you may want to pick up a copy to see what you think.  It’s a wonderful read for parents and kids and it’s illustrated by award-winning artist, Valerie Bouthyette

1. Why did you write a children's book instead of a technology or business book?

I actually wrote Jake several years ago when my oldest daughter was 4 and my youngest was a newborn.  I wanted to write something that would make them happy, knowing it was from their Dad. I also wanted to write a book that would be fun for teachers and parents to read to kids.  I always read stories to my girls at bedtime and found that many of them were just not fun or interesting for the kids or me.  I realized that there was a gap to be filled so I began to consider writing a story myself, just to see how I could do.  My wife is a teacher and she encouraged me as well, with a few conditions.  She wanted the story to be challenging in terms of vocabulary and values and wanted it to rhyme.  NOT easy but I did it!

2. How did you choose the title Jake and the Buggy Melee?


Jake was a 40 lb. housecat that we had for many years who recently passed.  He was a gentle giant who was a very special pet and really did like to battle with bugs.  He was also very affectionate with my daughters and my wife and I, so it was an easy move to write a story around him.   I also wanted to have an unusual title that I thought may better stand out with kids and adults.

3. What did you want the book to express or what values were you hoping share?
Oh wow…several.  I won’t reveal all of the values we embedded but the main focus was on teamwork, bullying and compassion.  My wife and I talk with my daughters about all of these values quite frequently and they relay stories to me from their experiences in school.  That made me think that I needed to really work these into my story.  Again, Jake was a good role model so it wasn’t too difficult to do this!    

But, I wanted to tell a story and have it be amusing, the lessons were a bonus!

4. What’s next?  Any more books on the way?

I have several writing projects in process.  I co-wrote a screenplay this year and had a blast doing so. I learned a lot, was very humbled but it was still a great experience, I hope to see that go somewhere. I recently completed a short story about my father, Don Green, who passed away a few years ago.  Very hard to write something like that but it needed to be done.  I also have about 3 children’s books in the works, one which is…well, getting close to ready I would say!  And finally, I’m always working on a few short stories and book concepts.  In short, I’m always writing something.  My oldest daughter inspires me for this, she is a prolific writer who is always journaling and writing her stories. She is amazing!




Jake and the Buggy Melee is available in print and digital formats.


Amazon
Kindle
Nook




A Special Treat from Author Jennifer Fromke

Today's blog post is a special treat from Jennifer Fromke, author of A Familiar Shore. She provided the photos for our "Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?" contest for Week 2, and now, she has written a scene involving two of the minor (but oh-so-popular) characters from her book - the twins, Jane and Janell! My apologies for not posting this over the weekend - but I hope you enjoy it anyway! And be sure to take note of the clues - they'll help you enter to win the contest! Thanks, Jennifer!




Janell jumped up and down. The wood floor beneath her creaked in rhythm. “Living in North Carolina is such a blast!”

Jane twirled her ponytail around her finger. “I know! And it’s only been, like, less than a year!”

“Do you think we’re gonna like the race?”

Jane shrugged. “I like watching the sailboat races on Lake Charlevoix, so I guess this might be as much fun as that.”

“Yeah, but at least the sailboats have to round certain buoys and they have to switch sails and stuff. I don’t really get the whole ‘driving in a circle all day thing.’”

“Well, Cody says there’s a lot more to stock car racing than just driving in circles. It’s like . . . science.”

Rolling her eyes, Janell crossed her arms. “No way.”

Ponytail bouncing, as usual, Jane nodded, solemn. “Swear. They tinker the engines and other things to try to get a tiny bit more speed out of the car than the other guys are getting. And sometimes that makes a difference in who wins.”

“And sometimes they crash.”

“Yeah, I know. That’s pretty bad.”

“Yeah. And I feel guilty for wanting to watch for crashes. Cuz, it’s like the only exciting thing you can see while you’re watching a race, but I don’t want to wish for a crash, cuz those poor guys!”

“I know! Sometimes they get hurt really bad.”

“So why are we going to this race anyway?”

Jane shut down the computer and turned lights off around the old Charlotte house-turned-law-office. “Cody is photographing the race today. It’s the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season, I think. He has press passes for us and everything. We might even get to meet some of the drivers.”

Janell followed Jane through the door and pulled out her key to lock up. “We already met Trevor Colt. He’s pretty short.”

A giggle erupted from both twins. “I think he’s not the only short one, either.” She elbowed her sister. “But they’re pretty much all taller than us, and that’s what matters, right?”

They nodded one giant nod in unison. “Right!”

“Here goes nothing . . .”

“Charlotte Motor Speedway or BUST!”




Congratulations to Kasey Kahne, winner of the NASCAR'S 2012 Coca-Cola 600!


Read more about Magnificent Hope's Journey:












Monday, May 28, 2012

Week 3: Where in the World is Magnificent Hope? Pays Respect

On this Memorial Day weekend, Magnificent Hope paid her respects at a National Cemetery.


This beautiful National Cemetery is the second national cemetery in its state and the 123rd in the national cemetery system. A private citizen donated the 775-acre site to the National Cemetery Administration in 2001. At maximum capacity, 330 acres of the site will be developed for burials; the remainder of the site is too steep to be used for interments. Historically, the site was used for logging purposes and as a hunting ground for local residents.

This National Cemetery is located near the site of Indian burial mounds, created by American Indians of the Mississippian culture between AD 1000-1550. This site is one of the largest American Indian burial mounds in North America. Archaeological investigations have been conducted on Etowah mounds for over one hundred years.

This National Cemetery opened for burials in 2006, and was formally dedicated on June 4 of that year.

Magnificent Hope - and all of us at WIP and PNP - offer our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women - "all gave some, some gave all" - who have served our country to keep us safe, to keep us free, to keep others around the world free. It's because of your service that we have the freedom to read and own Bibles, go to church or have church in our homes, the freedom to share Jesus with the world. We don't take your service or your sacrifices for granted.

THANK YOU. 




Readers, now it's your turn. First, thank a Vet.

Then, submit your best guess of where you think Magnificent Hope visited this weekend, and you'll be entered to win a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet, $100 gift card, and a bunch of books!

(If you need a little help figuring it out, watch our Facebook pages and Twitter Tweets for hints during the next few days!)


Each week, we’ll post a photo of Magnificent Hope near a landmark. If you know “Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?” send us an e-mail with the subject line CONTEST WEEK 1, CONTEST WEEK 2, CONTEST WEEK 3, etc. The person with the MOST correct entries and bonus entries at the end of the contest will win their choice of either a Kindle Fire or a Nook Tablet, a $100 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (depending on which reader your choose), and a copy of all our WIP and PNP books published any time during this year!

Bonus entries may be earned three ways:
  1.  By “liking” all three Facebook pages – Write IntegrityPix-N-Pens, and Magnificent Hope – just be sure to let us know you liked us, and we’ll add the bonus points.
  2. Bonus entries will also be given for anyone submitting by e-mail one or more photos taken with Magnificent Hope AND at least one of our books anywhere on her journey. One photo per location, please. (For example, if you bump into Magnificent Hope at a Jennifer Fromke event in North Carolina and take ten photos with her at that same event, only one photo will count. But if you bump into Magnificent Hope at Jennifer’s event, and then again at an event with Dianne E. Butts, you can take photos both places and get two bonus entries!) Send your photos in .jpeg format, attached to an email, and we may use them in blog posts or perhaps even a book.
  3. Telling your family and friends about Magnificent Hope, Hope Tour 2012, and our books and authors – through Facebook, Twitter, blog posts, interviews with our authors or Magnificent Hope, or other ways. One share per week gets you an extra entry, so send us your links by e-mail so we can tally your points.
(And if you have trouble using the links for the e-mail, here's the address: magnificenthope [at] yahoo [dot] com.)


If you're just now joining us, feel free to click the links on the previous weeks' contests, and enter those now - just make sure to put which week your entry is for in the subject line of your e-mail, so you're credited properly.


Read more about Magnificent Hope's Journey:









Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hope Tour 2012: Magnificent Hope Encounters Dianne E. Butts at CCWC



L-R: Elsi Dodge, Dianne E. Butts,
Magnificent Hope, and Paula Freeman
Last week Hope rode with Elsi Dodge to the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference, and Dianne E. Butts ran into her there. Hope said she so wanted to attend the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, last Wednesday through Saturday because Estes Park is at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park and she just had to see the magnificent mountain peaks visible from the conference center.

Hope got to meet four writers who contributed to Dianne’s upcoming book co-authored with Renee Gray-Wilburn, Grandparenting through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Obstacles to Reach Your Grandkids for Christ.

Grandparenting through Obstacles is a compilation of twenty true stories from real grandparents about the challenges they have faced in leaving an eternal spiritual legacy on their grandchildren. With the stories in the book, Dianne and Renee have included “Points to Ponder,” “Steps to Take,” Scripture to Study,” “One Way to Pray,” “Grandparents in the Bible,” tips, resources, ideas, and more. 
L-R: Elsi Dodge, Dianne E. Butts, Magnificent Hope,
Loritta Slayton, and Paula Freeman

The book is due out from Pix-N-Pens Publishing in early September, just in time for Grandparent’s Day.

Hope talked some of the contributors into a photo op with her. Here she is with Grandparenting through Obstacles contributors Loritta Slayton, Paula Freeman, and Elsi Dodge. Story contributor Abigail Paul* was at the conference but was so busy helping out she couldn’t jump into the photo.

Dianne and Hope experienced other fantastic opportunities at the CCWC. Here’s a run-down of their activities: 

  • Dianne and Hope had several one-on-one meetings with editors and found open doors to send work in after the conference. Dianne is hopeful you’ll be seeing her name around the internet and on more books in the future. (And speaking of more books in the future, Dianne and Hope had extensive conversations to brainstorm three-book series ideas for the Books of Hope Contest. Did you see that on the May 10th post on this blog?!)
  • Dianne sat in on screenwriting classes with Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of MovieGuide magazine, which was a tremendous opportunity. Furthermore, Dianne got to go to dinner with Ted Baehr, Linda Evans Shepherd, and Joy Schneider at a local restaurant! Where in the world was Hope to remind Dianne to get a photo?!
  • Dianne also was invited to a special class on non-fiction book proposals with Cindy Lambert, author of unPlanned with Abby Johnson. Dianne got some great feedback on her next book proposal, and learned some valuable tips to make her future book proposals better.
  • Dianne talked with Rick Marschall, former editor at Marvel Comics among other things, and Craig von Buseck of CBN.com.
  • Dianne also received some great advice from Kim Bangs, editor at Regal Books. As Dianne works to define who she is as a writer and what her ministry is in God’s kingdom, Kim suggested two things that really stuck with Dianne: 1.) Brand yourself, not your writing. In other words, don’t try to create a brand that describes all the books you want to write. Instead, create a brand that describes you (your passions, your ministry, your unique place in God’s plan to reach the world), and then all your books/products will naturally fall under that umbrella.  2.) To help you nail down that elusive (at least for Dianne!) description/brand, ask your family and friends to tell you what you’re about. How would they describe your passion? Your ministry? Your unique contribution to God’s kingdom? They will probably say something different from what you expect!
  • And finally an extra-super special moment in the conference for Dianne was when the conference director, Marlene Bagnull, showed Dianne’s short film, The Choice. The 10-minute film screened right after Ted Baehr spoke about Christians making a difference in Hollywood. With such an audience, Dianne was a little heart-poundy, but Hope was there to hold her hand. Later, Dianne received several compliments from conferees. Even Ted Baehr said the film was good, and also gave some pointers to make her next film better. And that’s the tremendous value of a Christian writer’s conference.


Dianne and Hope said their good-byes late Saturday. Magnificent Hope didn’t say where she was off to next, but Dianne is now back home with plenty of work to keep her busy for a long time thanks to the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference.

(*Pseudonym.)




Friday, May 18, 2012

Where in the World is Magnificent Hope? - Week 2

Magnificent Hope has made her way to a city with lots of excitement the next couple of weeks. Although it was raining on her arrival, the forecast is clear for the upcoming events. Guess where she is and you could WIN!

Where in the World is Magnificent Hope in Week 2?




(If you need a little help figuring it out, watch our Facebook pages and Twitter Tweets for hints during the next few days!)


Each week, we’ll post a photo of Magnificent Hope near a landmark. If you know “Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?” send us an e-mail with the subject line CONTEST WEEK 1, CONTEST WEEK 2, CONTEST WEEK 3, etc. The person with the MOST correct entries and bonus entries at the end of the contest will win their choice of either a Kindle Fire or a Nook Tablet, a $100 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (depending on which reader your choose), and a copy of all our WIP and PNP books published any time during this year!

Bonus entries may be earned three ways:
  1.  By “liking” all three Facebook pages – Write IntegrityPix-N-Pens, and Magnificent Hope – just be sure to let us know you liked us, and we’ll add the bonus points.
  2. Bonus entries will also be given for anyone submitting by e-mail one or more photos taken with Magnificent Hope AND at least one of our books anywhere on her journey. One photo per location, please. (For example, if you bump into Magnificent Hope at a Jennifer Fromke event in North Carolina and take ten photos with her at that same event, only one photo will count. But if you bump into Magnificent Hope at Jennifer’s event, and then again at an event with Dianne E. Butts, you can take photos both places and get two bonus entries!) Send your photos in .jpeg format, attached to an email, and we may use them in blog posts or perhaps even a book.
  3. Telling your family and friends about Magnificent Hope, Hope Tour 2012, and our books and authors – through Facebook, Twitter, blog posts, interviews with our authors or Magnificent Hope, or other ways. One share per week gets you an extra entry, so send us your links by e-mail so we can tally your points.



Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Hope Tour 2012: Colorado Christian Writers Conference


Hope Tour 2012 continues with Magnificent Hope's attendance at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference this week. We'll have a few different reports from her, and expect another "Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?" post later this week.


Magnificent Hope had a wonderful time riding in a 30-foot Winnebago to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park Wednesday morning with author Elsi Dodge. She was a bit dubious about her connection with Dolphin, the small saber-toothed tiger (cleverly disguised as a tabby cat). But she loved watching the mountains grow closer as we drove, laughed at the bear sculptures in Lyons, held her breath as they passed dozens of folks on bicycles along the side of the road, and cheered when they pulled into their campsite at Elk Meadow RV park.

She sat in on two early-bird workshops, one on speaking and the other about publicizing a non-fiction book. She wasn’t very talkative in these sessions, but took careful notes and seemed to learn a lot. She’s excited about attending more classes over the three days!


Monday, May 14, 2012

Hope Tour 2012: Magnificent Hope Visits a Recording Studio


Magnificent Hope has been on the go! After leaving Colorado, she made her way to Australia, where she was welcomed into the home and heart of author Zillah Williams.


Author Zillah Williams in the recording studio
in Canberra, Australia
When I was at school, I asked my headmistress how to go about getting a career in helping people who were blind. She regarded me seriously for a moment, then said that she admired my “missionary effort.” I was surprised at her response, as I hadn’t thought of it in terms of mission. And yet, years later, here I am helping my husband (who has poor vision) in work he does for two organisations: Christian Blind Mission (CBM), based in Melbourne, Victoria, and 1 RPH (Radio for the Print Handicapped) based here in Canberra.

As I explained to Magnificent Hope, seen here looking in on a recording session, Alan works from home using professional recording equipment. He has readers come to read a variety of articles and books on to tape, which he then transfers to CDs after doing the necessary editing.

Alan at work with Magnificent Hope looking on.
Alan produces three programs for 1 RPH— The Music Room, a program about music, musicians and composers; Something Light which are his selection of items of interest or humor; and Patchwork, which is a program for the Christian segment broadcast on Sunday afternoons.

The definition of “print handicapped” applies to anyone who can’t handle print material such as books and newspapers, so it not only refers to people who are blind or partially sighted, but to those who may have had a stroke, etc.

I told Magnificent Hope that, when she goes home, she can find Radio 1 RPH on the internet and listen to programs being streamed. 

Christian Blind Mission has, in addition to work it does worldwide among vision impaired people, has a lending library of “talking books.” Alan is one of CBM’s field workers who records books for the library. He also records a daily devotional With Love to the World, and a magazine Vineyard which are lent to library clients.

Patricia and Alan preparing for a recording session.
See Magnificent Hope in the background?
Before the recording session I introduced Magnificent Hope to today’s reader, Patricia, pictured here discussing with Alan a point about the material she is recording. Readers like Patricia donate their time to make printed information available to those who are unable to read it for themselves.

My headmistress was unable to suggest a career path that involved working with the blind, but God must have planted the idea in my heart because here I am, many years down the track, doing just that.


About the Author:


Zillah Williams was born in the UK and moved to Australia in her early teens. Her background is in librarianship - she loves libraries and books.

She's  had five novels for young adults published:

The Treasure of Wonders Farm
The Wonders Farm Gang
The Doom Cloud 
The Disappearance of Old Kal 
Yesterday’s Enemy –Tomadachi

Her husband, Alan, produces audio material for their local print handicapped radio station in Canberra where they now live,  and for Christian Blind Mission in Melbourne, Victoria. She helps him as one of his readers.

Visit Zillah's website.




Friday, May 11, 2012

Where in the World is Magnificent Hope? - Week 1

Today we begin the "Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?" contest.


Each week, we’ll post a photo of Magnificent Hope near a landmark. If you know “Where in the World is Magnificent Hope?” send us an e-mail with the subject line CONTEST WEEK 1, CONTEST WEEK 2, CONTEST WEEK 3, etc. The person with the MOST correct entries and bonus entries at the end of the contest will win their choice of either a Kindle Fire or a Nook Tablet, a $100 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (depending on which reader your choose), and a copy of all our WIP and PNP books published any time during this year!

Bonus entries may be earned three ways:
  1.  By “liking” all three Facebook pages – Write IntegrityPix-N-Pens, and Magnificent Hope – just be sure to let us know you liked us in your first contest entry, and we’ll add the bonus points.
  2. Bonus entries will also be given for anyone submitting by e-mail one or more photos taken with Magnificent Hope AND at least one of our books anywhere on her journey. One photo per location, please. (For example, if you bump into Magnificent Hope at a Jennifer Fromke event in North Carolina and take ten photos with her at that same event, only one photo will count. But if you bump into Magnificent Hope at Jennifer’s event, and then again at an event with Dianne E. Butts, you can take photos both places and get two bonus entries!) Send your photos in .jpeg format, attached to an email, and we may use them in blog posts or perhaps even a book.
  3. Telling your family and friends about Magnificent Hope, Hope Tour 2012, and our books and authors – through Facebook, Twitter, blog posts, interviews with our authors or Magnificent Hope, or other ways. One share per week gets you an extra entry, so send us your links by e-mail so we can tally your points.


Now, this week's photo.


From Magnificent Hope's Diary:

I enjoyed my visit to this beautiful city. The people welcomed me as they embraced my message and allowed me to encourage them. Tranquil rivers reminded me of the need to be still before God and colorful parks and gardens refreshed me as I prepared for the next part of my journey. I look forward to visiting with the author who lives here and sharing more about her and her city later in the Hope Tour!


Send us an e-mail with your guess of where Magnificent Hope is in this photo (Hint: The answer is NOT "inside an airplane.") And please don't put the answers in the comments - let's keep the contest fair for everyone.


Magnificent Hope's journey started here.












Thursday, May 10, 2012

Manuscript Contest ~ You Could Win Cash and Publication


Write Integrity Press is thrilled to announce the Books of Hope Contest. We are seeking books in series of three, and winners could receive a three-book publication contract! The series of books can be fiction or nonfiction, but must carry a message of HOPE in some form or fashion. Be creative. Give us characters we can love in the novels, and issues we can care about in the nonfiction.

One First Prize FICTION Winner will receive a $500 Cash Prize and our standard publication contract for the three-book series.

Two runners-up in fiction will receive our standard publication contract for at least one book, and perhaps all three.

One First Prize NONFICTION Winner will receive a $500 Cash Prize and our standard publication contract for the three-book series.

Two runners-up in nonfiction will receive our standard publication contract for at least one book, and perhaps all three.

There will be two rounds of judging:

1) Entries must include ALL of the following for Round One Judging by June 15, 2012. (These are just the basics - see the Nitty-Gritty details at the bottom of the post.)
  • Submit a one-page, single-spaced synopsis of the entire three-book series.
  • Submit a 100-word blurb for each book of the series.
  • Submit the first chapter of Book 1 (length should be 2500-5000 words.)
  • Entry fee of $25 paid through the Paypal link below. Be sure to write down the PayPal Transaction ID# because the Paypal Transaction ID# must be placed on the Cover Page of your entry, along with your Name, Address, Phone, E-mail, Website, and Series Title.

2) Finalists will be selected from these entries and notified by July 31st. In Round Two:
  • Finalists will be required to submit a completed manuscript of Book 1 by November 30th. Full manuscripts should not be submitted prior to your being notified as a finalist.
  • Instructions for submitting final manuscript will be sent with finalist notification.


Final Winners will be notified in January 2013.

Now for the Nitty-Gritty details (and these have been deal-breakers in the past, so please follow the guidelines - they're here for a reason):

  • Use Times New Roman font, size 12.
  • Use double-line spacing, except for the synopsis and blurbs.
  • Pages should have 1" margins all around.
  • Use black ink.
  • Include a header on each page (except the cover page) that includes your last name and page number in top right corner.
  • In the subject line of the e-mail entry, please indicate - BOOKS OF HOPE: Fiction or BOOKS OF HOPE: Nonfiction, so the manuscripts are routed properly.
  • Entries should be submitted in a Word document, attached to the e-mail (editor [at] writeintegrity [dot] com).
  • The e-mail itself should serve as an introduction - tell us who you are and a little about you. Nothing formal, fancy, or lengthy - just let us get to know you a little.

Your attached entry should include:

  • Cover page with Name, Address, Phone, E-mail, Website, and Paypal Transaction  ID#.
  • One page, single-spaced synopsis of the entire three-book series. Give us the ending, don't leave us guessing.
  • One 100-word description of each of the three books (300 words total - separated under each book title.)
  • The first chapter of Book 1 (2500-5000 words in length.)

Final manuscripts should be in the 50,000-80,000 word range. We are trying to keep all of these books uniform in size, so please follow the word count guidelines.


UPDATE: We've had several questions come in, so I thought I'd add our answers here for everyone:



  • This contest is open to published and unpublished authors. 
  • The second and third books do not have to be completed at the time a contract is issued. 
  • Previously published books are not considered.

Be sure to check our FAQ page for other questions, but if you can't find the answer, drop me an e-mail.


Writers may enter manuscripts for both the Fiction and Nonfiction categories, but they must pay an entry fee for each.


Submit your Entry Fee below:



Your Series Title
Fiction or Nonfiction?



PLEASE NOTE: We have learned that the Chrome browser does not play well with Paypal, so if you use Chrome and have problems submitting your entry free, you may want to either try another browser, or just send payment directly through Paypal, using editor [at] writeintegrity [dot] com as the recipient address. If you choose to do it that way, just make sure to put your Series Title and whether your submission is Fiction or Nonfiction in the "Notes" section when you send payment.

You will receive a confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of payment. (48 hours on weekends.)

Thanks!