Children and Young Adult Author | Official Website
Author: Ellwyn
I live with my loving husband, two children and dog in Philadelphia, PA. I discovered my passion for writing in second grade when I had to write a book report for school. I was so excited to write the report, until my mother told me that I had to write about someone else's book and not my own story. I became indignant and decided that once I finished the book report I would most certainly write my own original story. I have been writing ever since!
My self-published book Chris Kringle's Cops was a Finalist in The Reader's Favorite Book Contest for 2016. I am so happy to share this story with you.
My picture book Kamyla Chung and the Creepy Crawlies was given a 5 Star rating by Reader's Favorite Book Reviews in 2017.
The Magic of Music: The power of music and the soundtrack of Runaway Lyrics
Music is the closest thing to magic we can wield in this world.
Think about what music does. It moves our emotions. Music can force the happiest man to shed a tear. It makes the brave feel fear.
With music the scared feel calm. The sad are uplifted. Music can paint a picture in the mind’s eye. It can inspire. It can create worlds we can only dream of.
So when I started writing a musical magic system, I knew I was going to need a fantastic playlist.
Once I knew that my main characters favored the violin over other instruments, I thought of Lindsey Stirling.
Her modern take on violin music has the perfect amount of magic and wonder.
For Runaway Lyrics, I listened to Lindsey Stirling. If you’ve never heard of her go google her right now. I picked out one of her songs for each of the major musical moments in the book.
Only two of the major music moments are music other than Lindsey Stirling. They reference other stories that have been adapted to the musical format of either opera or ballet.
This song emphasizes the odds that the sisters find themselves at. Each with different goals and different dreams.·
The song Rose plays in chapter five to control the storm is “Take Flight.”· The song Snow plays in the solarium during the hunter’s attack is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream’’ by William Shakespeare.
(In the book I call it an opera, but I write better to Instrumental than sung, so I used the ballet version on the playlist.)·
The song that Snow plays to freeze the Fae Slavers in the forest is “The Little Match Girl’’ by Hans Christian Andersen. The Song of Shattered Sight is “Shatter Me.”
Obviously.· During the lighthouse scene with the kraken, listen to “Master of Tides.”· “Zelda Medley” is in the forest when Snow and Bayare get cornered by Grand Wizard Arken.
I needed a lot of distinct tones, so a medley worked for this. (Can you tell when the forest fire starts?)·
The song of Entropy is “Elements.”· The epic fight against Arken is “Dragon Age.”·
Epilogue music is “Kingdom Hearts.”· “What you’re made of,” is inspiring and serves as an ending credits song.· The last video on the playlist is just Amazing Violin Music that I used while writing.
If you listen to the playlist, or if you don’t, I hope you enjoyed learning about the musical inspiration for the novel. Writing each scene was easier when I knew what the music sounded like.
Were you already a Lindsey Stirling fan? If not, I hope you give her a listen. What kind of music do you like?
She has spent her entire life learning new instruments and memorizing new pieces, only to while away her life in a country manor with only her mother and twin sister as company.
If only she could get out on her own and play in front of a real audience.
Rose loves magic.
The things she can do with music would amaze her twin sister, but whenever she shows her, Snow quickly forgets as if the event had never happened.
If only Rose could get out on her own and work some real magic.
When an airship crashes near their home, Snow’s magical abilities awaken. Together the sisters must learn to use their magic, rescue a pair of cursed princes, and discover their own secrets.
Discover the magic of music in this retelling of Snow White and Rose Red.
By way of introduction, here is Kendra E. Ardnek’s bio:
Kendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales.
She lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her dragon babies and massive herd of mini-giraffes, and she is still waiting for one of of her fifty nutcrackers to come to life and marry her.
When not writing, you can usually find her sitting in a random box, and she’s frequently known to act before she thinks.
Created on Canva.com
Hello, Kendra, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
Created on Canva.com
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I always knew that the written word was my destiny (I share a birthday with two famous authors), and I’ve been making up stories since I understood the concept
I wasn’t serious until I was eleven or so and decided to rewrite my own movie version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
Anywhere and everywhere. The characters of this book are all based on those of Jane Austen’s work, but I have one in another project that literally developed out a skirt. She’s a Dragon Fairy.
Image courtesy of Kendra. E. Ardnek
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Getting to connect with readers who fall in love with my characters and worlds just as much as I am.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your story. Each word you write will get better. Focus on loving your stories, not writing a masterpiece.
What are your favorite books?
Ella Enchanted, That Hideous Strength, The Ilyon Chronicles, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lunar Chronicles, Emma, Elven Alliance, The Four Kingdoms, and lots more. I like a lot of books.
Created on Canva.com
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
The problem with this question is that my brain immediately goes to the Inklings and its ultimate implosion. Honestly, the groups I have are amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Created on Canva.com
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
Probably be a villager or a servant or some such. Though I would really want to play the Mistress.
What are your most effective marketing strategies?
I’ve been in the publishing scene for ten years now, and it’s a constantly evolving process.
But the timeless guidelines are—Keep your book visible (don’t worry about being the annoying author who always talks about her own books. (SHOW THOSE BABIES OFF.)
Have a great cover and be able to pitch your book in a single sentence (I highly recommend Finding the Core of Your Story by Jordan Smith to learn how to do this).
Create a community for your readers and promote a fandom. Word of mouth is the most powerful tool, and people love a club.
After their father’s death, and thanks to their older half-brother’s wanderlust, two sisters find themselves caught in the politics of a mysterious forest.
Elinrose finds herself in direct conflict with the wood’s Mistress, while Snowmari hides a deadly secret that could mean her death if found out.
Can their bonds of sisterhood withstand these trying times? Or will they even make it out alive?
Thank you so much for welcoming me to your blog for the release of As Long as We Live, my epic Fae fantasy retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ “Snow-White and Rose-Red”!
Today I’ll be discussing how the original fairy tale was actually strongly inspired by a story written by a woman named Caroline Stahl.
Although the Grimm Brothers are renowned for their fairy tales, they did not write all the stories themselves.
Instead, they collected tales from acquaintances and friends and adjusted them to appeal to their audience of middle-class readers.
Many of the tales they wrote down had been passed on orally for years and also had different variations in different provinces.
However, one fairy tale they decided to adapt seems to have been an original piece created by a woman they knew named Caroline Stahl. Her story was called “The Ungrateful Dwarf”, and its significant influence on the Grimms’ “Snow White and Rose Red” is easy to identify.
In both stories, a pair of sisters deals with the stubbornness of a persnickety and ungrateful dwarf who meets his end at the paws of a bear. In the finale, the sisters become wealthy and lead happy lives together.
The main difference between the two stories comes in the ending. In “The Ungrateful Dwarf”, the sisters actually have a large family that is quite poor, and they use the wealth they find to support for their other siblings and parents.
However, unlike in “Snow White and Rose Red”, neither sister marries. They provide for themselves and their families from their newfound treasure. It is interesting to explore how “Snow White and Rose Red” came to be the tale it is today.
Although the Grimm Brothers used many stories that had been orally shared for years, “The Ungrateful Dwarf” was a more unique source. Caroline Stahl’s tale may not be as popular as “Snow White and Rose Red”, but its legacy still lives on today.
As Long as We Live
Book Description:
Three human sisters live in a Fae realm where every prince is blessed or cursed by a gift of magic, and royal rivalry threatens the future of the land.
Ivy Durran, the oldest sister, is a resilient young woman who clings to her sunny resolve even in the darkest situation.
When a terrible blizzard strikes the land, she feels responsible for protecting her sisters: adventurous Rose and vivacious Poppy. However, the storm drives an unexpected visitor to their doorstep, one who could bring hope or danger with his arrival.
Meanwhile, Pierre, the newly crowned ruler of Concoria, strives to bring order to his frozen land and tranquility to his troubled brothers. Nevertheless, the deep magic of Concoria is not easy to tame.
While Pierre would love nothing more than to escape into a simple life close to Ivy, the human lass he met years before, he instead shoulders his burdens and seeks healing for his kingdom and family.
Dark magic, frigid storms, and deadly predators must be overcome if Ivy and Pierre have any hope of saving their families and their homeland.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098LX4ZHV/ Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58480113-as-long-as-we-live
Author Bio:
Cortney Manning resides in Florida but has always loved traveling the world.
She holds a master’s degree in Victorian Literature from the University of Glasgow and has a not-so-secret love of fantasy as well.
Her writing can be found on her website, on https://gohavok.com/, and in the Rooglewood Press anthology, Five Poisoned Apples.
In her free time, Cortney enjoys walking, drawing, and afternoon tea. Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon
By way of introduction, here is Sheri Poe-Pape’s bio:
Sheri Poe-Pape has written many internet articles about people in the arts and history.
Cassie’s Marvelous Music Lessons, Cassie Pup Takes the Cake?? and Cassie Pup’s Favorite Ladybug and Snake Stories are the author’s first three children’s books.
She has also been Director/Educator of the Pape Conservatory of Music for the past forty years.
Sheri is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where she studied Music, English and Creative Writing. She lives with her family in Northern Illinois, where she continues to write and to teach music-alongside Cassie.
Image created on Canva.com
Hello, Sheri, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
Back in 2007
Is writing your full-time profession?
No – half-time. I own a music teaching studio.
How long have you been writing?
On and off since childhood
Have you won any literary awards?
Over ten. One of them is international. Readers can view them on www.sheripoe-pape.com.
How many published books have you written?
Three
Image provided by Sheri Poe-Pape via sheripoe-pape.com
Which genre do you write?
Children’s
What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?
Working on the illustrations
What are you working on now?
A fourth book of children’s poetry
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
From my dog, Cassie
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Book events where I visit with the children after reading my books to them.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I have also written poetry for adults.
Image provided by Sheri Poe-Pape via sheripoe-pape.com
What message are you sharing in your books?
To show kindness in any situation.
What are your favorite books?
Books by Hans Christian Andersen
Created on Canva.com
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
Edgar Allan Poe, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Brothers Grimm.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
Watching old movies-1960’s back to silent era.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
But are these tales just about an ordinary ladybug and snake?
And will Lucy the Loony Ladybug get her colors right, and Claiborne the Cha Cha Cobra dance his way to the winner’s circle?
Bug and reptile lovers of ALL AGES will find this book very humorous and colorfully illustrated.
Parents will also appreciate the subtle references that promote diversity and competitiveness.
Join Cassie Pup in her third book of the Cassie Pup Series, as she eloquently narrates about the fun, humor and sometimes chaos that occur in the animated bug and reptile world.
By way of introduction, here is Lindsay DeRollo’s bio:
Lindsay DeRollo is a children’s book author and illustrator living in Central New York.
She is a former fine art and psychology student from Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College.
She has always loved to read books, so it comes as no surprise that she has created books of her own now.
Created on Canva.com
Hello, Lindsay, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
Created on Canva.com
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I was about ten years old when I began writing short stories and journaling.
Is writing your full-time profession?
No, just on the side.
How long have you been writing?
I self-published my first picture book through Amazon in 2017 (4 years ago).
Have you won any literary awards?
I won an “Honorable Mention” award from Story Monsters for my books: Sugarplums and Shooting Stars, If the Slipper Fits and A Christmas Kitten for Max. I have also won a Reader’s Favorite 5-star award seal for most of my books.
Image courtesy of Lindsay DeRollo
How many published books have you written?
Six picture books and a short story for young adults.
Which genres do you write?
Children’s and Young Adult.
Image courtesy of Lindsay DeRollo
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
Children’s books are the easiest because they are so much shorter (this goes for Young Adult short stories, too) and you are relying more on the illustrations to help tell the story.
The most challenging aspect would be the competition with other [more well-known] authors.
What are you working on now?
A new picture about building self-esteem and celebrating your differences.
Image courtesy of Lindsay DeRollo
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
From the hundreds of children’s books I’ve read throughout the years, as well as my own experiences in life and people I know.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Hearing from someone how much they loved reading my book and how much it meant to them.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Be very patient, seek advice and guidance from other published others and keep motivated!
Remember that most authors don’t start out successful (even James Patterson!). Expect some constructive criticism and try not to take it personally if someone doesn’t like your book.
Image courtesy of Lindsay DeRollo
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I like to paint [abstract art], make jewelry (some based on my books) and I enjoy marketing books.
What message are you sharing in your books?
To follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never give up.
What are your favorite books?
I like to read psychological thriller novels. My favorite children’s books include Winnie the Pooh, the American Girl series and the Elephant and Piggy series.
Created on Canva.com
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
James Patterson, Mo Willems, Gillian Flynn and Sarah Dessen.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
The authors mentioned above, as well as books that have similar topics to mine and that I can relate to.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
Relaxing at home with a good book. Or out shopping!
Created on Canva.com
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
I would first introduce my book and writing background as well as what influenced it.
An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?
Run in the opposite direction!
What are your most effective marketing strategies?
Follow/connect with as many authors in your writing genre (especially on social media pages) and join as many Facebook writing groups as possible where you can market your book.
It is also very beneficial to join a local writing group and attend or create an author signing event (libraries are very helpful in organizing one).
Through Amazon (listed above) and a publishing company I’m a part of named “Two Girls and a Reading Corner” (linked to Amazon): Twogirlsandareadingcorner.com/shop.
Some of my books are also available (online only at the moment) at Barnes and Noble and Walmart.
Thank you, Lindsay, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lost of luck!
The Swan Lake Ballet recital is coming up, and Emma has the lead role! She spends a lot of extra time practicing with Bella, who also has a major role in the performance.
Emma’s best friend, Pinky, has a slightly smaller role in the ballet. She is a little sad that she doesn’t get to spend as much time with Emma, who always seems to be too busy practicing with Bella to spend much time with her anymore.
Pinky is afraid that Emma has forgotten a very important day coming up… and could Emma and Bella also be keeping a secret from her? Pinky is in for a big surprise!
T.L. Shively is an award-winning author who plays mom and wife with a daytime job. After hours you will find her knee-deep in gnomes, fairies, and all things fantasy.
She loves when her imagination takes her places she hasn’t been, then she writes them down on paper so she can share them.
Hello, TL, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t thinking up stories in my head. I would even create characters to star in books I had written.
It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I finally started writing all these stories down and then the Guardians were born.
Is writing your full-time profession?
I truly wish it was. I work in a drywall yard as inside sales/administrative. But my goal is to be a full-time writer and I’m working very hard to accomplish my dream.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was young and having my mom read the stories, but I seriously started around 16 years ago.
I won an award for the best book cover for The Town That Time Forgot at Once Upon A Book 2019 in Frankenmuth, MI. When they announced I had won, it took me a few minutes (and my husband nudging me and telling me they called my name) to realize I had won.
How many published books have you written?
I have published 5 books in my Sanctuary Guardian Series.
Which genre do you write?
YA Fantasy
What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?
The most challenging thing for me is keeping everything straight. You wouldn’t believe how many sticky notes I have on my desk.
My characters speak to me, and they will change the plot on me when I least expect it. I must try to not let it get too far out of hand.
I love fantasy but I try to keep a bit of realism in it as well.
What are you working on now?
I have a few projects I’m working on.
One is a story outside of the Sanctuary Guardian universe about a spider goddess who discovers that there is more to her story than she knew.
I’m also working on a coloring book for the Sanctuary Guardians as well as a Christmas story for the Guardians.
Image courtesy of TL Shively via tlshivelyauthor.wixsite.com
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
I created the Guardians when I was very young growing up in the country.
The stories that I would read and create other stories from. Those were the ones that the Guardians would star in until they finally got a story of their own.
Other characters’ inspiration has come from people in my life and sometimes I look at a picture online that will create a character for me. Inspiration comes from all around.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
When I get to see fans who are just as excited about my stories as I am. They are my rewards.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
The only advice I can give is to not give up, to keep trying and keep asking questions.
Everybody’s approach is unique, and you have to find the one that works for you. Watch what other authors are doing and try it.
If it doesn’t work, then try something else. Reach out to other authors and ask for advice and help. Never stop asking.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I love all things fantasy, which includes my gaming. I love playing RPG games.
I love dragons, gnomes, mermaids and, of course, fairies. I love to draw and craft.
What message are you sharing in your books?
When I first started writing, I never realized there was a message. I always thought I was writing a story for people just to escape.
During an interview, I realized my story was about teamwork, learning to work as a team with each other and others.
What are your favorite books?
I have so many, but Harry Potter and Percy Jackson top the list.
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, and Washington Irving would be my top ones to invite.
In school, I was the kid who loved reading the required reading. Those stories inspired my imagination.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
My mom, even when I was young and writing stories that probably made little sense she would read them and tell me how interesting they were.
She kept my love of reading and my imagination alive. She has always been my biggest fan.
Although with other authors, I will say that I can’t pinpoint just one. I take away something from everything I read.
I know what I like when I read, so I tend to put that into my writing.
I skim over all the descriptions to get to the actions and so I try to bring that to life in my writings.
I know descriptions are important, so I make sure to add some descriptions, but I try to keep them from suffocating the story and let the reader use some of their own imagination when reading my stories as well.
Image courtesy of TL Shively via tlshivelyauthor.wixsite.com
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
During the day I work.
But at home if I’m not writing I work at my crafting table making crystal creations for my stories, outside by the fire pit with my husband, or possibly curled up with a good book another fantastic author wrote.
There are also some wonderful friends I have met online during my time in book groups, fellow readers and even authors I will chat with on Facebook.
Can’t forget about the marketing side of writing, the dark side, as we sometimes refer to it as but a necessary evil for being an author.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
I would like to play a part where no one knew which side I was on.
One small line and no one would know if what I said was to help the heroes or to hinder them.
I really like the grey area characters; you never truly know which side they are on, but they are always entertaining. Even if they are only there for a moment.
An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?
After I go full momma on him and give him something for sneezing, wheezing, and coughing (yes, that would be my first instinct. I am a lot like Vanna in my stories that way).
I would then listen to his story and help him out in any way I could. Can you just imagine the story he would tell? What adventure he could lead me on?
The chance to see an elven village and the other magical creatures I could meet. Better than any story I could come up with!
Image courtesy of TL Shively via tlshivelyauthor.wixsite.com
What are your most effective marketing strategies?
I’m still working on that.
I share posts about my books in Facebook groups; I take part in author takeovers; I have a PR person who posts on my pages for me, and I have used Facebook and Amazon ads.
I’m also looking at creating a coloring book to help with promoting my Guardians as well.
I had dolls created to represent my characters and I am working on getting drawings done for each of my characters.
On my website I have a series called A Momentwith Chad that follows the comic relief Guardian of Ice as he shares snippets of the book his Uncle Leroy gave him for Christmas, Useless Facts that You Will Never Use in Your Life.
The Guardians visited a cursed town, walked under the water of Prince William Sound, and battled Shadows wanting to wake the Sleeping Lady.
What they want now is to relax and enjoy the Crystal-Con. Unfortunately, their fated callings have other plans.
A Hunter has gone rogue and Arion warriors have ventured from the Alaskan frontier to help hunt him down. But they can’t do it alone.
Venturing to the underground realm of the Hunters, the Guardians join the search. Distracted by high-tech gadgets and hover bikes, the team unknowingly falls into a trap.
But it will take more than a blinding headache to stop them.
Capturing the rogue comes easy… too easy. To their surprise, he has connections to the Sanctuary that challenge everything they thought they knew.
Shadows. Secrets. Hidden agendas.
How much more can the Guardians take before they go rouge themselves?
In a universe governed by gods, darkness awakens and demigods are called.
Two journeys.
Two planets.
Lennox walks a path that separates her from her family. But allies along the way bring her to her destined fate.
Becca seeks to advance knowledge in the medical field. Fate has other plans in store when she stumbles upon long-forgotten ruins.
Two demigods walk different paths on separate planets. Will they find each other before it’s too late or will fate change their lives forever? The journey of a universe forever changed begins right here.
K.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure.
She has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.
When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.
