Ellwyn’s Blog

Interview With Author Lori Rotter and New Release

By way of introduction, here is Lori Rotter’s bio:

Lori is an award-winning toy designer and debut picture book author. Her large extended family keeps her laughing and inspires her story and toy ideas.

Like in her toys, Lori enjoys sparking the imagination and adding small details for kids to discover. Lori lives in Bedford, New York with her husband Steve, lots of fish, and two silly French bulldogs.

Hello, Lori, 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’ve always wanted to write children’s stories. Even as a young kid, I was making up stories.

Ideas are constantly swirling in my head, but a busy job always made it challenging to sit down and write. During Covid, I found the time and energy to start putting these thoughts on paper.

Is writing your full-time profession?

No, it is not. I am a design professional and work in the toy industry. I design and develop toys (mostly in the preschool and girls toys areas).

The toys in the photograph below were designed and developed with one of my toy company clients, Sunny Days Entertainment.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing toy copy for several years as part of my job. I started writing children’s stories about 3 years ago.

How many published books have you written?

Best Dinosaur Ever is my debut children’s book.

Which genre do you write?

Children’s stories / Picture books

What do you find most challenging writing for these genre?

As a new writer, there are lots of creative challenges! The word count for a children’s book makes it challenging to tell a concise story that has a conflict and resolution in a relatively short number of words.

I also love rhyming stories since kids mimic and repeat key phrases. Writing in prose is hard enough, but telling a successful story in rhyme, in the correct meter, and within the appropriate word count can range from frustration to sheer joy when it all comes together. 

What are you working on now?

A story about a little frog who is overly self-conscious about the ‘unfrog-like’ sounds he makes.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

Kids in my family. I also love to humanize animals and use them as characters in stories.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

I was brave to leave my comfort zone and explore creative writing while finding the resources to support my efforts to publish a book. Hearing how the final story resonates with kids and adults is wonderful.

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Never give up and have faith. Keep writing, rewriting, and rewriting.

Find mentors who are authors, editors, and illustrators who can help guide you in your writing journey. It has been surprising (and rewarding) to meet people who continue to help and advise me in this adventure.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I’m an identical twin with a younger sister and brother (born five years later on our birthday!)

I am also blessed to have stepchildren who have children, making me a grandma of 7 grandkids (they call me Lola, and there is lots of inspiration for storytelling!).

I love to sing (mostly in the car) and to bake (much to the chagrin of my husband Steve and his healthy diet!)

What message are you sharing in your books?

Belief in yourself and positivity.

What are your favorite children’s/young adult books?

Chronicles of Narnia (especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), Harry Potter, and Jan Brett books for her storytelling and beautiful illustrations.

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

I’ve always loved art history, particularly the artists from the Renaissance period. It would be amazing to talk with author friends of Leonardo Da Vinci’s or Michelangelo’s!

Who has influenced your writing the most?

I like the work of Sheree Fitch, Julia Donaldson, Anna Dewdney.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

With my extended family or catching up with friends.  I love to be outdoors with our two French bulldogs or baking in the kitchen.

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 be helping Milo with his top secret dinosaur costume.

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?

First, offer him tissues or maybe a hot chocolate. Ask him if I can give him a more elf-like nickname like “Twinkle,” “Jolly,” or “Wink” (vs. 12-25, which is “Christmas”).

As for his cheek tattoo, I would assume he must have a favorite French bulldog companion who snores a lot (which I’m familiar with because of my French bulldogs).

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

I’m still learning as a new author. It’s the next endeavor!

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc.?

I have a website that is coming soon: LFRcreative.com (it highlights my book as well as some of my toy projects).

Where can we find your books?

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, Ingram Spark

Thank you, Lori, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

Available on Amazon

Nothing is impossible with a goal and lots of practice!

Meet Milo, a little boy with a big imagination and a bigger love of dinosaurs. While flipping through his books one night, Milo asks Dad, ‘If I were a dino, what kind would I be?’

Dad explains that little boys can’t be dinosaurs, but Milo is unconvinced. If he physically can’t measure up to a ‘real’ dinosaur, then maybe Milo would be his own kind of dinosaur.

Milo pointed to dinos with very large claws,
With razor-sharp teeth inside mighty big jaws.
He wiggled his tooth and looked down at his nose,
“My teeth are not sharp … and for claws, I have toes.”

This funny, read-aloud book will have kids practicing with Milo on his quest to find his best dino-self. With humor and determination, Milo will prove his family wrong and discover that the best dinosaur will never be extinct!

Interview With Author K.M. ‘Katie’ Jenkins & New Release

Image courtesy of K.M. ‘Katie’ Jenkins

By way of introduction, here is Katie’s Bio:

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.

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Hello, Katie, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

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When did the writing bug ensnare you?

Ever since I was a kid in elementary school, I loved writing stories for assignments. I remember one time having a Halloween story to write in third grade.

They had us make a book cover and add two sheets of paper to it. I ended up adding like ten and had the longest story out of the class. If I remember correctly, it was a vampire story.

Is writing your full-time profession?

Right now, I’m a full-time mom and author. When the kids are at school, I work on my books and then spend the rest of the day with the kids when they get home.

Image courtesy of K.M. ‘Katie’ Jenkins

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was 18. In 2018, I finally started to publish my short stories. Later, I compiled them into a collection titled Tales of Ferrês. It took me over a year to release all the short stories.

Now in October of this year I will release my first novel from my Half-Blood Academy Series.

How many published books have you written?

At this time, I have released a collection of short stories titled Tales of Ferrês and plan to release my second book in October 2021 titled, The Seeker’s Core.

Which genres do you write?

I’m a young adult speculative fiction author. I currently have short stories in the realm of Fantasy. My upcoming book is Sci-Fi Fantasy.

I also have a work in progress that will come out next year, that is Urban Fantasy. So, I mostly write Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi, or Horror.

What do you find most challenging about writing for these genres?

The hardest thing about writing in these genres is the world building. It takes so long to construct a world. I find I want to get writing before I’m ready to take that step.

Usually, I will work out a chapter guideline to follow so that way I don’t get lost.

What are you working on now?

I have two projects I’m currently working on. The first has been going on for over a year and I soon will get it wrapped up.

Gargoyle Sighted is the book, and I’ve been releasing each chapter to my subscribers for a while now. I should have this wrapped and ready to release this coming summer of 2022.

The second project is a novella titled The SwordMaster Brothers. These two brothers will take a test before the GrandMaster to see if they are worthy to be called SwordMasters.

They each must fight alone and face their biggest fear. But they must live in order to earn the title.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

I find inspiration from people I meet, to movies I watch, to books I read.

It is hard to say when inspiration comes, but it is fun to find out what little thing will jog a scene into creation or who will inspire a character I create.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

I would say the most rewarding experience is receiving emails from my readers.

It puts into perspective how well you do with a book when a reader reaches out and says they love it.

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Help your fellow authors out because they will help you in return.

This will not only help you grow in the author industry, but will help you grow your reader base.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I’m a nerd at heart. I love collecting fairies, dragons, and swords. I also love playing Dice Masters and Magic the Gathering with my fiancé and friends.

I always have a book at the ready to read, sometimes even two or three. I have a long to read list and thanks to Kindle Unlimited; I get everything I need.

Did I mention I usually read around 70-100 books a year?

What message are you sharing in your books?

One of the powerful elements I put in my stories is the family bond between individuals.

Like in The Seeker’s Core, I focus on the pull a child has towards her mother and the bond brought together by a stepfather.

What are your favorite books?

I am a big fan of The Harry Potter Series, The Inheritance Series, and the Dragon Lance books. I grew up reading these series and still enjoy them to this day.

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If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

I’m not big on classics much. If I could pick several authors, they are Stephanie Ayers, Allison D. Reid, Hope Hart, Lee Savino, Renee Rose, Lili Zander, and Miranda Bridges.


I mainly picked these authors because I know them and would love to meet them in person or I enjoyed their books so much I devour everything they publish.

Who has influenced your writing the most?

I would say, hands down, it is my editor and long-time friend Allison Reker. She also writes under: Allison D. Reid. She inspires me to do better and learn new things about my craft.

When you’re not writing, where can we find you?

I would love to say in the mountains hiking and breathing fresh air.

But most likely you will find me curled up on my couch reading books or watching TV with my kids.

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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 love to do a battle scene. They are my favorite scenes to write and would love to get my hands on a sword or battle-axe. It would feel like I’m in Lord of the Rings or something on the order of that.

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?

One I would hope I’m wearing a mask and have hand sanitizer on hand.

But then I would go over and help the elf get somewhere to rest so he could catch his breath.

Once he calmed down and got everything under control, I would then probably ask about the tattoo. Because who wouldn’t?

Then I would probably sit there for hours just chatting until we both parted ways.

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

I try new stuff all the time. Right now, I share in groups on Facebook, then post on my Instagram and Pinterest.

I also do some paid advertising newsletter services. Those get you in front of a broader range of readers.

Then the FREE options are to do newsletter swaps with authors in your target audience, Bookbub swaps, Bookstagram swaps, and blog tours.

It is a never-ending list of things you can do for a new release. The hard part is finding those readers that will take a chance on a new author.

But the marketing strategies always change with the industry, and it keeps you on your toes.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Currently, my website is under construction.

I am in the works of creating a Pen Name for myself that targets adult readers with erotic contemporary, Sci-Fi, PNR, and Fantasy.

The plan is to bring both my names under one branding.

My current Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/dualminds2021.

Where can we find your books?

Tales of Ferrês can be found at your favorite retailer online in ebook and print.

https://books2read.com/tofbundlebook1

The Seeker’s Core can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. It will drop on October 15, 2021.

Make sure to grab it to have it show up in your reader on release day.

Right now, The Seeker’s Core is available in print for those that love a paperback over ereaders.

mybook.to/seekerscore

Thank you, Katie, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

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Image courtesy of K.M. ‘Katie’ Jenkins

Book Blurb:

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.

Buy Link: mybook.to/seekerscore

Pre-Order & Cover Reveal Master Sardinia Masters of the Consulate

🔥Cover Reveal & Pre-Order 🔥

Master Sardinia: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate)

By International Best Selling Author Sylvia Black

Link:

https://geni.us/MasterSardinia

Book Blurb:

A fierce vampire on the hunt for the rogues. A psychic innocent with a vision of doom. When battle lines are drawn, will their love survive?

Master Sardinia, a leader of purebloods, will do everything in his power to stop the traitorous vampires from their wicked plan. He knows exactly how the age-old enemies like to fight, and he is prepared for anyone who might get in his way.

Until he must bring a gorgeous but infuriating psychic, who creates more trouble than he should allow, into his world. When forced together by a vision that could save the purebloods and end the blood thirsty rogues, white-hot attraction sparks between the master and his newly turned and strictly off-limits protégé.

Madria has no choice but to help the arrogant ruler of the region. The dark-souled creature sends shivers of desire coursing through her veins one moment and white-hot anger boiling her blood in the next. Try as she might to help the vampires, the double-crossing shifters are smart.

They will do whatever it takes to help the enemy they protect, even if it means sacrificing her life to get their way.

When loyalties are divided and betrayals are revealed, will Sardinia’s fierce protection be enough to save his love from the rogues, only to lose her to the centuries-old rules of his world?

Master Sardinia is the explosive eighth book in the Masters of the Consulate collection by Sylvia Black. It is a deliciously dark, fated mates, enemies to lovers, age-gap, vampire mafia romance.

You will love these novels where the passion is fiery, the loyalty is fierce, and the stakes are high. Each book in this collection is a stand-alone, with different characters and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Interview With Author Kelly Bauer

By way of introduction, here is Kelly Bauer’s bio:

A storyteller from the moment she could talk, Kelly spun stories in rhymes and songs about the adventures of her family traveling the U.S.

She loves getting lost in another world, another time, and another dimension.

Her favorite bedtime stories as a child, and inspiration to write, came from Shel Silverstein, J. R. R. Tolkien, Beverly Cleary, and Maurice Sendak.

Hello Kelly, 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 was “writing” in my head long before I wrote on paper. When I was really little I would sing my own made-up songs all day long.

I would get lost in my own fantasy world playing out adventures and just singing about them. Then, in elementary school, I wrote my first book about a pickle. (I might still publish it one day.)

Is writing your full-time profession?

I guess you could say that! I am a retired restaurant owner. Writing is more my passion than profession.

I am the Tree is my first published book and I am excited to bring more works to life.

How long have you been writing?

All my life! I just never thought I would make a career out of it. Most of my writing has never been shared with anyone.

Have you won any literary awards?

Not yet, but I am looking forward to it!

How many published books have you written?

One

Which genres do you write?

Children’s & Memoirs for now.

What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?

I don’t have any kids of my own (just fur babies). So, I write from the perspective of my inner child and my memories of being a child.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I am just enjoying my first book on the market and connecting to readers.

I can’t wait to work with Stella Maris again, the Illustrator for I am the Tree. So, I am dreaming up some projects for another collaboration.

https://pixabay.com/photos/bumble-bee-bee-wings-flower-insect-7348702/
Photo courtesy of Erik Kartis via Pixabay

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

Well, little known fact, the girl in I am the Tree is me.

And the Tree and the Bee really spoke to me at the top of a mountain in Hot Springs, CA. So, my inspiration so far is real life beings!

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

It blows me away every time someone relates to my story. To hear how they interpret it, how it speaks to them and the joy they experience in reading it is humbling and surreal.

It truly makes me appreciate the human experience and how we are all facing similar challenges and can learn from one another.  

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Follow your dream! Don’t give up. Don’t compare. Be open to collaboration and find people with a similar vision to work with.

I knew nothing about publishing a book ,so I spent a year just researching the industry and learning everything I could to understand my options when publishing.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I have two pups and three cats and an amazing husband. We live in the country and enjoy being outside as much as possible.

I grew up a city girl and lived all over the United States. My favorite place to be is on the beach at the ocean.

What message are you sharing in your books?

Since closing my restaurant in 2020 I have really spent some time enjoying life again.

The pandemic was such a scary time. I had to walk away from the News and Media for a while to reset and connect with nature and tangible people.

The world seems to be moving at a frantic rate these days for both kids and adults. We are consumed with anxiety inducing messages and expectations.

It doesn’t take much to feel peace. We just have to know how and where to find it. I think true connection (not the on-line type) is the first step.

Connecting to the ground. Put your bare feet in the dirt and look up at the sky. Connecting to nature. Hug a tree! Yes, I said it…hug a tree. Pet a dog/cat.

Listen to the birds. Connecting to humans. Go for a walk together. Belly laugh with a friend.

Say hello to someone you don’t know. Smile. The more we practice these things, even just for a few minutes a day, the more we reduce our anxiety and find joy.

What are your favorite books?

Oh, so many!!! I have also been a reader since before I could read.

  • My Dad read me The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings as bedtime stories before I could read myself! Naturally those are two of my favorites.
  • Anything by Shel Silverstein…I think I own them all.
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – wow, just wow. I have read it three times.
  • Maybe by Kobi Yamada – beautiful illustrations and message
  • An Immense World by Ed Yong – Educational and moving

I could go on and on. My Goodreads que is full! I love all things books…reading, bookstores, book clubs, writing, giving books as gifts…all of it.

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

Beverly Cleary

Erin Morgenstern

Neil Gaiman

Shel Silverstein

J.R.R. Tolkein

Who has influenced your writing the most?

My Dad. He is an avid reader and writer with an amazing imagination, sense of humor, and fondness for adventure.

When I was three my parents divorced. My Dad would pick me every summer and we traveled the United States together in a camper.

Our first stop was always the bookstore where I could pick out any books I wanted and then he would pick out a few for me to read over the summer.

He always told me I would be a writer some day! He’s always been my biggest fan.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

Walking, hiking, dancing (I love Zumba), reading, cuddling with my fur babies, laying in the grass, flying with my husband (he’s a private pilot), singing made-up songs in my kitchen (I still do that), or hanging out with friends.

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?

Haha, I love this question. I would want to be a non-human being that the main character connects with at the end of the story, and I would glow and dance after connecting with her.

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?

Offer him a tissue and sympathize because I have sneezed and wheezed my whole life!

Then show him the tattoo on my upper back of a rooster named Carl and ask to hear the story of his snoring dog tattoo! Maybe make a new friend in the process.

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

Being true to who I am. I often feel a lot of social anxiety, but there is no better way to connect to readers than being out in public.

I love to do readings and book signings, author interviews, and sending my book to organizations that resonate with the message and want to collaborate.

Marketing is so much fun for me! But because I knew nothing about this industry, I did hire a fantastic professional who created a 30 day marketing plan for me to follow and it has been amazing.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

www.seizethemoon.com

https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoon_books/
https://www.facebook.com/SeizetheMoon

Where can we find your books?

Ask for it at your local bookstore. It can be ordered by them from Ingram Spark. Or, amazon: https://www.amazon.com/I-am-Tree-Kelly-Bauer/dp/B0CBZBS5ZH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QJL3OARFG9FJ&keywords=9798988210603&qid=1689600889&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C1177&sr=1-1

Thank you, Kelly, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

Kelly’s Featured Book

Available On Amazon

Title: I am the Tree 

Author: Kelly Bauer

Illustrator: Stella Maris

ISBN: 979-8-9882106-0-3

Publisher: Seize the Moon

Format: Hardcover

Price: 18.95 USD

Nature is calling us

…to bring us a message of Harmony, Laughter, Love and Joy

…to bring us back to our roots and connect us with one another

…that the whole Earth might vibrate as one.

Can you hear it? She did.

The writing of this book was inspired by true events. The author, like so many people today, felt anxious and uncertain about the future of humanity, the future of our planet, and her own part in all of it.

When she was little, she had such magical dreams for her future and the world in which she lived. How could she get those back?

She sat under a tree, dug her bare toes into the soil, closed her eyes and listened to the words of a bee who brought a message of hope.

To read Ellwyn Autumn’s Review on Lemon Drop Literary click here.

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I’ll be joining Amelia Griggs today for her Author Journey Workshop at 1:00 pm EST!

Does anyone need help with any part of the authoring process? Did you write a story that you would like to turn into a book? If so, the Author Journey Roadmap Workshop is for YOU.

It’s happening on August 17th at 1 pm EST. It’s a live zoom training workshop based on the book “Author Journey Success: 7 Steps to Your Bestselling Book” by Amelia Griggs.

In addition to explaining her 7 proven steps on how to transform an idea into a book, there will be freebies like downloadable worksheets and an author roadmap.

There will be a Q & A segment at the end of the workshop which is a BIG benefit if you join live.

In case you can’t join live, the workshop will be recorded and available for replay, but you have to register for the workshop to get the replay!

Who is ready to turn your dream of becoming an author into reality?

Click here to sign up right now:
https://ameliagriggs.podia.com/author-journey-training-7-steps-to-success

Interview With Author Marla Stahl

Photo courtesy of Marla Stahl

By way of introduction, here is Marla Stahl’s bio.:

Children’s book author Marla Stahl is not a grandma (do grand-dogs count?), but she loves to have adventures just like the grandmas in her book, The Adventures of Grandma Charlotte!

She has studied foreign languages, plays the drums (which she learned later in life), and is a tour guide at a major-league baseball stadium. And yes, she’s even taken a ride in a hot air balloon, just like Grandma Charlotte!

Marla’s other children’s book titles include: Can Sugar Come Out to Play?, Lucy the Amazing Wonder Dog, Mason the Ambassadog (in both English and Spanish), Sugar Goes to the Dentist, Nutsy the White Squirrel and Tommy and the Messed Up Order, and her newest book, A School of Fish, which is both a story and a coloring book!

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Hello, Marla, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

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When did the writing bug ensnare you? 

Let’s go waaaaay back to my childhood in Queens, New York. My very favorite teacher was Mrs. Stella Rizzo for both 4th and 5th grade.

Every week she sent home a newsletter for our families that was filled with stories that we students wrote, plus puzzles and class news.

I was one of the most prolific writers in my class.

One of the moms sent me a note telling me how much she loved my stories and that she thought that one day I would be a famous author!

Well, I’m certainly not famous, but I have been writing and editing a lot during my career. 

Is writing your full-time profession? 

No, although I did write a lot throughout my career in various roles. 

How long have you been writing? 

I began writing children’s books in 2015.

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

How many published books have you written? 

My books are self-published. I have written 9 of them (9.5 if you count the one that was translated into Spanish!) 😉  

Which genres do you write?

Children’s books, although one of them is for adults or young adults—a compilation of blog entries that I began writing in 2012 or so. 

What do you find most challenging writing for these genres? 

The easy part for both types of books are that they are written from the heart, inspired by real-life events. Something ignites a spark, and the book pretty much writes itself! The challenging part of being self-published is marketing. 

What are you working on now?

Nothing in the works at the moment.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

In real life—my own life, from pets and people I love.

Occasionally someone asks me to write something for them, and I get inspiration from the background they provide and their passion for the characters.

It’s especially fun when I get to actually meet one of those characters in real life! 

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work? 

Definitely seeing kids (and adults) loving my books. I get photos and videos of kids hugging the books, being read to in a grandparent’s lap… that sort of thing.

They warm my heart! I also enjoy reading to school kids. But the most rewarding time was after releasing a book that was written about my mom’s best friend.

Sadly, my book supply was not shipped in time to present one to her; she passed away just days before my box of books arrived—in fact, it arrived on what would have been her birthday.

But I took several to her funeral, autographed, and gave them to her relatives, and when it was my turn to speak about her, I read the book aloud.

They all read along in their copies, smiling and crying simultaneously, and told me afterwards how special that was and that I perfectly described her amazing life. It is something that will forever be in my heart.

I also loved when, at a book signing event, a young man walked by, recognized me, backed up, and came over to tell me, “I remember you from last year! My little sister still asks me to read your book to her!” 

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Don’t give up! You may never get that “big break” (I’m still waiting!) but keep your goals in mind.

Have you made your readers happy? Have you taught them something valuable?

Sometimes it’s not all about winning awards or making money — it’s about making a difference. (Although the money is definitely an added benefit!)

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

Yes! I give part of my book proceeds to support animal rescue—and sometimes to people-oriented efforts as well.

A purchase helps me to help others. And that makes my heart happy. 

What message are you sharing in your books?

Oh, so many!

First and foremost, kindness to animals; the concept of animal rescue; the love of reading; the love of learning; philanthropy (through my sales donations); and diversity, as most ( but not all ) of my human characters have a somewhat neutral appearance so as to let the readers perhaps see themselves, no matter who they are.

One of my stars is a dog who uses a wheelchair, and he has the most important job in his animal sanctuary—and was actually featured on a TV show!

I also incorporate humor (both for the kids and to keep the adults interested). My books have also inspired kids to explore using their imagination. 

What are your favorite books?

Whichever one I am reading! I love Jan Karon books, autobiographies, and of course, cute books about animals.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?.

Walking with my dog out in nature or sitting on our porch, playing musical instruments and singing, or at a baseball stadium.

In the evenings, watching HGTV! 

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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?

Hmm… I’d be a fellow traveler with my character, Grandma Charlotte, who in real life went all over the world doing good things for animals and people.

I would want to be in the scene where she goes to an orphanage and simply hugs and rocks babies for 7 hours a day, for a whole week.

Agent 12-15 from Chris Kringle’s Cops

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 LIKE MAD! He might have Covid! 

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

Still working on this one.

So far, my best customers have been my friends, who buy my books for grandkids, nieces and nephews, baby showers— or even their spouses!

I also have had the gift of befriending some lovely folks who own pet supply stores, bookstores, or specialty shops, who carry my books in their stores and/or allow me to come in and do book readings and book signings.

They are angels. Additionally, I have participated in many outdoor festivals—book fairs, special animal rescue events, community “Yappy Hours” (community concerts where you are welcome to bring your pets), Fall festivals, holiday craft fairs, and such—pre-Covid.

Looking forward to getting back into these events! Meeting new people there is always a joy. 

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Yes! My website is www.woofbooks.com.

I also have a Facebook page (also called Woofbooks), but I have found that most folks there like videos, photos, and memes about animals (of all kinds) more than they like my posts about my books. ; )

But that’s ok, if I am making them smile, I’m happy. It’s fun, kid-friendly, and wholesome. 

Where can we find your books?

Two are on Barnes and Noble, the others on Amazon. They can be found on my website (links will take you right to where you can order).

On my site you can also see videos I made of me reading the books aloud during the beginning of the pandemic shutdown (to entertain kids before virtual school came about—as well as to help me maintain my own sanity!)

That way you can get a feel for what the books are about and whether they are a good fit for the recipient. Not on video is the newest book—a coloring book and story all in one.

One of my books, Nutsy the White Squirrel, can be found in The White Squirrel Shoppe in Brevard, North Carolina. Others can be found in Park Books and LitColab in Severna Park, Maryland, and Growing Minds Bookstore in Catonsville, Maryland.

Thank you, Marla, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

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Marla’s Featured Book

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

Available on Amazon

Hi, kids! Do you wear glasses? Do they stay on your face?

Well, Martha’s glasses liked to fly off her face, and — oh, no! — they especially liked to blow into the sea!

When Martha went scuba-diving, she found some fish–wearing glasses that looked strangely like hers–and the fish looked very much like they were going to school! Find out what this is all about in A School of Fish.

You even get to color in all of the pictures, because it is a COLORING BOOK! Have fun!