Els Oot and the Lost City #kidlit #childrensbook

My first professional review under this platform is a book that I chose. I was not asked to do a review by the author. It comes from the Tilley Pond Mouse series of books that can be read independently of one another and they are for established readers with a grade recommendation of third through sixth.  

The book is entitled, Els Oot and the Lost City by Nelson Suit. 

Synopsis: 

The story is littered with woodland creatures, big and small, but mostly small, that are out to discover if the Lost City holds the key to finding their most desired wish: the recovery of their long-lost relatives. After being separated for many years after a great flood, a lone traveler arrives at the doorstep of the Mapmaker of Tilley Pond with the first clue to the whereabouts of the missing inhabitants of Meadowlark Falls. A search party is quickly formed as they prepare to embark on a grand adventure. 

The main character:

Although the story is full of interesting characters, our main character is Els Oot. He is the apprentice of the Mapmaker and the story centers around his journey. The bond Els has with his traveling companions, as well as the ones he forms along the way with each new friend he makes, shows us that this tiny little mouse has a caring, strong determination to help others—often times at his own peril. 

What makes this book special:

As an avid reader, when I pick up a children's book I often expect to breeze through a story in a light-heart manner with child-like wonderment; a quick little read before bed, an afternoon time out from my busy schedule. This story will appeal to children because they will get to trek across a marsh on the back of a turtle, ride a wild, snarling bat, climb trees with a squirrel, build a boat and ride in the Great Race, rescue a damsel, and ultimately, discover the Lost City. 

An adult will discover, almost immediately, the words of wisdom that can be found hidden among the pages:

• "Stay quiet inside. There is a place there that doesn't change wherever you are."
• "It is through the broken box that the light shines in."

There are many more passages I highlighted on my Kindle, which I have not included. I soon discovered this book was not designed only for children, but as inspiration for all of its readers, young or old, to gain knowledge of how we can lead richer lives. 

Conclusion:

This is not a story that belongs strictly in a children's library. It deserves a place in a family's library. It has something to offer to everyone. It is a classic for children and a reminder to adults that inspiration can strike anywhere—even on the pages of a children's book.

For all of you who are about to embark upon an adventure, bring a child with you. Show them the magic that can only be found in a far off land, where creatures speak, and heroism abounds. Read to your child today.

Safe journey,

K. Lamb

To learn more about Nelson Suit please visit his website at: wordcaper.com

Meet Dani P. Spinelli #kidlit #mystery #iartg

Wow, here I am again on another blog hop! I love participating in blog tours because it allows me the opportunity to show you who I am as a writer. This particular article excites me because I get to introduce you, in depth, to my sweet and sassy, little protagonist. 

Before I move on, let me take a moment to introduce you to the children's author that invited me on to this particular blog hop. Her name is Kimberly Sentek, and she is the author of Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale, which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Aside from the two of us sharing a passion for children's literature, we have another commonality: We both love the group Bon Jovi! 

Kimberly has spent her entire life telling stories--so much so that her parents swear she was born talking. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kimberly is owned by two cockapoos, Nico and Tugger. Her first book was inspired by them, and she is currently working on a second book featuring her two furry children.

To learn more about Kim and her pups, please hop on over to her blog at: Kimberly Sentek.

Your can also connect with her at:www.kimberlysentek.com
@kimberlysentek on TwitterOn Facebook

Buy the book at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes Interactive App of the Book

Meet Dani P. Spinelli: The Best Almost-Eight-Year-Old Detective in the World

What is the name of your character?

My main character's full name is Danielle Pippi Spinelli, however everyone calls her Dani. When she's in trouble, which is a lot of the time, her parents and friends will call her Dani P. 

When and where is the story set?

My story takes place in the sleepy, tourist town of Shady Hollow. It is a small, quaint town that hosts antique stores and sidewalk cafes in the heart of the community, while still maintaining a mall and amusement park on the outskirt of its borders. It is a mix of modern day times and a throwback to days gone by. 

What should we know about her?

Dani loves to solve mysteries. She's earned the reputation of being "the best almost-eight-year-old detective in the world" according to her uncle, Sheriff Spinelli, and she has become the youngest deputy in the history of Shady Hollow, and probably everywhere else, too!

Dani doesn't fit into any particular mold, and she doesn't want to! She's quirky, sassy, and sweet all rolled up into one. She's not afraid to stand up for herself or for her friends. You'll never find someone as loyal as her in a time of need. She can run the gamut emotionally. There's definitely no hiding when she's mad or happy; her face says it all. She is fearless and determined, which leads her into more mischief than she bargains for most of the time. Does that sometimes place her into dangerous situations? Absolutely! But with a smart head on her shoulder, she always manages to find a way out of trouble. Well, until she get home and then she finds herself in a different kind of trouble! 

What messes up her life?

The two biggest obstacle Dani faces are her own rash decisions at times and being grounded by her parents. Although she tries her best to come up with intelligent, well thought out plans, they always seem to go a little awry---leading her, and her best friend, into a heap of misfortune. But, what can you expect? She's only seven. Of course, that puts her in the predicament of having to explain to her parents why she was caught in a burning, haunted house or being captured by jewels thieves. 

What is the personal goal of your character?

This is one of the easiest questions yet: To fight injustice! Dani wants to solve crime and make sure all is right with the world. She wants to prove to everyone that age shouldn't matter when it comes to doing the right thing. She may be small, but she's mighty! If she can make difference, she'll stop at nothing to prove her cause. 

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it? 

Dani P. Mystery is the name of the series. To date, two books have been published and they have both earned Readers' Favorite 5-star ratings. The first book released in December 2013 on Amazon and has become a best seller in Children's Detectives. The second book, Dani and the Mall Caper was released in May 2013. There are several places you can find out more about the series. You can visit the Dani P. Mystery website, her official Facebook page, Twitter, my Amazon author page, or peruse the articles on my blog!

Do you want to know a little more more about the Editorial Review done by Readers' Favorite? Here's what they had to say:

• "The friendship between the two girls and their different personalities add more vigor to the plot and their realistic portrayal lends credibility to the events."
• "The story is well crafted from the beginning to the end."
• "The interactive questions at the end of the story will interest kids."
• "It is a good book for children and perfect to be kept in school libraries."
• "The plot is intelligent and creative and makes for a fun read."

Inkspoke.com recently published a stellar Editorial Review on their online site stating:

• Dani and the Mall Caper is a book that should be shared with young kids. It’s one of those books for early grades that one comes across only once in a long while, something that is not only a well-crafted and well-written story but a story that instills important values about grit, determination and friendship. The warm and likeable characters, dialogue and plot-line will inspire young readers to read (and perhaps write). The book is also a fun one for a parent, teacher or caretaker to share with a younger child. It’s a gem within the rich tradition of kids’ detective books.

When can we expect new books to be published?

I am concurrently working on the next two books in the series. Dani and the Rocking Horse Ranch, Book 3, is currently being illustrated while I do the final rewrites before submitting to my Editor for final review. I am also working on Dani and the Hidden Treasure, Book 4. I am excited to bring these new books to Dani's readers. However, I do not yet have a firm release date. Please be sure to follow my website or Facebook for more up-to-date information. I will let you in on a little secret:  Dani's Facebook page always hears the news first! She'd love it if you'd like her page and follow along! 

Thanks for "hopping" on over and learning more about Dani P. Spinelli. She may be a handful, but her charming smile and goofy antics will melt your heart every time.

Before you leave, I'd love to introduce you to some additional authors who are passionate about writing and their characters. I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting them as much as I have.

Wishing you all a little mystery & adventure,

K. Lamb

CAT MICHAELS:

Is a writer, small-space gardener, devoted auntie, and digital dabbler who started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. 

She spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or mayhem, that open young minds to new ways of looking at the world.  She spent more than two decades helping students from kindergarten to college overcome the challenges of learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome.  Her books encourage students to use their imagination and problem-solving skills while enjoying and interacting with a story.

Watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns illustrates Cat's Sweet T tales, a series of chapter books for early readers about the adventures of three sisters.  Book 1, Sweet T and the North Wind, is available in print and will debut as an e-book in winter 2014. Book 2, Finding Fuzzy, a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend,  where children write or draw the story’s ending, earned second place honors in the Purple Dragonfly Book Award.  Both books received the Readers’ Favorite five-star review and are available on Amazon @http://goo.gl/vF2kcn 

website: www.catmichaelswriter.com
twitter: @CatMichaelsBook      

Marko Kitti:

Is a Finnish-born author who currently lives in East Sussex, England. He has been writing fiction since 2001 and his Finnish publications include two collections of short stories, two novels for adult readers, and one novel for young adult readers. 

In May 2014 Marko released his first children's book written in the English language. Jesper Jinx is the first of the series of books to feature an eleven-year-old Jesper; a determined, action-seeker and probably the unluckiest person in all of Puffington Hill. 

Find out more about Marko Kitti and his literary works on his website, Amazon author page, or Twitter account. His blog will be available to read on September 29th.

...and my dear friend, Laura Lee Scott:

Born and raised in Edina, Minnesota, Laura Lee Scott checks in with over 20 years of experience as a professional writer. Although The Santa Switch isn't the first children's book she's written, it's her first "solo" project as a children's author. Says Laura, who now lives in West Linn, Oregon with her family: "My hope is that this unique book -- and the subsequent series that's currently in the works -- will bring a modern Jessica Claus to life, and, in so doing, create a strong, positive female role model for children. I think the time is long overdue that Santa's wife be thought of as an icon to admire, know, and love, alongside her world-famous husband. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find Cheryl to help me bring her to life. I can't imagine doing this book series without her!"

Learn more about Laura on her website, Amazon author page, or on Twitter. Her blog will be available on September 29th. 

Ask Me: Advice for Aspiring Writers #author #dream #goal

I am currently taking questions on Goodreads and I thought it would be interesting to share my answers on my blog as well. Do you have a question? Ask me on:  Goodreads.com

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

K. Lamb It may sound cliche, but be true to yourself. If it is a dream of yours to write, then make it a goal. Don't let naysayers put roadblocks in your way. There will be obstacles along the way, but have the determination to see it through the end because it is something you are passionate about and you want to get your message into the hands of readers. Be a part of a community that believes in propelling you forward rather than holding you back.

Wishing every aspiring writer out there the very best of luck. The world can always use more books. Now, it is up to you to write it!

Book Reviews #kidlit #childrensbook

I would like to welcome you all to a new section of my blog: Book Reviews! As an author, I am asked on a regular basis to review other author's work. Sometimes, it can be a little uncomfortable because I am put in the position of having to say, "no." It is not that I am unkind, it is that if I am going to review a book, my first loyalty and consideration will always be to you. It is with that in mind, that I implemented a new book review policy. You can read it here:  Review Policy. 

What I look for in a book:

I will admit that when it comes to grading a book, I am fairly easy. A story only has to capture me. I do not dissect a storybook into tiny bits in a negative sense, but will dissect it in a positive, uplifting way when it makes me laugh, catch my breath, cheer or cry. Yes, a simple child's book can make me do all these things. To earn a 5-star rating, a book just has to make me "feel." The only exception to this, even if it makes me feel all of these things, is when it is littered with formatting/grammatical issues—I do not mean the errant, misplaced comma—and wrong word usage. When I stumble over these too many times I cringe. I can, and do, accept a few throughout a story but too many will take even the best of books and drop it to a 4-star rating for me.

What you can expect:

I am working on a two-fold project. First, reviews will be placed here on my blog. Ultimately, I will be putting together, when I can find a moment to spare, a Recommended Reading List on my website. It will be in a handy printable .pdf format for your use. I encourage you to take it to the library, to a bookstore, or use it to find selections on Amazon or Barnes & Noble—where ever you acquire your books. These will all be books that I have read and that are, in my opinion, suitable for children. I will also list the recommended age/grade level of the book. 

Why am I doing this:

I am passionate about children's literacy. My own daughter was an infant when I first started putting books in front of her. She is now an avid, life-long reader and the comprehension she garnered from learning to read at a young age benefited her throughout her years of studies, and continues to do so into the present. I want this for your child. I want them to be successful. 

Along the way if I can help introduce my fellow authors' work to your children, I am happy to do that, also. 

I hope you find this new program helpful. It is my goal to assist parents and teachers in any manner within my means to foster a child's reading habits.

Wishing you all the best,

K. Lamb

Who do you support?

I honestly didn't know if I should call this a blog post, or an advertisement. I don't want to mislead you by calling it a normal blog post, but it is more than an advertisement. It is a list of recommendations I feel comfortable in supporting.

First off, I wanted to start off with a little exciting news about the Dani P. Mystery series. As some of you may recall, a while back I did a series of blog post introducing my books. For some time now I have been toying with the idea of making the books available as audiobooks, in addition to Kindle and paperback. When a friend recently had his book narrated, I decided to pull out my faithful Blue Yeti microphone and record a chapter of Dani and the Haunted House and Dani and the Mall Caper. I wanted to see how well I could produce it. In the dead of night, in the silence of my home, well, if you don't count my husband snoring in the other room, this is what I came up with. I'd love to hear your thoughts. It's not like I need to add one more thing to my plate as I am already trying to get ready for print two more books in the series, but what would I do without a full To-Do List?

Now I did say this post was going to feature a list of recommendations. As a children's author I enjoy coming across quality children's literature, especially when I can support my fellow indie authors. Although, do not mistake me, I am happy to support all authors in their attempts to promote children's literacy. I have just been reading a lot of indie author work lately.

You'll not be surprised when I say I am recommending Nelson Suit for his Tilley Pond series. After all, I have interviewed him for my blog in the past. I am currently reading the first book in his series, Els Oot and the Mapmaker. It is a delightful book filled with woodland creatures, both small and big, but mostly small, on a quest. This adventurous tale will have your little ones enthralled. I found that as I read it, I began highlighting passages of text for their bits of wisdom. I love when I can read a book, especially a children's book, and have it hold a message that resonates. For example, in the Kindle version, Location 286, I quote, "Stay quiet inside. There is a place there that doesn't change wherever you are." I found that to be a very potent statement that really rang out in its sincerity. It is a good message for children (and adults) to remember in a time of unrest.

To purchase a copy of this book, you can go to Amazon.com. It is available on Kindle for $2.99 and in paperback for $5.99.

Finally, I invite you to go to his website and listen to the professionally narrated, Chapter 1, of his newest release, Els Oot and the Lost City, also available on Amazon.

The next book I would like to discuss with you is Finding Fuzzy: A You Decide Tale by Cat Michaels. It is the recipient of the Readers' Favorite 5-star rating. What I find most endearing about this story is it feels like home. It is very personable, and you actually feel as if you're on a summer vacation with family as you become part of the story. The most unique, and most valuable aspect of this book, in my opinion, is its ending. The author has chosen to let the reader decide how the book shall end. It is a lesson in creativity. She leads you down a certain path, but ultimately, you are in the driver's seat as far as how the progression of events shall end. Depending on the age of the reader, the author has given the option to have the story end with an illustration depicting the final scene, and has provided ample space in which a written response may be added. My choice? Have your child do both! Let them write their ending and then illustrate their "decision" to strengthen their viewpoint.

This portion of my blog goes out to mostly authors, but also to anyone in need of a voice over talent. My friend, Jill Cofsky, is the very talented narrator of the audio you heard of Nelson Suit's Tilley Pond series. Not only does she do narration for children's books, but she also offers a full line of services for businesses looking for audio to complement their websites, commercials, etc. You can learn more about her full line of services by connecting with her on Facebook..

I would be remiss if I didn't urge you once again to visit Faith Cotter on her blog. I invited Faith to join me on the Blogging from the Heart tour. It is her first blog hop, and I would love for you to come out and support her efforts and learn more about her as a writer.

Finally, and very importantly, I would like to support someone very special to the Dani P. Mystery series: Katrina Glidewell. She is a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Pennsylvania in Media Arts and Animation. Upon graduation, she began freelancing. I am incredibly blessed to have her as the official Dani P. Mystery illustrator. Starting with the next book, Dani and the Rocking Horse Ranch, her name will join mine on the front cover. "Dani" and I hope you will enjoy her artistry as much as we do! We truly believe the new illustrations will be warmly received by Dani's readers.

Well, I did warn you. Was this an informative blog post or an advertisement? I hope you will receive it in the spirit it was presented: a list of recommendations of those I consider worthy of your attention. I like supporting others. I enjoy seeing their success. Some might call it strictly cross-promotion, but that thought leaves me cold. I wouldn't recommend someone on my blog I didn't believe in. To me, it is about reaching out to help in a positive, supportive way. Not for profit, not for return, but to celebrate one another's success.

What will be your success today? Where do you want to go? What dream do you still want to accomplish? It's not too late to embark upon the journey. All it takes is one small step forward--and I hope that path leads to your destiny.

Wishing you all the best,

K. Lamb

Blogging from the Heart Tour

I am extremely excited to be participating in the Blogging from the Heart Tour. When a friend and colleague announced she was looking for some of her "writerly" friends to participate in a blog tour with her, I of course, jumped on the opportunity. I have been so busy of late she responded with a bit of surprise. However, what is a writer to do if not write? 

First I would like to tell you a little about my friend, Cat Michaels. She is a talented children's author who started writing in fourth grade and she hasn't stopped since. After earning an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas, she spent two decades helping students from kindergarten to college reach their potential.  She also worked in the private sector and managed communication and staff development programs for an international high-tech firm.  However, she returned to her educational roots, serving at a community college as a writing coach for students with Asperger’s syndrome and learning disabilities. 

Cat builds on her teaching experiences to write illustrated chapter books for young readers of all abilities to develop imagination and critical thinking skills.  Watercolor illustrations by Irene A. Jahns help bring the stories to life.  Cat's books, Sweet T and the North Wind and Finding Fuzzy: a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend, can be found on Amazon and ordered from local bookstores.

I encourage you to reach out and connect with Cat on her website: catmichaelswriter.com

We were all given the same four questions to answer so if you have been following the tour, you will already be familiar with them. However, I am looking forward to sharing my own experiences and giving you a deeper look into who I am as a writer.  

1.  What am I working on?  

It has been full-speed ahead as I sometimes find myself holding on to the thrilling roller coaster ride that has become my life. With its ups and downs, twists and turns, I sometimes don't know if I am coming or going. Suffice to say, it has definitely not been boring! 

Since the release of my first children's book Dani and the Haunted House was released in December 2013, it has become an Amazon Best Seller in Children's Detectives, keeping company with my childhood favorites: Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. It has been an awe inspiring journey and humbling experience, all rolled into one. 

In May, I released Dani and the Mall Caper, which is the second book in the series. At the moment I am working on the re-writes of my third book, Dani and the Rocking Horse Ranch. Soon I will begin the task of formatting the Kindle and paperback. The fourth book is already well underway, and the fifth book is currently on my storyboard.

Aside from preparing my third book for release, I am also working with a new illustrator to completely re-design my sweet & sassy protagonist, Dani P. Spinelli. It has been an amazing experience to see the "re-birth" of Dani. My illustrator, Katrina Glidewell, has been an absolute joy as we work hand-in-hand creating the new look. I love each piece of concept art I receive and I think as an author when you find someone who is willing to commit to your project and understands that your "character" is more than just mere words on a page, it truly helps the creative process.  

I have not yet begun the marketing phase of my books as I wanted to wait until I had three books in the series before attempting that next step. I am eagerly looking forward to that process. In the meantime, I have enjoyed connecting with readers and building Dani's reader base. 

*Breaking News:  As of this morning, September 5th, Reader's Favorite has rated Dani and the Haunted House 5 Stars, stating, "The friendship between the two girls and their different personalities add more vigor to the plot and their realistic portrayal lends credibility to the events...The plot is intelligent and creative and makes for a fun read."

Reader's Favorite has also granted Dani and the Mall Caper 5 stars as well, stating, "The writing style is so fluid that the plot moves smoothly. It is educational in that kids are introduced to new words which will help them improve their vocabulary. The best part in both the volumes is the friendship between Dani and her friend Chloe. Both of them are different personalities but the bond they share is strong. The combination of mystery, humor and fun works well here. The story is well crafted from the beginning to the end. It gives proper messages to kids and is also about a friendship in which both girls complement each other very well."

2.  How does your work differ from others?

We all have our different styles, viewpoints, and ideas when it comes to creativity so I believe we all do ourselves an injustice when we start to compare. I feel it is more important to support one another and celebrate each person's individuality and style. As I love to say, Books are like ice cream; there is a flavor for everyone. We need diversity to satisfy the many different readers searching for their idea of the perfect book.

I can tell you the key points I find important when I write. I want my characters to be believable; they have real emotion and feelings. They are not perfect and they are allowed to be quirky. In other words, they have their faults and eccentricities. Dani is often accused of being "weird" by her friends because of her off-the-wall remarks. My characters are also allowed to run the gamut from happiness to anger. I am trying to show that we don't all have to come from the same perfect world. I think it is important for kids to recognize that it is okay to be a little different, love who they are as individuals, and embrace it. 

Another key point is that I always try and provide some kind of lesson in what I hope to be an innocuous manner. Now I have read material where they say this is taboo. Oh, well! Again, it is my concept of writing and who I want to be as an indie child's writer when it comes to this series. I believe it is important to instill lessons into a child and if we can present that to our children in a fun, entertaining way it will hopefully resonate within them and they will learn how to deal with possible real-world situations. 

Finally, I love placing challenge words into the series! Children are so much brighter than we sometimes give them credit for and I believe they have the capacity to learn and expand their vocabulary at a much faster rate than we push them to achieve. Children have a natural curiosity and it is up to us to provide content that stimulates their minds.

3. Why do I write?

I have always enjoyed the process of putting words to paper or clacking on the keyboard. Over the years I have written for my own personal enjoyment. I like creating young adult works. The reason I write for children is simple—it is a gift of love. It all started with a quirky, honey-brown haired girl with a smile that charmed and whose laughter rang out generously. This old soul who always thought of others became my protagonist. To be honest, despite my strong belief in children's literacy, I never thought to release a children's book. It just happened. I always thought I would publish one of my young adult books. When the challenge was put to me to step out of my comfort zone and realize my dream, my first instinct was to turn to my daughter and the story I had specifically written for her. It struck me that I had the opportunity to promote children's literacy and publish one of my stories. 

It is my hope that other children will enjoy the Dani P. Mystery series. I want it to reach their adventurous side as they cheer Dani on and relate to what she is going through whether they be good times or rocky ones. I want them to know her as a friend who will be there, hidden within the pages of a book, when they need her. I have not been disappointed. Each time I receive a photo or letter from a child (via their parents or teacher) it touches my heart in a way that is hard to explain. It is profound. Their letters can bring a tear to my eye, a chuckle, or outright laugh. They make all of the hard work worth it. And trust me, being an indie author is not a simple task especially when it is not your primary occupation. Bringing a book from concept to completion is a huge time vortex and working into the wee hours of the morning is a regular occurrence.

As I think most children's authors would tell you, writing for children is not about making money.The picture/early chapter book market is a small niche that is extremely hard to capitalize on. Therefore, any author going into this market cannot realistically bank on making a living out of selling their books.I'm not saying it is impossible, but the facts do present a more negative outlook. This reasoning leads to only one conclusion: Children's authors write because they love what they do. They want to share the gift of literature with children. What better legacy can you give a child than to take them on a magical journey? Plus, the skill sets they learn by reading will last them a lifetime.

One of my proudest accomplishments to date is the number of free Kindle downloads I have been able to offer in an effort to help promote children's literacy. Since December 2013, I have donated over 2,200 copies of Dani and the Haunted House. I have also forged relationships with teachers and I have "adopted" and donated paperback books for their classrooms as well. When students write to me, or any child, I will respond to their letters. I believe that if a child is invested enough in an author's book to write, then the least we can do is offer them a response. 

If it were financially possible, I would give away the entire Dani P. Mystery series. Alas, it is not. Except for the classes I adopt, the first book is the only one I have been able to donate on a regular basis as the series does need to be viable and sustain itself in the future in order for it to continue.  With that said, I will continue to lend my support to as many teachers as possible. In addition, I will have regularly scheduled Kindle giveaways of the first book in the series. As the to the remaining books in the series, although impossible for me to give them all away, I will keep them at the lowest possible price-point in my effort to be a part of promoting children's literacy and helping to create the next generation of voracious readers! 

4.  How does my writing process work? 

I could go on and on about this topic—oh, wait—I already have! This is a question that delves far more deeply into an author's work than can be answered in a paragraph or two. It is why when I was asked in the past about this subject, I started an entire series entitled An Inside Look at a Working Indie Author that can be found here on my blog. I'd like to invite you all to read about my experiences as an author. The series is not yet concluded, because I am still on my journey. I will be continuing to blog on this topic as I move forward. I can tell you the past two years have been a string of lessons, filled with highs and lows, and many challenges. All of which I would not change. I would do every bit of it again without hesitation. The reward far exceeds any obstacle thrown my way. It is all about perspective and what you want out of life. When faced with adversity and I find myself two steps backwards, I choose to put a smile on my face and take the next step forward. In truth, in my mind I have already succeeded in my goals. What transpires from here is truly a gift that I shall embrace. 

Before signing off, Dani wanted me to be sure to give all of her readers a great big "thank you!" She thinks her readers are "awesupendous!"

I would also like to thank you for joining me on my portion of the Blogging from the Heart Tour. I'd also like to offer everyone a free download of Dani and the Haunted House on Tuesday, September 9th, on Amazon. 


Wishing you all a little mystery & adventure,

K. Lamb

If you would like to learn more about the Dani P. Mystery series or purchase one of Dani's adventures on Kindle or in paperback, you can find us at:

Dani P. Mystery's website
Dani P. Mystery Official Facebook Page
Dani and the Haunted House on Amazon
Dani and the Mall Caper on Amazon


Next up on the tour is:

Faith Cotter is an award-winning writer and editor whose background includes reporting for one of Pennsylvania’s premiere newspapers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; sleuthing through boxes of legal documents while writing for The Innocence Institute of Point Park University; authoring a thesis on Harry Potter; and a job as an editor for Technology Publishing Company, where she learned more than she ever thought she would about the intricacies of applying paint to incredibly large structures. She is currently working as a freelance editor, and will graduate with a Master of Arts in Professional Writing from Chatham University in 2015. 

She has a lot of experience helping other people tell their stories. Now she's telling her own. Clara is the very first piece of fiction she’s published, and the narrative essay Paper Dragons followed shortly after.

Faith’s stories explore the connection of relics to the past and the future, as well as the ephemeral nature of memory, ideology, and emotion—with what she hopes are an endearing cast of characters tossed into the mix. Two more short stories, titled The Bone Daughter and Communion, will be out within the year.

She’s been teaching archery for five years and is pretty good with a bow when she has her glasses on. She has a recurve named The Everdeen and eventually wants to combine her love of archery with her love of horseback riding—if she can find a riding instructor who will let her.

Websites: 

Author Page: Wordpress: www.faithcotter.wordpress.com (On tour 09/12/14)

Portfolio: http://faithc3865.wix.com/faithcotter

Editing Services: http://selfpublishersshowcase.com/author-resources/inkspill-editing/

Twitter: @FaiththeWriter

Willy Robbins is aspiring to write children's books. Each of her books will support children in their quest to solve problems they may face when their imaginations run wild. Her love for reading began at a young age, and as a teacher she continues to spread the joys of reading to her students. After hearing the true encounter of a young man who thought there was a troll in his closet, she was compelled to write In My Closet.  Visit her blog at: Willyrobbins34.blogspot.com (On tour 09/19/14)

Nelson Suit is the author of the Tilley Pond Mouse adventure series for middle grade readers. The series currently comprises of three books: Els Oot and the Mapmaker, Els Oot and the Baby Dragon and recently released Els Oot and the Lost City (all available on Amazon). Nelson’s children’s books chronicle the adventures of Els the mouse as he journeys into the wilderness beyond Tilley Pond and discovers some unlikely friendships, danger and, most of all, wonder. The stories are in the tradition of classic animal stories such as Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows or George Seldon’s The Cricket in Time Square. They revolve around imaginative play and the wonder of wild spaces. More about Nelson Suit and his writing may be found on his author website at Wordcaper.com.
(On tour 09/19/14)