children’s author

Good Day Folks,

2014 was quite the year. I call it a building and renewal year adventure. Two of my books won awards.

James Saves the Moon won a Gold Medal Best Children’s Fantasy/SciFI from Readers Favorite. Helga Returns won a Best Children’s Book ages 9-12 from Turning the Pages Magazine. Traveled with double vision from Michigan to Orlando in April and received my award from Turning the Pages award ceremony. It was a lot of fun. Delighted to meet author Mcv Egan in person. We have been friends for years on facebook. My pal Stacey Rourke was there and many other authors.

While beginning the editing process of my 4th book Amongst the Clouds in February/March and Turning 50 I ended up in the hospital with two bleeding aneurisms. I lost six days, spent 4 nights and had surgery to stop the bleeding. I now have two platinum coils in my head. So I guess my head has gone platinum. LOL I was lucky walked out of the hospital. My recovery has been remarkable.

Amongst the Clouds released from Anchor Group Publishing in July. Fabulous fun adventure. Wonderful illustrations by Kelly Murray.

Reviewed by Dinorah Blackman for Readers’ Favorite Star Review January 15, 2015

Growing up, we all had imaginary friends, but James’s pals are so awesome that one can easily believe they are real. It all begins with a beautiful and unusual cloud that seemed to be stuck in place. As James daydreams about its mysterious beauty, he is launched on an unexpected adventure in the company of his imaginary friends. As they try to discover the meaning of the cloud, they end up becoming key players in a battle in which rivals fight to take control. From flying on a blue dragon’s back to their eager search for a lost key that opens a spell book, James and his friends have a day packed with suspense and drama. However, they still manage to get him home by dinnertime so he can tell his family all about it. Amongst the Clouds by Wendy Nystrom is an awesome book that young and old will enjoy.

In Amongst the Clouds, author Wendy Nystrom does a brilliant job of describing how high a child’s imagination can actually fly. The main protagonist dozes off and ends up in the middle of a lucid dream that teaches him a number of valuable lessons about the importance of loyalty. The story is well written and contains a lot of characters with which kids can easily identify. At the same time, Wendy Nystrom shares a little bit of Icelandic culture with the reader, enabling him or her to easily grasp the context of the adventure. The language is vibrant and appropriate for children, and the book includes many illustrations that add to the mental image so aptly formed by her words.

I was also able to finish my 5th Book Sleigh Ride in time for Christmas release. Another fun adventure: James and his pals help a polar bear and delivers Santa another sleigh since his was broken accidentally by his reindeer.

Amongst the Clouds is available on Amazon or B&N Amongst the Clouds Amazon link, Amongst the Clouds B&N link Sleigh Ride Available on Amazon. Sleigh Ride Amazon Link

Blade Graphics designed this graphic in the fall. I just love this. I can have it placed on stuff, hats, mugs, cinch sacks, totes etc.

Authorpalooza event went well in November and will be organizing another one in June of 2015 at Big Rapids Community Library. Had a fabulous team to work with for this event. Spoke in a classroom where the kids were all excited about writing their own book. Spoke at a University Creative writing class. Then the year ended with having my first book James Saves the Moon is listed in a catalog at a new company Called Booksurf a home book shopping of signed books created by Stacey Rourke. Check out the website lots of books and more in the spring collection. www.booksurfllc.com

The holidays were spectacular. We drove to Arizona to spend with my wonderful in-laws. We stopped in NM to visit more relatives on the way had a blast. Then four corners and met the in-laws at the Grand Canyon. We explored for a couple of days. Then a wonderful Christmas at their winter home in Arizona. The family loved the trip.

I am very excited about 2015. Hoping my books get into the hands of many kids. My writing is coming back. I am working on my urban fantasy novel New Moon Brethren and 6th children’s book Magic Carousel. I joined the local writers group and enjoying those meetings. I have an event with three other authors at Biggby Coffee in February. Susan Stec, Jeni Decker and Becca Vincenza.