DevoFest!

Do you know a young, aspiring writer? Then that person needs to attend DevoFest!


I’ve known the founders of Christian Devotions Ministries and DevoKids for several years now, and this is an outstanding opportunity for young writers!

 From their website:

Kids! Ignite your creative spirit with DevoFest! This powerful three-day conference (June 17,18,19, 2011 ) will encourage youth ages 7-17 to discover and develop their interest and talents in film, print and public speaking.


As part of the DevoFest writers’ contest, one lucky youth will receive a book contract!
Beginning Friday afternoon, teens, tweens, middle-graders and younger will mingle with and learn from professional actors and best-selling authors in an intimate classroom setting.


Workshops include: novel writing, graphic-novel creation, acting, film production, script-writing, story telling, the production of musical videos, creative cooking, drama, science exploration, and suspense-filled adventure walks where youth will explore the scary and fun facts about nature. (Bring your bear whistle!)


Held on the grounds of the LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sprawling 1,300 acre campus offers hiking trails, scenic brooks and nature walks.


DevoFest has a program fee of only $85 per student, which includes all sessions and breaks. A meal package is also available for on-campus dining covering all meals from Friday evening, through Sunday lunch. Convenient, on-campus lodging is available at Ridgecrest. Deluxe Room Rate: $90 per night, per room and kids stay free when accompanied by an adult.

Part of the Christian Devotions Ministries, this event will take place in Ridgecrest, NC. (Just outside of Asheville.)


For more information on the workshops and to sign up for this great event, visit DevoFest

Promoting a Book with Author Michelle McLean!

Today please welcome author Michelle McLean!


She’s here to talk about what she is doing to promote her latest book. Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers.

Nowadays, promoting your own book, especially when it comes to non-fiction, is something every author is going to need to do. Publishers do help (for instance, my publisher hired a publicity firm to work with me) but a lot of promotion responsibility rests on the author’s shoulders.

There are a lot of things you can do; some you are probably already doing (like blogging) and some that are fun things you can do once you have a book on the way. Since my book, Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers, is geared toward students, teachers, and homeschooling parents, I try to connect with those readers as often as possible. Here are some of the things I’ve been doing to help promote my book:

* This blog tour :)

* I created an Author Page on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads

* I began promoting my upcoming book through my blog and website and focused on building my readership

* I’ve printed bookmarks and postcards featuring my book to leave on the counters of my local library and bookstore – and I recruited as many friends and family members as I could to do so as well. I will also be mailing the postcards and press kits (see next bullet) to schools and other institutions that might be interested in my book

* You can create press kits to send to newspapers, radio stations, and any other venue that might either plug or be interested in your book

* I spoke with my local bookstore about making appearances and will appear with my book at their bi-annual teacher convention

- Any appearance opportunities you can find will be a great help in promoting your book. Whether it be visiting schools or speaking at conventions, these are a great way to get yourself and your book known.

- Online appearances like Twitter chats, blog and website guest posts, Skype chats, forum chats, and any other venue where you can connect with your audience are great

*I even have family members wearing T-shirts with a picture of my cover to their English classes and Disneyland :)

Bottom line – connect with your audience. Let them know you have a book they need :)

Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers is a fun, user-friendly book that guides the reader, step by step, through writing a dozen different types of essays, including the dreaded SAT essay. Using straightforward, plain English, this book shows the reader exactly what they need to do, from start to finish, and includes rough draft, edited, and final draft versions of every type of essay discussed. This book also provides chapters that include tips and instruction on researching, proofreading, and citations.


To purchase Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders

Michelle McLean is a writer and the Chief Editorial Consultant for PixelMags, LLC. In addition to her non-fiction work, Michelle writes YA historical novels and other children’s books. If she's not editing, reading or chasing her kids, she can usually be found in a quiet corner working on her next book.
Visit Michelle at her website, blog, Twitter, or Facebook page.

Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest

Hosted by Alex J Cavanaugh - visit his site for a complete list of participants!

I love music! Music inspires me and sets my mood. It inspires my writing and my main characters all have theme songs.

For me, this was an easy blogfest, as my favorite songs are on a series of "Favorites" CDs and all in order. All I had to do was grab the first disc! It's been a few years since I updated these discs (although my top songs haven't changed in years) so I decided to make the last song on my list a wild card pick of a more recent song.

Thus I give my Tope Ten Favorite Songs:

1 - Last Chance by Shooting Star
This has been my most favorite song in the world since 1981, becoming my mantra, and I doubt that will ever change.
"This could be your last chance
To believe in yourself
Your last chance
To yell
Your last chance
To be good to yourself
Your last chance
To drink from life's well."

2 - Icehouse by Icehouse
Another song from 1981. The very first time I heard this haunting melody, I fell in love. (Ironic, because as the lyrics state, "There's no love inside the Icehouse."

3 - Voices of Babylon by The Outfield
This song packs so much energy, and I've always loved the video. It inspired a dystopian story I doubt I'll ever write. Besides, the idea isn't as fresh now as it was back in 1989...

4 - Learning To Fly by Pink Floyd
Floyd has always been a favorite band and I just love the strength of this song. It came at just the right time in my life.

5 - Empty Rooms by Gary Moore
Both studio versions of this song will tear at your heart, and I've always envisioned a clear, cold autumn day shrouded in sorrow. The live version is perhaps the saddest thing you will ever hear...

6 - Chronologie 4 by Jean-Michel Jarre
If I had to name a favorite artist, it would be new age composer Jarre. His music is so unique and this song crackles with boundless energy!

7 - 10538 Overture by Electric Light Orchestra
ELO was the first band I ever loved. I collected all of their albums and the first time I heard this 1971 tune, I connected. Very moving song.

8 - Bringing on the Heartbreak by Def Leppard
Yes, it's overplayed and cliche, but this song cemented my love for Def Leppard and is still my favorite.

9 - Pride by U2
Just so much passion and emotion in this tune!

10 - Get Some by Chevelle
A dozen songs came to mind for my last, more current pick. I love Chevelle and selected this song for it energy and strength.

Significant Other Blogfest

Today is the Significant Other Blogfest, hosted by D L Hammons and Talli Roland!

I was a last-minute signup, as I didn’t want to pressure my husband into participating in my blogging world. So I was simply amazed and touched when he gave me this post…

“How to best describe my wife? The adorable ball of energy or the cutest Energizer bunny ever! Diane is a marvel to me. The attribute that I've always admired in my wife is her dedication to a goal. I had no doubt when she began writing "The Circle of Friends" that she would make it happen. And it's been fun watching her mature as a writer along the way. There have been many hurdles along the way, but Diane handled them like an Olympic track star. I can honestly say that quitting was never an option. Diane takes hard work to levels I never thought possible. I wish I had half that focused drive and determination that she possesses. A bright, shining star and the love of my life, I will always be her biggest fan!”

Thanks, honey - you’re my hero!

Please visit D L Hammons and Talli Roland’s sites for the rest of the participants!