Wednesday, November 06, 2024

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Creativity


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

It used to be photography. I’ve been a professional photographer since my mid-twenties. I still enjoy taking photos but don’t do it professionally or seriously anymore. (Although it takes every ounce of control to keep from grabbing cell phones at concerts and turning them horizontal. People, what is the ratio of your TV? Record video the same way!)


Now, my creativity is in cooking. And growing my garden. And fermenting and drying! Anything to keep us from eating processed foods. I bake our bread. I cook our beans. I grow sprouts. And herbs. Currently growing winter lettuce. I also make our tea with organic products, including mint I grow myself. Plus I do food boards. My one for our Friday night game night was so much fun.

Another passion is Spanish! I am learning to speak Latino Spanish from a wonderful couple at our church. It’s a once a week meet and we have so much fun. ¿Dónde está el baño? – the most useful sentence you will ever learn. (Where is the bathroom?)

So, with all of that, I am engaged in a lot of creative things!


* * *



Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis
Now on audio!
Purchase the audio book on:
Audible / Amazon


What creative things do you do?

If you live anywhere near Lumberton, NC, we are having a massive author event at the mall there!



Monday, October 21, 2024

Researching for Stories Set in the 1800’s

Researching for Stories Set in the 1800’s – Melissa Maygrove

Thank you for hosting me, Diane! I hope your followers enjoy the post.


Writing novels set in the 1800s requires hours of research, if the author is to create a realistic, believable world. Although most readers are unaware of the work that goes on behind the scenes to produce a quality product, avid readers of historicals are well acquainted with the period. Anachronisms, at best, pull them out of the story and, at worst, make them put down the book.

Some of the countless questions that must be answered during the plotting and drafting phase are: Was that city a city yet or that state a state? Had ___ been invented? What garments and undergarments did people wear, and how did they fasten? How long did it take for a letter to get from point A to point B? How much was the postage, and who paid it? How far could someone travel on horseback in one day? What about in a covered wagon?

That barely scratches the surface, but you get the idea.

Next is character behavior. If characters don’t act according to the social mores of the time (or have a plausible excuse not to), we risk turning off readers. Of course, we must take our character’s background and circumstances into consideration, but generally speaking, people were rarely on a first name basis with each other as we are today, and they dressed very modestly. Conversations were rather formal. Many words that are commonplace now were not said in mixed company, e.g. the term ‘limb’ was used because ‘leg’ was considered vulgar.

Bottom line: If you plop a character into a historical setting then have him or her behave as if it’s the 21st century, you’re going to lose readers.

As should be obvious from the previous vocabulary example, we can’t assume that a word or phrase that is used today was used then. Once the writing begins, we must scrutinize every word. I check anything suspicious with an etymology dictionary. If it wasn’t coined yet, it almost always gets cut. Rare exceptions are creative license decisions, such as using ‘okay’ in place of the period-correct ‘O.K.,’ because the correct term would be more distracting to readers than the anachronism.

And then there’s The Tiffany Problem to consider, when readers think a name or word that has been used correctly is a mistake. (Yes, ‘crepe’ really was spelled ‘crape’ in regard to mourning attire.) Oy.

My latest western historical romance, Battered Pride is set in southern Oregon Territory (early 1850s), in what is modern-day southwest Idaho. Prior to the opening scene, the heroine and her husband traveled west and registered for a land grant. The law required them to cultivate the grant for four years and build the necessary structures to gain ownership. By the time the hero encounters the heroine, she has been widowed and is struggling to do that on her own.

Obviously, I studied period farming practices and land grant laws for the story, but a large chunk of my research centered around the Mojave Indians. The hero in Battered Pride is half Mojave, half white and was raised among the clan. To write authentically from his POV, I had to learn all I could about that culture.

I read everything I could get my hands on. I studied the clan’s way of life, their religious beliefs and practices, and more. I was surprised to learn that some aspects of Mojave culture were different from other Native American tribes. They constructed permanent dwellings, and they had relaxed views on marriage and sexuality.

My best find was an English-Mojave dictionary in a UCLA paper on linguistics. Not only did that allow me to include some Mojave words and phrases in the story, but the definitions in the Mojave-to-English portion mentioned interesting details I did not find elsewhere—such as the fact the Mojave would bury hot coals under a woman’s bed mat to ease menstrual cramps.

The research aspect of writing historical novels is time consuming, but it’s also interesting, and even thrilling when you happen upon a hidden gem. Some of the best scenes in my western series were inspired by research.

Battered Pride (Forging America Book 4) by Melissa Maygrove
Western Historical Romance, Truelove Press
Find it on Amazon


Passion knows no prejudice.


Eva McCabe may have been raised in the genteel tea rooms of North Carolina, but she isn’t one to surrender. Even after finding her husband’s scalped and mutilated body in the field of their Oregon Territory land grant, she refuses to leave. But tenacity won’t be enough. If she can’t meet the grant’s conditions of cultivation, she’ll forfeit her independence and all 640 acres.

Hatchoq is a man of mixed blood and clashing heritage. His father’s people tolerate him, and his mother’s people want him dead. When he kills a rogue member of his clan to save a white, he’s doomed to wander brutal lands alone.

Hatchoq camps on Eva’s land and secretly lends the struggling widow some aid. Once his presence is discovered, Eva is torn between bitterness and need. Reluctantly, they work side by side, farming her land and navigating a burning attraction neither one wants. Love grows as stubborn walls of hurt and anger crumble, but can it survive? If Hatchoq stays, he must deny his Mojave identity or risk both their lives.


To be notified of new releases, you can follow Melissa Maygrove's author page on Amazon or sign up for her newsletter. Newsletter subscribers get a FREE, exclusive book when they sign up!


And Tyrean Martinson has a new release, too!


Dark Blade Forged by Tyrean Martinson

The Dark Blade Trilogy, Vol. 1, Sword Fantasy/Christian Fantasy
ISBN: 979-8-9870648-6-3

An ancient blade buried deep within an abandoned tower of the Watch Guard calls for its next wielder.

In a world where ancient powers stir and darkness threatens, Dan Torren seeks to escape his noble family's corruption by joining the mysterious Watch Guard. As Dan and his allies uncover a sinister plot involving the Red Hand, an organization trafficking in human lives, Dan will need to confront his own inner desire for vengeance.
When he discovers a legendary and strangely shadowy blade, he's thrust into a destiny greater than he ever imagined. Alongside his friends—Alex, a conflicted prince, and Farrald, a would-be Shepherd—Dan must navigate political intrigue, confront dark forces, and face his own family's twisted legacy. Dan's journey will challenge everything he believes about justice, power, and his own identity. With the fate of Septily hanging in the balance, can Dan forge a new path for justice?

Find Tyrean here: website / blog / podcast / Instagram



Have you ever researched for a story set in the 1800's? Do you enjoy historical romance or Christian fantasy?

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Bubba & Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearls and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group

I am posting early for IWSG because Dancing Lemur Press has a new release today. The final book in the series:

Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearls
By Sherry Ellis

Journey to the past!
Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.
To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance.
Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father?

Print ISBN 9798988625124 $8.95, eBook ISBN 9798988625131 $3.99
Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables – Asian


“This story is a great culmination to the adventures the pair has taken to China, South America, France, and Greece. Congratulations to Author Sherry Ellis for her awesome world-building and character development skills”! – June Jacobs, author

“There is heaps of danger and drama crammed into this final installment. If anything the stakes are higher than ever as failure would lead to great calamity. I couldn't stop turning the pages as new dangers emerged.” – Nayu’s Reading Corner

“…plentiful action help the book appeal to confident middle grade readers because the pacing of the novel moves quickly even without the inclusion of illustrations. Fans of series fiction like The Magic Treehouse will appreciate the predictable structure and well-rounded approach to Bubba and Squirt's stories, and their confidence in reading will increase with these novels, as well.” - Mary R. Lanni, author

“…this was a satisfying end to an exciting quest! The Bubba and Squirt series is perfect for young readers looking for a quick read.” - Stephanie Robinson, author


Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. Her book Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China won the Reader’s Favorites Silver Medal for the Children's Grades 4-6 category. Website / Bubba & Squirt site / Facebook / Twitter-X

Book links: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Goodreads

* * *


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


The question for today:
Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.


My selection is a movie – The Changeling. Released in 1980 and starring George C. Scott as a man who has lost his family, he restarts his life in an old house that is haunted.

Don’t let the year deter you – this is still an effectively chilling ghost story! The moving wheelchair, the séance, the discovery of the medallion worn by the child…all very spooky moments. It will give you delightful chills. If you can find it, I highly recommend it.



What ghostly story chills you?
Ready to dive into the fifth and final book of Sherry’s series?

Wednesday, September 04, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Marketing Seminar, and Art Posters


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: Since it's back to school time, let's talk English class. What's a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?

I can’t think of a writing rule, but just using proper, stifled, passive phrases and sentences-which works for school papers-doesn’t work for writing a story. Eliminating words such as “was”-I had to learn that.

* * *


My last seminar/talk of the year is next Tuesday. It’s a webinar-online only-so anyone can register for free.
Book Publishing 102 – Marketing
6-8pm, Tuesday, September 10.
PowerPoint presentation and handout provided!
Register HERE

* * *


Some of you may have seen this on Facebook, but since Dancing Lemur Press doesn’t have another event scheduled until next May, we are closing out our 11x14 art prints. They are $8.00 each (just above cost.) Shipping is $6.00 but that covers multiple posters. These are custom designed on the computer by our illustrator. If you are interested in any, let me know!


What writing rule messed you up?


Wednesday, August 07, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, AI and Writing, and Greenville Comic Con


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: Do you use AI in your writing and if so how? Do you use it for your posts? Incorporate it into your stories? Use it for research? Audio?

Unless I am using it without knowing, I don’t use AI for anything. Spellcheck and Google searches are merely programs. So is Publisher Rocket. PhotoShop recently offered me the new AI tutorial and I said no. If you’ve been dabbling with it, let me know what works best for research because that I would use.


* * *

Dancing Lemur Press will be at Greenville Comic Con in Greenville, NC this Saturday, August 10th from 10-5pm!

This is one of our favorite cons. Well attended, reasonable cost, and people who like to spend money. We’re always one of the first booths by the entrance, which really helps.

If you live anywhere in Eastern NC, come check it out. We're waiting for you!



Wednesday, July 03, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Garden Booming


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools? Why do you recommend them? And which one is your all time favorite that you cannot live without and use daily or at least whenever you write?

Word I use daily, but I also use Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software. (It works better for nonfiction than fiction.) Plus Word Cloud is always fun to see what words one uses the most in a manuscript.

Those of you who are members of the IWSG Facebook, don’t forget to add your link there to the Wednesday IWSG post.
* * *


Some of you saw this on Facebook, but it’s a good portion of my garden, growing like crazy. Quite a few herbs are on the back deck and the blackberries are out of sight to the left.


Through with raspberries and now blackberries in full swing. Also harvesting squash (which I DIDN'T plant!), lettuce, green beans, basil, cilantro, rosemary, catnip, and oregano. (I love my Hydro dehydrator.) Soon we'll have tomatoes (also DIDN'T plant), potatoes, jalepenos, more lettuce, garbanzos, carrots, green onions, more herbs, and a squash Kerri sent me from Texas. (Plus I grow sprouts year-round in the house.) Hope to try rhubarb in the fall along with fall lettuce.


Good thing I have a freezer in our garage!

Wednesday, June 05, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?

Personally, I’d love a way to connect reviewers to authors and publishers. Yes, we have a database of reviewers, but a listing of writers & authors who review books would be helpful.

* * *


I had a great time last month at the Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, PA – Amish country. Everything was first class, from the resort we stayed at to the amazing catering. Saturday night was the mystery social and a lot of fun.


I also got to meet author Susan Gourley! She was sweet enough to purchase my latest book.

I made some new friends and we’ve found one another on Facebook.


My workshops and panel discussion were all well received. I appreciate everyone who attended.

It’s also a beautiful area, and I highly recommend both the conference and Lancaster, PA.


What service would you like to see? Have you been to a writers conference lately?

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Fourth Bubba & Squirt Now Available!


Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena by Sherry Ellis


A Greek Goddess and a Mythical Monster!

When Bubba and Squirt travel through the mysterious vortex on a quest to save their father, they end up in Athens, Greece where they meet an old woman known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her intriguing riddles set them on a path that leads to the Netherworld, a place where danger lurks around every corner.

With the help of their new friends and some unlikely allies, they must defeat the monster that holds their father captive. Will they succeed or be trapped forever in the labyrinth of the Netherworld?


$8.95 6x9 trade paperback, 114 pages
Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables - Greek & Roman
Print ISBN 9798988625100 / eBook ISBN 9798988625117 $3.99


Sherry Ellis’ Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China won the Reader’s Favorites Silver Medal for the Children's Grades 4-6 category.

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Author website / Bubba and Squirt website / Facebook / Twitter

Links: Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

“This is genuinely one of my favourite sibling adventures. It has all the good stuff, friendship, dangerous moments, humour, and magical powers.” – Nayu’s Reading Corner

“…this book is a positive addition to both its own series and to library collections for adventurous middle grade readers.” – Mary R. Lanni, author

“One of my favorite things about this series is the cultural and historical mix. This is a lovely read, especially for the younger end of the middle grade audience.” – Bookworm for Kids

“A fast-paced adventure that didn't stop until I turned the last page.” – Stephanie Robinson, author of The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

“Shield of Athena continues this roller-coaster adventure with Bubba and Squirt testing and expanding into their courage, intelligence, and ability to work together. Shield of Athena is an exciting adventure with lots to teach readers, perfect for the middle-grade classroom.” – The Children's Book Review






I’m also going to be at the Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, PA next week, May 16-18th. I’m sharing two workshops and participating on a panel. I’ll also get to meet author Susan Gourley, who is on the committee. If you are attending, let me know – I’d love to meet you!


Wednesday, May 01, 2024

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Distractions


Today is my 33rd wedding anniversary, so I will be taking a break from this month’s IWSG post.

However, I am posting at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site today about writing distractions and invite you to visit there.

Wednesday, April 03, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Spunky on the Road – Conferences and More


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

I started this blog on March 22, 2005. Nineteen years ago! I had no idea what I was doing, but I’d attended a seminar on blogging at the Virginia Festival of the Book that month and decided to give it a try.

I can’t begin to tell you the changes over the years. In the beginning, a blog was more like a free website. It wasn’t the community that most of us know. Other bloggers didn’t follow and comment on other blogs. We were just throwing stuff out there, hoping someone would find us.

While blogging has waned the past few years, it’s still a community, and that’s nice. I might not blog but once a month now, but I like connecting with other writers and friends I’ve made over the years.

* * *


Spunky on the Road

I’ve a lot of events coming up, which is fun. I just did a book store last month, the first one I’ve done in YEARS. (I SO miss Waldenbooks.) But here are the events for the next two months:

April 13, 10-2:00 pm
Local Authors Fair
Clayton Center, Clayton NC

April 17, 9-1:00 pm
Read Local Author Fair
Hosted by Mauney Memorial Library
Patrick Senior Center, King’s Mountain, NC
Featured speaker!

May 4, 11-2:00 pm
The Novel Nest Bookstore, Wilson, NC 27993

May 17-19
Pennwriters Conference
Double Tree Resort, Lancaster, PA
Presenter

June 1, 10:30-12:30 pm
Story Keeper Bookstore, Selma, NC

The Pennwriters Conference will be a double bonus, as I finally get to meet author Susan Gourley! (And I appreciate her recommending me for the conference.)

I still remember meeting Toi Thomas at the Hampton Roads Writers Conference in Virginia Beach, VA. She was so excited to meet ME, but the feeling was mutual.

My favorite conference will always be the Bayou Writers Conference in Lake Charles, LA. Bless IWSG anthology author Jessica Ferguson for recommending me. I also got to meet IWSG anthology author Slyvia Ney.
They flew me to Louisiana (my first visit!), put me up in a super nice hotel, and treated me like royalty the whole weekend. (Double bonus – my best friend, Kerri, who had just moved to Texas and I'd feared I’d never see her again, drove in for the conference and we got to spend the weekend together.)

So, to say that I am THRILLED to be doing so many live events again would be an understatement.


What about you? Do you enjoy live events? How long have you been blogging?

Wednesday, March 06, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, #IWSGPit, and In Darkness Boxed Set Release!


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?

I haven’t had time and don’t have a synopsis that needs work right now. For that, I would be willing to try AI.

I think it will be a long, long time before AI is as creative as a human. It has no feelings, so there is a lot it can’t convey. I think we are also seeing the negative impact of it and it will only get worse.



The next #IWSGPit will be in March 27, 2024, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Dancing Lemur Press signed 5 authors from previous years!

Get the details at the IWSG site.


* * *

Yesterday, the boxed set of In Darkness released in both print and eBook!

In Darkness

Print ISBN 9798988625148 $17.95
eBook ISBN 9798988625155 $8.99
Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy / Paranormal, Fantasy / Romance, Romance-Science Fiction

Souls shrouded in darkness…
A wary vampire relying on the assistance of a young woman to guide his clan to an ancient fortress. A talking shark with no knowledge of his earlier life who befriends a girl with issues of her own. A werewolf trapped by his secret smitten with a young woman battling trust issues of her own. And an alien devoid of all emotions pledged to a Terran woman determined to keep her own feelings intact.
These souls must discover the power of love if they hope to escape the darkness surrounding them…

Find In Darkness here: Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Gardners / Goodreads


I dedicated it to my cousin Patti, who purchased and loved all four novellas and been my biggest fan. Since paranormal romance that ISN’T R-rated or erotica doesn’t sell as well, I appreciate her support. May I find more readers like her.


Have you tried using AI or plan to pitch during #IWSGPit?
Are you a paranormal romance fan?

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and In Darkness: The Alien’s Release!


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?

An author’s website should focus on his/her books and what they are currently doing. However, a blog should not be just about one’s own books. I’d go far as to say not even just about writing those books. (Especially if the author is struggling, because readers do NOT want to hear that.)


* * *


I’m a day early because the final chapter of my In Darkness series is out!


In Darkness: The Alien

By L. Diane Wolfe


Souls shrouded in darkness…
Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.
Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? Is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist?

Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844972 $3.99

Links: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Goodreads

Blog Tour:
Jan. 31 – C. Lee McKenzie - why I write the genre I write
Feb. 2 – Sandra Cox - review
Feb. 5 – H.R. Sinclair - interview
Feb. 5 - Steven Rose, Jr. - interview
Feb. 6 – Rebecca Douglass - feature
Feb. 6 - Reading Nook - excerpt
Feb. 7 –Alex J Cavanaugh alien/human romance movies
Feb. 7 - Susan Gourley - top 5 good and bad aliens
Feb. 7 - Diane Burton - guest post
Feb. 7 - Paranormal Romantics - guest post
Feb. 7 – IWSG Anthologies - guest post




And now that the series has wrapped up, I have exciting news – all four stories will appear in one print and eBook volume!

Coming March 5th!
In Darkness
Print ISBN 9798988625148 $17.95
eBook ISBN 9798988625155 $8.99

Pre-order: Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Gardners





What turns you off an author’s blog/website? Ready for some paranormal romance with a sci-fi twist?

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Creepy Underground Catacombs!

I’m thrilled to announce the release of the third book in this series from Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C., Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones!


Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones
By Sherry Ellis


Creepy Underground Catacombs!

Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France. It’s another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father.

Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?

Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables - Greek & Roman $8.95 Print ISBN 9781939844989 / $3.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844996

“Much like The Magic Treehouse, each book in this series builds upon the last and incorporates pieces from previous installments. This series is a positive addition to library collections for confident young readers.” – Mary Lanni, author

“‘City of Bones’ could be used to start discussions on French history with a lesson on the Catacombs. There could be lessons on French vocabulary and art and even geography. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment.” – Book Room Reviews

“Highly-recommended for middle-grade readers who are fans of fantasy, adventure, and historical fiction stories. The author has filled this story with the rich history of France by blending fact with fiction.” - June McCrary Jacobs, author

“A little fantasy, a little culture, a little history...and tons of mystery and adventure. The adventure is exciting, packs tons of tension, and keeps the reader guessing until the end.” – Bookworm for Kids


Sherry Ellis’ Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China won the Reader’s Favorites Silver Medal for the Children's Grades 4-6 category.

Links: Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Gardners / Goodreads

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Website / Bubba and Squirt site / Facebook / Twitter - X

Follow Sherry on her book tour:

January 14 Unleashing Readers

January 16 The Children's Book Review and Author June McCray Jacobs

January 17 Icefairy's Treasure Chest and J.Q. Rose’s Recipes and Reads

January 18 The Momma Spot

January 19  Life is What it's Called

January 22 Crafty Moms Share

January 23 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

January 24 Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog

January 25 A Blue Box Full of Books

January 26 One More Exclamation

February 5 The Fairview Review

February 6 Country Mamas With Kids

February 7 Twirling Book Princess

February 8 My Reading Getaway

February 9 Cover Lover Book Review




And the first book is now on audio!



Purchase it at Amazon or Audible







Plus there is one more surprise - the cover reveal for the fifth book in the series:




Have you read the first two books in this series or ever visited Paris?