Dandelion – A Book of Hope for Children being bullied

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is held on March 15.

Bullying (including cyber-bullying) should never be tolerated – ever!

A staggering one in six children are being bullied each week, according to a 2009 report by Edith Cowan University. ‘A quarter of students between year 4 and year 9 reported being bullied at least once over the few weeks the research was undertaken,’ School Education Minister Peter Garrett said in November last year. ‘One in five students has experienced some form of cyber-bullying. This means every family either has a child, or knows one, who is being bullied at school.’

A new children’s picture book release, Dandelion is a great jump-off point for parents and teachers to discuss bullying.

Dandelion
A book of hope for children being bullied
Published by Random House Australia
Released: 2 April 2013 in hardback. RRP $19.95
ISBN 9780857981028
Released 15 March 2013 as an eBook
ISBN 9780857981035

Dandelion

Written by Sydney father of three Galvin Scott Davis in response to his son being bullied, Dandelion tells the story of Benjamin Brewster, who hates going to school because he’s being picked on. Blowing on a dandelion, Benjamin wishes for better things . . . if only his school would disappear, or even the bullies. Neither do, and while Benjamin never confronts his tormentors, he does come to realise his imagination makes him stronger than them.

‘With all my might, you’ll all take flight.
If I could but wish for better things . . .
You’d all disperse and grow your wings.’

Benjamin Brewster is drawn without a face, making it easy for children to insert themselves into the story.The cinematic Tim Burtonesque-style illustrations by Anthony Ishinjerro help to transport readers to a world unlike any other – a world where creativity is embraced to solve problems and a place where adults and children can comfortably discuss bullying and methods for copying with it.

Dandelion began life as an app in 2012 after Galvin Scott Davis received kick-starter funding from the US. By late 2012 it had shot to fame as one of the #1 book apps in the Australian Apple iTunes store. At this time Galvin also received his first round of media attention, with articles appearing across Australia.

While Galvin initially self-published a limited number of hardback copies of Dandelion, he was excited when Random House Australia acquired the rights to the book, saying that he was looking forward to spreading the message to the wider community.

About the author

Galvin Scott Davis pic

GALVIN SCOTT DAVIS is an award-winning writer and Creative Director of digital media company, Protein. Dandelion has become one of the year’s stand out literary campaigns. He is also a prolific speaker who gives talks on creativity and innovation. Galvin most recently gave a talk at the Museum of Contemporary Art alongside John Marsden and Clover Moore. There is an opportunity for Galvin to give talks about creativity and how it can shift thinking on bullying as well as book reading for classes.

Galvin lives in Marrickville, Sydney, with his wife and three sons. Galvin is available for interview and book signings

Dandelion was published as an e-book on 15 March 2013, the National Day of Action Against Bullying, and as a hardcover picture book on 1 April.

Read more


http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/dad-fights-bullies-with-ipad-app/story-fn6vihic-1226426038025

http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/garrett/be-bold-stop-bullying-facebook-campaign-launch

Further resources
Teachers resources available at
http://www.randomhouse.com.au/teachers
The teacher’s notes demonstrate how important and positive this book has become to reading lists.

Information taken from Dandelion’s media release.

Stay tuned for my review later this week.

A Summer Renga – completed

In February this year I posted that I joined eight poets at Karawatha State Forest (Brisbane) for a summer ginko (haiku walk) with the talented poet Graham Nunn.

Then from that time till mid April we worked on a renga (collaborative poem) using the following form: [SU = summer; A = autumn; W = winter; SP = spring; Misc. = non-seasonal references -- usually about people or feelings or places; Love]

It was a great experience working with these talented poets with a diversity of voices. It certainly unearthed me from my comfort zone of writing humorous poetry for children. It helped stretch me as a poet of haiku (I’m still very much a novice) and Graham’s advice was always invaluable. I learnt so much from this experience.

Now it has been completed, Graham has posted the links to each quarter of the renga on his blog, Another Lost Shark. Incase you haven’t checked out the completed renga, just follow the direct links below:

So drum roll please

Snake Renga – written by/between: David Stavanger, Andy Smerdon, Cindy Keong, Katherine Battersby, Graham Nunn, Chris Lynch, Trish Reid, John Wainwright, Helen Ross (me) and Andrew Phillips

Part 1:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/02/23/snake-weather-a-summer-renga/

Part 2:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/03/05/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-ii/

Part 3:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/03/26/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-iii/

Part 4
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/04/18/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-iv/

As I was in Japan at the time that we were working on the final quarter, you will notice my Japanese inspired contribution (couldn’t help but be inspired by the beautiful cherry blossoms).

I think the renga has shaped up beautifully. And though I was always nervous when it was my turn to contribute, I still enjoyed the whole experience.

So thanks Graham, David, Andy, Cindy, Katherine, Chris, Trish, John and Andrew. You are all so inspirational.

xHelen

Meet Tawnya Bulger, author of ‘Katrina: Growing Wings’

Well it is the start of a new month, so thought it fitting to start off with an author interview. So it is great to welcome Tawnya Bulger to my writing corner.

Tawnya’s book, Katrina: Growing Wings is a small, 28 pg illustrated book that deals with a caterpillar’s journey to butterfly and the struggles therein. She doubts herself, her purpose for life and gets rather angry with it all.

Tawnya wrote it as a reminder to herself ‘to trust and to have faith, not fear,
when times seem to be darkness never-ending.’

Welcome Tawnya.
memedora Tawyna Bulger pic

Thanks Helen for inviting me to your blog.

My pleasure Tawnya. First, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in beautiful western North Dakota and spent the majority of my youth exploring our ranches. In high school, I realized how much I enjoyed writing, but never pursued it in college; actually graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

For the last eight years, I’ve been blessed enough to stay at home with our two youngest children, work on my writing a bit more and fight with our computer.

What inspired you to write, Katrina: Growing Wings? And how long did it take to write?

katrinacover

This is a pretty crazy story and to appreciate it, I have to share a bit about the way I grew up and my mindsets about life. My parents divorced when I was eight (8) and my mom was an incredible woman; extremely capable and independent, a product of women’s lib to a degree. Partially because of that, I wanted to be a professional and independent as well. The thought of marriage, children, love, etc. wasn’t a concept that I had entertained much, even though I had two daughters out of high school; had become pretty cynical at an early age, too. I guess what I am saying is that being a mom seemed to be less important than “making a difference.”

Then, in 2002, my heart had undergone a transplant about who I truly was and what God was calling me to be. Shortly after that, I fell in love, got married and had two babies in the first two years of our marriage, quickly raising the count to four children. All the old mindsets of “being someone” or “doing something important” began grating on me. I was now “just” a stay at home mom, cleaning up diapers, messes and homework. It seemed such a struggle to find “me.” Then, one morning, my two youngest were both napping – miraculous!- and Katrina’s story came pouring out of me. It was the first thing I’d written since college and in about 20 minutes it was done. It was such a sweet reminder that God has a plan and a time for everything. And He really impressed upon my heart that if I truly wanted to “make a difference” and do something significant with my life, I had the perfect opportunity to start with my own home.

Is this your first book?

It is. But I am hoping to make “Katrina” into a series and even have the next two books written. Each one deals with a lesson and is wrapped around a verse. Currently, I am working on a novel, Undivided Heart.

What is the message you want your readers to take away from reading your book?

This book, for being so little, has a lot of big lessons in it. Trusting in a bigger purpose, having faith through trials, perseverance, and hope for our future. My goal for “Katrina” is that no matter what age or how many times you read it, you’ll hear another big truth each time.

What has been the response from children, teachers, parents, adults?

Everyone has really seemed to enjoy it and appreciate the lessons in it. It has been so amazing to share it with people. In schools, I share it from the perspective that words are powerful and we have to choose them wisely. My favorite testimony about it came shortly after it was published. There was a young lady in her 20’s, also named Katrina, who received it as a gift and it moved her to tears. Apparently, she’d been battling bulimia most of her life and the book was such an encouragement, that she called her mom and read her the story. While they were crying, this young lady said she now knew that she was going to be alright. Whatever else happens, just knowing that “Katrina” spoke to this young lady’s heart means so much to me.

Tawnya, did you always want to be a writer? And, what inspires you to write?

I never planned on doing anything with my writing before Katrina: Growing Wings was published. I think what inspires me most is being able to use fiction to speak truth into peoples’ lives. Words have tremendous power to create new perspectives and being able to be a small part of that process is very rewarding. I honestly feel as if it is a gift and part of my purpose here.

Have you written in any other genre?

Undivided Heart is an adult fiction and Angel Song is geared more towards the 12-20 range. One of my goals in my writing is to present something real, and even gritty at times, but in a way that is honorable and full of integrity; so that any age can learn from them and not have their minds inundated with what most of the world claims is entertainment.

What writers do you think have influenced you? Do your children offer their creative ideas?

Currently, a few of my favorite authors include Dee Henderson, Cliff Graham, Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I also love the descriptive nature of Nora Roberts when the settings of the story have a character on their own. I think that my children still have a hard time seeing me as a writer or author, but at bedtime, we do make up stories together. I love that all of my children enjoy reading and seem to be quite creative.

Some writers have a preferred writing schedule. Do you?

I would love to be that disciplined and it is something that I am aspiring to do. Even though I am not much of a morning person, that’s usually my most productive time. I was born an unorganized procrastinator and am slowly recognizing the need and the blessing for having a time for everything.

And do you have a favorite place to write?

At this point, most of my writing gets done at our dining room table. However, I recently did some writing at one of the most beautiful places I know – my dad’s ranch. When I don’t have the distractions of my own home, I seem to concentrate better on my characters.

Did you encounter any obstacles to the road of publishing this book?

Oddly enough, not too many. I went through a publishing company by the name of Tate Publishing from Oklahoma. I sent them the manuscript and they sent a contract. I didn’t realize then that Tate is very similar to a self-published or vanity press company, but experience is a valuable tool and teacher.

How did you go about getting your illustrator?

Jeff Elliot was one of Tate’s in-house illustrators. Jeff did all the illustrations, but one, the butterfly herself, which I found on my Grandma’s linen napkins. But Jeff did a fabulous job illustrating Katrina: Growing Wings and bringing her to life.

Are you involved in marketing your book?

Very much so. When “Katrina” was first published, I gave my publicist a list of possible stores that would want to host a signing. They made the initial contact and allowed me to do the follow-ups personally. Currently, I have a marketing agent through Tate that I can bounce ideas off of for finding my niche market and getting Katrina’s message out there.

Apart from creating stories, could you tell us a little about your other passions?

I am extremely passionate about reaching our youth and young adults with the message of God’s unconditional love and giving them a foundation in truth, so that when life’s storms come, they still have something permanent to hang onto. I have been involved in children’s ministries for about seven years and especially love working with young adults. I have a dream of opening a ranch that rescues neglected horses and pairs them up with ‘neglected’ youth and helping both heal and hope again.

What projects are you working on now?

Besides my novel and short story, I own a small business that specializes in the selling and education of self-defense products to women. Personally, I am entertaining the notion of homeschooling our two youngest children for a time, as well.

What attributes do you feel are necessary to be a successful author?

A passion for words and story-telling. On a more tangible level, some skills in organizing and consistency are huge for a successful career, as is diligence and growing a thick skin to rejections.

What words best describe you?

Fun-loving, optimistic, critical of myself, passionate, dreamer, outdoorsy and definitely a lot goofy.

Before you go, do you have any words of advice to fellow writers?

Don’t be too critical of yourself. There will be plenty of others who will point out your flaws. And when they do, learn to lean on the truth of who and Whose you are. If their criticism is meant to grow you and smooth out rough edges, accept it graciously and become that much better. If it is just to be critical, hang on to the passion for which you write and the one who gave you the passion. Write daily, even if it’s just for you. Read often and feed what grows you to be your best.

And Tawnya, just to finish up, could you please complete the following:

At school I was … The peace-keeper, counselor, and everyone’s goofball friend.

When I was a child I wanted to be … a veterinarian.

I relax by … Reading, walking in the hills, brushing a horse, and alone time with God.

Where can we find out more about you and your lovely book?

Website address:http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/target=”_blank”>www.tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com

Blog: http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/target=”_blank”>http://www.tawnyabulger.tateautor.com (coming soon!)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Tawnya-Bulger/205223339521979?ref=hl

Book reviews/interviews at: http://lisatortorello.blogspot.com/2012/10/proud-to-support-our-troops.html

http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/excerpts-endorsements/

http://www.amazon.com/Katrina-Growing-Wings-Tawnya-Bulger/product-reviews/1606043013/ref=sr_cr_hist_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Stockists: The books can be purchased through my website or Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble’s website or ordered from any bookstore.

Tawnya, thanks so much for sharing your writing journey, and your inspiring words to people of all ages. Katrina: Growing Wings has a wonderful message. Wishing you every success with Katrina: Growing Wings.

xHelen

Helen Ross interviews Tawnya Bulger 1 May 2013 Copyright 2013.

'What is a Book App and Could YOU Create One?' - Free from 9-13 April 2013

Reblogged from Helen Ross writes:

Click to visit the original post
  • Click to visit the original post

As I am away overseas for the next three weeks, thought I'd post this great offer now in case I don't get a chance to press the 'Publish' button whilst I am away.

So if you are interested in Book Apps, and thinking about turning your story into one, then this is the resource for you. So put a note in your diary to purchase it for free from 9 - 13 April.

Read more… 972 more words

Blog holiday

Just letting you know that I will be away for nearly three weeks. My husband and I are off to Japan for a family wedding.

After an emotional couple of years I am really looking forward to this. Also the last overseas holiday my husband and I had was in 2005, when my husband had a heart attack at Heathrow airport (yes, that was some story). So fingers and eyes crossed all goes well.

I’ll have lots of photos to share upon my return.

Take care everyone.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q=Turning+Japanese+The+Vapors

xHelen

‘What is a Book App and Could YOU Create One?’ – Free from 9-13 April 2013

As I am away overseas for the next three weeks, thought I’d post this great offer now in case I don’t get a chance to press the ‘Publish’ button whilst I am away.

So if you are interested in Book Apps, and thinking about turning your story into one, then this is the resource for you. So put a note in your diary to purchase it for free from 9 – 13 April. I purchased it a couple of weeks ago, and it is a great resource.

So here’s the offer:

For just a few short days, a new eBook that can help make your publishing dreams come true, is FREE! http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

What's a Book App Final 400 w

“What is a Book App and Could YOU Create One? How 27 Writers Did!” is the eBook any children’s writer who is considering digital publishing for their book should read! In this book, children’s book app author, speaker and coach, Karen Robertson, explains what a book app is; why it’s such an exciting publishing option; what you need to know about this opportunity, and how it’s done, so you can decide if it’s right for you to publish your children’s book as an app.

Read the personal stories of 27 other writers who’ve turned their books into book apps to see how many ways there are to achieve this publishing dream and deliver your book to a worldwide audience. From these writers’ stories, you’ll see that there are a lot of ways to make a book app happen in a way that will meet your objectives and budget, even if you aren’t technically inclined.

You’ll read stories from:

* Published authors who wanted to give new life to works that were out of print.
* Authors who wanted to extend their work beyond one country to a global audience.
* Self-published authors who wanted to break free from the boxes of books in their garage.
* Writers who’d been sitting on their stories, because they didn’t know what to do next.
* Writers who’d just missed out on publishing deals, who took their futures into their own hands by creating book apps.
* Author-illustrators who wanted to start bringing their own personal projects to life.
* Picture book authors who wanted the freedom to create beyond 32 pages.
* Entrepreneurs who imagined using book apps in a whole new way.
* Writers and creators who wanted to demonstrate “proof of concept” for their work, in hopes of attracting traditional publishing, TV or movie deals.

Prepare to be inspired by what is possible for your children’s book!

This eBook is available exclusively on Kindle and is FREE April 9-13 http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

You don’t have to have a Kindle reader to read it! There is a free Kindle app that lets you read books from the Amazon Kindle store on your Apple or Android devices. It’s super easy and the app is free.

Learn more about it here:
How to use the Kindle app on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200298460
How to use the Kindle app on Android: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=165849822

Karen has helped dozens of writers make their publishing dreams come true. Writers who are now selling their children’s book apps to kids around the world through the global marketplace of the App Store.

This book is a jargon-free zone! It’s written by a writer for writers, knowing that many of us don’t know a lot about technology and some of us are even intimidated by it.

Karen presents an overview of her proven D-R-E-A-M System, the step-by-step system for creating book apps, so that you understand what is involved with such a project. The D-R-E-A-M System includes:

* Determining your objectives
* Reviewing your book and creating your brief
* Evaluating developers
* Assembling your assets (illustrations, sound effects, narration and music)
* Managing your project to completion

And she then shares how 27 other writers did it!

Book publishing is changing. And with many book stores closing and the number of new writers being signed, the traditional publishing model is getting harder and harder to break into.

By the end of this book, you’ll not only be able to decide if you’ll create a book app, you’ll also know how you can do it, and where you can find more training to make your book happen.

Prepare to be inspired because if these writers can do it, you can do it too!

What's a Book App Final 400 w

Links
Full link: http://www.amazon.com/What-Could-Create-Writers-ebook/dp/B00BMH1KJK
Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

To find out more about Karen:


Karen Robertson
Author, Treasure Kai series
Speaker, lecturer and coach: How to Turn Books into Book Apps

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasure Kai Series – www.treasurekai.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold” (sequel to TK Shark Island)
5 Stars from Digital Storytime and The iMums!

Demo video here: http://youtu.be/tCpXPCQBGMU
Download from the App Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-kai-seven-cities/id565841661?ls=1&mt=8

**Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island”*: “Best in Category” winner for apps at New Media Film Festival San Francisco, a “Top 25 Most Essential Children’s Book
App,” “Top 10 Most Original Book for iPad” – Digital Storytime, AppySmart’s Editor’s Choice and an AppStar Picks Top 250 Children’s App.

See “Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island” in the App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-kai-lost-gold-shark/id418289114?mt=8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Create and Market a Book App
www.digitalkidsauthor.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fre*e reports – www.digitalkidsauthor.com
“Author’s Guide to Book Apps” eBook – www.authorsguidetobookapps.com
“How to Market a Book App” eBook – www.howtomarketabookapp.com
“How to Choose a Book App Developer” – www.digitalkidsauthor.com/book-app-developer-book-2

And if you are looking for great Book Apps for your kids, I am sure they will love Karen’s two book Apps in her Treasure Kai series, especially if they love adventure: Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island AND Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold. I will write more about these two Book Apps on my return from overseas.

April Fool poem

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Well, it is the start of a new month. But beware of the jokers as today is April Fool’s Day.

April Fool's Day

So thought I’d post my April Fool poem from my giggle poetry book, Bubble Gum Trouble And Other Giggle Poems.

APRIL FOOL

You’ve dropped your head
You’ve dropped a tool
Look behind you
April Fool

What’s on your back?
Watch the stool!
Look you’re falling
April Fool

You’ve won a prize
It’s a swimming pool
You lucky thing
April Fool

No running outside
It’s the school’s new rule
Go to the Principal
April Fool

Have you been outside?
In your yard there’s a mule
Eating your flowers
April Fool

I love your sunglasses
You look so cool
You’re wanted for a movie
April Fool

xHave a great day, and a wonderful month.

Bubble Gum Trouble And Other Giggle Poems - published 2009 by Little Steps publishing (Division of New Frontier. Illustrations by Dee Texidor.

BubblegumTroubleCover5cmhigh